Kenya Mini-Report

My husband tells us he had a fantastic trip to Kenya. Here are just a few highlights:

They did some strategic training with Christian leaders based on an oral rather than literary model. Hand motions help these leaders remember and teach essentials such as prayer, baptism, and loving one another.

Some of my readers may remember stories and photos from summer 2008 about a teacher who started a remote school under a tree, where 91 students showed up. "Shadrack" held a free school Monday through Friday and then invited anyone interested to return on Sunday for church. Today he has a government-supplied co-teacher, freeing up Shadrack to teach only part-time and work part-time as a pastor. A church has been planted!

Gary also took money to purchase supplies to build more houses for displaced families. A group of local pastors helped him unload the supplies in the dark--a long, hard day. These local leaders determine who gets the supplies. Past recipients have included other pastors, church members, and nonChristians--whoever is in greatest need.

On their way up the mountain last year, Gary noticed kids playing soccer with a bunch of plastic bags tied with a rope. So this time on the way up (in the dark), they dropped off a leather soccer ball and a pump. The kids were thrilled. One of the nationals suggested that Gary lead a prayer of dedication, which he did, and then off the kids went--kicking the ball with their bare feet.