Saturday’s Fun

VBS was over; bags were packed; last minute photos were being snapped.

I find myself with some anxiety, perhaps apprehension sounds nicer. Primarily it strikes when I am not sure what is going to happen when it really matters. I had emailed the van service of our desires to use our day of departure, Saturday, August 21^st, for souvenir shopping. We also needed to eat a decent lunch and exchange our money. Questions lurking in my mind included important issues such as safe food and not so important issue such as finding the right gifts for people at acceptable prices. (Did I tell you I hate bargaining?)

Our drivers, Peter and John, arrived at 7:30 am for a 9 am departure. Luggage of all shapes and sizes was crammed in to the back of the two vehicles. A little pandemonium I must say. They explained to me the route of the day. When I listened to the idea of a factory tour, I was a bit uncomfortable. After loading my body with all the breakfast I could handle, we said our goodbyes and hugged for one more time. Down the road we went.

Well the factory idea ended up being fabulous! The Kazuri company is a “fair wage” organization that was purposefully established to hire needy women and equip them with a trade that would lift them out of slum life. The handmade clay beads are transformed into gorgeous jewelry and sold at certain locations worldwide. The factory outlet offered set prices and I loved spending my money there. We all appreciated the clean bathrooms and onto our next stop we traveled.

Peter and John picked out a great place to eat and shop. This was outdoor dining in a very naturally beautiful setting, with a marvelous menu. After we ordered our food we slipped into the main building, the Utamaduni Craft Centre, (Friends of Africa, Limited) and spent the rest of our shillings. Little need to go to the exchange now!

After completing our shopping we delved into our meal. Jan ordered garlic bread and was still shopping. Not knowing it was her complete meal, some of the men ate it for her. So we ordered that meal again. From there we zipped to the airport.

Finishing Strong

Friday morning opened with a challenge: tons of kids. We counted 251, which included 80 in the preschool 20 foot by 20 foot tent. The very cozy quarters both in the tent and in the chapel made it tough for kids to keep their level of concentration high. Frankly it was hard for me to stay focused as well. I even forgot to open the morning with a couple of rounds of “Simon Says” to emphasize our topic of the morning – obedience.

My main concern was that the children understand:

1.      We obey the Lord because we love Him. John 14:21 “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." 

2.      The Holy Spirit will help us obey with reminders, John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” and conviction, John 16:7-9 “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:”

3.      We can resist Satan and temptation. 1 Cor 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

A huge clap of thunder happened at just the right time in the morning’s presentation to dramatize God speaking to us! And then the downpour cut loose. All that cut short the organized games but not the fun. Lunch was still served as an important portion of the day. Due to more impending rain we sent kids home rather than let them stay around and play after VBS.

Not knowing the exact fruit of our labors it was kind of Christine to inform us that parents of participants have called or greeted Christine in public with deliberate words of thanks for the VBS week.

Games with a Purpose!

Thursday’s VBS had two lessons. The topics were fellowship and witnessing. We discussed Acts 2:42-47 and the elements of good fellowship listed in the passage. Everyone loves testimonies so I shared how the family of God ministered to Kitty and Joel during the tense days of discovering Kitty’s tumor through the post-operative weeks as an example of fellowship in action. But the games/activities reinforced the lesson so well.

Relay races with potato sacks had individuals running to the finish line. We read the Biblical episode of a paralyzed man being carried by his four friends to Jesus for help. So the next race had the potato sacks as a mat with a small child on it being carried by four others holding the corners of the sacks!

The other activities used a parachute with which everyone worked together to do simple tasks, such as moving a tennis ball on the parachute round and round.

To clarify the message we would share when witnessing the kids made beaded bracelets using colored beads to represent the steps to salvation. They loved it!

A very difficult time was when we ran out of food with about thirty kids still needing to be fed. I was so proud of the IAA staff who managed to have more food prepared in about 30 minutes for the patient kiddos.

Dancing and singing praises is great way to fill time! This is the "choir" which came forward to help Christine lead worship.

The Balloon Man Visits and Steve and Kevin Are Ready for the Actors Guild!

Dave loves balloons. At our house birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special occasion may be celebrated with balloons. Dave also uses them on his job as he sells furniture. He has them available to entertain children while parents decide on what furniture to purchase. Since the crowds were coming in larger numbers earlier each morning Dave decided to entertain them with balloons. They loved it.

Wednesday’s topic was prayer. These kids were quick to answer correctly the many questions I had for them about prayer. After reviewing the What; When; Where; Who; How often type of questions I inquired if you had to pray with fancy words. Mary Jane narrated, while Steve and Kevin, dressed in official tax collector and Pharisee garb, acted out Luke 18:9-14. A short skit but very well dramatized. The kids were flabbergasted with the costumes alone, but seemed to catch the point.



This fellow is the chief volunteer to pray at the beginning of the services,
or any other time if you let him!



We rehearsed the different kinds of prayer with hopes they will employ confession alongside the praise and thanksgiving we had already seen in action. Christine is great at opening our mornings with inviting a boy and a girl to open our time with prayer. These kids are very responsive and are enthusiastic about talking to the Lord.

Our men developed a real burden for the older boys of the IAA family. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights they spent extra time with them in heart to heart discussions on topics of concern. They fellows felt free to ask pertinent questions and the Biblical answers coupled with experience seemed to minister greatly. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to remind them of the truths that were discussed when they return to school.

Jean, Garland, Sandy, and Joyce to the Rescue!

It was evident on our first day of VBS that tons of preschoolers were present. Often there is an older sibling caring for a younger child. For the older child to get the most out of our class time, we decided to send everyone five and under to the preschool tent on Tuesday.

God provided in three very specific ways:

1.     Jean taught preschoolers in a church setting for years. Garland and Sandy do well with little ones and have recent practice with grandchildren.

2.     Joyce the year round IAA preschool teacher showed up even though she was on vacation for the month. Her command of Kiswahili and children is natural.

3.     We had purchased preschool curriculum for Joyce to use and gave it a test run for the remainder of the week!

Tuesday’s topic for our lesson time was “The Word”. We explained 2 Timothy 3:16-17,

 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” From there we discussed how to best grasp Scripture using the hand illustrated by the Navigator ministry.  

From there we had a little skit to introduce SPECS, which huge clown glasses helped us to illustrate the point. We look for the following points in reading Scripture with our specs.

     S= Sin to avoid.

     P = Promises to claim.

     E = Example to follow or not to follow.

     C = Command to obey.

     S = Savior to see.

Then using “glow sticks” thanks to Sherri Taliaferro, we sang “Thy Word is A Lamp Unto My Feet” followed by other activities to bring home the points.

The difficult reality was that we were teaching them about using God’s Word but no one had Bibles. Please pray with us as to how to remedy this situation. RC3 has given Bibles in the past and they are worn out from use each Sunday. I think it is time to restock.

The Thrill of Monday!

On SUNDAY, Aug. 14^th, as a mission team, we had our first introduction to the community children. These were the same ones who had been invited to our VBS beginning the next day. The crowd was a nice size; sweet in nature; they participated with both enthusiasm and the restrained Kenyan style. They were encouraged to bring their friends the next day to the community’s first VBS. With this I surmised our VBS would be quiet and sweet with some influence on these precious kids.



IAA older children presenting Scripture and a song



MONDAY morning VBS was to begin at 10 am. There is western time keeping and then there is Kenyan time, which is more relaxed. But when Dave went to the chapel earlier on Monday morning, he noticed neighborhood children gathering by 8:30 am, and so it went all week.

I was unaware of who had arrived and at what time. I was very focused on what I was to present; would the projection system so well with the power point I had prepared; were all the worksheets in place; were pencils and crayons ready to be distributed? As I was attempting to settle myself down, I realized there were children on the other side of the chapel’s east door. I opened the door to see the morning sun glistening on the dew covered grass. Kids were everywhere. It hit me…God had given us a plan; He enabled us to work it; He was going to complete it for His glory this week. I was overwhelmed by His grace to involve us in the sharing of His Gospel and tips on how to grow in Christ. I wiped away the tears and moved to the next step of preparation.

As the children began pouring in we gave everyone a nametag to wear, and took their picture for part of the morning’s worksheet to personalize for whom Christ died.

And then the music began! Kenyan style got the house rocking! RC3 style with motions kept the children moving and involved.

From there we moved into the lesson. I was delighted with the intensity with which the students participated. The concept of the Wheel was introduced and then we moved onto explaining salvation.

Of course they had to break for tea and biscuits which was followed by fun activities and then came lunch! Kids hung around to play through the afternoon.

Us Americans tried to nap as we were still internally changing time zones

Reflections from Homebase

Our team of 12 made it back in Huntington at about 5 PM last evening, Sunday, August 21st. Over the next several days, or weeks I am looking forward to sharing reflections from different perspectives.

Garland Bowen and Sandy Carroll

Ps 100  A psalm. For giving thanks.


Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving


Jan Boyd and Mary Jane Amos

and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
NIV 1984.

"GRATEFUL " is the best description of our spirits throughout the week of being at Into Abba's Arms, (IAA). The reality of God's goodness was demonstrated by His many provisions. Our  basic needs were generously met:

1. Each day our team members individually met with the Lord before VBS activites began to crank up. The Lord strengthened us for the tasks ahead spiritually as well emotionally. Each team member was given a devotional to use, Walk as He Walked, by Howard and Bonnie Lisech, (2007 Deeper Roots Publications.), which provided direction needed for those serving overseas. Of course folks enjoyed other portions of Scripture and times of personal prayer. He filled us up so we could minister throughout the day in His strength, wisdom, and love.

Kevin Hamilton on his way to VBS.Notice
the lush gardens behind him.

2. The staff of IAA was very kind to fix us fabulous meals. They worked hard to create meals that would please western palates. We expected to eat what the children were eating. Food is very important to me as one who tends towards hypoglycemia and it was very plentiful. The Lord has blessed the gardens of IAA. What we thought was Swiss Chard was their spinach leaves. They were big and beautiful.

3. The provision of decent living quarters was wonderful. Yes, the water and electricity were intermittant, but at least we knew the pump would complete its task in a few hours, and the diesel generator would immediately restore electricity. I love using inside toilets that flush and even if the water was out in one part of the dorm, somehow there was always one toilet that was functioning.
 Satan would attempt to mess up the morning's VBS by knocking out the electricity just before we were to start VBS. But the generator was used by the Lord to supply what we needed for the lights and projector in the chapel.

4. Commradery was experienced especially as we worked together to perform tasks such as washing dishes; providing VBS; leading small group discussions; or planning. Each evening we met as a team to review our thoughts about the day; discuss the specifics of VBS for the next morning; and prayer. these were rich times of experiencing what it means to be in Christian community.

Salome and Beth going over lessons for her translation

Jean Howison and Brenda McGahan

Your prayers are bearing fruit!!!!

The thrill of being greeted by 125 community children on Monday and 175 on Tuesday was overwhelming. The Spirit of God moved as Christine, Into Abba’s Arms site manager, translated for us. Her fantastic rapport with children kept the morning moving with marvelous interaction between her and the youngins’. Feeding all of them tea and bread, and then later rice and beans helped us feel like we were doing something to counteract the horrible poverty.

Ministry has been taking other forms :

1.      Each day is giving us more opportunities to interact with the Into Abba’s Arms family of kids. Some deeper conversations have been taking place between our team and the teenagers. Please pray for us as we try to set up an evening with just them.

2.      Also pray we will have common sense when playing sports. Tom McGahan is limping with a torn muscle.

3.      Opportunities to do direct service work have been prolific. Ask Kristina how two adults can change the diapers of 10 toddlers within 10 minutes. The system is wonderful.

4.      Dave and I will join Simon, our sponsored teenager, and we will buy school items for 10 boarding students. We will shop at the “super market”. Today Simon taught Dave and Tom how the Kenyans wash clothes. I hope they dry before we need them.

I am glad to have ALL my luggage.

Pictures will come when I am not on Kenyan satellite internet. 

Love to all!

We're On Our Way!

As the first eight left on Tuesday, they we're giggling with excitement. Things went smoothly for their departure other than Steve, who in carrying our zappicators for parasite destruction, was thoroughly searched.

The remaining four of us will head out today. We will all reunite on Saturday at Into Abba'a Arms.

The fruit this trip is all dependent on God's generous activity. Here are ways you can pray.

Daily Prayer Focus

Aug. 10.  Wisdom in preparation to leave.  James 5:5-8.  “If any of you lack wisdom…”

 Safety and protection in travel.  Romans 8:28.   “And we know that in all things, God works for the good..”

Adjustment to the time change – strength….  (Kenya is 7 hours ahead of WV time). Philippians 4:19. “ My God will supply… according to His riches.”

 Unity of team members.  John 17:21-23.  “ my prayer…that all of them might be one..”

Aug. 11.  Opportunity and wisdom in speaking to others about Jesus as we travel.  Eph. 1:15-20.  “be very careful how you live…making the most of every opportunity…”

Aug. 12.  Protected time to be with God each day.  Eph. 1:15-20. “I keep asking God...give you the Spirit of wisdom… so that you may know Him better…”

‘Aug. 13. Arriving at Into Abba’s Arms orphanage.  Pray for godly connections with the children, staff, and the Kinangop community. Eph. 6:18-19.  “And for me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel…”

Aug. 14   Ask for the power of His presence to be known today and throughout our ministry time.  Acts 4:29-31“Now, Lord, enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness… they prayed , the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Aug. 15. VBS  Day  1 “How to Become a Christian”

Aug. 16. VBS  Day  2 “How to Use the Bible” is the topic today.

Aug. 17. VBS  Day  3 “How to Pray”

Aug. 18. VBS  Day  4  “Fellowship” & “How to Witness”

Aug. 19. VBS  Day 5 “How to Walk in Obedience”

Aug. 20. Goodbye to kids and staff at IAA.  Eph. 3:13-21.”To grasp how wide and long and high and deed is the love of Christ..”

Aug. 21. .Praying for the ministry impact.  Eph. 6:10-19. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power…”

Aug. 22.  Our faithfulness of praying for those God touched.  Eph. 6:10-19. “always keep on praying…”

 Thanks again for your part in this ministry,

Beth, Dave, and the Mission:Kenya team.