Kibera

Today we went to the Tumaini Clinic in the Kibera
slum. Kibera is the largest slum in Africa, with over
1 million people. It was amazing to see what God can
do in the midst of so much poverty. We met a woman
named Ann who was once a prostitute and possessed by
demons. However, after visiting the church held in
the clinic on Sundays, she became a Christian. Now
she runs the nutrition center at the clinic, assisting
mothers to ensure their children are not malnourished.

After lunch, we did some house visits, and we were met
by a chorus of children yelling "How are you!"
everywhere we went. The homes we entered had dirt
floors and tin roofs, yet many of the people we met
were very grateful for all God had done for them. It
was hard to find the proper words as we prayed for
these individuals. Yet, we are confident that God is
at work in the lives of the people of Kibera. Our
prayer is that he would be sufficient for them in the
midst of their poverty, and that he would transform
the culture of poverty so that all would have enough
to eat and proper medical care.

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monday

What a day. We serve an amazing God who uses amazing people. We had the
honor of talking to Jane - the founder of Beacon of Hope - for a few hours
and touring their facilities. I never knew how complex it is to weave -
much less prepare the wool. It is so clear how God has prepared Jane to
launch and lead this ever expanding ministry. We are all in awe of her and
what the Lord has done in the three short years of Beacon's existance.
There are many stories to tell upon our return. There is already a deep and
trusting relationship forming.

We also went with two women - Patricia and Therese - who work at Beacon to
a small slum called Bangledesh to do home visits - checking up on people
who had recently come to the clinic at Beacon. Each of the people we
visited had just found out in the last week that they are HIV positive. We
talked and prayed with them and delivered some food. Each lived in a space
that was about 8'x8'. We saw poverty. But we also saw the face of God -
especially in the faces of those with whom we were working but also in our
brothers and sisters of Bangledesh. We saw hope, faith, and love.

We have been encouraged, humbled, and challenged by the people and the
circumstances. We have been drawn to the Lord in prayer. What a day. We're
excited about what each new day will bring. God is good.

Rich

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We've arrived

After about 24 hours of relatively painless travel we have arrived in Kenya. Last night we settled into our Guest House (currently without electricity thanks to some abnormally heavy rains) and slumbered restfully. Today we headed out to church at Nairobi Chapel, an evangelical church that is literally bursting at the seams. They are taking each of their 5 services and turning them into a church plant around Nairobi. Even in Nairobi we can't seem to get away from Wisconsin. The man who preached is about to return to Milwaukee (he will be working at Elmbrook and his wife will be attending the UW.) He spoke about being surprised by God - surprised by what He does, what He is about, and who he uses. For me (Nate) this was a great way to start the trip - a reminder that one of the best things that can happen during this time is for God to transform and mold the way I see Him and His work. The worship was also fantastic - spirited and authentic.
After church we participated in a Noomi Choomi (spelling???) which is like a pig roast only switch the pig with a goat. The food was great but the sight of one of hosts snacking on goat intestines was a little unsettling. But we are thankful for the opportunity to be able to partake in the Kenyan culture.
Tomorrow we start work at Beacon of Hope. We'll take turns updating the blog so check back each day or so for new info.
Thanks for your prayers!

This Sunday we gathered to pack some items we are planning to bring and leave in Kenya - it's not just clothes in those heavy bags.

We'll have 40 pounds of Bibles to distribute while in Nairobi 

We will be taking medical supplies with us - both to use while there, and to leave behind upon our departure 

We'll have toys (courtesy of McDonald's) that we will be able to give to kids we work with and meet.

Puppy Love

This was sent to us from Sarah. I suppose if this happened in the US, every tv news magazine would do a story on it
From MSNBC