Bible Study in Kibera!

This morning we were privileged to share God's word with some amazing ladies in the Kibera slum.  We met at the Free Pentecostal Church.  They are all either Pastor's wives, Pastors themselves or leaders in their church.  It was a delightful day which began at 9am.  By about 9:30 there were 6 of us...4 of the ladies and Joanna and me.

We decided to arrange the chairs in a circle...so the 'early birds' got to help set the chairs!

This is Rachel...her little boy was a source of entertainment the whole morning but amazingly did NOT disrupt the teaching :)

We all had name badges to get to know each other

 The day began with a time of praise and worship...now there are 5 ladies :)

Registration...I was in charge of that...

Many ladies arrived during the time of singing...when I opened my eyes the numbers had doubled!

 

 Widening the circle to include more ladies...I love the way everyone pitched in to help!

The lesson today was entitled The Red Sea Rules and was based on Exodus 14 & 15

All the ladies had their Bibles...

...and seemed to love reading them...

When it was time to read a passage the ladies were eager to take turns...

First in English and then in Swahili since many of the ladies spoke only limited English...and definitely not American English and DEFINITELY not American English with a southern accent!

 Rachel juggling baby, handout and Bible!

Greeting Joyce who came in a bit late...

Rev 12:11 They triumphed over him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony

This is Patricia diligently taking notes.  We have invited the ladies to use whatever materials we introduce at their home churches.  Our wish is that each one would have a positive impact on the ladies in their circle of influence.

I invited the ladies to share a recent story of how God has worked powerfully in their lives.  Josephine translated for me so that all the ladies could understand the request.

 First Rachel shared...in Swahili

 Here Josephine is translating for me so I could know what Rachel shared...

Stella shared...

There were amazing stories of physical healing, restored relationships, children's school fees being covered (a common need among these women) - how exciting to hear stories of how God works!

We were encouraged by how quickly and easily the ladies were willing to share openly...see the kids in the doorway?

 There is a school on the church grounds and during their break they became quite curious!

 I think Patricia is a pastor!  She loves to share and is quite animated!

Lining up for their morning Uji (porridge) then they were quite active and noisy!  But - we were quite impressed with how minor the interruption was...often when a Mzungu (white person) is around kids can't resist engaging...

Each week we will begin with a time of praise and worship and then sharing a few testimonies to help us focus on God and how great He is...

 We had a total of 20 ladies attend today!  Full capacity as far as we are concerned!

Dorothy read from 1Cor 10:1-6 to set the foundation for the study.  This passage refers to the story covered in Ex 14 when Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt.

 There are 10 "Red Sea Rules"...Rule #1 "Realize that God means for you to be where you are."

 The scripture passage is Ex 14:1-2, Rom 8:28

No matter where we find ourselves, whatever crisis we may be facing, when we know that it is where God means for us to be then we can more readily trust that He also has a purpose for that time.

 Stella concentrating on the passage...

Making a point...helping the ladies grasp and internalize the concept.

 Rule #2 "Be more concerned for God's glory than for your relief."

 Scripture passage: Ex 14:3-4

 

 

 Rule #3 "Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord."

 Scripture passage: Ex 14:5-9

More ladies arrive!

 More room is made as more ladies arrive...

Rule #4 "Pray!"  Scripture passage Ex 14:10  In every testimony shared earlier the ladies had spent time in prayer before experiencing the miracle God wanted to perform...praying is critical!

 Dorothy helping our newest member to find her place...

 Rule #5 "Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work."  Scripture passage: Ex 14:13-14 "Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today."

Demonstrating 'standing firm'

When you are not standing firm, you can be easily knocked over

 Rule #6 "When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith."  Scripture passage Ex 14:15

This may be my personal favorite (although they are all awesome!)...but I feel like that is how we are  living right now...taking the next logical step by faith...and then the next logical step...and then...

 

Rule #7 "Envision God's enveloping presence."  Scripture passage: Ex 14:19-20...the ladies did not know the word enveloping so I explained it and now they have a new word!

Rule #8 "Trust God to deliver in His own unique way."  Scripture passage: Ex 14:21.  God is creative and there is no limit to the number of ways He can work in our lives.

Rule #9 "View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future." Scripture passage: Ex 14:30-31. and Rule #10 "Don't forget to praise Him."  Scripture passage Ex 15 - this is the song of Moses and Miriam...

Then Josephine shared an amazing story of how God restored a relationship between her and a neighbor just this past week, using a neighborhood fire!  During the study she suddenly remembered the story and realized it was a perfect example of a unique way in which God delivered her!

 

 

Then Nancy shared a story ending with "I guess I need to realize that God means for me to be here." - wow!  that was powerful...when she arrived this morning she was looking for a way out of a difficult situation and now she is waiting to see what God will do...in His unique way!

 

Dorothy shared an awesome story of a time when her husband had responded to a challenging situation with wisdom and chose to 'be still and trust God in this'...at the time she was angry and could not understand how he could respond in that way...

But - now she can see that he did, indeed, act with wisdom and now has an awesome illustration of Rule #5!

The ladies with raised hands are ones who attended a two hour teaching in September led by our mutual friend Twyla Brickman...

We ended by standing in a circle as we prayed...for needs shared during the study, for personal needs and just being thankful for our gracious Heavenly Father...

 Serah (pictured above in the hat) closed the meeting in prayer...wow!

 Rachel's little guy conked out and here he is resting his hand on hers...sweet!

Then we all embraced and shared our goodbyes...looking forward to coming back together again next week!

 

 

 

Serah stayed after to share a bit of her story...she runs an orphanage and often does not know where she will find the means to feed and clothe the kids...but God is always faithful to supply her every need.

 Rose is Serah's friend and also shared part of her story; of struggle and triumph.

These ladies (all of them) are truly inspiring!  They have each faced tremendous challenges and have seen the faithfulness of God.  Our faith was built today as we were privileged to spend time in the presence of ones who have faced incredible odds and have overcome in the power of the Lord.

Sharing "Hope".....

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." Heb 10:23

As I prepare to blog the monthly updates, I always enjoy reviewing the events and activities that have taken place. I've also come to realize that each month has it's own flavor, or theme, so to speak. This past month seemed to be one of  "sharing hope". 

The noise of the world we live in is loud and constantly bombarding us with problems. Living in a developing country such as Kenya, the temptation to focus on the "problems" seems even greater as people have more than their fair share. Tribal conflicts, terrorist threats, rampant diseases and non-existent health care facilities, extreme poverty, domestic violence, mass unemployment and on and on. 

However, when we focus on the problems we tend to be anxious, worried and troubled.  Matthew 6: 23-34 tells us that worry will not add a single hour to our life!  New Hope's mission is to be an active change agent in helping people face their day-to-day problems, both big and small, and provide fresh encouragement in recalling the Hope we have in Christ and His many Promises!  This past month we were able to do that through informal meetings, prayer sessions, group teachings and various ministry events. 

Below are a few highlights.

  Daniel and Amani Ngae

"Share one another's burdens and in this way obey the law of Christ."  Gal 6:2

Dan & Amani are old friends that we served on missions teams with back in 2006 & 2007. They, with their daughter Nehtania, are now missionaries in Olturot Kenya (Northern regions of Kenya) where they witness to the Samburu, an unreached people group.  While they were in Nairobi recently attending a Missions Conference, we were able to visit and pray together for the work God is doing through them. Living in remote harsh desert-like conditions, they face numerous challenges both physically and spiritually.

Dan & Amani ask for the following prayers;

 1) for God to touch the hearts of the people they are witnessing to, so they may give their lives to Christ 2) for the health and safety of their family 3) for the Lord to send more missionaries

LIFE Group

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Joanna and I continue to be involved in Life Community Church's weekly cell group, by hosting the  Tuesday night meetings at our apartment and having weekly meetings with our cell partners. 

Gladys (on left) and Saru (on right) are my LIFE group partners. It has been such a blessing meeting with them each week to spend time in prayer and share how the Lord is transforming our lives! 

 

DISC Survey Class  

"But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose." 

1 Cor 12:18                  

                                   

Recently we attended the DISC Survey event at Life Community Church to help us better understand the dynamics of working together as a Team. The DISC Survey helped us identify and understand our own personal behavior styles and the various styles of others. The insight we gained will be valuable in allowing us to communicate, relate, work and resolve conflict effectively as we minister.

Dr. Les Brickman and his wife Twyla from Strategic Cell Ministries 

International (SCMI) taught the class.

We had a full house and time for questions.

Trip Upcountry

"From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." Eph 4:16

During the month of September we also travelled upcountry to Western Kenya where we visited with family and friends. During the course of the trip there was teaching, preaching, praying and fun!

Visiting the pupils at the CML Academy, the youngest ones were excited to show us the work they had completed for the day!

Attending the local church on Sunday I shared a message with the congregation and my nephew Tom translated.  He did a great job and it gave him good experience in public speaking.

Joanna and I also took time to visit with Benta and Momma Ester, 

both widows and beautiful faith-filled ladies of the church! 

Joanna with Benta & her son after church.

Momma Ester

We were also able to meet with Tim and Jenni Jarvis while traveling.  They are short-term missionaries currently serving at a children's home not far from Kisumu.

Jenni is a nurse and has her hands full caring for the large number of children at the home where they are staying. I was able to lend her two medical books and provide a few supplies. Every little bit helps in an area where there are few resources!

While in Kisumu we visited with Tabitha, my sister-in-law, and provided her with some needed food supplies. As a single mom with three children she struggles to stretch her meager monthly salary and make ends meet. We were truly blessed by the time we spent visiting & praying with her and sharing words of encouragement!

Me, Joanna, Tabitha and her neighbor Eunice

The day before we headed back to Nairobi we were removing some stored items from the Library and found a bag of "salvation" bracelets that had been made several years ago by the youth at my home church - Dandridge First United Methodist. Never too old to learn, Tom was interested in knowing the salvation story that is told when we hand the bracelets out.

Each bead has a special meaning in telling the story of 

Jesus and how we receive salvation.  

Tom practiced telling the story, bead by bead, until he got it perfect!

Soon we had drawn a crowd and we shared the story with each of them!

 Both Martin and Jim wanted bracelets and even took extras so they could "go tell" their friends about Jesus. I love how quickly children grasp the love of God and are willing to share it!

 

Women's Ministry in Kibera
"To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."Eph 4:12

Once we were back in Nairobi, we joined Twyla Brickman with Strategic Cell Ministries International, in ministering to women in the Kibera slum. Although most of the ladies speak English it's always good to use a translator so there is complete understanding of what is being taught. Pastor Leonard, did a great job of translating and also brought his wife along!

Pastor Leonard meeting with us before the sessions began.

Kibera is the largest slum in East Africa and as you would expect the challenges of poverty, disease and crime can seem overwhelming for those living there. The ladies we met with were Pastors, Pastor's wives and church leaders in need of encouragement.

 
Responsible for taking care of their families, husbands and church members in the midst of deplorable conditions, these ladies need the refreshment, support and edification that God's word gives. This event was the first of what I believe will be many as we minister "new hope" to those on the front line of slum ministry! In addition to a teaching session by our friend Twyla and an Open Forum that I conducted, we asked each of the ladies to write down their personal struggles and prayer requests so we can stand with them in prayer.  

The main prayer concerns the ladies had were for:

 1) finances to sustain their families and help their children attend school

 2) strength to perform their many duties 

 3) their church members to grow in the Lord

4) improved health care facilities in the slum

Twyla teaching

The ladies were attentive and taking notes!

This little guy couldnt' stay awake though. 

Prayer is an essential part of overcoming problems and helps us stand together in Hope! 

Visitors

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Heb 13:2 

Last, but by no means least, is the hospitality we are committed to extending as part of our lifestyle. As we encounter people seeking shelter, prayer, friendship, resource connections or simply wanting to visit and fellowship..... it is our prayer that the peace 

and power of the Lord will be manifest in all our interactions!  

Ryan & Justine had lunch with us before we took them to Harvest Impact to buy Discipleship materials. 

Joanna's mom, Alex (far left), spent all of Sept with us! She really enjoyed helping us host the ladies LIFE Group,
meeting our ministry partners and traveling upcountry. She's a real trooper!

Alex treated us all to lunch the Sunday before she left as a "thank you & farewell" to the Brickmans!   

Audrey Jones was an overnight visitor during a brief visit to Kenya.

Various visitors joined us for meals during our time upcountry.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers!