Trouble Posting Photos & Prayer Requests

We are having difficulty posting photos because of a slow internet connection, so will settle for a text posting this time. We are looking forward to traveling this Thursday to Tenwek Hospital in western Kenya for a visit with Dr. Russ White and his family. Russ is the head surgeon at Tenwek. He and his wife, Beth, are both graduates of Roberts Wesleyan College, and Russ was one of Phil's students there. We plan to return on Monday, the 6th of April. Please pray for our safety as we travel.

Also, would you please pray for Phil as he has a sprained ankle. He didn't see a hole in the ground and tripped. As our main mode of transportation around campus is walking, a quick healing would really be good!

Praise the Lord in that we received a 20-minute rain yesterday (Sunday). This was the first rain in quite awhile. We're praying that the rains continue--so thanks for joining us in that prayer.

Giraffe Communication

On a recent long hike, about 6 miles, we saw lots of animals, including a herd of 8 giraffes. We have seen giraffes on several occasions, but Phil was able to get close enough for this classic shot. This kind of interaction between giraffes is not uncommon. The red bougainvillea in the background adds to the scene.

Daystar Ministry & 1st Matatu Ride

The young lady on the left is Ann Nzuma. She and two other Daystar students are involved in a ministry to teenage single mothers. The young lady, Serena, in this photo is 17 years of age, and her little girl, Tracy, is 18 months old. Serena is being trained as a tailor in a Catholic school. She is still living at home with her parents and several younger siblings. Their house in the slum was very typical with corrugated tin walls, a dirt floor, and blankets hung to divide the house into rooms.

Ann asked Judy to accompany her to the slums of Athi River this past Friday, to see the ministry. We spent several hours with this young lady, another single mother named Kathy--who had recently given birth, plus we met the head man for this particular area of the slum.

In order to travel with Ann, Judy experienced her first matatu ride. Each matatu has a driver and a tout. The tout is responsible for getting the passengers on/off the matatu and collecting money from the passengers. The matatu (a van) has about a dozen single seats; however, the tout wouldn't start the journey until we had about 20 people crammed into the vehicle. There seemed to be two people to every single seat. Judy had to ask her neighbor for permission to move her arm :-) Fortunately, most Kenyans are slender--but none of us had any personal space to speak of. Fully loaded the vehicle moved very slowly up the steep grades. These drivers are known to take risks in order to get from one point to another quickly. This ride was no exception.

Pray for Rain

Believe it or not, this is actually quite a typical scene for us on our trips between the Athi River campus and Nairobi. It is VERY dusty! The "long rains" are supposed to come in March, April and May, but have not started yet. Please pray for rain. Many farmers have tilled the soil (dust) and are waiting for rain before they plant. There is actually famine in parts of Kenya, with relief supplies of food and water being distributed where possible.

Red-Cheeked Cordon-Bleu & Gender Issues

Kenya has many beautiful birds. This is the male of the red-cheeked cordon-bleu. The female is much less colorful.

This past Thursday evening, 19 March, Judy facilitated the Athi River Faculty Bible Study. The topic was Gender Equality. There were 12 people present--about half female and half male; half mzungus and half native Kenyans. It was a good discussion covering both biblical and African culture. We tackled several difficult scriptures. Needless to say, the discussion was lively at times as most of these folks have been together for quite some time and are comfortable discussing issues from opposite sides.

Hartebeest

On the 10th of March Phil and Judy took a LONG hike out into the savanna surrounding Daystar University, Athi River. We were rewarded by getting photos of some previously unspotted animals. Judy and Phil tracked this hartebeest (as part of a herd) for quite some distance before Judy was able to get this shot. This is one of the larger antelopes here in Kenya. His horns are the most identifying feature.

Teaching at Karen & A Prayer Request

MANY thanks for your prayers as we had a full weekend of ministry in Nairobi. The grace of God was evident! We also appreciate John and Dorcas Parit of the Olive Branch Mission as they drove us, translated for us, and made our weekend enjoyable.

In this photo, Judy is telling the story of Mama Brown the Chicken to the children at the Karen Free Methodist Church. Carol, a graduate student at Daystar University, is translating.

Following the children's time, Judy preached at the adult service on the topic The Good Thing About Storms. The people were very responsive to the message.

Prayer Request - The night watchman who worked for two of the Daystar faculty (they live off campus) died this past Friday. He was only 40 years old and leaves behind a wife and three children. We were told he had a stroke and a heart attack. Please pray for this family. The husband was the sole source of income. We will be giving a donation from the Pearce Missions fund to help with funeral expenses.

Children's Class in Karen

During the children's Sunday School class at the Karen Free Methodist Church, Judy and the children played a scripture memory game. We asked the children to call us "Grandma Judy" and "Papa Phil" so that we would feel like we were with our grandkids. In this game the children who cannot read hold the signs for the older children who are in the classroom. By the time the game was over all the children knew the verse.

Kibera - Largest Slum in Africa

The rusted tin roofs appear to go on forever. In this Nairobi slum live about 1 million people. The average income of a family here is about 1 dollar (80 Kenyan shillings) per day, and many receive much less than that. Nearly all of the people must pay rent, buy water and other necessities for living. Rent may run as little as Ksh 800 ($10/mth), but most pay more. As we passed through the dirt streets of the slum, it seemed as if most of the people had some type of business on those winding, narrow streets. We were impressed with the innovation and persistence of these people. One person had even dug a hole, put an outhouse over the hole, and was charging Ksh 5 for those who wanted to use the outhouse. Children were in great abundance along and in the streets playing in the dirt with unusual toys--bike tire rims and balls of paper wrapped in duct tape. These people do need our compassion, not our pity. Organizations like the Olive Branch, who are supported by people more fortunate, are making an impact in areas such as this. We want to be one of those who make a difference, don't you?

Sign for Free Methodist Church & School

Here you see the sign for one of the two Free Methodist churches in Kibera. Both churches also have schools that use the church facilities. We were impressed with what the church is doing here in this very needy area.

Classroom in Free Methodist School in Kibera

Phil and Judy visited this Kibera school where they were holding a few special classes on Saturday morning for students who need some extra help. We met the headmaster who was teaching a grade 7 science lesson. You will notice that most of these girls are wearing the uniform of the Free Methodist school.

Joyce's Jewelry Shop

On Saturday, John Parit took Phil and Judy to Kibera to visit a couple of the small business owners that have micro-enterprising loans with the Olive Branch. This photo is of Joyce who makes jewelry. She is also the wife of the pastor of one of the Kibera Free Methodist churches. Most of the young African women dress in the style of the western world, while the older women still dress traditionally. Most of the young women also use hair extensions--as Joyce is wearing. If you enlarge the photo you will see the name Obama on several of the necklaces :-) President Obama's face appears many places around Nairobi and the Kenyans are quite proud that they have a connection with our president.

Women at Olive Branch

Phil and Judy took the 5:30 a.m. bus on Friday, 13 Mar to the Nairobi campus. After checking into a flat there, John Parit picked us up and took us to the Olive Branch Mission. Judy spoke to these 9 women at the mission. These women are all involved in micro-enterprising in Kibera (the largest slum in Africa); they are all small business owners and are in the process of paying back their loans to the Olive Branch. Their businesses include: a stand selling dishes/cups; groceries out of a home; fruit/vegetable stands; soap making; jewelry making; a hair styling shop; a sewing business; and selling snacks to school children. They all are raising children or grandchildren. Only two of them have husbands in the home. After a time of singing (above) Judy gave the devotional The Lost King's Daughter based on the parable Jesus told of the Prodigal Son. John translated for Judy. All of the women know some English, but Judy's accent made it diffcult for them to understand. At the end of the teaching, Judy asked for a show of hands of those who wanted to come home to the father and be forgiven of their sins. Five of the women immediately raised their hands and Judy prayed with them. After the prayer Judy again asked how many had accepted forgiveness of their sins and now had Jesus living in their hearts and all five again raised their hands. John said these five were fairly new to the program. After a snack, John and Judy met with some of the women individually. It was fascinating to hear of the triumphs and trails of their businesses. Judy then prayed with these women individually.

Would you please pray for these women? Pray that the seeds of the gospel planted in their hearts will grow in fertile soil. Also pray that their businesses will prosper.

Prayer Request for This Weekend

Phil and Judy will be traveling on the 5:30 a.m. bus on Friday, 13 March, to spend a weekend of very busy ministry in Nairobi. Judy will be presenting three times (once to a group of Olive Branch women--Friday; Sunday School for children in the Free Methodist church in Karen; and preaching in the adult Sunday morning service at the same church). We will be going to Kibera on Saturday to visit a branch where Olive Branch women make jewelry. We will also be meeting with friends during the weekend.

Please pray for an anointing of God's spirit; strength for both of us; protection and guidance.

You may have heard on the news about some rioting in the Nairobi area. We haven't personally seen much evidence of what is going on. We are registered with the U.S. Embassy here in Kenya and so receive notification when things are happening. We feel quite safe.

Giraffes & Rhythms of Life

Saturday evening as we were riding in the bus back to campus, the driver took a different dirt road and we saw many wild animals, including a herd of 8 giraffes close to the campus. Don't you wish you were here?

We have established a more consistent rhythm to our weekly schedule here in Kenya. Tuesday noon we eat in the college cafeteria as Phil is between classes. This is giving us an opportunity to sample a broader spectrum of the staple Kenyan foods. Wednesday evenings for dinner we go to a little cafe fairly close outside of campus. The floor of the cafe is dirt, the walls are stacked bales of hay covered with mud, there are picnic tables, and the only light is from kerosene lamps. The cafe is run by a Daystar grad. He picks an ethnic food for each night and uses locals to help with the cooking. He has no electricity or running water. Last Wednesday was Mexican--Judy's favorite. A meal for the two of us runs about Ksh 200 (about $2.60) as we share a single plate (generous portions). We carry our own drinking water. Thursday evenings there is a faculty Bible study with a potential of 14 people. Two weeks ago we hosted for the first time and there were 12 present. We had to borrow cups and chairs--but oh well. The host provides a sweet and beverages. Friday, Saturday and sometimes Sunday we spend in Nairobi working at HEART and other activities. It is an adventure catching the 5:30 a.m. bus for Nairobi as we must get up at 4:30 a.m. and then walk 15 minutes in the dark on a dirt road to where we meet the bus. During the days when we are home, Phil/Judy take turns on the laptop. Because Jon Masso has been appointed Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Phil is picking up more class-related work. Judy is working on a project catalog for HEART. And so the rhythm goes......................

Wildebeest Hoofprint Close to Campus

When we took a long hike a few days ago out into the open area near the campus, we saw lots of animals, especially zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles. We were particularly impressed with the size of the hoofprints left by the wildebeest. The hand is obviously Phil's, not Judy's!

Hakuna Matata

This is the Nairobi Orchestra rehearsing an hour before concert, thus the casual dress style.

Hakuna matata means "no problem" and needs to be an adopted attitude for us here in Kenya. Last Saturday we managed to get to the Oshwal Centre in northwestern Nairobi to hear the Nairobi Orchestra, only to discover we'd been told the incorrect weekend. Keep in mind, transportation to/from this hoped-for event took 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

This past Sunday afternoon we were able to go to the concert (and of course, spend more time traveling). The orchestra is composed completely of volunteers, but the guest conductor was flown in from England courtesy of British Airways. Their program was Brahms Tragic Overture; Khachaturian Violin Concerto (soloist was a local missionary); and Dvorak Symphony No. 7. Quite an ambitious program for a volunteer orchestra. In case you're curious, about 16% of the orchestra was African--with the audience about the same. In other words, this was mostly a white event.

Regarding the relaxed attitude--this past Friday we caught the 5:30 a.m. bus to Nairobi. Our HEART driver was to pick us up in Nairobi at 7:30 a.m. When he didn't arrive, we discovered after several phone calls that he had misunderstood and had driven to Athi River for us. He finally arrived in Nairobi to pick us up at 10:30 a.m. We felt badly, but hadn't been the ones making the arrangements, so we weren't sure where the breakdown occurred.

We struggle with getting places on time (for church, classes and events) only to discover the event is late in starting. We haven't yet become African and continue to arrive on time :-).

St. John's Anglican Church

This is the little Anglican church we have been attending most Sundays. It is quite close to the campus, about a 20-minute walk from our flat. Rev. Njakai, the vicar, can be seen in this photo, taken during the tea time after the service. White tea (w/milk & sugar) is served with shortbread biscuits (cookies). The vicar comes quite a long distance every Sunday by matatu (van - public transportation) from Machakos. The last 3 miles from the Mombasa road, he gets a ride on one of the motorcycle taxis. He generally stays after church for dinner at the Massos' home and then they take him back the 3 miles to the main road.

Interior of Anglican Church

Here you see the crude interior of the church. The service lasts almost two hours, so the benches become quite uncomfortable. The metal walls and roof radiate quite a bit of heat, especially on the right side where the sun is shining in the mornings. All the mzungus (whites) sit on the left side! The sermons are generally in English with translation into Kiswahili. Although the church is Anglican, it is considered a community church and is quite evangelical. Judy is scheduled to preach on the 19th of April.

Judy Tells A Children's Story

This past Sunday Judy told a child evangelism story called Mama Brown the Chicken to about 30 children and 3 adults. We were gathered under a tree to be in the shade. Phil took this photo as the session was getting started. During the story Judy was holding a large cardboard chicken and other props. She also did quite a bit of clucking like a chicken. Halfway through the story a rooster came up to the trunk of the tree and watched Judy. At one point he even crowed. The children gave him very little attention as this is part of their everyday life and they acted as if the rooster was just part of the story. At the conclusion of the story Judy asked how many children wanted to give their hearts to Jesus, to be forgiven of their sins and live in heaven one day with Jesus. About 15 boys and girls raised their hands and prayed a prayer with Judy! Please pray for these precious young children. Eight of these children were former Nairobi street boys who in the past two weeks have come to live at a home for boys not too far from our campus.

You can see two cars behind Judy. These are the only cars bringing people to the church--most of the people walk.

Josephine & Twins - Prayer Request

Josephine is the staff member at HEART in charge of the overall WEEP program. This photo was taken when Josephine was eight months pregnant. Last week the twins were born--a boy and a girl. The girl was born with spina bifida. Josephine and the children are currently in the missions hospital in Kijabe. The first operation to close the opening in the spine was successfully performed on the little girl; however, they haven't yet inserted the shunt, etc.

Would you please join us in prayer for this family? Josephine lost a baby a couple of years ago and doesn't have other children besides these precious little twins.

Orchid at Lukenya Getaway

Lukenya Getaway is a nice resort and conference center near the Daystar campus. There are many varieties of plants on their grounds. This flower is part of a climbing orchid plant which covers a walkway trellis. Yes, things do grow bigger here in Kenya :-)

Pink Water Lily

We thought it was time to show you some of the beautiful flowers here in Kenya. This photo may end up on the wall after we return home :-)

This is one of many beautiful water lilies on the ponds at our hotel in Mombasa.

Monkey Business on Campus

After several failed attempts, Judy was able to capture one of these elusive creatures here on the Athi River Daystar campus. We haven't seen any monkeys for quite a while. The students consider them a nuisance and chase them away. For a while we were seeing them almost every day as we went back and forth from our flat to the main campus area.

Gecko

On our way to Mombasa a few weeks ago, we stopped at a little cafe in Voi (sometimes spelled Voy) for lunch. This colorful gecko was climbing a tree just a few feet from our table. Since then Judy almost stepped on a beautiful green gecko here on the Athi River campus, but didn't have the camera with her.

Hospitality of Mary

This is a close-up photo of Mary Queen, her daughter (on the right) and her niece whom she is raising as her sister died. Mary is one of the stall owners in our local village.

This past week when Judy went to make her purchase of vegetables, and to deliever a copy of this photo to Mary, Mary had just finished preparing her lunch of sukuma (kale and spinach) and ugali (maize flour porridge stirred into boiling water and then placed in a bowl to finish firming until it resembles a thick mound of white paste) over a little charcoal burner on the ground. Mary asked Judy to share lunch with her. We went into her tiny stall and Mary offered her one stool for Judy to sit on. We then ate the food from one bowl with our fingers. The sukuma was the best that Judy has eaten and so Judy asked how Mary had prepared it. She said she stir-fried it in oil with onion and chopped tomato. BUT, she said the secret was not to wash the greens. Judy, who has been so careful to wash all vegetables in the dish liquid/bleach mixture, was shocked (and probably showed it). However, Judy did not get sick so it appeared the stir-frying killed the germs.

Mary's willingness to share her lunch was a memoriable gesture of hospitality that Judy will long remember!