Friday December 1

Hi everyone! 8 more days in Africa...=/
I am going to be on the road a lot till I leave and pretty busy so pardon me if the updates are few or delayed.
Had a wonderful service last night in Kikuyu... Just pray my voice holds out. I have a service Sunday. Not sure about my little vacation to Diani Beach now=) Brother Busaboze from Uganda has been trying to find a way for me to fly over there for some meetings during the week, but I think I am just gonna have to come back to Africa another time=) If I dont go there, there are a few churches that have asked me to speak around Nairobi. Tomorrow I am going to an authentic African Wedding!!! should be crazy fun=)
Thank you for your prayers... Satan is not happy with the stirring going on here and is fighting hard.
Till next time.... Maybe next week.

Wednesday (almost Thursday) November 27

Incredible?!:)
I just finished speaking in a suburb of Nairobi, called Gachie.
As we were driving three Paul said that Gachie is one of the most unstable towns in Kenya... Ya, that helps the nerves!:)
The story of how I heard about this church is amazing.  Basically, if my laptop hadn't broke, I would've never met the church or spoke tonight. Long story:) Then right before speaking I got an email from my dad which had been sent to him from Bro. Bus (Busabozi) in Uganda. In his email Bro Bus mentioned a "little fellowship in the suburbs of Nairobi" that he had preached at... There are about 50 church's around Nairobi according to Brother Kamwati..... I was just about to speak at the one he mentioned!
So I spoke for 30 mins or so and then for next 45 went off my notes completely. I have never spoke the way I did tonight.... Ever! Have never sweated so much either.... Or been so hoarse after (surprise surprise:) they want me to speak again... Maybe when I get back from Diani Beach:) I am still claiming my 2-day vacation!:)
Some pics are included and I will have some video up soon that Paul took. I also audio recorded the service for our housekeeper to listen to:) she is gonna get an earful:) Now it's time to get rested and then get ready for tomorrow's service.

In front of church... Seated about 40 inside building and then pepl were standing outside... Probably didn't have a hard time hearing me:)

People knew how to pull on Word... Really not a surprise we had the service that we did.

This is for Brother Kyle. See, I am wearing a suit:)

Don't worry, it comes off after the opening scripture:)

I try to cover every bit of real estate along the isles and platform:) haha

Fellowship with brothers after church for tea. Kenya tea leaves are AMAzing

Wiped!:)

This is last weekend at the youth meeting in Kikuyu.

Man in back and center is Brother John Wakanu... Pastor of Kikuyu church

Just chilling... Waiting on "Africa time":)

Some of my very good friends... Acting BIG:)

This is last Sunday at youth service.

My one suit and couple pairs of dress clothes are 

Definitely getting over-used... Most have been 

Sweated in profusely at least twice:)

People don't seem to care about their smell or 

Dirtiness:) hahaha just kidding mom.

Wednesday, November 27

Hi everyone, just a quick update.
Today I am not volunteering at the hospital. Rather I am studying for this evening (Wednesday) service. I will also be speaking Thursday (tomorrow) night as well as Sunday.
Planning to speak on "Appraisal of the Sacrifice" this evening.
"Despising of the Nazarite Vow" tomorrow evening.
And "Make Way for Liberty"  on Sunday morning. Read the small print at the bottom!
Then I will be going to DIANI BEACH !!!
I have mostly been in the house last couple days but I did get you all a picture to see!............ BREAKFAST!!!

Unfortunately I haven't been able to put video up of speaking yet... But here is a pic if the notes I am working on for tomorrow evening. Behind the scenes:)

I made the pic small on purpose:) Am scheduled to take YP service Friday at CBW after I get back and I might use some of these notes:)

BYE!

***Subject and titles are all subject to change and leading of the Holy Ghost. This is a preview only, has no legal binding power, and is not set in stone. Thank you for kind understanding.***

Monday... November 25

This is the hospital I worked at today, Mpshah Hospital, in Nairobi. Dr. Collins is a young doctor and believer. He showed me around the whole hospital. This hospital is much larger than Tigoni or Wema, where I have been previously. It is also much more equipped and modern... Has dialysis machines, a CT scanning machine, and an onocology center.

This is Urs Truly and Marriam. Marriam is the person I was with most the day today. I did a lot of triage work today for emergency/ward patients.

Bad news today was that to fix my computer here is gonna cost a fortune. So I am just gonna do it myself once I get home. No videos anymore though:(
The GOOD NEWS is........

That's right! I had the BEST MANGO in the world today! Above is a picture of my handiwork's finished product!:) ........ Looking back on my posts it seems food keeps coming up... Hmmm

So I don't have a computer but have at least 3 more services to speak. So all those notes I had on laptop are old news.... But that's fine, last Sunday I had to use handwritten notes and we had an incredible time!!!:)  Am scheduled to speak this Wednesday and Sunday and maybe another one on Thursday or Friday. Hopefully can take a few days off volunteering to study... And practice my handwriting;) I always carry one sermon'a worth of notes in my backpack... Just in case:) Next week is gonna be a well-deserved vacation! Haha
Good bye one and all! And happy early thanksgiving you Americans!

Sunday November 24

Wow!
Am having a great time here!
This morning took a bus very early in morning to Nairobi and attended Mbotela church, Brother Kamwati's church. There have been a couple deaths in their church lately. One man fell off a bridge and drowned in water. Another lady, today, was swept down a river and died... Leaving a young family behind. There were 4 wedding/engagement announcements just in this mornings service!!!
Then we quickly drove and I spoke a meeting to Kikuyu youth and all youth in the area. Had a MARVELOUS time!
I haven't spoke that way ever. Got right down to where the youth are living and left my notes for most the time:) After the service, the pastor asked me to speak again... from the pulpit:) talk about on the spot, it's not like I am gonna say no then:) but I would speak tomorrow in the drop of a hat if I had the opportunity=) A few weeks ago I taught them "Give Me Jesus" song. I think it's the youth'a new theme song and we have sang it every service. Today it went very good with the after service since I finished the service asking "so what shall we do with this Jesus called Christ?" Quoting Pilate when Jews were choosing between Barabbas and Jesus. Give me Jesus!
More pics to come. Hopefully my computer gets fixed tomorrow.

Some of the young people during after service.

Studying in pastors study. Door on right goes out to pulpit.

The notebook on the left should look familiar Brother Kyle:)

Pics

Sorry pics are a little out of order. Just posting these on the bus on the way to church.

One of graduates

Cooking breakfast for a house full of bachelors:) at Paul's house... Although Paul may be leaving the "bachelors clan" soon=) (sorry Paul, I know you will read this:)

Graduation ceremony

I would guess 5-8 thousand people were at the graduation.

Doesn't take much to be happy:) Toys R Us wouldn't do well here with toys like this

Business school for graduation

West gate mall. Where the terrorist attacks were a few months ago.

Paul's grandfathers home. A farm

Sorry, I couldn't help but include this picture:) it is coming US thanksgiving and peanut butter definitely ranks high on the "thankful for" list! Haha

Saturday November 23

Hi everyone!
Sorry I haven't posted for so long. I guess I am adjusting to Africa time.... not!=) Some things happened, one of which was my laptop battery dying. I think there was a power surge when I was charging it and it fried the battery. But all is well=) I will gets pics up soon and hopefully I can get the laptop fixed since it is easier to post pics/video using it.
Anyway, it has been a fun week.
Yesterday, I went to the college graduation of a young person in the church.
She was graduating with a commerce degree at KCA (one of the nation's most respected business schools. The ceremony was long but is a big deal here and many thousands of people were there. After the ceremony there was a reception-like party at a nearby resort. I was asked to give a short "motivational/inspirational" speech, which I did. I spoke for maybe just 10-15 mins. It was the first time I told my story of my education and business stuff in public. Got a lot of positive feedback and I many felt challenged and inspired. They really liked my saying "The main thing, is to keep the Main Thing, the main thing" and it's become somewhat of a catch phrase with the young people that were there=)
We also, visited Westgate, the mall that had a terrorist attack a few months ago.
Last night I stayed over at Paul's house and today am studying for tomorrow's service. It is going to be a special service after the morning service, just for all the young people around the area. I am looking forward to it a lot! Am planning on speaking on "Pilate's Judgment Hall." Several of the young men have talked to me and expressed the way the Lord is moving/dealing with the young people. Very thankful for that.
I only have one more week in Kikuyu and volunteering. I am planning to go with Dr. Collins, a brother in the church, to several different hospitals in Nairobi. Then the following weekend I will be going to speak in Machakos and then.... taking a holiday the last week! I CANT WAIT. I have booked a treehouse accommodation overlooking Diani Beach... at a tiny fraction of what it would cost in US=) Diani Beach is about a 10 hr bus ride from Kikuyu and is a very popular tourist destination. The beach is rated one of the best in the world and the volunteers that have been there said it is to die for! It will be great to get rested up before heading home. I have been getting videos and updates from Cloverdale and am happy to see the Lord moving mightily the same way He is here, especially among the YP.
I will get pics and stuff up later.
And once again, thank you for your prayers, they have been felt very much!

Tuesday November 19 - Orphanage

Peanut butter and honey Caloric Meter: approx 25,452 calories in about 24 days=D I'M LOVING IT!

Today I went to the orphanage that some of the other volunteers go to. Great time!

Watch the newest video for clips of the orphans.

Basically, Margaret independently is raising about 70 kids. She has done it for several years and now some of her previous orphans are in college. A lot of the kids were just abandoned.

Margaret has gone through a lot! She was divorced from her husband, the previous provider for the orphanage, because he didn't want her helping the children. That same man came back to the orphanage weeks after the divorce and misused several of the children while Margaret was sleeping. She has incredible faith in God for the next meal, the chicken feed, and clean water. They literally operate from meal to meal. 

What amazed me was the way the children worked with one another. Never did we have to deal with tantrums or fights. Since Margaret is the only full-time helper they all pitch in. They do laundry, help cook, wash dishes, care for chickens, and scrub floors. All the kids that are over 7-8yrs old are expected to look after the younger children and do so faithfully. The children know the pressure of finances and today one girl broke a dish when cleaning. She cried and cried, not because Margaret was unhappy (she didn't mind) but the girl knew that every shilling counted and there wasn't many to spare.

I made a lot of friends and did so by pulling out the bubbles, playing soccer, and writing funny fictional stories. Very cute kids!

Makes me much more thankful for my family, parents, and upbringing.

LOTS OF PICS.

Till next time!

A real well=)

A few hundred chickens... eggs are eaten and sold

Their morning classes... Reading a book called "Mini Mike" =D

Washing dishes.

Soccer... I mean football=)

Rice and potato lunch.

Names of all the kids... I didn't try memorizing them!

Doesn't matter how old you are... you are never to old for bubbles!

This little guy's name is Jenga=) my pal

This boy has had facial reconstructing after major burns to face and arms. Happiest and most content kid alive.

Liking the tunes!

STORY TIME!

PK.... I finally found a brand I can identify/sympathize with! LOL

 This is an inside American joke=D sorry if it doesn't make sense

Sunday November 17

WOW! 

Lots has happened the past two days. The following post can't contain half the stories and certainly doesn't convey the life changing experiences that have happened in past 48 hours.

So on Saturday I studied all morning and then went on bus for over 2 hours to get to Machakos, where Brother Jimmy Kilonzo is at. Spent Saturday evening with Brother Jimmy and another minister, as well as his son, Elijah, 25. We went for bite to eat and then they showed me the church they are building. (Currently their church is over flowing with people outside under tents.) They also toured the town with me. Machakos is about 70km from Nairobi and is an even poorer place due to lack of jobs and resources; however, all the believers seem very content and happy. Went back to Brother Jimmy's house and had fellowship (absolutely wonderful)… and then ate dinner after 10pm=) 

They got a hotel for me and so I went back their late Saturday. This was a REAL African hotel. Was a great experience and I have lots of stories about it. Didn't sleep much though=)

I don't have any pics of hotel or many of Sunday services because my phone battery died=( Paul got some pics for me though.

I thought I was going to speak Sunday morning, but last minute found out that I was going to speak Sunday evening. But in the end it all worked out for the good, and was able to hear Brother Jimmy speak in the morning. Had an incredible service in the evening that I geared to the young people. Felt to go in another direction during Sunday afternoon and it was totally out of my control. Brother Jimmy asked me to come back Sunday after next to take a couple more services. I LOVED THE MACHAKOS CHURCH and gladly accepted…. Rest of my Sundays in Africa are booked to speak=)

On the drive back from Machakos we came across a huge accident. A matatu (bus) had crashed with truck and had multiple fatalities. Road accidents are prevalent here and thus traffic jams are too. Not gonna lie, I get a little nervous on the roads here=) As we were going through Nairobi we passed a stadium where a soccer game had just finished. The game had been between two tribes. Paul said it is normal for them to riot after… and thats exactly what we saw. Pretty amazing=)

Came home and the housekeeper, Ann, wanted to hear about the services. I gave her a 15-20 minute sermon=)

Also, I started doing something I love but haven't done for years…. writing=)

I actually started writing a book=) Great way to relax after a long day at the clinic or speaking.

This doesn't scratch the surface… I am excited to see what is going to happen the next few weeks… Seems like the Lord is making each service/day better and better. I STILL EXPECT THE GREAT!

PS: Some Pics below are from Paul

Brother Jimmy is a HUGE blessing to the local believers and has printed books and complied quote books on subjects for many many years. A pleasure to sit and learn from!

View from church.

Pics of the church building they are in progress with. They are just about to put roof on and then they will move in and do finishing touches as they get funds.

 Outdoor market in Machakos... met several believers here... including a chicken butcher. Gave us a chicken for dinner=) Talk about fresh!

Front portion of congregation... Almost 300 believers I would say with the overflow outside.

Yours truly and Brother Jimmy. An honour to be with him.

Bit of a small platform for my pacing back and forth=) Was behind pulpit for max 2 minutes=) Looks like I join Brother Kyle with "bad pulpit manners" =D

I drenched my shirt in sweat... very warm!

One with guitar is Brother Jimmy's son, Elijah. He is almost done his business degree and is gifted musician and song leader. Notice the tie came off right after the service=)

Brother Joshua on left (minister). Paul on the right. Pic was taken while in a traffic jam=) yes, we actually parked, got out, and took pics while waiting=)

Shook the hand of every person in the church. They line up and you just go right down the line=)