I just arrived home after dropping off four friends at the airport. They are traveling to Nairobi Kenya for the next 12 days.
Tim (our lead pastor), Carrie (housemate #1), Ryan (housemate #2), and Ric (videographer friend).
This is a scouting trip primarily to find out what the needs are with our partner church in Kenya. This smaller team will be going to speak on our behalf and help to form a relationship with the Kenyan people we are working with. So far, we as a church have sponsored over 130 kids to help them eat, learn, and be sheltered. We have also paid for a well to be installed to bring clean drinking water to thousands in the area. Our little church in the west side of Cincinnati OH raised money last year to increase the teacher’s salaries and meet some practical needs by paying for toilets to be installed for students and staff to share.
I’m slightly jealous that I don’t get to go on this trip, but there will be other chances in the future. Our God is a God of Justice and I believe once we understand that, we will no longer be okay with the things that aren’t okay. Hopefully, our scouting team will bring back stories and information that will help us to lean a little closer to God’s heart for these beautiful people.
Another thing that’s been pressing on me lately is just how relentless God is. He wants us and He will stop at nothing to reach us. So often our arms are jammed so tightly into our sides that we won’t let Him embrace us, but He doesn’t quit. He doesn’t give up on us. Ever.
That was evident with Heather’s story as she shared it with our body last weekend. Click the image to hear it if you’re interested:
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I love Nairobi! My husband and I were there last year, on our way to Kitale, Kenya for him to teach at a seminary. It was a great experience.
I believe we are heading to Rwanda this summer….
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Our dear friends work with an organization out of Chicago called I-Teams…Our friend works directly with churches here, pairing them up with communities there, (wherever “there” may be…mostly Africa) to build relationships just like you have with your partner church in Kenya. My husband and I also hope to someday travel abroad…
Heather…WOW…thank you so much for sharing her testimony here with us…praying for all who have learned through her of the Hope we have in Jesus.
Blessings!
Kim
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Wow. Just wow.
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I’m a new reader…found you thru PW.
I wanted to suggest a friend of mine who has lived in Kenya for years and would be terrific resource for you. She’s an educator…a teacher of teachers. She knows and loves the culture and Kenyan people. Take advantage of this wonderful person!
marlaks52@yahoo.com.
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What an amazing story of hope!
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I just wanted to thank you for posting Heather’s story on your website. I have not been where she has been but have struggled with my own issues in the past. Thankfully I HAD Christ throughout everything and I feel that I have come out of it fairly well. I cannot imagine the pain she endured but her story is so encouraging and heart wrenching. There IS a peace to be found and I hope that other people will take the time to listen to her story. It’s amazing.
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Wow what an incredible story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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Heather’s story was incredible. God’s grade is amazing. My God continue to bless Heather.
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Next time we’ll go to Kenya. This year is the year that I go to Africa! Heathers story is amazing. When I hard it Saturday I kept thinking, oh but certainly her life couldn’t get any worse, but it did. But then God came into the picture, awesome.
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Praise God - He is AWESOME!
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Wow. Wonderful. Amazing.
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Wow! I am so jealous, I would have love to go to Kenya too! Heather’s story rocks! She is a great example on how God does not give up on anyone and chases us non stop! Loved your story of hope Heather and thanks for sharing it with us!
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Thanks for sharing!
Would love to share Heather’s story at some point on our podcast — as well as yours!
(somethingbeautifulpodcast.com)
I sent ya a @reply via Twitter so let me know if you’re interested.
Thanks and keep up the great work!
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Thank you for such an incredible testament of Christ’s love for us. Heather’s testimony is a solid and powerful reminder of how far the Grace of God extends and that no matter what we have come from, or what roads we have traveled, by our own choosing, or as victims, we can rise above and soar like eagles with our risen savior. We can walk with our heads up, as counted members of his family, and know that to HIM we matter. Always. In all circumstances. Praise the Lord and may God continue to bless you in your ministry.
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Man, I bet that guy on the right in the red has an incredible nephew.
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ok. you could at least warn us of needing an entire box of kleenex after listening to that testimony! WOW what an amazing gift she shared!
Thanks for passing it along!
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Ryan- I can’t get over Heather’s story. God is good and his mercy endures forever. I hope she knows that many people who heard her testimony are going to be praying for her for the rest of their lives. What a neat blessing. What heart she has… Amazing.
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Cool. And as I saw from someone else earlier:
“WOW”.
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I stumbled across your site and occasionally stop by, I always enjoy reading your posts. I am a christian missionary from the States that lives in South Africa… going on 7 years now, time flies. I enjoyed reading about the link your church has with Kenya. Just wanted to give a small comment on the pictures. Africa does have a lot of poverty but I would encourage you to also show pictures of the true overwhelming reality of Africa… a continent of smart, talented and vibrant people who tackle there lives and problems with tenacity. Hope this makes sense what I am trying to communicate. If not feel free to let me know. I do enjoy your blog, keep up the good work.
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AFter listening to Heather’s story here in the City of Angels, I know God was telling me to look to Him. When we see someone look to the Lord in that way, it truly brings our attention to Him. Thanks for sharing.
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