northsidemissionsministry: 2009

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Brazil Update #4- From Sean!

I got an email update from Sean and he wanted me to pass it on to you all... they have been at a retreat all weekend.

Well....when most people think about a retreat they picture nice
cabins, good food, AC, log fires, swimming pools. All the stuff you
would find at Hume Lake. Well, we were not even close to Hume. The
only way to describe it would be Survivor. We were on a big sandy
beach on the river with the hot hot sun beating down on us. WHen you
first walk into the water you have to drag your feet so that the sting
rays know you are coming and will swim away because if you don't and
you step on one they will sting you good. The sand was nice until the
afternoon when it became super hot. All we had to sit on was the
ground itself (which is actually what my name means in
Portegues...ground) or on a chair that we stole from someone else.
The food was great each day and we enjoyed rice and beans at each
meal. We were fed so much that Robert and I tried to sneak out of
meals but the Brazilian women would not have that!

The speaking went very well and we both did a good job. There were 6
baptisms and many more decisions following one of Roberts messages
about being a missionary to your home town. God really worked on the
people's hearts. We could tell that we were being prayed for at home.

There really is so much to tell, but it is so hot I can't focus on
anything. We are doing great and we each have one more lesson to
give. Looking forward to coming home and sharing all that God has
done.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Brazil Update #3

Sean was able to call last night. They got to Araguana without any further problems and attended a great Wednesday night church service. Tomorrow, they will head out of town to a retreat with the church. Again, please be praying that God's word will be spoken through Sean and Robert and that lives will be changed toward Christ.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Brazil Update #2

Sean and Robert are still in Sao Paolo. They fly out tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. for Araguana. Pray for continued traveling mercies and a safe flight to their destination! Once they make it to Araguana, they will be preaching and teaching at a retreat, starting on Friday. Pray that the power of God's Word will be translated through the interpreters and that Sean & Robert would speak what God wants the people to hear.

It sounds like the boys have been able to rest some, which is great, becuase once they reach Araguana, they will hit the ground running!

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Brazil Trip Update #1

Greetings, friends!

I wanted to let you all know that we have a team in Brazil right now. The team is Sean Wilson and Robert Ford. They left early yesterday (Sunday) morning and will be returning in several weeks.

They had a pretty crazy flight schedule with 5 connecting flights. They flew from Fresno to LA, then from LA to Miami, then Miami to Sao Paolo, Brazil. Unfortunately, due to delayed flights, they missed one of their connecting flights that was to take them to Brasilia and then on to Araguana. So, Sean and Robert are stuck in Sao Paolo until Wednesday.

Please pray for there to be no other travel delays or problems along the way. Pray for their health and that they will be a blessing to everyone they come into contact with.

Thanks everyone! I'll update you as I hear from them!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Ramadan Prayer- Day 1

Our attitudes

Unbelief, Belief and Love

Scriptures to meditate and proclaim in prayer: Mt. 19:26,

Jeremiah 32:27, Romans 12:1-2

It is often said that Muslims are hard to reach with the Gospel. For religious, cultural and spiritual reasons this is often

true. However it is not impossible. The Bible tells us that nothing

is impossible for God (Mt. 19:26). Do I agree with God that

nothing is too hard for Him?

Faith is important but do I also love Muslims? What is my

most profound reaction when I meet them, when I see them

on television? How would I react if a man in Islamic clothing

came to my church? How would I react if a new believer from

a Muslim background wanted to marry into my family? Would

I be willing to give a thousand dollars so someone could proclaim

the Gospel among Muslims? Would I be willing to sit and

eat with a Muslim in a crowded restaurant? Have I been involved

in criticizing them without knowing them? Am I fearful

of Muslims? Is my main attitude toward them one of mistrust?

Am I able to do as Jesus says, “You shall love your neighbour as

yourself”? Is this my desire, is this my goal?

Be honest with God. Pray as He directs you. (Use the scriptures

cited above.) If it seems appropriate, pray for yourself and / or

other believers around the world who may also be struggling

with their attitudes, ideas and actions toward Muslims.

Muslim Populations

Africa 400 million

Middle East 250 million

Asia 800 million

Europe 25+ million

Americas 5+ million

Total 1.48 billion

The numbers above give the approximate

numbers of Muslims in various regions of

the world. In the last 50 years probably

no more than one or two million Muslims

have come to saving faith in the Messiah.

Some people might give a somewhat

higher figure. Whatever the real number,

it is relatively small, and a breakthrough

is needed.

Why Pray For Muslims?

Believers in the Messiah, Jesus, have many beliefs and

values in common with Muslims, not only concerning

faith-related issues but also moral values. People from

both faith communities agree that our world has become

a dangerous place. Believers in Jesus and Muslims can

both be in agreement concerning the following text in

2 Timothy 3:2-5:

“... Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,

boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,

unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers,

without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors,

headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers

of God.”

Believers in the Messiah and Muslims share similar

common values for daily living: faithfulness (to

God and in relationships), honesty, compassion, honour,

humility, chastity, self-sacrifice, mercy and love.

Muslims and Christians believe that there is one

God, but are we worshipping the same God in word

and deed? One might also ask: In a time when many

people think that all roads and all religions lead to the

one true God, why should one pray for Muslims to come

to salvation? Does it make any difference? Are they not

already accepted by God?

Certainly Muslims are loved by God. Without doing

anything they are loved by Him. God counts Muslim

children and adults as precious. He loves every aspect of

their languages, food, attitudes and daily life which are

truly good and right. However, this does not mean that

Muslims have entered into eternal life or have had their

sins forgiven.

Muslims are not inspired by the hope of a new world

in which Jesus, the crucified and risen Messiah, reigns

as King. Most Muslims have actually been trained not

to believe that Jesus died and rose again. In general they

know little of His forgiveness. They believe that Jesus was

a prophet sent from God but they generally never think of

Him as God’s appointed King who reigns over the nations

(Mt 28:18-20). It is precisely “believing the Gospel of the

Kingdom” which is a problem. Like all people everywhere

and in all cultures, Muslims are called to turn from evil

and believe the Gospel of the Kingdom. Most Muslims

around the world have not even had an opportunity

to hear the Good News of Jesus’ death for sins

and His resurrection, which liberates us from the

power of sin, death and demonic bondage.

For various reasons which will be discussed

later in this booklet, Muslims do not believe that

Jesus is the Son of God. Believers in the Messiah

are always rejoicing that “God has sent His only

begotten Son into the world, that we might live

through Him. In this is love, not that we loved

God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be

the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:9-

10).

Jesus has come so that we can have life and

have it in abundance ( John 10:10). Therefore let

us pray for Muslims so they can enter into that

life in the Messiah’s eternal kingdom.

30 Days of Prayer for the Mulsim World

Today marks the beginning of Ramadan. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Mulsim calendar, and it is during this month that Muslims participate in fasting from dawn til dusk to offer more prayers to Allah. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraing and good deeds.

This is a guide for Christiasn to pray through the entire month of Ramadan... prayer for Muslims to come to know a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. This 30 Days of Prayer Guide has been taken from this website. Be sure to visit their website for even more information. We hope and pray that you follow along and join us in prayer for the millions of Muslims all over the world.

Introduction

This call to prayer for Muslims originally came during a meeting of several Christian leaders in the Middle East in 1992. Several believers involved in an international movement strongly sensed God’s desire to call

as many Christians as possible to pray for the Muslim world. A prayer movement was planned to coincide with the Islamic month of Ramadan. It was intended that “30 Days” should be during the month of Ramadan for at

least two reasons: (1) as a means for Christians to identify themselves with Muslims during a fixed period of the year, (2) to call upon God’s sovereign

intervention in the lives of Muslims during a time of the year when they

are particularly religious. Please note that praying during the month of

Ramadan does not mean that we conform ourselves to the Muslim practices

of fasting and prayer.

As believers in Jesus we disagree with Islamic ideas, theology and practice

in several areas. However, the “30 Days” movement emphasizes God’s love

for Muslims. We encourage all believers in the Messiah to cultivate a spirit

of humility, love, respect and service toward Muslims.

The goal of this prayer guide is to inspire and direct each reader as he

or she intercedes for the Muslim world. However, it is far from being completely

informative. We encourage you to seek further information and

so gain a greater understanding of the Islamic world and God’s activities

among Muslims. Again this year we have included a number of testimonies

to encourage your faith as you pray. God loves Muslims. He wants them to

come to know Him.

The Editors

Each year in the “30 Days” prayer material we try to inform our readers more about

Islam. This year we have a special focus concerning the family of Mohammed. We hope

that you will gain insight into the life and family of this man who continues to greatly

influence Muslims through his preaching and example. In addition, we are trying to

focus much of our prayer efforts on some of the most remote and largely unreached

Muslim peoples. God has not forgotten them. God is awesome, and He knows the hairs

on the head of every individual who is Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish or Christian.

Subjects and prayer topics in this edition of 30 Days:

• Christian and Muslim differences, misunderstandings, attitudes and false ideas

• Prayer for people with names taken from the family of Mohammed

• Prayer for peoples, cities, tribes, tongues and nations

• Special focus on unreached peoples without any committed Gospel witness

• What is it like to be a “secret believer”?

• Ministries are needed: healing, deliverance, etc.

• Testimonies of people who have found new life in the Messiah

Friday, August 7, 2009

Welcome Home Malawi Team...home @ last...

The carloads began arriving @ the Church around 7:30pm PT last night with the last vehicle arriving just after 8:30pm PT (which of course was the one carrying everyones bags). :)

All but 2 bags made it from Frankfurt. Hopefully to be delivered @ a future date.

Again... as when they departed 2.5 weeks ago... their energy was contagious and lots of hugs and tears. Can't wait to hear all the stories of God's work that was done in them and the Malawian people!!!

@ 10:00am PT Friday morning our fearless leader (Pastor John) arrives on Campus, full of energy and ready to get back to the swing of things @ Church... sporting a full beard, which won't stay too long. Because he needs to look his 'best', as he attends his class reunion tomorrow night and will be giving the opening prayer for the evening. (The famous question at all reunions... 'So what have you been up to?', should be sure to bring alot of interesting stories!). There's no rest for the weary. Welcome Back, John! (Do I get to rest now too?)

I pray you all enjoyed reading this Blog as much as I did updating it. As many have told me... in a way it was like we were there with them.

May God continue to bless you all.

Signing off... until the next HSM Missions Trip,
CB
Not Home Yet!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Traveling thru Bakersfield...

as of 6:00pm PT, I received multiple phone calls that some of the vehicles are now passing thru Bakersfield.

They should be arriving Northside around 8:00pm PT. I will be there @ 7:30 to open up the Youth Room.

If you can arrive early, I have a Welcome Home Banner that you can write a note for the Team on.

See you tonight or Sunday,
CB

Sitting in LA traffic...

I received a phone call around 3pm PT...

The Team has departed from LAX and unfortunately have run into Rush Hour Traffic.

Someone will text or call me when they're leaving Bakersfield. Approximately 2 hours after that, they should arrive @ Northside.

Loading up...

Just received a text @ 2:45pm PT...

"Loading Van".

Team has landed @ LAX...

The Malawi Team has landed @ LAX and are waiting for their bags.

The carpool/caravan is anticipating the arrival of the Team.

So long... farewell... to Frankfurt, Germany...

@ 2:06AM PT, I received a text from Pastor John...

"Just took off".

From my calculations... between the Lufthansa website and the time of Pastor John's text, they departed approximately 1 hour late. They should be arriving @ LAX this afternoon around 12:53PM PT.

If you'd like to check flight status or receive an email or text alert to your phone one hour prior to arrival... go to www.airport-la.com.

Click on arrivals.
Click on time 11:00-13:00.
Scroll down to Lufthansa 456 and click on the phone/mail icon on the right of the entry.
Enter your email or cellphone information.

Happy tracking... and I'll still be updating the Blog as new information is acquired.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Landed in Frankfurt, Germany

I received a text after High School Youth Group tonight...

They've landed safely in Frankfurt, Germany and are scheduled to leave @ 10:05am Germany time, (1:05am PT).

Sorry, but I won't be staying up late tonight to make sure they take off. I'll update the Blog in the morning.

Sleep tight... till tomorrow...

On the road again...

Travel update...

The Team is now on their second leg of their trip home. They left on time from Johannesburg for Frankfurt about 10:00am PT. Once they land in Frankfurt they will have a 4.5 hr layover and are scheduled to depart on Thursday @ 1:00am PT.

I will update this Blog as information becomes available.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

God changes our plans for a huge impact on everyone

Received via text message from Pastor John on 8/4 @ 10:00am PT...

The last couple of days have been amazing! The 2 flat tires on route to Bangula changed things & allowed us to stay & minister here - God had a plan!

I think most would say the last couple of days have been the highlight!

Just finished a dinner with all our Malawian brothers & sisters. What an impact they've had on us and vice-versa!

Tonight we're having communion & a foot washing worship service.

Waking up @ 3:45am tomorrow to leave Africa - WHAT A TRIP!

See you all Thursday!

PEACE

John

The Moon is full... departure in 13 hours

I've had numerous reports from the Team that the stars are so bright & beautiful in Malawi. Tonight (today for us) there's a magnificiant full moon for their sleeping pleasure.

Sleep tight Team, for tomorrow morning (11pm our time), you'll be boarding a flight to start your journey home.

We look forward to seeing them soon and hearing all the stories of what God's been doing in their lives.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Malawi update: They lost again... waterfalls... clean hands...

Received via email on 7/30 from Pastor John...

Family and friends,

Thanks so much for your continued prayers. They are working! We're having a great time here in Malawi.

On Monday we ministered to over 200 youth in Mzamba School. We painted, built a wall, fixed doors, gave testimonies, played soccer, and did dramas. It was great!

On Tuesday some continued the work at the Village Church and the Village Clinic. Others finished the work at Mzamba. It was a 10mile hike when going to and from Mzamba. In the afternoon on Tuesday we had a soccer match in Chigumula Village. Nearly the entire village was in attendance... several hundred. We did testimonies and dramas before the game, at halftime, and after the game. We lost the game... badly. But it was fun. When closing our time in Chigulmula we told them all about the Love of Jesus. One of the youth from Chigumula stood up and in English said, "thank you to us for coming. And that because of the testimonies he was thinking about changing the way he lives. He also said they made his heart pump faster." You could see in his face that the Spirit was working.

On Wednesday we hiked to Likhubula Falls on Mulanje Mountain (which is the 2nd highest point in Southern Africa). It was soooo beautiful! Some of our team members made the decision to be baptized near the falls. It was an extremely powerful time. Today we spent time in Ndirande, a township of 800,000 in an area close to 5 square blocks! The welcome and hospitality we were greeted with moved all of us. They served us a great meal (that cost them a lot) and washed each of our hands with buckets of water before serving us. It touched all of us.

Tomorrow we are going to Liwonde National Park - it will be our Safari day.

Saturday-Monday we'll be in the Southern Region working with an Orphanage of over 100 kids.

We won't be able to email until our return travel days. Our team hasn't been able to email much do to the busy schedule.

We are blessed and God is moving! Keep praying!

PEACE!

John

Monday, July 27, 2009

3 Preachers? and I thought they only left w/1... What's 4 dinner?

Received on 7/27 via text message from Pastor John Richardson...

Yesterday we served in teams of 10 @ 3 different churches. Our students shared through dramas and testimonies; me (Pastor John), Nic Rodriguez & John Bowers preached at the services. Nothing but great reports from all teams!

Painted a midwifes clinic in a village as well as a mud brick church.

Today; walked 10 miles to Mzomba school; built a wall, painted, fixed doors, played soccer, lost 5-4 (obviously they've been practicing), ministered to over 50 youth & children through drama and testimonies!

Also; our team prepared chicken for dinner tonight... the 'village' way (close your eyes for the squeamish) they cut their heads off and gutted them! 2 of our (BRAVE) girls did it too!!! (Can't wait to hear the stories on that!)

Will email on Wednesday or Thursday.

All are well and they got all their bags the other day!

PEACE!
Pastor John

Friday, July 24, 2009

2009 Malawi - Email from Pastor John

Greetings from Malawi!

Thanks for all of the prayers and the support! We are doing great here. We spent some time with the Chief of Chiwaya Village this morning. She was glowing with excitement as she chatted with our team. The kids of Chiwaya have been at our base all morning. Our team is having so much fun playing with them. Some of our team taught the kids Hop Skotch! That was fun to watch. Tonight we'll be practicing dramas for some outreaches. I'll be picking up some work project supplies today in Blantyre (as well as some of our team bags!) A 3 hr delay in Frankfurt put us running through the airport in Johannesburg (picture any movie where they are running to make a plane!) We made the flight... but most of our bags did not. Everybody has been great with "rolling with the punches". God is good... more to come in a few days. Please make sure the Northside Youth ministry gets this email as well. PEACE!

John

2009 Malawi - Text from Pastor John Richardson

I received this text from Pastor John Thursday night (PT)...

'Safe and sound in Chiwaya village. Going to the Chiefs house in the morning, then ministering to children in the village. Things are great - John'

Thursday, July 23, 2009

2009 Malawi - Day 3... arrived Blantyre

After boarding the first plane in Frankfurt, Germany and sitting on the tarmac, (most had already taken their 'sleeping aids') they were asked to exit the aircraft, due to mechanical problems. Some of them had already fallen asleep on the plane (I wondered who carried whom off the plane).

After a 4 hour delay they boarded their second plane to Johannesburg and approximately 10 hours later they arrived in Johannesburg and had to run to their connecting flight to Blantyre (have not heard if the luggage made it too). From the Lufthansa & Air Malawi websites, their Frankfurt flight touched down 10 minutes after the scheduled connecting flight was to depart to Blantyre. Only God!!!

Luggage update: only 3 of the 60 bags made it on that flight (wonder if it'll be slacks or skirts for the team).

The last texts were that they had arrived 'safe and sound' in Blantyre.

They should now be traveling in vehicles to Malawi.

Praise God! They made it to Africa.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

2009 Malawi - Day 2... delayed in Frankfurt

I just received an email from a Mom who's daughter texted that the team has been delayed in Germany. Apparently there was trouble with their first plane and they are waiting for another plane.

dated... July 22, 2009 3:45pm PT.

2009 Malawi - Day 2... leaving Frankfurt

From another source (a boyfriend, 'left behind' in Fresno)... The team is doing well. It sounded like most of them have not slept much since they left Fresno, but hopefully on this next leg of their journey they can get some rest. Also, 'bottom line is moral is high and all are safe'.

If you have had any contact with someone on the Trip that would be beneficial to the rest of us 'left behind', please email me @ carole@northsidechurch.com and I'll post it to the Blog. Thanks!

2009 Malawi - Day 2... on the Road again...

One brave student (who will remain anonymous) sent a text to his Mom that the Team was about to board their plane in Frankfurt, Germany for Johannesburg, South Africa. (Can't wait to see the cell phone bill on that one. LOL!!!)

We have not heard any other updates, but I'm sure as soon as Pastor John can get to a computer in Africa I'll have more information to share.

Again, thank you for your continued prayers.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

2009 Malawi - Day One... Travel...

WOW! What a group... the energy from them was contagious...

With the sun rising above the mountains in the background, all 30 of them departed by carpool from Northside around 6:15am this morning. Prayers, tears and well wishes were plentiful.

It's bittersweet for those of us 'Left Behind' (we have electricity at the flip of a switch and needless to say our 'facilities' will be much more desired than theirs). But, we're all looking forward to hearing how God is working in and thru all those involved in this Missions Trip.

At approximately 12:00 noon they arrived @ LAX. The 'count off' confirmed that all had arrived and were ready for check in.

2:00pm - all 60 bags have been checked in (with no overage charges, thanks to our church scale and the hard work of those weighing and tagging this morning). And now they wait... most likely with cellphones in hand, texting everyone they know (BFF's included).

2:40 - they're boarding the plane @ LAX.

To be continued... as I receive information from Pastor John, I'll send an email to everyone when the Blog has been updated.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Below is their flight itinerary:

LUFTHANSA 21JUL LOS ANGELES CA FRANKFURT 255P 1040A

LH 457 TUESDAY INTL 22JULS ECONOMY

AIRCRAFT: BOEING 747-400

LUFTHANSA 22JUL FRANKFURT JOHANNESBURG 1035P 845A

LH 572 WEDNESDAY INTL O.R. TAMBO INT 23JULS ECONOMY

AIRCRAFT: BOEING 747-400

AIR MALAWI 23JUL JOHANNESBURG BLANTYRE 1225P 235

PQM 202 THURSDAY O.R. TAMBO INT CHILEKAK ECONOMY

AIRCRAFT: BOEING 737

AIR MALAWI 05AUG BLANTYRE JOHANNESBURG 800A 1125

AQM 201 WEDNESDAY CHILEKA O.R. TAMBO INTK ECONOMY

AIRCRAFT: BOEING 737

LUFTHANSA 05AUG JOHANNESBURG FRANKFURT 655P 525

ALH 573 WEDNESDAY O.R. TAMBO INT INTL 06AUGV ECONOMY

AIRCRAFT: BOEING 747-400

LUFTHANSA 06AUG FRANKFURT LOS ANGELES CA 1005A 1240

PLH 456 THURSDAY INTL INTLV ECONOMY

AIRCRAFT: BOEING 747-400

Monday, July 20, 2009

Next Up: Malawi, Africa!

Our high school students and sponsors are about to embark on a life-changing mission to Malawi, Africa. Carole Bowers, the executive assistant at Northside, is going to be giving updates while they are gone.

So just where exactly is this country they are going to? Well, here's just a little bit of info on the beautiful African country of Malawi...

Malawi is a landlocked country located in southeast Africa that is surrounded by Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania. Lake Malawi occupies nearly all of the country’s eastern border. The north-south Rift Valley is flanked by mountain ranges and high plateaus. In the higher elevations, Malawi is pleasantly cooler than many other African countries, but the lowlands are hot, humid, and tropical. Natural resources include limestone, hydropower, uranium, coal, and bauxite.

The British protectorate of Nyasaland was established in 1891 and became the independent nation of Malawi on July 6, 1964. Following 30 years of one-party rule, Malawi held multiparty elections in 1994 when a new constitution was instituted. The population is comprised of several ethnic groups, including Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, and European. English and Chichewa are the official languages, though others are spoken regionally.

Increasing political corruption remains an issue. President Bakili Muzuli’s government is believed to have sold 160,000 tons of reserve maize in 2000 despite signs of an imminent famine. Malawi’s food crisis has reached a point where most families do not have sufficient food to meet daily nutritional requirements and 3 million people are near starvation. The president declared a state of disaster in his country in February 2002 when a drought followed by heavy rains destroyed two seasons of crops.

In May 2004, Bingu wa Mutharika, an economist, was elected president through an election process that many consider irregular.

Nearly 90 percent of people live in rural areas and are engaged in farming. Agriculture products include sugarcane, cotton, tea, vegetables, nuts, cattle, and goats. More than 55 percent of Malawians live below the poverty threshold, and the inflation rate is 28 percent. Malawi is a very poor and densely populated nation and is ranked as one of the world’s least developed countries. Despite attempts at economic reform, the government continues to face challenges due to a rapidly growing population, the increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases, limited and poorly managed natural resources, recurrent droughts, environmental degradation, and food insecurity.

The economy of Malawi relies on substantial economic assistance from the World Bank and other nations. The government is attempting to develop a market economy, improve educational facilities, and address environmental issues, as well as deal with the escalating problem of HIV/AIDS. Adding to this, access to adequate health care is limited. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a significant impact on Malawi, where the prevalence rate among adults is 14.2 percent. Approximately 900,000 people in Malawi are living with the disease, and nearly 84,000 infected die each year. In addition, life expectancy has dropped, infant mortality has risen, and more than 400,000 children have lost one or both parents to the disease. From World Vision

Malawi is a beautiful country filled with beautiful people who both love God, and some who still need to hear the Good News of Christ. Join us in praying for our team as they are out there being the "body of Christ."

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Saying Good Bye

On our final day, we visited a few tourist spots around Nairobi, enjoyed a nice lunch even with a latte! This picture includes Larry and Judy who hosted us, they have been in Africa for 42 years! And our wonderful driver, Stephen. Our flights were all on time and we arrived at home at 7:30pm. We will miss our new African friends, but it is also nice to be home.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

The Amazing Masai Mara

After our 4 session VBS program and 4 adult training sessions, we headed to the Masai Mara for a couple days of relaxation. During this time of year, everything is so green and pretty. We saw lots of lions, zebras, elephants, giraffes, cape buffalos, and many other amazing animals!

We are now back in Nairobi where Jim and Jimmy will be preaching at two different churches.

The boys love Jimmy!

And Jimmy loved them! These children have been blessed with so much more than any material "thing" could give them - they have been blessed with love and the gift of community. We can learn so much from them!

Preparing to worship at Migori VBS

Another amazing VBS at Migori's Upper Hill Christian Church, nestled in a beautiful agricultural area of Kenya, located in the middle of sugar cane and tea. We taught over 150 children about the love of Jesus. They really enjoyed the new American songs we taught them and we enjoyed learning a couple of their wonderful praise songs.

Migori VBS - Jim doing card tricks for the children

The children loved watching Jim perform his card tricks and other magic tricks. What a blessing it was for Jim to be able to share even through the language barrier.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Jimmy Preaching at Parkside Church

Today Jimmy taught from Acts at Parkside Church. Ashtyn began by reading Acts 27 and 28:1-10. Jimmy did a great job preaching about these chapters! Jimmy, Linda, Ashtyn and Jarred enjoyed attending Parkside's service. They loved worshipping with the members of Parkside! They also enjoyed drinking tea with the church community after the service.

Worshipping with Masai Women under Tree Chruch

We were blessed to hear beautiful music by the Masai women. Our team gathered with some of the Masai at one of their churches. This particular church meets under a tree. Their gathering demonstrated how a church is not a building.

Jimmy and Jarred have learned that Kenyans love football!!! Today after church at Lifespring, two boys were playing. Jarred and Jimmy decided to join them and soon after they had a clan of boys playing!!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Vacation Bible Study with the Masai Children

What a fantastic experience! We were expecting 60 children at VBS, but God blessed us with more than 130! What precious little ones, ranging in age from 2 to 12. The Greene's did an awesome job with the story time! Ashtyn brought the stories to life. The children loved the songs we taught them and loved playing games with Jared and Jimmy, especially football.

We were invited to one of the Masai's home, what an experience to visit at a traditional Masai village. The Masai wear such beautiful colors, lots of red, amazing bead work around their neck and jewelry for their ears. We also were able to visit one of their churches under a beautiful tree and sing with the women of that village. On a Sunday, about 80 people will join together under the tree to praise and worship God.

Today Jimmy will be preaching at a church in Nairobi. Half the team is going to this church with Jimmy and the other half to another church here in Nairobi. Jim will be going to the other church and will be teaching them a song from America.

We thank you for your prayers! So far everyone is doing very well. Please continue to pray for good health, safety and that God is getting all the Glory!

Tomorrow morning we leave for Migori and will do a 4 lessons over 2 days for the children of this village. Jim and Jimmy will be teaching the adults with 4 two hour sessions. At the end of the week we will drive through the Masa Mara and should see some amazing wild life. Then on next Saturday we will be back in Nairobi and Jim will preach next weekend.

All are doing very well and send their love and greetings to our family and friends. Again thank you for your prayers! God Bless!

Love, Phil, Jennie, Jared, Ashtyn, Jimmy, Jim and Linda

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Kenya Team status

hey everyone! just wanted to give you a quick update. our Kenya team got delayed and is currently stuck in Canada for 24 hours. they will be leaving at 3:25 pm and will be arriving in Nairobi kenya thursday morning (thursday evening kenya time). Please be praying for patience and also that the team would be able to get some rest on the flights. thanks!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Africa Team Set to Leave

Dear Friends and Family - We just want to say thank you for all your prayers and support as we begin our journey very early tomorrow morning. Please continue to pray for those we will meet along the way, that they will see the love of Christ through us.

If our flights go as planned, we will arrive in Kenya at 7:05 pm, Wednesday, April 22nd, which will be 9:05am Pacific Time - Kenya is 10 hours ahead of California time. Pray that we have no problems getting our visa's at the Nairobi airport and no issues going through customs, and of course, that all of our bags arrive!

We will try and update this blog as often as we can, but there will be many days when we do not have electricity or access to a computer.

Again, thank you for your prayers!

With all our love,

The Greene's - Phil, Jennie, Ashtyn and Jarred
The Corrao's - Jim, Linda and Jimmy

Monday, March 23, 2009

Kenya Team- 2009

Here's a picture of our team leaving for Kenya on April 21. Please pray for them as they prepare to go and as they are there in Kenya.

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