Victory

This mission trip is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.  Often with great challenges come great revelations.  And, I’ve certainly had my fair share of those.  One of the first amazing feats was when Joel and I decided to embark on this mission we were greeted with so much support.  It was overwhelming, and humbling. Receiving monetary and prayerful support from so many people makes you think, “who am I to receive such a blessing?” I realized through this that if Immanuel wants to support something they will!  We are all stronger together than apart. 

Jen & Tabitha at the Mohaya moringa growers group meeting.

Joel and I also had so much support from members of Timothy Lutheran in Missouri,  members from Good Shepherd in New Fairfield, family, and friends.  It’s pretty difficult to pay bills, water plants, and keep cars running from Kenya, so I really appreciate my Mom and Dad for helping with that.  I have a dear friend who is watching over the parsonage while we are gone as well.  There are so many working parts to a mission trip.  And, we thank you all for making this work!

I don’t have to worry about my home in Connecticut because our family is taking care of it.  I don’t have to worry about finding funds for food, electric, and water- our church family already took care of that.  I have friends reaching out to me and sustaining my need of being a social creature (which is way more important than I would have ever guessed). Because of you, I can focus on the task at hand. 

Capstone staff member Fred & Joel. 

And, the task is going well!  Dan and Patty are touring together successfully in the United States, and Capstone Ministries continues to reach out to street children every week here in Kisumu. 

I can’t stress enough how important your prayers are to us.  I’ve had the privilege of meeting missionaries from around the world here, and we all agree that spiritual warfare is heavy in Africa.  Satan is an opportunist, and you are a prime target as a missionary because there are many more ways that he can attack. Fear of the unknown, exhaustion from unfamiliar surroundings, and the frustration of being out of your home leaves a wide open door for attack on our mental and physical strength.  God continues to carry me through all of these hurdles, and knowing your prayers are with us fuels my spirit.  The Lord has shown Joel and me great victory here over fear, exhaustion, and frustration.  I want the Lord’s  victory to be a celebration for you too because it is through you that He has accomplished this. 

“God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.”

Psalm 46: 1-3

What would you say to them?

This week I had the opportunity to share a Bible study with one of the two HIV women's support groups that raises moringa for Capstone. What a blessing to be able to share God's Word and encourage these hard working ladies. On second thought though- what would I say to them? What would you say to encourage them?

I kept coming back to something inspiring that I have seen in these women. We have been visiting these HIV women's groups almost every week since we arrived here in August and every time I see the same thing. These women exude true Christian joy! They always have a smile on their faces. When you hear about their circumstances and their obstacles in life though, you wonder how they manage to put a smile on at all. One lady this week walked 10 km (6.2 miles) on a dusty gravel road during the hottest part of the day with a heavy sack of morninga slouched over her shoulder and her first response when she arrived after two hours was, “Praise God, I can't wait to hear your message today pastor!” But then again, I am not talking about happiness. I am talking about Christian joy. Happiness is something that is based on our circumstances. We are happy when life is good and we are sad or even angry when life is difficult. But, Christian joy is something completely different. It is something that nothing can take away. It is not based on our circumstances. True Christian joy comes from knowing Jesus and what He has done for us through the Cross.

That is why my Bible study for these women was about encouragement from the Apostle Paul. He is known as the greatest missionary ever! He planted churches all around the known world by walking thousands of miles. You would think that by being God's servant that nothing EVER went wrong and he ALWAYS had a good day. Not true- when we read 2 Corinthians 11:23-30. Here Paul doesn't just share with us his bad day, but a series of unfortunate events throughout his walk as a Christian. He writes:

“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak...If I must BOAST, I will BOAST of the things that show my weakness.”
What? Paul is boasting about his hardships!? He is proud to have suffered difficult times? He isn't angry with God? What is going on? You have to read the rest of the story in the book of Philippians. This is the book that Paul wrote during his time in prison. In this small four chapter book, Paul mentions JOY more than any other book of the Bible. He is in the middle of his worst hardship and all he can write about is “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” How? Well, Paul explains it a couple verses later when he states, “I can do ALL things through HIM who gives me strength.” With Jesus we have a hope and a future, despite the circumstances we are facing right now. Even when things are as bad as they can get, Jesus has won for us eternal life. Jesus has done it, so it is not left up to wonder or speculation. Our destiny IS secure. The message of Christianity is about HOPE in the midst of DESPAIR. It's a paradox for the paradox of the human condition. When all hope is lost, we don't give in to despair because the same Jesus entered the despair of this world by being crucified, died and buried. Yet, when all hope was lost He did something that has never been done before or since in the history of the world- He rose again to life. He broke the stronghold of despair with the triumph of hope. When all hope seems lost, we put our trust in Jesus who has never failed us. This is what Christian joy is all about.

Today, these women came from far and wide, with numerous circumstances against them, but they all had one thing in common- a smile revealing their joy. They have taught me an invaluable lesson of faith in these few months. God's Word calls all of us to continue to fight the good fight of faith, despite our circumstances. When we are having a bad day or a bad week, we can always find joy in knowing that we are children of God.

Do you see what God sees?

The Bible doesn't tell us as Christians not to judge, but to judge rightly and in a way that is different than the world. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “for the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” It is no wonder that we often judge wrongly then because we are drawn to look upon the wrong qualities in people.
So what does this have to do with street children? The perception of street children is often negative. People believe that they are lazy or even useless. No body wants them hanging around their place of business because the perception is that they are only thieves and beggars. When you think of a street child's future, you often picture them soon ending up in jail or even worse. Yet, Capstone is different. Capstone does not judge street children like other men, looking at the outward appearance. No, Capstone ministers to the heart of a child and knows that God has the power to change their direction and future.
The work here at Capstone reminds me often of the story of how David became king in the Bible (1 Samuel 16). God told the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king because Saul, the previous king, had become corrupt with power and greed. Interesting how absolute power corrupts absolutely! God revealed to Samuel that the new king would come from the family of Jesse in "little" town of Bethlehem. The only stipulation that God gave to Samuel is that He, God Himself would indicate which son Samuel would choose to be the next king. Why? Isn't the prophet Samuel, who is a man of God and faithful religious leader, already qualified to know God's will! Yet, we see that when Samuel arrives, there are many sons of Jesse and Samuel even remarks “surely the Lord's anointed stands here!” But we know that he wasn't there. Samuel goes on to describe the boys as being tall, handsome, intelligent and strong- all the things we look for in a good leader, right! Yet, God reveals once again to Samuel that none of the boys standing before him are to be chosen. What! Samuel is confused. What is God doing? Finally, Jesse discloses that his youngest son is out in the fields tending to the flock. He is sent for and as soon as David arrives, the Bible describes him as being very young and in no uncertain terms, a pretty boy! Oh, and if that isn't enough he is a shepherd as well. Shepherds are the lowest in society. They are on the same level as the poor and no one expects great things from them. But as soon as he arrives, God reveals to Samuel, “He is the one!” Yes indeed! David would become the greatest and most faithful of all the kings of Israel. Yet, not without his faults like all of us. Thank God we are saved by God's Grace! Good thing God was with Samuel that day to judge the heart of David, instead of his outward appearance.
How is this similar to the work of Capstone. Capstone is changing the destiny of a nation, by changing the hearts of street children and their ultimate future. If we only looked at a street child's outward appearance, we would deem him unworthy. Thank God that Capstone has been called by God to look at the heart. Who knows who these street children will become one day- a pastor, a teacher, a doctor, a faithful and generous Christian businessman! How different this is to how we normally think. What about even becoming president one day? We think of a president coming from a good pedigree, so to speak. He must have been educated in the finest ivy league schools and universities. He must have had all the “advantages” that others have lacked. He must be tall, strong and handsome. Yet, who knows- one of these street boys might have the chance to prove everyone wrong and God right one day!
Who do you know in your life that doesn't look like they will make something of themselves by their outward appearance? What does God see in them? How can you be a part of touching their lives through the power of God? You never know how God will use you in the life of an individual. Judge not like the world, but judge as God judges by looking at the heart! ~Joel

One Saturday at Westgate Mall

A main street in Kisumu where Joel and I frequently travel

On September 21st, the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya was attacked by the Al Shabaab terrorist group.  Watching the news unfold I had this depressed, distressed, and disgusted feeling, but I've had this feeling before.  We all had it on September 11, 2001 when our hearts sank with the Twin Towers in New York.  Again, I had this feeling on December 16, 2012 for Newtown, CT.  Again, April 15, 2013 with Boston, MA.  I had it again, when I was in Uganda in 2010,  when Al Shabaab attacked a night club with bombs killing at least 74 people. I was in that very town the week before this attack.
The news from an array of sources, and the briefings from the Kenyan government have conflicting stories about the resolve of the Westgate attack.  Some say terrorists were caught, others say that they escaped by changing their clothes and running out with the victims. Am I scared that the terrorists might still be out there? Terrorism is everywhere.  Evil persists through the workings of Satan and demonized men.  How else do you explain horrific events that you or I cannot even think up? 
This terrorism will not stop Joel and me from performing our duties here at Capstone, building up God's kingdom, and recognizing that God is in control of all things. All of this has made me a stronger Christian. It's made me think about how God is in everything.  Thinking about this event makes me trust him more through understanding that we will never know why some things happen, but we do know that God is God and He reigns. He will keep His promise no matter what happens.  The theme of Psalm 91 is "God's protection in the midst of danger.  God doesn't promise a world free from danger, but He does promise His help whenever we face danger." (Life Application Study Bible) And, Psalm 91 states"

This is what the guards look like on the street

"If you make the Most High your dwelling-

even the Lord, who is my refuge-

then no harm will befall you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."

Kisumu does look a little different since the recent events. When we go to the grocery store now our car is checked for bombs upon entry. Security has been tightened in town along the main street with several guards in military attire and guns at their side. I do appreciate this as our senses have been heightened. 
Pastor Isaiah, Associate Pastor at the ELCK church we attend here, and Capstone staff member wrote the poem below about the attack.  This poem captures that way we all feel during this time, and how we will continue to glorify God through all this.

One Saturday at Westgate Mall

By Isaish Apiyo

Dew dripping form the leaves

Along the streets of Nairobi, trees singing in rows

Children playing in rows, cooking for fun and fame

People sipping and shopping in circles

Beware! Men in full combat gear here

Soldiers not aware of their waywardness

The center cannot hold

One Saturday at Westgate Mall

Boom! Crack! Bang!

Sound of gunshots

Helter skelter people run, tables turn upside down

The hunted huts in a day

Heartless, ruthless, faithless

Heat in the heart of the city

Hurting our hearts

One Saturday at Westgate Mall

Happy Saturday - now turned dark

Like a bird in the snare

Hearts bleeding, little hearts crying

Where is Daddy?

Help me Mummy?

Bullets pulled us apart

No tale, color, nor tribe

One Saturday at Westgate Mall

Who are you terrorists?

What do you believe?

Smiling in death; stealing destinies

Like Hitler, you crush our hearts

Even the Kidneys for the King

Helpless bodies lie on the floor

In the heart of our city

One Saturday at Westgate Mall

In God we trust, "Jesus will save us all"

One Kenya indivisible

Together we stand, bravo my brothers and sisters

Names called for the roll

At the trumpet call

Never say die soldiers declare

You terrorists! We picked up the pieces

One Saturday at Westgate Mall