Hello Wonderful Family and Friends!!!

I am in shock!!!! 

Only two days are remain in 2017.  I cannot believe that two and half months have passed since returning.  I am so sorry for the delay in writing.  BELIEVE me things have been hopping since my return.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  Praying God’s best for you all.

Praise God my three-year missionary visa was approved.  I am looking forward to working with Ps Regina more closely. Once I landed, I was able to pick it up. This is a huge answer to prayer. 

I am grateful to God!!!!

I returned when Kenya was in election mode, which can be very violent and full of controversy.  I was in Kenya for ten days before the re-election happened.  I was able to get home to Kisii before the country voted.   Because the opposition withdrew from the elections, it took several weeks before the supreme court made the final decision.  There were several areas surrounding us were in uproar, but Kisii was peaceful. Praising God for that covering.  President Kenyatta took office in November. 

At the end of Nov, our house was broken into…while we were in it!!  Praising God that they did not harm anyone in the six houses that were robbed.  Ministry supplies and the cord to my laptop was stolen.  This left me unable to use my computer for two weeks.  They sprayed a sleeping gas into your house, broke pass our padlocks and enter in.  My landlord has added extra security and we are locking all of our inside doors. I had a good night sleep but awoke to my doors wide open. Just like any city in the world pray for our safety.  I am very grateful.

I am so amazed by God!!!!

I had a great time visiting the Widow Connection sewing classes that started before I left.  35 widows are learning a practical skill that will be use to help support their families.  A picture of the ladies in the dresses they have made so far.  These ladies are so excited and proud of their progress.  They should finished by the end of March. Pray for them.  THIS IS A MAJOR CHANGE FOR THEM.  Thanks to Miriam Neff and Widow Connection. They are looking forward to meeting you.

Praise God we have received several emails and voice mails from businesswomen in the states to encourage the ladies.  They were so excited to hear from my mom.  😊 Thanks to my sister Jannell and the ladies of Louisville, KY for your notes.  Send me an email of encouragement that we can read to the ladies. Speak a blessing into their future businesses and lives.  We can even use them for future training classes.

They also received an encouragement visit from a Kenyan businessperson.  I met Esther on my first trip to Kenya 18 years ago.  She came to both classes and shared her experience in getting government business tenders.  She had them laughing and challenged them to use their skills and networks to get the bids that can bring in needed income. Pray that they take the steps to start their businesses well. Some of these women have NEVER approached a bank or government office. Esther has committed to collaborate with them to get started.  We have about four more speakers planned.

In Dec, Joanie Woodall and Pastor Abel, hosted a conference for 60 single and widow ladies.  WOW we had a great time.  For two days, Pastor Regina, Joanie, Dr. Dorris, Seleyain, Terri, myself and 5 other speakers blessed these women tremendously.  The women learned about their legal rights, how to raise chickens, eating healthy, becoming mothers of Africa and RENEWING their minds.  Each of the ladies receive their very own Bible and a gift bag of goodies. Thanks to Joanie’s stateside friends.

Christmas Fun Day and Prison Visit

Yes, there is more.  I have been attending Mustard Christian Centre in Kisii.  We hosted a Fun Day for 80+ kids.  It was a great time to share the story of Christ birth and make Christmas cards for 150 women prisoners. Music, dance, food, a Bible lesson and crafts filled the day.  During this year, I have been assisting the Sunday School ministry in teaching and training.  I have the pre-teen class on Sunday mornings.  Pray for the ministries that reach out to children.  Praying in 2018 to host a citywide Sunday School teacher’s training event in Kisii.

The children made over 160 Christmas cards. We took them and other supplies to the Women Prison in Kisii.  There are 150+ inmates.  We sang, prayed and presented them with needed personal supplies.  In Kenya, an arrested mom can keep her baby with her until the age of four.  Mwende had a grand time holding babies and singing. We are praying to go again in 6 months, Christmas in July.  The ladies need shoes.  Pray as our Kisii church raise the funds to buy 200 pair. They can do it.

I am so excited!!!

I have been praying for years (since 2008) to have more of the Kenyan leaders that I work with go on mission trips to other countries.  PRAYERFULLY this will happen MARCH 3-12, 2018.  Pastor Regina, Monica, Mwende and myself are headed for CAMEROON  West Africa.  We have an opportunity to conduct a Children’s ministry training event and be a part of the Women conference. These two ladies are powerfully leaders in their church and have a heart to do missions outside of Kenya.  For those of you who know Ps Regina, she is a powerhouse with a heart to challenge women to be MOTHERS OF AFRICA.  Monica has a strong children’s ministry in one of the larger slum areas in Nairobi.  She has helped me to train other leaders in the ministry.  We are also scouting out future trips for Kenyan teams.  WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

·        Please Pray for the logistics of getting a traveler visa for Cameroon.

·        Pray for the needed 3000$ for all of us to go before Feb 15th.  Please prayerfully consider supporting the team financially.  Send your gift to INSPIRE 180 and be sure to let me know.  Send it to my account and 100% will go towards the trip. We are raising funds in Kenya also.

·        Pray for peace in the area.  Several countries in Africa have elections or regional fighting in West Africa.

·        Pray for Toya our host as she plans both events.

·        Pray for us as we prepare to teach children, teachers and women during our ten days.

·        Pray for our spiritual preparedness before, during and after the trip.

I am in NEED!!!

Many of you have been an amazing blessing in supporting me for years in ministry.  I am very grateful for your support and prayers. THANK YOU.  Please continue to support us in funding and prayers. If you can give a year end gift, become a monthly partner or bless when you can 😊 please do.  We are very grateful for your continued support.

Over the last year, I have become greatly in NEED of a car.  The distance to the projects have increased and public transport on motorcycles and public vans with a child has taken its toll.  It will take about $8000USD to buy a used but reliable smaller car. Any gift will be a tremendous blessing.  We have to pay the total amount in cash.   I am praying and stepping out in faith.  Please send any gift to Inspire 180.

I am looking forward to 2018!!!

These last two and half months have started the ball rolling.  I am praying to do greater things for God’s kingdom in 2018.  I am inviting YOU to come and visit.  I spoke to several churches, family, friends and ministry leaders about coming to Kenya for a week or a few months.  There are great ministry opportunities for you to share your story, to learn what God is doing, to evangelize and to encourage.  If you are interested, please let me know.

·        Speaking to small business owners

·        Children’s Ministry training youth

·        Pastor and ministry leaders retreat speakers, musicians and prayer warriors

·        Come bless a missionary visits

·        Preparation, training and SAFARI INCLUDED😊

THANK YOU (Asante Sana) so much for your prayers, and support.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Esther and Mwende-Evalyne Hall

Personal contact:

 BOX 3135 Kisii 40200 Kenya

312 788-8843 voice mail

Ministry gifts:

Inspire 180

518 S. Route 31

Unit 193

McHenry, IL 60050

Our website has been updated.

www.inspire180.com (online giving)

P.S. Its 2am forgive any writing mistakes 😊

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

December 15, 2016

Greeting in Christ name.  I can’t believe it’s CHRISTMAS time. It’s 80 degrees here so I will not be singing “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.” WOW time has gone by so fast. I need to write a year’s worth of activities and ministry events.  Just trying to share with you all on what God has been doing, our struggles and triumphs. So it’s long J. Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support to continue in ministry. God is adding to your basket of blessings for standing with us and the people we serve.

Children Ministry Training        

                                             

When I returned to Kenya, I was praying for more teaching and ministry development activities.  God answered that pray amazingly.  I had been spending Christmas and hosting teams in the Kisii area with Ps Abel and Jane.  After talking with him more about his ministry needs, he mentioned how they needed Children ministry training for their local network of pastors and churches. I knew that was my sweet spot.  I longed to connect more and more with those who serve children. Building training teams has been a dream and now it has come to life. Pray that God will connect me with other trainers in the Kisii area.

John, Monica and Jane joined with me in hosting monthly Children ministry training sessions from Feb to July in Kisii.  We trained 20 ministry leaders.  This was an exciting and Spirit filled time.  We were requested to return and host other training sessions throughout 2017.  I am looking forward to training a team of Children ministry leaders who can equip and motivate others in serving in such a great mission field in East Africa. I am very excited that Ps Abel has stated that the churches that were in the first training are reporting improvement and increase in attendance in their Sunday program. Praise God.  Pray that God will open doors to meet local church pastors that will let us train their leaders and cover the three-month training expenses (about $20 a person).

 God is good I have met the Child Evangelism Fellowship leader for the Kisii area.  Ps Collins and I will be working together to train children ministry leaders throughout the Kisii area.  Our first Children holiday camp will be Dec 28-31, 2016.  We will be hosted by Ps Abel and Jane. KEEP us in prayer we will have between 100 to 200 kids. We are using the last day as an evangelistic service.

Around the world children and teens go through unbelievable issues and struggles.  It blesses my soul when churches invest in leaders and their communities to serve children and teens. I have two churches making plans for Jan/Feb 2017 trainings. Praying for anyone who would like to come and help us train children ministry leaders in drama, lesson planning, music, lessons for teens, fun activities and crafts. I am willing to host one person or a church team.  Jan-July and Oct to Dec in 2017. PLEASE COME!!!! Let me know if you are interested.

Hospital in April

I was deathly sick with malaria in April.  No joke it was the worst experience.  But it also blessed me by having so many friends to visit and take care of Mwende while I was sick and in the hospital for over a week.  Not only was I fighting malaria but my blood sugar would not go down. Because I had not eaten for nine days, I felt lifeless. It was another level of cross cultural learning and struggles.  I was in dire need of chicken noodle soup and ice water.  But the staff brought me chicken stew and hot tea. Praise God I was led to leave the hospital and was able to eat food that stayed down.  It took about a month to speak and feel normal again. Praise God for His healing and restoration. Praising God for a financial gift that came in the week before the hospital stay that helped to cover half of the cost. Thank you for giving and praying.

Kairos Mission Courses

            

I have been involved with mission mobilizing for years teaching and organizing KAIROS courses in the states and Kenya. Kairos is a 9 session mission awareness course that is a wonderful tool that God is using to awaken the church for His mission vision.  I have helped to teach and coordinate several Kairos classes in Nairobi, Rongo, Nyahururu and the Kisii areas.  In August, a group of missionaries and Christian ministry workers and in Oct, it was with a group of Christian union students in Kisii joined the class.  What an amazing time stirring up the vision of missions in a perspective that many miss.  I will be serving with a small group of Kairos facilitators in the Kisii area in partnering with churches to train believers in cross cultural ministry. Nadine Brittan from Australia has developed a Great Commission Kids training.  I will also help Kairos grads communicate the same information to kids.  We pray that kids will have a heart like God’s for all nations to know and serve Christ.  Pray that we can develop a team of mobilizers for the Kisii Nyanza areas to host Kairos and Great Commission kid’s classes. Your support helps me to travel and support others to take the classes.  THANK YOU.

Willow Creek Treat                    

Willow Creek Chicago joined us in Sept for Business as Minsitry training sessions for several of our minsitry partners.  The team did a great job on teaching about Record keeping, Marketing, Customer Service, Leadership, Goal setting and Expanding your Business. I have received feedback from several of the participants they are using the information that they taught. 

   Meeting Gary and Bill Hybels in May was such a treat.  Bill came to speak to a room full of pastors and leaders from numerous local churches.  I missed the GLS this year so this was a taste of home.  Thanks Gary for the hugs. Pray for our leaders as they transition into new leadership styles and develop new leaders who love God and love people.

Oasis Shelter Children Home visits

I have had a great time visiting the Oasis Shelter in Migori, Kenya in July and the whole month of November.  The Shelter is a children home with 44 kids and 18 staff member.  My missionary friends, Bob and Deb, asked if I could cover for them as they returned to the states.  It was a blessing to serve with a good team of moms, staff and teachers loving and caring for the kids.  Mwende had a great time “teaching” the little kids. It was great seeing her pick up more Swahili words and interacting with the others.  The flu or malaria was battling the kids and staff, so I became very familiar with the Kenya Relief medical center.  By God grace all the kids and staff are doing well.

I celebrated Thanksgiving a little different this year.  The staff and I conducted a three days VBS on Being Thankful. The kids really enjoyed the new songs, lessons and dramas. We didn’t do a flash mob but the kids learned the songs Every Praise and Thank You Lord.  I even made chicken and dressing for dinner.  The list is long of all of the people and things I am very thankful for this year. Thank you so much for standing with us.

I am scheduled to teach a child care and development class with the staff in 2017. Pray for our upcoming training classes. Pray for The shelter staff as they receive 12 more kids in 2017.

Our move to Kisii

Kisii is about 6 hours southwest of Nairobi. Throughout 2016 I have been traveling between Kisii and Nairobi.  God has given me several opportunities for ministry in the Kisii area.  All of the above adventures is why I moved to Kisii. It was much less stressful moving to Kisii than traveling back and forth weekly.  This has helped to stretch ministry muscles and take a step of faith to help me continue to grow. We have open space for Mwende to play outside.  She has met a few little girls to play with. Pray for us as we adjust to a new area, find a church community and that we find drama, swimming or extra classes to supplement our homeschooling.

           Build a Mom

        

Valine has helped me with the house and taking care of Mwende all of this year.  She is a single mom with an eight-year old son.  She had a dream on being a hairstylist, but because of income (or lack of) she was unable to attend any school.  Nairobi Chapel challenged us to help one person out of poverty.  With our move to Kisii and your support, we are able to help Valine fulfill her dream. Valine started beauty school in Oct.  It is a seven-month program and she will be fully licensed.  My hope is to help a mom or dad who is doing the right thing to get ahead and work in productive long-term jobs to support their families. Pray for Valine and her studies.  This is a huge change for her from housekeeping to business woman.  She attended the Business as ministry trainings with the Willow Creek Chicago team.  She and her son Simon were able to enjoy their first Kenyan Safari. I will continue to pay her monthly salary while she is in school. Pray she will have a job by June and transition well.

Mwende’s Birthday party              

We had a great birthday celebration for Mwende at New Life Church.  Ps Abel and Jane invited over 50 kids to enjoy a great lunch and cake with Mwende. She truly enjoyed her day.  Pray for us as we serve together, I learn to parent and do ministry, have fun as a family, and grow in our faith.

We can’t thank God and you enough for the ability and support to do ministry in Kenya. I am looking forward to another year of service.  Thank you for your prayers, facebook notes, emails and financial support.  Continue to stand with us.  Life has its up and downs. There are unique challenges when you are not with family and in a cross cultural setting.  God has sustained us, challenged us, loved us, and I am sure laughed at us through these years. But I am eternally grateful that He has not released us from His grace and calling. I am thanking God for a few websites for missionary women (Velvet Ashes and Thrive) that has been affirming and insightful.

Prayer and praise

We are praying for you.  I know quite a few are going through health, job and family issues.  We stand with you in prayer. 

Thank you so much for years of support.  I am still in awe of God’s provision and blessings through you.  Thank you for the churches, people and teams that come to visit and serve with the ministries we partner with in Kenya. Thank you for the packages and notes of encouragement.

Pray for the retreat planned for our ministry partners in March 2017.  We need about $2000 to cover the expenses to serve about 25 leaders.  I am very excited that Pastor Linda Marcell and team will be our speakers. Pray that the details of location, music, attendance, funding and speakers.

Pray for the upcoming trainings for children ministry, Kairos and Children home staff throughout 2017.

Pray for Kenya!!! Elections are August 2017.

Pray for my visa renewal for Kenya.  It is being processed now.  I have an interview very soon.

Pray for Mwende’s US citizenship process.  We are planning to come to the states late July or August if her paperwork is cleared.  The final stage we must be in the states 6 months after approval.

We are praying for the States. The transition period and new president Trump. I pray the church takes her place and stand in the gap for our nation. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS.  Celebrate Him.

Blessings to you and the New Year.  With so much love and gratitude, Esther and Mwende Hall

Kisii Address:   Hall  P.O. Box 3135, Kisii, Kenya code 40200

Voice mail: 312 788-8843 (leave a message I will hear it)

Ministry gifts: INSPIRE 180  518 S. Route 31 Suite 193 Mc Henry, IL 60050  or online www.inspire180.com

Up and Down

It's raining in Nairobi.

Over the past few weeks it has rained everyday.  Flooding, walls falling down and cars floating has overtaken the new and headlines.

It has been a full season of ministry and life.  It feels like a heavy downpour in many ways.  Blessings with increase teaching time and planning VIRAL 2015 (theviralconference.info). Tiredness and the need for a time away from the field. Encouragement as I look at all of the greeting cards I have taped to my wall to remember the friends and family that stands with me. Discouragement it feels like you move two steps up and five back going uphill.  Fellowship looking forward to three teams heading this way over the next two months. The up and down season is here. 

Looking forward to working out a plan to unplug and rest.  Prayers are needed.  Praise God got Mwende's passport the first step in our traveling to see family stateside.  There is hope.

Praying and moving forward

The last four months has been tough!  I know it comes on the heels of a very exhausting ministry year(s).  I am looking forward to a much needed rest and time out of the zone.  Praying about a trip to the states for the fall, Sept to Dec. 

This will be Mwende's first visit to meet her grandparents and stateside family.  She is already excited.  Pray that her passport will be done quickly.  It should be ready now but...

This will be the first time I am buying two tickets and a visa to come homw.  Pray for the needed funds almost $3000 to start.

Wow going where I do not have an address.  Pray for available space with family and friends that will not overburden.  Transportation and traveling schedule.  WOW the planning is starting now.

Pray for open doors to share what God is doing to sustain support and partner with new supporters.

Pray for a restored heart and renewed mindset for the next stages of ministry.

Pray that Mwende have a great time getting to know so many.  She is a people person.

Pray for what we leave behind and trying to finish general ministry projects before I leave.

Praying and moving forward believing God.

2014

GREETINGS EVERYONE,

I pray all is well and for what isn't there is hope.  I am very grateful and blessed with another year of life and ministry.  God has been good to us and the ministry endeavors we have done this year. 

Praise God:

Joanie from Inspire 180 has been able to transition well into mission life in Kenya and with St Martha's ministry in Kiberia.

The amazing gifts that have come in to support the rebuilding of St Martha's ministry building, equipment and supplies after the very recent fire that destroy everything.  Pray for us as we work with St Martha in replacing needed equipment.  Thanks so very much for those who helped with the funding.

The building of Ps Timothy High school building.  Thanks so much for the funding from Inspire 180.  Praising God just read that the needed funds for the completion of the building has been raised.  I am in shock.  Please pray for wisdom and a spirit of niceness as I meet with Ps Tim and the builder next week.  This project has been an uphill battle. I am in shock at the hand of God in providing the needed funds.  This has been a huge prayer burden.  Thank you Lord.  PRAY the project is having MAJOR issues.  God is good.

GRADUATION!!!!  I have joined the Master degree world.

ADOPTION!!!  August 14th the adoption was finalized.  Now for the process of US citizenship over the next two years. Prayerfully a visit stateside this summer.

Christ Bible Church of Chicago June ministry team did an amazing job in Eastleigh with Muslim outreach, encouraging high school students at GUREC and Ps Tim Kiberia schools, children's outreach, pastors fellowship and worship training in Kisii. The left ministry gifts for school books, eye glasses for the seniors citizens, pre-school playlot set, WCA GLS summit tickets, staff retreat and Xmas gifts for Eastliegh ministry.  THANK YOU!!!!!

Willow Chicago team July outreach to Nyahururu.  Medical care, senior citizen ministry-great singing, school visits, WCA GLS tickets and uniforms for local school kids. My Chicago pizza and Sun-times Sunday newspaper.  What a treat.

My sister Givena first visit to Kenya and meeting Mwende.  WOW she saw half the country.  Praying for more family and friends to visit.

VIRAL church planting conference at Nairobi Chapel.  Over 600 church planting leaders came together for equipping and encouragement. Looking forward to year four. I am still on the planning team and really enjoy seeing the conference happen.

Christmas in Kisii.  Mwende and I joined friends Stella, Pious, Bradley and Margaret to revisit the Children's home in Kisii on Christmas day and the weekend.  God provided  needed supplies for the home and a new dorm for the girls. Praising God for a safe arrival.  On our ride our tire blew off and was rolling in front of us.  Praise God Pious kept the car steady without any problem.  But it was interesting to see our tire rolling in front of us.

Thanking God for a young lady REBECCA MWANGI with Christ Church ministry that was supported through Inspire 180 Starfish fund in getting her diploma in pre school education.  Through this gift Rebecca has started a preschool that is helping support Christ Church under Ps Regina.  She has 30 kids in a lively room.  She is living out her dream.  Thanks for standing with us to support her.  Pray with us as her husband Eluid, who is the school's social worker, needs training for his work with the school.  For $1500 he could finish a certificate in social work that could truly help serve the students. 

Thanking God for making it to the New year.  This past year has been exhausting and full.  We traveled to Nyahururu for 5 days for a much needed rest and to bring in the new year.  Dorris hosted us in her new outdoor garden patio room.  It was fun watching a movie under the stars.

Praising God for the great turn out for the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit in Nairobi over 2000 guests.  Over 34 of our ministry partners were able to come and 8 sets of DVDs were given out.  This is always a highlight for the year.  Many thanks to those who helped to buy a ticket.  Come on over in Nov 2015 and volunteer at GLS :). We have four sites in Kenya now.  I know some people who can get you in LOL. 

This first week of 2015 I am finishing reports, praying for direction on this year's path, working on having full time house help for cooking, cleaning and watching Mwende.  Planning children's ministry and small group training for three churches during the first three months, making a retreat plan to keep my soul alive and healthy, and still learning to be a mom to a thriving five year old.  KEEP PRAYING!!!

Thank you so much for those of you who pray for us, give financially, send your prayer request so we can stand with you, and who tell others about what we are doing.  Your support is greatly needed and appreciated.  Continue to stand with us and we with you.  We do need your support and prayers.

Sorry only a few of my pictures were able to transfer.

Please keep me updated on your life and how to pray for you and your family.  Thanks for the facebook updates. 

Know that God is working in our lives much deeper and more intentional than we know and sometimes desire.  Have a blessed New Year.  Plan to come and visit us on a short term team or vacation time.  WELCOME!!!

Blessings to you all,

Esther and Mwende Hall

Inspire 180

www,inspire180.com online donations

HAPPY NEW YEAR

This year is a welcome sign of the hope we have in Christ Jesus.  Its not over yet.

A good word from Ps Nick

The Edge Conference at Nairobi Chapel...was excellence.

The theme was Hold on to the finish.  Ps Nick spoke on Finishing the Race.  There was so much in the message but here was a great finishing well chart. FINISH!! As a leader if you are ___ establish the principle of___

F        FATIGUED  ...  Focus of the PACE of your life.
I         Losing IMPACT.. Focus on PEOPLE
N       Losing your NERVE.... Focus on PRAYER
I         Confused by the INTERFERENCE ....Focus on the PURPOSE of ministry and life
S       Battling SIN... Focus on living a PRINCIPLED life
H       Struggling with HARDSHIPS...Ask God for a new PERSPECTIVE.

I am in a season of being very tired.  The challenges seem steeper but this grind helps.

Words from Joanie

Normally I write my own blogs.  This time I am posting a letter from Joanie.  She is serving with Inspire 180 here in Kenya also.  This is about a week of ministry with a team of 19 from McHenry Chapel.   ENJOY

Bwana Asifiwe (Praise the Lord!) 

I sit here in my room tonight, wanting to share with all of you the amazing 8 day journey I experienced with our missions' team from Inspire 180. The team consisted of 19 of the most caring and compassionate people, mostly from my church family in McHenry.  They arrived very late on Nov. 7th tired, but with joyful hearts as we prayed and sang worship songs on the bus ride to our guest house.  

After 7 a.m. devotions and breakfast, we headed out for our day of ministry and engaging with God's people in Kenya.  They were introduced to Kibera on the first day, and they embraced all that they saw, as their hearts were broken for what breaks the heart of God... Extreme poverty, garbage lining the streets, and many children crowding around them asking "how are you??"  They embraced hope as they were introduced to our global partner Anna Mosby's ministry of a college in Kibera, teaching and training young people to carry on God's work there.

Each night we debriefed after dinner, probably one of the most memorable parts of this missions journey. Stories were shared with tears of heart break, and then some of the men would share stories and we would burst into laughter, so good for the soul! To hear our team share their hearts the first night on what they saw, what they experienced, what they wanted to do to serve the least of these, God's people, I cannot put into words. Our pastor Jeff however, did. He said, "today we walked with God's people on streets of garbage, but one day we will walk with them on streets of gold... there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

We split the team into 3 the next day, I was so blessed to take some of the ladies to serve in one of the ministries I am connected with Hope And Restoration Center. We spent the day in Kibera teaching God's word to no less than 120 children! These children blessed our hearts as they sang and worshipped God, did a bible quiz with us and knew every answer, heard how they could defeat giants in their lives by having faith in God, and just played and loved us. (Picture #1) Another group went to an area called East Leigh, and did English as a second language class with young Muslim adults, such a blessing. Our third group went to one of Inspire 180's ministry partners GUREC which is a boarding school for high school students, and a church as well, and did leadership training, for pastors, Sunday school, worship, and business leaders, so amazing!
 

Sunday and Monday we left, after church at Nairobi Chapel (also called the Chapel, how cool is that!)  to visit Chapel ministry partners Rick and Ann with Oasis for Orphans. We drove "up country" to their home in Kijabe passing through the Rift Valley (Picture #3) We toured a hospital which does amazing pediatric surgeries, and had a home cooked meal at their home . We shared testimonies, and were so blessed to hear how Rick and Ann followed Jesus with their 4 children to live in Kenya and care for God's orphans. We headed back to Nairobi after a walk through safari. As God would have it, after hearing a sermon at church titled "get dirty" on how people would rather walk by and ignore people in need than get involved, some of our team were asked by God to do just that. They observed a Kenyan man lying on the side of the road in bad shape, foaming at the mouth, apparently having a seizure. After a police man walked past the man and did nothing, the team had him lifted into their van and took him to the hospital, stayed with him while care was given, and paid his bill for him. The experience was very hard for some of the team, yet they were all thankful to be able to love as Jesus loved...

 

Our last days together were intense ministry days. The absolute highlight for me was on Tuesday when my church family were able to meet with my ladies of St. Martha's Ministry, my main ministry here, empowering HIV positive widows to find hope and a future through the love of Jesus. We were greeted by the ladies singing welcoming worship to us and then each of the women shared their testimonies. Their stories of extreme hardships and poverty, coupled with the grief of losing their husbands, and being shunned by family due to tribal customs and having to flee to Kibera to just try and survive with their children, was heart breaking, And then in the midst of each story, we heard them thanking and giving praise to God for Caleb and Eunice, the ministries founders, and the life they now have through St. Martha's, so amazing!  Esther then asked my church family to welcome me into my new ministry here in Kenya with blessings and prayer. We sang & danced with the ladies, and then my pastor Jeff prayed a blessing over me.....God did a work in me that day, connecting me from my church family back home to my new family in Kenya (tears :)   The ladies were given self defense instruction from Dave, so great, and then we broke up into groups and were able to visit in some of the ladies homes, which truly blessed our hearts. 

  We visited GUREC school again on Wednesday and the whole team spent the day doing team building exercises with the students, self defense, and small group time sharing hearts on major issues they face as teens.

Our last day Thursday was spent at Pastor Timothy's school in Kibera, and again the team ministered to students from primary level through high school.  I was blessed to witness students' confidence levels change, as Dawn gave them an art lesson, and when completed they had each totally sketched a leopard and were so very proud of their accomplishment!   The team departed that night to return home...

 

Please pray with me for what God will be speaking to each team member's heart, as they now process all that they have experienced here in Kenya....I do know that hearts have been changed forever, and these dear people will need God's wisdom and guidance as they discern what their next steps will be in missions. Their love for Christ has ministered to and blessed so many lives here, this scripture verse describes this team so well, I will miss them all dearly:

 

The LORD will guide you always, he will satisfy your needs

in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like a spring whose waters never fail.               Isaiah 58:11

 

 

Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone, we have so much to be thankful for.

 

Love and Blessings,

Joanie

Happy Thanksgiving

WOW the last four months has been a whirlwind of activity.  I need to give God the glory for an amazing time of ministry, fellowship with people from home, care packages with my favorite stuff, spiritual and emotional support that has blessed my soul.  THANK YOU!!!  I am thanking God for each of you who stands with me in ministry through your prayers, financial support and communication. May God bless you and keep you.  Lets give thanks because He is worthy to be praised!!!

Adoption court date Dec 6th.

The Quiet before the storm

Hello Everyone,

Praise God I am in a quiet zone before next the five months of teams, conferences, thesis and court dates. 

Teams

This Saturday the Willow Creek Chicago team will arrive and serve with me for the next week (the larger team) and four weeks (for a smaller team).  In the midst of that time the Mohr Family will also visit.  I am very excited.  Did I mention that the Tuins family is here now from Willow Creek also.  I will have several visitors and ministry friends who will pass through Nairobi before Nov.  Please keep everyone in prayer as we serve in different areas and together.

Conferences:

VIRAL 2013!!  I am on the planning team for Nairobi Chapel's (my church here) Church Planting conference.  For the last four months we have been meeting and organizing all of the details to host over 600 leaders in the church planting movement.  This has been a learning experience and fun.  The church has asked if I can lead the VIRAL team throughout the year for future conferences.  Church Planting is our mission focus and the conference will be a key training event. HOW FUN!!  Any WCA volunteers want to come and serve August 21-23 or plan for next year!!! Pray for us as we lead the conference, recruit registrations and execute the program.

Also my pastor Oscar Muriu is speaking at the Leadership Summit in South Barrington this year in August.  I am super excited.  He is a great speaker and I know he will be a blessing and asset to the Summit delegates.  Please pray for him as he is on leave to prepare and rest before the Summit.  If you at at the Summit please greet him for me on my home turf.

Thesis:

Okay I am very good at putting something in the back of my mind, especially when I do not want to do it.  Okay but maybe there was a reason.  Because of leading VIRAL and the need to understand church planting more, I am changing my thesis subject to leadership development in the church planting movement. This way I can learn about church planting while I finish my thesis.  Okay all of that is a strong thought for right now.  While the teams sleeps I will work on this.  Please that the excitement moves me ahead.  I need to finish this thing!!!

Court Dates:

Praise God I do have the funds to start the legal side of Mwende's adoption.  As a birthday present to myself I will turn in the paperwork and payment before August 5th (my birthday) to get the ball rolling. I do need to update some of the documents but most are in order.  PRAISE GOD!!! I can not wait until this is final. Pray that court dates and teams visits do not conflict.

Motherhood:

How can I forget my little darling.  She is so delightful and I am so glad that my church family from home is meeting her.  She loves the attention.  She will miss one week of school to help me host the team.  Pray for her as she goes through so many faces and names over the next few weeks.  She is going to love every minute of it. I wish I could post pictures but can not at this time.  If you haven;t gotten a photo of us please let me know.  I will need your home street address can't send emails.

I will be in Kenya for another year before I can petition to visit with Mwende.

Ministry:

With the teams visits July to Nov., we will connect with my ministry contacts in unique ways as a team. Please pray that God will give wisdom and deepen relationship connections. 

     What I am doing here....

I am here is to equip the Church to pursue global missions through training and exposure.  God has opened many doors to help train churches to work together to reach their global communities.  I am praising God for the opportunities I have had to be on the teaching team for the Kairos mission course this year. Keep praying for us. Praise God for the teams coming to experience what God is doing in East Africa and Kenya.

I am here to reach out to Muslims in creative ways to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Teaching at the community center has provided encouraging encounters to explain our faith.  Keep praying that God will speak through the staff and volunteers at the center to reach Muslims and unbelievers. Praise God we are starting the community circles for ministry and fellowship with the women including Muslims.

I am here helping to train Children ministry leaders.  I started out teaching Sunday school teachers on how to set up Children ministry programs in Eastern Europe.  God has brought me full circle.  I have had numerous opportunities to train small churches on setting up their children's programs.  This past month I wrote the curriculum for my church 10 week study of the Ten Commandments.  Keep praying for Kenya over 50% of the population is under 45 years old.  Pray that the church will focus on reaching the younger generations.

Thank you for praying for me and standing with me in ministry. Every financial gift and words of prayer means so much.  Pleas join with us in praying, serving and giving.  I would love to add your name to the list of visitors for 2014.  Let me know how I can pray for you.

"I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. ...May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it..." Eph 3:16-19

Have a blessed summer.

Esther and Mwende Hall

Inspire 180

518 S. Route 31 Suite 193

Mc Henry, IL 60050

online giving www.inspire180.org

voice mail 312 788 8843

snail mail KENYA

Esther Hall

Box 76198-00508

YAYA center

Nairobi, KENYA

The first six months.....and 31 years

Greetings and blessings to all.

WOW on April 1st I will celebrate two major milestones in my life.

#1 The 31st anniversary of my salvation!!!!!  Praise God  I could not imagine any other leader to follow on this journey than Christ.  Thank you Lord for keeping me sane, saved and stable.

#2 The first six months as a mama to Mwende.  This too have changed everything! Only God.  It has been an excellent and challenging six months.  I know there are many years and events to go.  But Thank you Jesus for the first six months.

The legal side of the adoption has hit its first delay  Because of an administrative error my paper work was mixed up with another person (or group) problem.  So it was delayed until their file was cleared.  Now I have to repeat the three month foster care period to clear up the missing dates.  This is not so bad.  It gives me time to build up funds to cover the lawyer fees and stuff.  Keep praying that no other problems or confusion will appear.

 I am driving in Kenya  At first I thought it would be so difficult but the weariness of carrying a child on the bus won out.  It is so much nicer driving!!

TImE of TrANSiTIoN

Over the last six months I have stopped everything to learn to adjust to Mwende.  Now I am praying to God on how, when and which ministries to re engage with for this season of ministry.  Because of time and traffic I will not have the same amount of time, so I have to be more intentional and strategic about where I serve God  Yes, I am here as a missionary and will continue in full time ministry.  But now it has time, funding and energy level differences.  PRAY that I will know where to re engage for ministry.

Finishing my Thesis is still on the horizon somewhere.

Mwende has started school and this will help in freeing up my time to serve and write.

Still learning...and growing

WOW I am a mother

Hello everyone,
WOW I can not believe that it has been almost four months since Mwende has come home.

The first two-three months was a period of complete shock, excitement, rejection, screaming, crying, police station visit and joy.  We spent two and half months in the house on complete lock down. Very few visitors, lots of hugging, singing, drawing and crying trying to get to know each other.  The process of establishing a relational connection was very hard and emotionally draining.  I do praise God that great progress has been made. I feel like we are connecting well.  I am sure there is a long process that is still to come, but we are on our way

Now, I have taken a driving course to get  a Kenyan license. God has provided a car that I need to pay for and nerves to drive on the wrong side of the road  I did learn to drive a manual.

The thesis is on life support  I could not even think about a thesis until about a week ago.  Now I have to regroup and think about how to get it done. Lord help.

Well, life is going on and I am praying that God will give me wisdom in being a mom, relational connections with adults, increase my driving skill. I take the driving test next week

Blessings and grace
Esther

IT'S A GIRL!!! and she's hoome.

Greetings.  I am so excited.  Mwende (beloved one) Johannah Alberta Hall is home.  I met her on Sept. 11th and Springs of Hope Children's home.  After a two hour meeting I just prayed that God would open my heart to  this new life who will be a part of my life and family forever. At our first meeting she was delightful, talkative and very social.  She did become angry with me because I didn't let her hold on to a doll while she was on the see-saw.  She cried and won't come near me for a while.  But I was okay SHE"S TWO!!!

The next week I was hosting the Willow Chicago team and wasn't sure I would be able to visit her again that week.  Praise God the team went on their safari and I went to visit Mwende.  It was a blessings to interact with her and her housemates.  After the fourth visit the director asked if I was ready to have her come home.  WOW I took the weekend to shop for clothes (thanks Agnes), toys and a coming home dress.  It was more overwhelming because for so long all of this has been paperwork, plans and what ifs.  October 1st it became very real when I drove off the compound with my new daughter.

Mwende is Swahili speaking only and I English.  I am happy to report she speaks openly and I just nod.  I ask my friends later what was said.  The little Swahili I know is being used.  She is getting adjusted to her new surrounding without complaint. She loves chapati ( a fried flat bread) and yogurt. So far thin pancakes are working well as chapatis.  She will be three on Oct. 9th but I will wait to celebrate and have a dedication service in November when Carla from the states is here. Thanks everyone who has welcomed her so warmly on the net and here in Kenya.

She sleeps well and cries only when she is angry with me, for not doing as she commands.  By the grace of God I know this is just the beginning and God will show us the way to become a solid family. Several friends have asked "Does this mean you do not want to be married?"  NO WAY, the blessed brother will have to seek God on how to love a single mom and her child.  Thanks for your prayers.  Keep it up.

Also the first three months I am listed as her foster mother.  After that time frame, the agency and children's home will submit a final report then I can seek full adoption.  Until that time I can not post pictures of her on the Internet.

SCHOOL
I promise to think about school next week.  I am waiting for my thesis proposal to be approved and I will do the research.  Finished all of the classes and paperwork.  JUST THE THESIS and then the finish line.

HUGE STEPS at School and in the adoption process

My ILU Journey

      Learning in a cross-cultural environment has been both challenging and rewarding. Having served throughout East Africa for ten years, my desire was to learn more about the African leaders’ mindset and cultural background. I wanted to learn this in an academic setting outside of the United States. I am glad that God provided that opportunity at NIST now ILU, to learn in an intercultural setting amongst current and potential leaders. But it was more than I bargained for or planned to encounter. In order for me to grow in my faith and in the purposes God has for me, He put me in situations of learning that stretched, affirmed and caused me to die to self. This educational journey has been just that.

      The meeting and hearing from others of different cultures about their leadership values has been an excellent experience for me, though it has been extremely challenging to encounter leadership weaknesses. John Maxwell talks about self-leadership being the most important leadership skill.  That has been affirmed throughout my learning adventure in life and at NIST/ILU.  There are also three other values that have shaped my leadership that have been affirmed throughout my studies.

I LOVE BEING AN AMERICAN: We are shaped by the values of our heritage and upbringing. During my studies I cherished learning about the many cultural backgrounds that made up the student body. I pray it has enhanced my worldview and understanding as an American. Each nationality has good and bad traits and practices. We have to own them, repent and change. My goal in studying in a cross-cultural environment wasn’t to deny or forsake my heritage, but bring it to the learning table and add to the discussions.

I LOVE BEING A WOMAN: Okay this was the hardest struggle in studying at NIST/ILU. Thank God for a praying mother. In a male-dominated society, the respect that should be given to fellow female students at times was lacking. Women leaders desiring to learn and grow in their craft are not trying to displace men, but grow to be more available to God and His kingdom. We offer a unique God given perspective that God intended the body of Christ to benefit from. Without it the Church cannot complete God’s work on earth. Bravo to the women who are learning and growing. MEN MAKE WAY! The Bible states that God made man, male and female, in His image. That means both equally carry the DNA of God. Only when we are united in Christ can we show the full picture and character of God. God is not one-sided.

I LOVE BEING A CHRISTIAN: Where else can you receive grace, healing and forgiveness that can cancel out the effects of injustice, abuse, sin and neglect. Christ died so that we can fully live the life He has intended for us. Through our cultures, genders and backgrounds God will show us who He is and who we can be in Him. We have in our possession the Word of God which can set people free spiritually, physically and emotionally. The desire to help others to know Christ is the saving grace that unites us to learn how to be better leaders and servants of Christ. The experience of learning in a cross-cultural environment has enhance the ability to adjust to those who are different. The gospel is for all people and cultures as they are.

The journey at ILU has enhanced who I am as a person and as a servant of Christ in the world.  It has affirmed the guiding values that has and will continue to influence my leadership. I will continue to learn in many different cultures as a world citizen and global leader.

ADOPTION!!!!!

It is real! this past Tuesday Sept. 11th I visited little Evelyn in Machokos, Kenya at Springs of Hope Children's home.  She is two years old, healthy, talkative (Swahili), leader of the group and stubborn.  Does that describe someone you know??  I am really excited that God has given me peace and I am pursuing the adoption of Evelyn (name change later).  I have a ministry team coming next week but after that time I will start my visits.  Those two weeks will help me to bond with her, understand her and the staff to feel that we are connecting and comfortable with releasing her to me. I can not take any pictures yet.  She is beautiful and remains me of my niece Amani back home. 

Lord have mercy!!  Tomorrow I taken my final exam and turn in a term paper which I haven't written yet.  I will be up very early.  Next week will be very busy with the team and the final week of Sept will start my life as a mom.  First at a distance but soon in my home.  WOW! This is really real.

It's on , It's off and it's on again

Adoption

WOW the difference a few hours or days can make.  On August 17th, the adoption agency approved my adoption paperwork.  this means that I can stay to search for a child.  On August 22th, I met with the social workers thinking I was going to receive a list of available girls age 18 months to 3 years.  In a few moments I was told there are no available girls that age and I will have to wait for three months.  I just sat there kind of numb.  Glad that those who needed adoption was received into families, but shocked that now everything is on hold.  I prayed that God would direct the timing and process.  On August 24th, I received another phone call that there is a little girl about two hours away and was I willing to travel there.  YES!! So now its back on again.  This week they will submit my paperwork to the home and the week after I can visit. 

Now this is where I will freak out.  The thought of selecting a child is a little intimidating.  I hate the feeling that i will say no to a child or yes.  Based on what.  I know there are medical and emotional issues that might rule out the possibility of me parenting a child.  Pray that I will hear from God about who to consider and move towards adopting.  


School

I FINISHED MY LAST CLASS!!!  Project Management was good but my mind was so DONE! Beside that I was going through the adoption stuff mentioned above.  During the last class I brought snacks to celebrate with another student Jackson and our class, we both started together. I am so excited that this part of the master's program is over.  Now I am freaking out about the thesis.  I have the director of our department and the deputy vice chancellor of the school as my supervisors. This is the part that I along with thousands of other HATE this process.  Believe me, I have learned a lot, lets just leave it at that. Please pray that I stay focused and complete the thesis at the same time I will be adjusting to being a parent.

Birthday
Also had a great birthday celebration with fellow student who shared the same day.

Okay that think that's most of the news so far.  Be blessed.

Two weeks will tell....

In the next two weeks my world will change forever.  The adoption board is to meet and review my paperwork for my adoption process.  The first week of August I will start my last class for my masters and have a thesis meeting for my final paper.  Life will be very different in both areas.

Just finished the VIRAL conference for church planters. Over 175 church planters gathered for instruction and encouragement. Nine excellent main session and 11 workshops.  It was an amazing feeling to help plan a conference again.  I was thrilled to see the ideas come to life on stage and in the workshop rooms.  THANKS to all who spoke and pitched in to serve.  GREAT JOB.  We do it again in August.  Can we start this time in Feb 2013. It would help to settle this American mind for planning.

At the end of this month two small groups from my church will do a mission trip to a remote area in Kenya near Voi, to serve at a kids camp for three days.  40 adults, 300 kids and teens.  Looking forward to it.  Pray for us.

It's my birthday in 2 days finishing 48 years.  If you know me I celebrate for one month.  Each week doing something that I enjoy.  This year is weird.  Can't really put my mind around what I want to do, that doesn't include eating. NO money to travel.  I will find something to do.  It will involve theater, movies and friends.

I miss my family, my church, and sailing on Lake Michigan.

Speaking at a Women conference in Kibera. A wonderful visit from my boss Mark and his daughter Madeline with my friends Janice and Estelle.

Hello Everyone
PRAISE GOD  I have new furniture.  I will take a photo later. Planning a Church Planting conference for my church in Nairobi. Taking the next step with the adoption. Half way finished with the second to last class of my program.  Quick note for an extremely busy time. 

JUNE 2012

The months are going very fast.  This past month of May has been very full with activity.  I was thrilled to help teach the KAIROS mission course at NIST in Kenya. Over 20 students learned about the Biblical, historical and strategic plans for global mission tot he least reached people groups for Christ.

I am still working with CCCEA small group leaders.  I conduct training for 20 small group leaders as they develop their small group ministry.

School is still very taxing but coming to an end.  This August I will finish the classwork but start my thesis.
This week I have three major papers due on Friday.  PRAY!!!

Waiting patiently on the approval for the adoption.  I have asked them to submit my file in July.  I can finish my classes before taking on a child.  I am very excited.

Pastor Gloria from Nairobi Chapel has asked me to help lead an upcoming conference for church planters next month. SIX weeks away-- I and the team of volunteers and staff will help organize the conference layout and flow, recruit and train volunteers, and give overall leadership to everything including of the program on stage.  PRAY!!! This is our first Church Planters conference.

Thanking God for my new stove.  Now praying for furniture. Struggling at times with waiting, depression, excitement and looking forward to what is next its all in the same mind bouncing around.  Keep praying I need it. I am adjusting to Kenya's weather.. It is getting cooler these days and the nights I have to wear socks.

HOME VISIT DONE!!!!

This past Thursday I completed the home visit required for my adoption process.  Now is the wait until July that my paperwork will be turned in to be approved for adoption.  During this time I will complete the last few classes for my Master's degree.  Pray with me as I look into which little girl will be mine.  Which medical issues will not be a problem or hindrance to traveling?

In the core of my spirit is feels a little unreal.  I am getting advise from moms who have adopted.  I know that God has prepared me for the next level of learning- to be a mom.  What I will do on that learning curve !?!?!?!

Keep praying

Visa-IN HAND

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!

My Pupil pass (student Visa) is FINALLY in hand and in my passport. It came through without any EXTRA support but the prayers of the saints. THANK YOU!  The visa expires in two years.  Enough time for me to finish everything I need to do.  I will continue taking classes to support the visa.

This THURSDAY the 17th is my home visit for the adoption.  They will look over everything to makes sure I have a home good enough to house a child.  I do:). After the home visit my paperwork will be submitted in July.  Lord's will if there are no delays I will be prayerfully selecting a child late July or August. The first month is visits in the home and afterwards she will be able to come home with me.  I am praying for the first part of September.   

School- down to my last three classes and thesis.  The process to finish the thesis will be demanding.  I have submitted my proposal but haven't heard from the school.

Mission teaching week- Praise God just finish teaching and leading small groups for the Karios Mission Course here in Nairobi.  We had 18 students and 8 teachers and leaders.  I love teaching this class.  Chris and Nadine from Australia lead the courses. 


Small group teaching- I have been assisting Christ Covenant Church with starting their small group program.  We have done two training sessions and I am praying to meet with the leaders monthly to establish their program.

Children's Ministry training with Friends Church (Quakers) in Satellite Nairobi.  Over 20 members joined us in learning about serving children in the church and community.  The photos above.

Had a great trip to Mombasa a vacation spot with Carla from Chicago.  2 days of pool, sleep and food :).

HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY!!!!