Real Life Team
This past fall 12 students and 6 leaders headed to Kenya for the first Real Life team since Fall 2007.
Training camp was a great jumpstart to the journey as many of our team members grew in the faith and grew as a "new family" with their team. On September 15th we boarded a plane and the adventure began. The first few days were spent sleeping, and acclimating to their surroundings; and then we jumped right in.
The team headed to Webuye for 10 days and partnered with Alpha Christian Ministries. During that time they participated in a youth conference, prison ministry and many other activities.
The team came back to Nairobi and ministry was up and running. Six students were part of the pilot-tutoring program at New Adventures School. The other six were involved with clinic work and a feeding program in Kibera. The team also spent time at a local boys detention center and became involved in the local churches in Kibera.
Those six weeks flew by and before we knew it, the team was heading to nearby Eburru to continue their ministry. VBS and children's programs were a large part of their time spent there.
The team grew spiritually as well as emotionally and mentally. They loved to have fun and throughout the twelve weeks spent much time learning the language and spending time with the local people. Many of them left Kenya with a piece of their heart still there! Our team verse for the trip was Philippians 4:8. God did great things with this team while they were in Kenya!
New Adventure School Update: A note from our principal George Odhiambo
New Adventure School is a community-based project in Kibera, Kenya. The school sponsors orphans and vulnerable children in the slum community through education, nutrition, sports, care and support.
In the 2008 school year our school participated in sports and performed very well. We were even awarded a trophy by the Sports Minister and this really excited the school and the community at large. We also participated in a music festival where our school excelled in four classes and we were rewarded with another trophy.
God has been good to us this past year; we have also obtained some new desks. Our upper grades are now sitting comfortably, which is an achievement. We are still hoping to be able to provide enough desks for our remaining lower grades.
Even more exciting is the recent completion of our new school addition. Our teachers and staff now have a lounge in which to eat lunch and grade papers; and our students have two new classrooms. We are also very happy to have completed the first tutoring program ever at NAS.
End of the year report:
2008 was a wonderful year of ministry for Adventures In Missions. While we are known as a short-term mission agency, we've found that by growing radically committed disciples of Jesus Christ we're bearing more and more long term fruit around the world. We've also found that as we help our participants understand what God is doing in the world and join with Him, they want to do more. We're in a great season of ministry growth. Not only are our core short term ministries expanding, but we are partnering with local believers around the world to see God work His miracles in hopeless places.
Posted in Relief Efforts by Allie Pohlmeier on 4/14/2008
Greetings in the Name of Jesus.
We wanted to give you a quick update about how through your support, we have still been able to send help to Kenya.
What a cool thing to be able to keep sending financial gifts.It seems to be almost a message that we have not forgotten them.
Pastor Steve:
Recently we sent funds over to continue aiding him with his relief work in Eburru.
Monica:
Monica runs a feeding program for the neglected children in Kibera.We were able to send money to her to help purchase food to distribute.
Monica wrote a note of thanks.I have changed some words to make it more understandable.I hope you are as much encouraged by her words that we were.
"I am very sorry for delaying to write.The word of GOD made me busy.I was instructed by the Lord to go for prayers and fasting at Ngong Forest,.I couldn't deny it and had to do as the Lord said.
After coming out of prayers I had a lady's convention in my center for three days.Five ladies gave their lives to Jesus Christ and they were born again.I was very much happy to see the power of the Lord working and touching peoples lives.
There was a lady whose son is in my program, she had never believed that Jesus saves, heals, and fills us with His Holy Spirit.She has been suffering with asthma for almost 6 years.
Her son while at the feeding program asked us to visit his mom.We went and the Lord healed her.She gave her life to Jesus and has become a church member.
All this happened because of the feeding program.Your donations have given the Lord a path to penetrate and touch people of Kibera.The program was started because of the adventures team."
Hannah:
Hannah is part of a feeding and counseling program for the orphans and vulnerable children of Kibera.This year due to the political skirmishes, the number of children who have joined this school has increased daily.
This is a note of thank you.. "I have no words to thank you on behalf of our Christian education committee.I am surprised at how God makes people meet for His own glory. The children moved us to tears when they sang the national anthem and very sad songs about their experiences. M ay GOD BLESS you for touching the poor children with your compassion and generous contribution. Continue praying with us that our beautiful country may resume peace, things seems to be moving positively, I believe the good work that God has started in Kenya He will surely complete it."
"Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord." - Acts 11:22-23
The purpose of these testimonies is to encourage you in your faith and to exhort you to continue spreading the Word of the Lord throughout all nations; "that [His] way may be known on earth, [His] salvation among all nations." (Psalm 67:2)
Posted in Relief Efforts by Allie Pohlmeier on 3/17/2008
Today we received a bushel of thank you notes from pastors in Kenya thanking us for the food vouchers we were able to send because of many of you who have supported the Kenya Relief Fund.I wanted to give a few tid-bits from some of the letters.
"Warm greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.The pastors and the Calvary Langata Church members wish to take this opportunity to thank you for remembering us during these difficult times in Kenya after the election.It has rendered people homeless, no food, and many things have become nightmares, people are hopeless and life has become unpredictable not knowing what will happen next, many people have become refugees in their homeland.The church is facing a great challenge of how to take care of hungry members, physically and spiritually.Thank you for the food vouchers you sent…..Continue to pray for Kenya for the restoration of peace and calm among Kenya communities.Let us join together in prayer and fight this battle with prayer and God will give us victory."
This is from Pastor Sheth…"Many thanks to Adventures in Missions for the generous donation to the churches in Kibera at this time of serious trials and scarcity.Those who received the food vouchers in our church really appreciated and are happy that their fellows remembered them during this tough period…Pray that our country would emerge stronger and united….A mighty bless you…"
This from Pastor Humphrey, "As a church we would like to pass our thanksgiving to our dear friend and brothers who showed their deep concern and care by donating their funds that were used to buy food for relief for people who have been affected in post election crisis, as a church this assistance came in the right time when we needed it most. For sure many people were assisted by this aid.As dear friends we ask you to continue praying for us as a church as a nation at large.Surely we are grateful beyond measure and indeed may God bless you more abundantly for such a loving and generous heart.Thank you."
This from Reverend Michael, "Receive Kenya's greetings…Thank you for your sincere prayers and support that you have sent to us as a church at Calvary Evangelistic Fellowship Olympic.The members were very happy for the vouchers you gave them.Most of them had lost their properties in the post-election violence.Their homes and small business were burned down and they remained helpless with nothing to do.They thanked God for remembering them….Please continue praying for us that the Lord may bring peace in our country."
Thank you all for making this possible.How cool is it that we are not alone.Every one of them talked about us remembering them.There is such beauty in the body of Christ.
Because of the Kenya Relief Fund, we were able to send food vouchers for all the children at New Adventure School. Pastor George, who leads the school, sent this email...
Dear Friends,
The management, parents, teachers, pupils and the community at large take this precious opportunity to send a word of Hallo.We hope that you will read this message and be blessed by the power of God.
Second the school want to thank you for the donation we got. The children of New Adventure are happy to receive food gift vouchers from you and now they have something to eat as they go to school, most of them are praying for you and your work. We hope God will always bless it, so that you will keep on in the same spirit.
I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who has given and prayed for those in Kenya. God is continuing to provide for his people even in the midst of the troubles in Kenya. I was sent this picture and a report from Pastor Steve in Eburru thanking everyone for all the help. They were able to feed and care for a large number of displaced individuals through the funds we were able to send to them. On behalf of our friends in Kenya, "Thank you and God bless!"
Although things are calming down, there are still hundreds of thousands of people without jobs, homes, food or hope. We will continue to send funds as we receive them for at least the rest of this month. If God is leading you to give you can use this link:
Posted in Relief Efforts by Allie Pohlmeier on 2/29/2008
Thursday was a monumental day on the journey to end the violence that has plagued Kenya since December's announcement of Kibaki as the president.On Thursday an agreement was made between Kibaki and Odinga.
THE AGREEMENT
"Under the agreement, Odinga will become prime minister and have the power to "coordinate and supervise" the government -- more authority than Kibaki wanted to yield.
Odingasaid: "We on our side are completely committed in ensuring that this agreement will succeed. The ball has moved partially from the hands of the negotiators and ourselves to the court of parliament."
Kibaki said that his government "will fully support implementation of the agreement reached under the national dialogue and reconciliation process until we achieve the results we all want."
CNN reported that "The agreement calls for an act of parliament within two weeks that would change the country's constitution, creating the position of prime minister to "coordinate and supervise" the government and its ministries. Odinga will assume that position.The National Accord and Reconciliation Act 2008 establishes that the president, vice president, prime minister and other ministers will form the government's cabinet -- with the addition of two deputy prime ministers who will be appointed by the president.The act also stipulates that ministers cannot be fired without written permission from their party."
HEALING AND RESTORATION
Now is the time where healing begins.I was reading of several accounts where Kenyan's were screaming with joy, "Happy New Year!"Since their celebrations of the new year never surfaced, instead they got violence and bloodshed.This signing of the agreement brings so much hope.I have read many accounts of some Kenyans saying they just want to move forward and forgive.Other don't know how they can forgive their neighbors who killed one of their loved ones.All would agree that they are tired of the violence.The displaced want to go home.CNN reported, "despite the trauma of the past and the fear for the future, and while it may be true that it will take generations for these people to forget, everyone I meet is full of hope -- for peace, for a better life."
OUR LATEST RESPONSE VIA THE RELIEF FUND
- One ministry that many of the AIM staff have been involved with is helping teach at a Pastor's Training School that Pastor Timothy runs.We sent the Pastor's Training School money to be distributed to each of the pastors.
- Food vouchers were purchased for a woman's bible study that AIM has been involved with in the past
- We also gave food vouchers to every single student at New Adventures School, the school AIM funds and helps run.
Our relief fund is running low and we want to keep helping and being involved in the aftermath of the elections.If you are interested in giving please check out http://www.adventures.org/opps/kenya2008.asp.You can even pass this link on to friends and invite them to participate in the restoration efforts.
Posted in Relief Efforts by Allie Pohlmeier on 2/22/2008
This update serves two purposes:
1.News on Kenya
2. News from Eburru
1.Kenya:
CNN reported today, "Kenya's opposition party says it will embark on a "mass civil disobedience campaign next week" if its demands aren't met in the intensive negotiations aimed at defusing the political crisis in the tense East African nation.The lawmakers are calling for the prime minister's job and proportional sharing of powers in any new government. If the demands aren't met, the movement pledges to start its civil disobedience by Wednesday and will employ such tactics as work slowdowns to apply pressure in the talks."
Both sides have agreed to talks…now it is a matter of waiting until Monday to found out the outcome and if the rest of Kenya will comply.
CNN continued…"If there is any community in Kenya unwilling to co-exist with other Kenyans in a manner that reflects the popular will of Kenyans; then that community is at liberty to exercise the principle of self-determination as is well-enunciated in the U.N. Charter and other international legal instruments..."
Kenya this week has been relatively calm this week.There were a few killings…though deep down I wish I could say there was peace. I can't imagine what it is like to live in the tension our friends in Kenya are feeling.
Quick Allie thought….
I have been learning much about hope this last week.And I realized I can't put my hope in the negotiators in Kenya or that Odinga or Kibaki will choose reconciliation.But, we can hope in Jesus.And we can hope that He will enable reconciliation.That is what He is all about, isn't it!I often misplace hope.
2.Eburru:
I spoke with Pastor Steve this morning.Many of you have been praying for Jeff, the elder from the Eburru church that has been missing.JEFF HAS BEEN FOUND!Jeff was found in Nairobi.Pastor Steve said he was a little unclear of the details.Pastor Steve explained that Jeff is not talking about it.Jeff seems coherent in all other areas of his life, his just silent about his last few weeks.The good new is…Jeff is home and safe.Pray for his healing and the restoration of his family.
Right now there are 172 displaced people living in Eburru.It seems to Pastor Steve that the numbers keep increasing.Every Tuesday the church in Eburru distributes rice, sugar and other needed supplies.They are also offering counseling to the displaced.
Pastor Steve asked that we pray for him.
First, that we pray for the Morgan House.This is land and house that he recently purchased with the help of many.There seems to be some controversy over the land.As there seems to be much controversy over land in Kenya in general right now.
Second, He wanted us to praise the Lord together.The church has steadily grown this last month.Amen!There was a transformer put in Eburru close to the dispensary (hospital) that they built.(Now we need to pray in the wires and all other needed supplies).The government has installed pipes for water.How cool is that?!?
Pastor Steve said, "God is good and he is so thankful.The devil always tries to discourage us, but we will prevail and continue to hope for the best."
As I sit at home this evening I feel almost guilty for having a normal day when my friends in Kenya are hoping that they will make it through another long night. We have been trying to keep up with people to let them know we are praying for them and to know how to help the most with the funds that have been donated to help those in need. It has been both encouraging and very hard. It has amazed me what an encouragement it has been for our friends in Kenya to receive a phone call and to be prayed with from half way around the world. But on the other hand it is so hard to see my friends who are normally positive and trusting take on a hopeless or at least melancholy demeanor.
After two calls today I had to call it quits. It was getting late in the evening in Kenya and I didn't know if I had another call in me anyhow. I was able to get reports on what had been accomplished with some of the funds we had sent over and that was very encouraging. Yet there are so many more needs it seems like we were running a race we couldn't win. I had to remind myself often of the phrase, "You help the ones you can."
Let me share with you some from my conversation with Pastor Steve. He is a Kikuyu who lives in Kijabe and pastors a couple of churches in the Rift Valley. I have known him for years and I have never seen him as somber as I did today. Here are just a few comments from our conversation:
"This isn't the Kenya you knew!"
"You feel like you could die any day"
"We are living a day at a time wondering if morning will come"
"IT'S WAR SCOTT! It was war here."
When commenting on the fact that there are over 300,000 displaced people in the Rift Valley Steve said:
"You can't help everyone."
"Now I am ok."
"Today we are hopeful."
I left the conversation broken and yet encouraged because for some reason his spirit had picked up from a simple phone call from a friend who loved and cared from him half way around the world. I told him we are praying! Will you join me?
I want to share with you some of what Pastor Steve is doing to help those in need. They have formed a pastors committee in the area he works that is hardest hit. There are at least 2,000 refugees in that area and more are coming every day. Many of the families in the area have taken in others and they are camping in their yards and staying in their small homes. They are trying to feed and clothe those they can. To help with medicine and any other needs that might arise. But it is overwhelming. We are doing what we can to help pastors like Steve. We pray and we send as much money as we can to help.
I want to close with another story about Pastor Steve. He wouldn't tell you this unless you specifically asked but some of his family is in the hardest hit areas. One of his brothers and his family is living with them because they have lost everything. Three others from Eldoret are camping in a squatters camp because it isn't safe to be at their homes. They won't know until they can return if anything is left for them to return to.
With all of that the hardest story for me to hear today was Samuel's story. He lives in Nakuru and is like a father to Steve. I have met him and benefited from his hospitality and kind spirit but today his hope is gone. Samuel is, or should I say was a rich man. He lived in a beautiful house with his family and had done very well for himself. Yet in the midst of the chaos his house was burnt and he lost everything. There is no insurance, no large bank account, most of what he had was in his house and now it is all gone. He has lost all hope. Steve said he wasn't in his right mind. I asked if there was anything we could do to help and his response was, "what can you give him, you can't replace it all." I thought about it and he is right, all his worldly possessions are gone. I don't have the resources to replace it. So tonight I sit in my house and pray to God that my security isn't tied up in what I own. I pray that God will bring me hope and I ask God to show me how to live my life content in Him and not in what I own. And I pray for Samuel that God would restore his hope. Not in what he owns but in the Lord. It is a tall order for one who has lost so much, I can't give him hope but God can.
If you wonder what you can do, pray! If you feel led to give toward the relief effort that is definitely needed and appreciated but your prayers, well, those are the only thing that can really turn things around. The money we send can help a few but only God can restore hope.
Thank you for interceding for our friends in Kenya,
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