I'll have more Kenya reflections later this week now that we've been home for a week and are processing some next steps, but meanwhile, thanks to Carlos Whittaker for this wonderful video.
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
The gift of QVC...
The Super Texts of Fiction part 1
I once heard Steve Sample, president of USC talk about the importance of reading the "super texts" - books that history has deemed classic. I decided to spend some of 2009 reading some fiction super texts I'd never read before.
Below is a partial list of what I read, with a rating system patented by my friends JD and Celeste Cunningham:
Flannery O''Connor's Wise Blood. I'd heard so much about O'Connor and was embarrassed to admit I'd never read any of her work. This is a book that I really wanted to enjoy because Flannery is such a legend, but must confess it didn't grab me profoundly. A great premise - a man of God trying to rid himself of faith and God's presence and written in a classic southern black comedy, with the rating, "weak, strong in a way."
Ernest Hemingway Old Man and the Sea Yep, I'd never read it. Loved it. Short, meaty, and visceral to read. "Strong, weak in no way."
Steinbeck's East of Eden My friend Kelly Little recommended this one and it was my favorite of everything I read this year. Its a fat book and I thought I'd plough through it, but the writing is so rich, I took my time and loved getting lost in Steinbeck's turn of the 20thC world. Possibly the best villain I've read and an absolute epic. "Strong, weak in no way."
Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Ok, so I'm cheating - I read this one almost every year, but its one of my all time favorites and an absolute classic. Racism and southern culture through the eyes of a child. Stunning. Strong, weak in no way.
Friday, 20 November 2009
How to hypnotize a chicken
So while we were in Kenya, there were chickens running around everywhere....you know, true free range chickens. Anyway, I mentioned that I'd like to catch one and hypnotize it - an old Cuss tradition that I've now done on pretty much every mission trip I've been on. Its one of those things that transcends culture and boundaries. We got the hypnosis on video as we had some skeptics among us who didn't believe it was possible. Here it is:
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Kenya Day 7
Our last day in Kenya and many goodbyes, which are always bitter sweet. We went to the school at 8am to experience their music therapy - designed to help kids get into a positive frame of mind after coming from difficult conditions, to say the least. Hearing 300 kids sing loud, "I am a victor, not a victim" is quite a stunning experience.
Then off to the church with the kids to be honored for about an hour with songs, poems and sketches (including some fantastic slapstick comedy.) The kids and teachers honored us much more than we deserved and it was very humbling to sit and be performed for.
We're leaving for the airport soon and internet here is very sketchy, so I won't be posting pics of the school, but I'll post some of the animals we saw today at the Nairobi Game Park. We were all quite stunned to see animals we'd only ever seen in books and on TV, right in front of us! Photo evidence below.
Thanks for all your support - we're coming back with full heart, many lessons and lots of great local items to sell for Advent Conspiracy. We'll see everyone soon!
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Kenya Days 5 and 6
Our schedule picked up intensity on Saturday and Sunday and we were "on" for most of both days.
Saturday, I think, was our most difficult day since we'd been here - partly because of the lack of downtime, but mostly because of the people we interacted with.
We kept to our usual schedule of morning seminars and evening crusade, but added an afternoon with the kids at the safehouse.
Also, sorry - no photos to share today - our team photographer is still in bed! And warning - its a LONG post - we had tons of experiences and I find that a good blog post requires heavy editing - a process I don't have time for here, so I'll offer my apology for the length now.
Mike and I met with the pastors and I was really glad to have Mike's company so we could together experience these men passionately worshipping and praying before we taught.
I'm not sure if I've mentioned, but ANYTIME we gather, extended prayer and worship is involved. I can't tell you how refreshing this has been for our souls to worship in Swahili as best we can (and sometimes in English) with songs that are antiphonal and have a chant to them that is deeply comforting. We're led in prayer to expect God to move, for our needs, for each other and sometimes just straight praise for God's goodness. So Saturday was computer day for the pastors and we did well with limited resources. The projector broke and we had a very unreliable net connection for only one computer, so we didn't think we'd helped much, but simply being with these men was a joy and we spent time videoing each one who wanted to greet Discovery personally.
Our women hosted a seminar with some women to talk about women's issues. Alice was very excited about this day as we've all seen how the culture is so heavily loaded against women here. Between the question time and the small group prayer time, it was very intense as they heard circumstances that were devastating and very difficult to speak into. Still, our ladies brought joy, prayer and a listening ear and caring heart and Alice was very happy with the day because her friends could express their hearts, be loved and prayed for.
Our team then snuck into the college aged group (actually older teens and young 20s, I think) who are training to teach and the energy in the room was amazing. Fred grabbed me to pray personally for each of the pastors under his direct care: Bonniface, Justin, Wycliffe, John and Steve. We had about 25 - 30 men and women come to the pastor training total, but these 5 are Fred's guys for Candlelight ministry. We've developed good friendship and affinity with each other.
The Safehouse was also moving as many children shared their testimony and we prayed for each child and teen one by one. They were kind enough to catch a chicken for me to hypnotize and I obliged - we filmed the event and will be happy to share with any skeptics...
Off to the Crusade and quite a worn out group. I definitely came to the last night of the crusade feeling very empty and not sure what to say, but we've all experienced this feeling and simply asking God to fill us/speak through us no matter how we're feeling. I preached on the importance of being involved in a church. Oh, and our group sang together - probably our worst effort yet and its very comical to us that after the incredible high energy of Kenyan worship, they invite us up, with tremendous fanfare, cheering and clapping, then we lamely sing one of our worship songs. As we walk off, more wild cheering and its all quite funny, but we're asked to sing, so we sing.
Saturday night - TIRED and feeling a bit raw about the day.
Sunday Morning. CHURCH DAY! Truly a day we had been waiting for since Fred and Alice first came to Discovery and if you want the short version, it was AMAZING. Mike, Kelly and Kim started at Justin's church and Mike "dropped the hammer" as he likes to say, with a sermon. I wish I could have heard it myself as his testimony at the crusade was outstanding. Lisa, Jacquie and I went to Bonniface's church (Fred is now a Bishop who goes from church to church) The sound system was down (seriously, all these things we have in common) and that suited me fine as the a capella worship is my favorite. We got a great glimpse into Fred's playfulness as he sat to one side and gently ribbed the pastors while they were leading us and he had us laughing hysterically. More worship, more prayer, more incredible hospitality and graciousness from everyone.
Quick break, then a seminar on the Biblical vision for a dynamic marriage. Jacquie took a rest and the rest of us planned what we'd say and once again, prayed for God to move across cultures and in spite of thorough planning. I think the seminar went about 3 hours and was a hit. Lots of highlights: Lisa taught on the 5 love languages, I taught on a man using his power to serve, not dominate, Mike and Kelly taught on verbal, non verbal communication and sharing household duties, Kim taught on the power of a healthy marriage to shape the next generation. It was truly great content and in spite of massive cultural challenges, something that any married person could benefit from. Oh, and we always remind folks that these principles are the ones we strive for, not the ones we've perfected. We try to say over and over in these seminars that, "this is simply something I was taught from someone else, and so I'm sharing it with you and continuing to learn about it myself."
Of course, Fred and Alice have been advising us all the way for each of these seminars and Alice particularly had a lot she wanted us to say. Again, we have gotten to see how radical their marriage is compared to many. Fred actually does dishes, helps with the kids, asks forgiveness from his wife, shares his money with her etc etc. One of the best parts of the seminar was when we asked them to share some examples and Alice boldly shared about her husband and the tangible ways he shows love and tenderness to her. Oh, and the questions and comments from the group were hilarious! Lots of pain in these marriages, and some danger in some, but again, we met a group eager to learn and try a new way.
Meanwhile, more playfulness from Fred and Alice - sharing quite intimate hilarious stories about their own marriage and teasing the group about showing affection etc.
Today: our last full day and it will be as full or fuller than the previous two. Tomorrow we hope to go to a game park and see if we can spot some animals.
Not sure if we'll blog anymore before we make it back, so in case we don't, thanks so much for your prayers and support - we've felt them. The trip has been transforming for all of us and we've all commented on how worship and prayer here is a palpable, tangible solution to the alleviation of suffering and poverty. It is stunning to behold.
Friday, 13 November 2009
Kenya Days 3 and 4
So for the first day or two in Kenya, I couldn’t believe how short a time we’d been here. We’d have a day absolutely full of experiences and think to ourselves, “we’ve not even been here 24 hours yet.” I think it was simply our minds and hearts adjusting to the radically different culture and conditions here.
But yesterday I noticed quite a change in my thoughts. We’ve settled into a nice routine where we teach seminars through the morning and afternoon, then take a rest and go to the crusade in the afternoon, coming home in the evening. It is quite exhausting and deeply fulfilling to participate in all these experiences. So I was at the crusade last night with the intense feeling of “I want to go home.” I don’t mean my home in Colorado which I will certainly want to go to when the time comes, but I mean Fred and Alice’s home. Fred, Alice, John, Karina, Riva, and their unbelievably hard working and gracious house helpers Ruth, Bette and Salame. These friends and their place have become our home and some of our best times are reflecting on an intense day of ministry and learning from each other.
So a couple of highlights and observations from the past two days:
We’ve always suspected that Fred and Alice are unique among all people we know, but seeing them in their own culture, the deep respect people have for them and seeing how much they have done here already is an absolute testimony to the power of God working through highly skilled and passionate people. They are somehow pastors, business people, leaders, team builders and international collaborators. In any topic I teach with the local pastors, I find myself pointing to Fred as an example and they are all nodding, as they know this man is a giant.
I think we’ve also seen the power of hope in the midst of despair. The poverty and struggle here is on such an exponentially larger scale than anything we deal with in the western world, but joy and hope is palpable here. I have seen it strongest when people are worshipping – singing and dancing with sheer abandon. When I walk into to meet with the pastors for leader training, I find them all walking around the church, praying and chanting to God and its deeply moving to witness and I'm glad to remind these men of all the things they are teaching us while we are here.
Our team is outstanding and I’m thankful to God every day for each of them. On Thursday Jacquie and Kim shared their testimony at the crusade. Jacquie made sure that everyone knew she was a university graduate - a not so subtle message to women and their men. Kim brought the children forward and spoke God's love to them and then spoke to their parents and she was surrounded by a mob for the rest of the night. Last night Kelly and Lisa shared about their own journeys and the very noisy crowd grew completely silent as they shared. I was very proud of our team, especially those who had never done such a thing before. Aside from that, just watching our folks bond deeply with people, play with kids, and encourage, encourage, encourage – its an awesome thing to witness.
On a fun note, Lisa and Kelly had Nancy style their hair - photo evidence provided!
The seminars are a real hit. Mike, Kelly and Jacquie are teaching computer and business skills and are working on a plan to help Fred and Alice oversee an ebay business where they can sell their hand made items to western countries. Jacquie has also been doing double duty working with some kids on computers and crafts. Kim and Lisa spent another day with the students, then a day doing some teacher training and I’ve stayed with the pastors and we’ve had an absolute blast and found much in common. I was asked yesterday “how do you get people to church on time” and I laughed at the commonality. Most of our time has been on much deeper issues and we have had so much fun talking through some leadership and planning tools and talking about deep heart issues that are common to all pastors. (how can I be sure of my calling? How do I help people change? How much of my own struggle do I share? Having fun and resting makes me feel guilty, how do I leave my troubles so I don’t burden my wife etc.) Most of these pastors have been pastoring their church for 2 years or less.
Today, day 5, our ladies are hosting a seminar for women and there is a lot of excitement among our ladies and the ladies in the community. Mike is going to teach our pastors some computer skills and I’ll be helping him, then we’re off to the safe house and I’ve promised to hypnotize a chicken while I’m there. Tonight is the final night of the crusade and then another full day tomorrow! We’ll catch up later – thanks for your prayers and thoughts!
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Kenya Update day 1 and 2
Well, jetlag and the rooster outside my window have both conspired to get me up early, so I thought I'd post a quick blog about our last couple of days in Kenya. We came home last night from our first night of the crusade and couldn't believe we'd only been here 48 hours - we've already seen and done so much.
First of all, let me say that our team is AMAZING! Everybody is jumping in and doing whatever is needed and its been really fun to watch everyone shine in their various roles.
Also, we sort of expected it, but Fred and Alice are absolute rock stars in this part of Nairobi and we've been quite astonished at all they've accomplished here in just a few short years. A thriving set of churches, a school and a safehouse for orphans, not to mention many international partnerships. We're learning a great deal from them and most of all, enjoying their company.
so...onto the report. I'll warn you, its a bit long, but we have some photos at the bottom for those who prefer picture books over narrative.
Monday
We toured the various Candlelight operations and met tons of people. Tuesday was also the first day of the national exam and it seemed that the whole community was buzzing about it. The exam is a 3 day event for kids wanting to get into high school. Each morning Fred goes to the police station and waits for an assigned officer to escort the exam with him to his school, then the students take the exam all day under police supervision. This is the first year Candelight has had students sit for the exam and they'll find out the results around Christmas time. Its one thing hear or read about the importance of education, but its a whole other thing to see it live where a whole community seems to sit on the edge of their collective seats wishing their students well for a brighter future - Fred is excited and High School is a potential ticket to this future.
The highlight for our team was visiting with the folks at the safehouse - 26 students from toddler to high schooler all living in community at the safehouse because they have nowhere else to go - we played soccer, toured their rooms and sat stunned as they greeted us, prayed for us and hosted us with hospitality and kindness befitting royalty.
We have also been struck by the house help at the Afwai home. Bette, Salame and Ruth cook, clean and work hard with incredible grace and kindness toward us. They are cleaning when we go to bed at 10 or 11 and they are cooking when we're up at 5am. We'll have to ask when exactly they rest....
which brings us to
Tuesday
Tuesday rocked, in a nutshell. From 9 - noon, we broke into teams and hosted some seminars. Lisa and Kim worked with 6th and 7th graders on human anatomy and being made in God's image, Mike, Kelly and Jacquie brought all the donated laptops into a small room and taught 20 people crowded around some laptops. When Mike started by asking how many had ever used a computer, 4 raised their hand. 3 hours later and they were opening up WORD, working on documents and having a blast. It was truly stunning with more to continue today. This team's goal is to provide some employable and business skills by the end of the week and show the potential for things like an ebay business where folks can sell their (amazing) products online to the global community.
Fred and I worked with 20 pastors from Kenya and Uganda on leadership and pastoral training. I was quite concerned that our cultures might be too different to be helpful, but we had an incredible first day talking about being overwhelmed by need and God's providence, grinding poverty and how we refresh our souls in the midst of it. We'll also meet for these next few days and cover various topics.
Home for rest, then off to the outdoor crusade. We show up near a market where there is a bit of grass and they load speakers onto car rooftops (speaker stands!) and off we go, or should I say, off THEY go. 2+ hours of dancing and singing that was deeply moving. We all laughed as we were to sing as guests, so opened the guitar case and started to sing. Not quite to the energy of the Kenyans, but we were received warmly.
Mike gave his testimony and spoke with great conviction and poise about the difference in his life between being around religious practice and actually having a relationship.
So at this point, I'd like to simply interject that one of the best things about ministering as a team is being proud of your team. We all stood off to one side watching Mike share with a translator like he'd been doing it all his life and we were so proud, as we were watching each other jump in with these seminars, playing with kids and doing whatever needed.
oh, and by the way, Jacquie and Kim were born for Kenyan dancing. Ask them later to give an example...
I preached with Fred translating and we had a great response from people giving their life to Christ and others asking for prayer for their burdens.
We have no qualms about this crusade and our part to play. We're the white curiosity and we speak and share, but Fred and his team of pastors are there to help people long term and connect them to Christ and community and its a great team effort. Fred and Alice came from from the crusade really buzzed about it and we added another unique experience to our team belt.
Wednesday will be more of the same, schedule wise and likely completely different experience wise. Can't wait to see how it all goes.
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