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.

How to Roll with Jesus!

Are you familiar with the "Wheel" develpoed by the Navigator ministry years ago? It represents how a believer in Christ can keep Christ at the center of his/her life. It is often used with new believers to give them instruction on what habits, or spiritual disciplines can help them grow in Christ. We will instruct each day on a different part of the Wheel so that students will know how to study the Word; pray effectively; participate in healthy fellowhip; share one's faith; enjoy the Lord through obedience to the Holy Spirit.

We have some new prayer requests at this point:

1. Our luggage is jam-packed with wonderful materials for the VBS; nursery school materials; paper goods for lunches being served during VBS; as well as two year's worth of curriculum for Sunday morning worship. Please pray it arrives WITH us! This is of huge importance.
2. I have taught these concepts in the past to adults and teenagers. Please pray for clarity in our presentations as we communicate cross-culturally, as well as to a wide span of ages. Pray for our translators to be understood.
3. We will be using skits; activities/games; power point; worksheets to communicate each day. Pray that there are no technical difficulties with the projection system and computer as the power point will add to the ability to communicate the truths participants need to grasp.

We praise the Lord for His generosity through His people to make this trip possible. As we are buying the different items we need for the trip, we are also able to purchase things we just want to take with us which will bless the community and give kids just plain ole's fun!

Meet Mary Jane Amos

I first met Mary Jane, along with her husband Chuck in their early days at River Cities Community Church, because it is polite to introduce yourself to the newbies. Then I had the privilege of getting to know them through a Discovery Series. I appreciate their willingness to jump in and do what needs to be done. MJA brings her love for Jesus, as well as experience in nursing and other short term mission trips. Here is Mary Jane's explanation on how she came to join the team.

"Africa...the dark continent! Land of mystery and wonder!

The first time that I heard that there was going to be a mission trip to Africa, my heart leaped in my chest! I had always wanted to go to Africa one day, but little did I realize that it would be God sending me there. I do not know what He has planned for me while I am there, but I am willing to be a "Jane of all trades" for Him. I have done two previous mission trips to Mexico in the past and God always plugged me in where He wanted me to be.

That is part of the excitement of a mission trip. What will God have you do?

I have learned to listen for that "still, small voice", which is sometimes a leaping heart and sometimes take you out of your comfort zone. I am excited to go to Into Abba's Arms and meet the children and see that God can do through me to further their lives in His kingdom. And to see what God will do through the children to further MY life in His kingdom!

 Please pray for our safety and that God will work in a mighty way through us."

UP DATES ON HOW TO PRAY!

1. Items are being packed little by little. We have made the cardboard clipboards for VBS participants to use for their lessons and artwork. Many pencils are sharpened. Step three of making nametags will finish that project. Curriculum has been ordered for two years of Sunday services. Pray that we don't miss the purchasing that needs to be done on this side of the ocean. Once we are there certain items are not available or very expensive.
2.  The VBS lessons need to get out of my head and resource materials and onto Power Point. Pray for the concepts we want to communicate to be presented in ways the kids will comprehend and apply for the rest of their lives.
3. We need to be spiritually prepared. I have ordered materials to help our team members be properly prepared for a short term trip. Pray for our hearts to be open to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Curriculum can only take us so far.
4. We will be guests of Into Abba's Arms. We will be visitors in Kenya. We are called to be servants of Christ. Pray for us to walk in humility and know what Swahili words we need to use and when. :)

Kwa heri for now! (See, I am such a novice I put English in wherever I am short on Swahili. So you will hear mostly English and some WV English.)