Hello Everyone,
I KNOW I KNOW it has been forever since hearing from me.
I am doing well. and still in Kenya for the next two weeks. Here is a quick recap of the latest events.
The Egypt trip:
Joel, Aaron, Nathan and myself joined together to speak with over 50 leaders about Church Centered mission in the Arab states. It was a blessed time of training, connecting and hearing the hearts of the pastors in this region. Praise God we have an invitation to teach in Israel. Many of these pastors and leaders are evangelist with a great heart to reach Muslims. Please pray for those who God has given this region of the world to live and serve. Pray for Christian radio and television that are reaching those who would NEVER enter a church, or openly talk to Christians about Christ. This gathering of like minded servants was uplifting and challenging. Many of these leaders have to serve under laws that are against their faith. Keep them in your prayers.
Northern Kenya:
Moyale and Marsabit was also uplifting and full of activity. Pastor Regina and I hit the ground running. Right from the airport we met with 100 praying women, had lunch and met with 60 youth. It was great to speak into their lives about God's call to mission for the church. During our time we spoke to pastors on leadership development and church centered mission. Pray for these churches that serve in Muslim areas in difficult situations. Right now they are running out of water in the river beds.
Mombosa:
Missionary Janice, from Florida, works with a program that digs water wells for communities that have to walk over 5 miles to dirty rivers or have very limited water resources. I was the video person. I am always amazed at the effort many people here have to go through to get things we receive without effort. I have never walked a mile for my daily water. Here you see women and children walk several miles carrying large buckets of water several times a day. These churches are helping to bring clean water closer to the communities. We also were able to enjoy the coast and have a rest. I swam in the Indian Ocean and I experienced my first sunburn.
Nyauhururu, Kenya
I have been here for one week reconnecting with PACE ministries. It has been a blessing to speak to pastors and churches about their call to mission. Several leaders here have a heart for the 22 unreached areas of Kenya. God has given me several opportunities to speak into their lives about God's call for their church to go to the world. The African church is a powerhouse for the Kingdom of God. Many lack resources but not vision for what God can and is doing among them. Thank you for helping me to serve and encourage them towards glocal (global and local) mission. I will be here for another two weeks. I will focused on training four pastors that will pioneer church centered mission in this area.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for your prayers and support. Right now Kenya is quiet and returning to "normal life" for most Kenyans. Continue to pray for healing and recovery. There are a thousand families grieving the loss of a loved one and still 100,000 families without a home living in tents in the rain. Kids are not in school and food is running low.
Thank you for standing with me. Because of your giving we will pay the rent for 8 families for six months. These families have relocated and will not be returning to their homeland. PACE ministries have given them land to plant food and is trying to cover their rent for one year. This is a big expenses for an already over taxed ministry. There are 32 families that they are serving with homes, food and resources.
For so many years mission has been one direction. But God has a dream for his church. The face of mission is changing, our mission force is multi ethnic and getting stronger as we empower our brothers and sisters around the world. During my time outside of the states, part of my assignment is to encourage and equip the Church for mission. The call of mission is not based on where we are from,. how much money we have or the color of our skin. It is the call of the church to do God mission on earth. For years mission has been done by a few, but God has given to call to the church. At Pathfinders we are committed to helping the church to be centered on God's mission. Thank you for your support and prayers in equipping God's people for His mission.
WHAT"S NEXT
Maasai people in Narok, Kenya April 8-10. I will meet with community leaders and pastors.
Kissumu, Kenya with Pastor Elizabeth April 12-15
Kampala, Uganda April 15th to 26th Connecting with several pastors and leaders in mission training
Ndzania, Kenya April 26-28th Visiting an orphanage and conducting HIV/AIDS testing
May and June Malawai and South Africa
Praise and Prayer:
Praise God for the first three months of ministry.
Pray for the leaders that are invited to our Southasia meeting in Sept. for preparation and to raise the funds needed.
Praise God for an agreement in Kenya between the leaders.
Pray for God's peace, healing and restoration in Kenya.
Pray for the thousands of families who are deciding to return to the troubled areas or relocate.
Pray that the government will really care for and help the people and not put the relief money in their pockets.
Pray for the Kenyan church repentance and return to the mission of God.
Praise God for the open hearts of the leaders in receiving the challenge to call their church to missions.
Praise God for good health and safety in travel.
Praise God for Tabithia, Regina, Yetem and others who are serving with me.
Praise God for all of you that are praying for me!!!!! I am very grateful.
Praise God for all of those who are supporting the ministry. I am humbled and it is making a difference.
Praise God for electricity and the Internet. It is a lifeline when it works.
Blessings to you all. Serving His kingdom together.
Esther