A Few Weeks to Go

Blessings to you all. I pray that you are celebrating Christ during this season.

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!! For a great prayer send-off at Willow on the 2nd. I was so blessed by your love and prayers. It was a great time to see friends. I will always know that your prayers surround me.

I am praising God for Joy who will travel to Kenya with me. She will be staying for 2 weeks. Pray for us as we pack and plan. The weather needs to stay clear on the 1st for departure.

Thanks for your prayers for my recent speaking events at Willow and in Seattle. Pray for my final speaking event on 2007 on Dec 12th in Wisc.

Merry Christmas to all,
Esther

This Week's Adventures

Greetings wonderful people. I pray that you are well. Things are coming along and time is speeding by. I have gotten my stuff down to four bags, I need to reduce it to three, almost there. Also I am praying to sell my car before I leave if God opens that door. $10K for a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe v6.

The process of saying good-bye to life in the USA is in full swing. My Bible study group surrounded me in prayer for my trip last Tuesday. Thank you so much it was a tremendous blessings.

This week and beyond:

Wednesday 11/28 5:30pm at Willow Creek I will be leading the Prayer Life class.

Sunday 12/2 at 12:30 room 206 will be the time that Willow's Global Connections ministry will have a commissioning prayer for me. Light refreshments will be served and I will talk about PathFinders and what I will be doing in Africa. Please Join us.

Monday 12/3-6 I will leave for Seattle, WA. PathFinders is conducting a Church Centered Mission Forum and I will be leading two of the workshops.

Wednesday 12/12 I will be speaking at Cedar Spring Women's Christmas Dinner. This is a great group of ladies who will use this event to support Straatwerk, an outreach to prostitutes and their children in South Africa.

Well, as you see I will be a little tied up for awhile. I would appreciate your prayers.
I pray that you have a blessed Christmas. Celebrate Jesus.

Another Season of Adventure with PathFinders International

For twelve years I have been serving with PathFinders International. Most of my work has involved living in the states and traveling to other countries around the world. Now God is opening another season of ministry for me in PathFinders.

“Leave your country, family and go to a land I will show you.” Gen 12:1

I have entered a voyage that will involve moving and basing myself in Africa for a season. I will be traveling to several countries throughout Africa. As the year unfolds, I am praying that God will reveal more of His plans. I do have the first twelve months of general information.

First, as I travel around I am praying to meet and learn from African leaders with a passion for global mission. PFI is planning a global mission forum in Sept. 2008. I am looking to invite a few of these leaders to Southeast Asia for this round table event. Second, I will be involved with leadership training in East Africa, including Uganda, Kenya and Egypt. Last but not least, I am praying to discern God’s direction in connecting with ministry partnerships and training church leaders in Church Centered Mission throughout Africa.

“Now go, and do as I have told you…I will tell you what to say.” Exodus 4:12

My control side would love more details, but God is teaching me trust. He has spoken to my heart to be flexible for the next two years. Like others in the Bible, God gives us what we need to step out in faith and not a whole lot more. The words to a song my grandmother loved states, “If Jesus goes with me I’ll go, anywhere…” I pray that my life lives out the words of this song. Keep praying this trip will require a lot of discernment and wisdom. I am thanking God that He has given me an Aaron for the first part of the trip. Joy, a friend from my church will come with me the first two weeks.

For 3 months, Oct. to Dec. 2007, I am learning to live out of a suitcase. I have already moved from my apartment and have given away most of my things. It is a spiritual and physical challenge to condense your stuff down to three suitcases or less. Thanks to my family and friends for letting me practice “portable living” stateside. This is a gracious way to learn to die to self.

I am finishing the final details to be ready to leave on Jan 1, 2008. One of those items is to get this letter out, letting you know about this step in ministry. Another is finding a garage space in the Palatine area where I can keep my car for ten months. Over the next several weeks I will be doing a lot to prepare my heart, mind, body and spirit for what lies ahead. I am excited, overwhelmed and nervous all at the same time. This is a deeper level of learning to trust God’s leading and direction.

During this adventure, I need your ongoing prayers and your faithful financial support. I am praying that many of you will continue to stand with me in this next season of ministry. I am very grateful for the life giving support and encouragement that I have received. I will need others to take a step of faith and partner with me. I have an immediate need to cover airfare and insurance expenses. Please place my name in your 2008 calendar several times as a reminder to pray for me. If God impresses you to give financially, I would be very appreciative.

Next month I will EMAIL a prayer calendar so you can join me as I travel around Africa. If you would like to receive an email during my journey please send me your email addresses. Let me know if you do not have email. If you have not received this letter in your email box, it’s because I do not have an email for you.

I pray that I can count on your support for this new season of ministry. I am looking forward to serving with many of you as we journey together to serve the Church on her mission for the kingdom of Christ.

Thank you so much for standing with me in ministry.

Tentative Prayer send-off:

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Blogspot page: Hadassahscall.blogspot.com email ehjoy@hotmail.com

Esther c/o PathFinders International 60-B W. Terra Cotta Dr #205 Crystal Lake, IL 60014

I am moving...

Yes, by Oct. 1st I will be leaving my home of 8 1/2 years. This will start my 12 month journey of living out of a suitcase. My email is the best way to stay connected or you can ask me for my cell. I will be in the states until Jan. 1st.

Lights, Camera, ACTION!!!

Well, I did it. I was on the ASK GOD show with TLN. This is a cable network. I do not know when the show will air. I will get a copy of the DVD. It was very exciting and nerve recking at the same time. What an experience. I sat with Tamara, Jahn, and Judson to answer questions about "Why is there pain and suffering in the world?" It was a good conversation and of course we only scratched the surface. I do not think I said something totally dumb. I may have said one or two good things. It will be interesting to see the final production. Thanks for your prayers. I am scheduled to do it again in September.

Ask God

Hello Everyone,
Another entry in the life and times of Esther. This coming August 30th and Sept 20th I will participate in a television program called "Ask God." This is a program that has a man on the street format. People ask questions that they would ask God. There are several panels of everyday and professional Christians that will give their best shot at an answer. I have done one taping and really enjoyed the experience. Well they have asked for me to join in on another taping. How exciting is that. So pray for me and the group.

Now here is what I am asking God....
After this past trip to Kenya, it has been heavy on my heart to make a move. YES, A MAJOR MOVE TO KENYA!!!! I am not sure who reads this, but you will be one of the first to know. Over the next several weeks I am packing up and moving out. I am praying to unpack in Nairobi, but travel to South, West and East Africa for at least 6-8 months. Lord's will, I will leave this Jan and stay until the summer of 08'. This will take a lot of planning and prayer. If anyone needs bookshelves, books and kitchen ware let me know.

Please pray for:
Direction, wisdom, courage and God's timing.
Place to stay in Nairobi.
Ministry connections in West and South Africa.
Health care issues for me in Nairobi.
Funds to relocate and for ministry and living expenses.
Process of releasing and saying goodbye for now.
A listening ear for what God is doing next.

Well, that is a lot for now. Blessings and grace to you all. Esther

Trip in Review

Greetings to everyone. Sorry for the extreme delay in updating the final part of the trip. Adjusting to home included a week of training and preparing for the upcoming Leadership Summit at my church. It was a great way to get back into things at home. Thanks for your patience.

July 1-6th

Praise God, I spent the week with PACE ministries in Nyahururu, Kenya. I had an opportunity to meet a team from Philly. We conducted chapel for several groups throughout the week. I had a chance to interact with the Bible students and pastors that I had taught before. It was a blessing to hear that they had started to discover the DNA of their church. They were asking their members what is God doing in their church that He wanted them to share with the world. This was from the Church Centered Mission teaching in Jan. Thank so much for sending me out to build into the Church.

Our 4th of July celebration. We had a party, 9 Americans, fireworks, bar-b-que and we sang our national anthem. One thing we forgot, to tell the police about the fireworks. Our house was in between two city officials. So fireworks sounds like gun fire and it brought out the cops in full force. After hearing that we were celebrating our nation's birthday we were forgiven, but AK-47 are scary. Everyone doesn't celebrate the 4th. :).

July 6th to 13th

Green Bay team: This was a fast week of ministry and very full. We started out with International Teams and refugee children. It was great fun when our team had to learn the memory verse in Kswahili. These kids have lived their whole life in refugee camps and in limbo.

We spent most of our week working with Pastor Reginah and her high school kids (pic above). After a great time of fellowship and games, the kids hit the streets. This was a new experience for the USA team. As they walked in the neighborhood, they prayed with people for healing, salvation and understanding about Christ. Our last day with them we went to a slum area and held an open air service. The kids gave their testimonies, sang songs, danced and shared the Word. It was a great experience. During this time I was very aware of how much we need your prayers.

We went to Gilgil and Narok to visit a Maasai church and school. The kids were very excited about our visit and entertained us with singing and dancing. I will look forward to returning soon. The team finished with a great dinner with Missionary Janice. She opened her home and fed us well. Then off to the airport for their return trip home.

July 13th to 16th

I finished my trip staying with Missionary Janice and seeing her Maasai water projects. Many of these women have to walk 2-5 miles several times a day for water.

We visited a school with over 200 kids. The 4-5 year old class has 92 students and 1 teacher. I saw the faces of 10 year old girls, who would have been married off if they were not in school. For less than $10 a month they can have an education. When their family can not afford the school fees they are given in marriage. I met one girl whose name is just like mine Esther Wanjiku (my Kenyan name). This really opened my heart more to the situations that young girls and women are in around the world. We can do something about this.

The other exciting event. Willow Creek is hosting a Leadership Summit in Nairobi Oct 26th and 27th. This is my favorite conference and I am so excited that it will be offered in Kenya. I am praying that I can bless several needy pastors and leaders with the opportunity to attend. The cost is less than $20USD a person, but this is a huge amount for many. If you would like to join me in sponsoring a pastor or two, please let me know. ehjoy@hotmail.com

I am looking forward to returning soon. To continue to invest in the Church. Helping others to see how God will give their church away to the world. Thank you so very much for your prayers and support in sending me as your missionary to Africa. I know that God will expand the work of His kingdom.

Month of August I would appreciate your prayers for God's direction in my ministry and the work in Africa (all 54 countries). Let me know if this was a good way to stay in touch.

THANK YOU!!!!!

Esther

She is not ungodly, just an American.....

Blessings to you all. Well, sorry it took me so long to write. Here is an update of my trip so far. After the first three days in Nairobi with Joel and David, Tabitha and I went off to Moyale, North Kenya. This area is 99% Muslim. Ps Ahmed has a church of 700 people including over 350 kids.
On our arrival we walked two miles to the church, two loonngg dusty miles for this car driving American. We taught 35 Bible school students on church centered mission. Saturday; we took a motorcycle ride into Moiale, Ethiopia just for a visit to some of the church memebers of the Ethiopian churches there. Sunday; I spoke at the church service and Taby sang. We make a pretty good team. The Pastor introduced me with the statement, "She isn't ungodly just an American, they do things differently." It was in reference to my uncovered hair. With 98% former muslim congregation, they still wear hair coverings. I had asked the pastor if he wanted me to wear a head coverng and he said no. He would explain it. In the afternoon we went back to Ethiopia and taught Church centered mission to over 100 leaders and church members. In my excitement I taught until 5:55pm. The border back into Kenya closed at 6pm. We zoomed through the streets and praise God the border did not close on time. Monday; Tabitha and I taught the Bible students again and finish our day with 15 local pastors in a Church centered mission session. Praise God the information was well received and encouraging to the leaders. They want us back for more teaching.
Well, on the last night in Moyale, I became very ill. It was scary being in such an isolated area and sick. Tuesday, I was to fly to Malsabit for another three to five days of teaching. The MAF flights only happens twice a week (Tues. and Fri.). The Friday flight was booked so we were told we had to stay another three days. After I became sick I was too afraid to be out there without a plane ride. SO when the flight came I changed my plans and returned to Nairobi. I took the next day to rest. I am feeling much better, but I am still battling something like the stomach flu. Keep praying please.
I am now in Nyahururu, Kenya with PACE mins. The next few days will include Sunday sermons, family fellowship and staff development teaching. If the electricity holds out I will write again soon. I will return to Nairobi on Friday to welcome the Green Bay team for my final week.

I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to all of you who have supported this trip with funds and prayers. THANKS THANKS THANKS.

First meeting completed

Hello Everyone,
Praise God the first mission meeting is complete. We had 35 leaders from several different churches participate in the Church Centered mission seminars. It was well received and the feedback was very encouraging. Many of the leaders express how this will change how they think of mission, the people they influence and the ministry that they are doing.

Tomorrow I am off to Northern Kenya. I will conduct a mini version of the conference everyday for the next six days. I will travel to Moyale and Ethiopia until Tuesday then off Masabit until next Friday. This area is very different then Nairobi in many ways. I am glad that I will not be going alone. Tabitha will travel with me. This will be a very small MAF plane.

Thanks for your prayers. KEEP PRAYING!!!!

India Ministry Summits

Esther With children from Kenya

Praise God!!! I am preparing to head out again for Kenya. June 16th to July 17th. I will be traveling to Nairobi and Nyahururu, Kenya. I will be working with the PathFinders team to conduct an Kenyan Ministry Summit June 18-20th. Joel, Mark, and David will continue on to Ethiopia for other sessions.

God has blessed us to conduct four Ministry Summits this past year. We conduct these summits to inspire and encourage ministry leaders to mobilize their churches towards global mission. Many people only see the western Christians as going to serve others. HOW WRONG we are. 70% of the world Christians are non western and many of them are on the move for God.

I will be traveling to Northern Kenya, for the first time, to talk with church leaders about global mission. I will return to Nyahururu June 27 to July 6th to teach an AIDS/HIV session and talk with pastors about missions. I am looking forward to this adventure. Thank you for your prayers and support. July 6th-13th I will meet with a team from Green Bay, WI and finish my final days working with Pastor Reginah. We will do door to door evangelism, children's outreach and other ministry projects.

Please continue to check this site for photos and updates. I am new to this blog site thing and want to see if it would help to stay connected. Please leave your comments.

Pray for:

*The pastors that will attend these summit sessions.

*The Green Bay team and Ps Reginah kids as they work together.

*Health and sleep patterns.

*Tabitha who will be traveling with me.

*Wisdom and direction at EVERY teaching session.

*That funds cover expected and unexpected expenses.

THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH ME IN MINISTRY.

Blessings and grace Esther

This Day

God's mercies are new every morning. I pray that you have a blessed day wrapped in God's mercy and grace.

Praise God!!!

I am praying to use this site as a way to stay connected with my ministry partners.