Overcoming

The day at Rift Valley Fellowship began with some serious praise and worship. The crowd was jumping up and down and hootnin' and hollerin' - we've experienced an entirely new level of praise and worship! 

Praise and worship - RVF

Kristin gave her personal testimony of low self-worth for which she looked to people, things and circumstances for her hope and value. God frustrated Kristin's attempts to find true satisfaction apart from him and she experienced seasons of intense depression. For a period of time, The Lord stripped her of practically everything in order to show her that He alone is enough for her. Kristin knows now that she is a daughter in God's family. Her value is that God chose her, loves her and that Christ died for her - not what she believes others think of her. 

Kristin giving her testimony

Our last day of the recovery conference ended with abuse. Michael started with drawings about who is on the throne of our personal lives. We are either 1) apart from Christ and in our natural sinful state (self-centered), 2) Christians living by the flesh (self-centered), or 3) Christians walking by the Spirit (God-centered). 

Michael teaching today's lesson

Pride is when we put ourselves on the throne and idolatry is when we put others or things on the throne. The results are the Deeds of the Flesh, which include abuse. By nature, all sin is abusive. 

We cannot overcome our own sin and the sin of others against us apart from Jesus.

God's heart to the abused
Psalm 10:17-18 

Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
You will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
So that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

This was a spirit filled teaching by Michael. People don't usually speak of such things here in Kenya, although abuse is a common problem.

Our conference ended with the incredible testimony of Sam. Sam's family was a missionary family. His father was a pastor. Sam was severely abused physically, sexually, and emotionally. Eventually, Sam married and had 3 children but his marriage ended after 15 years. Sam did not know God, and chased after things of this world.

Sam giving his testimony

Sam was a flight attendant and thought he could clean up his life on his own. But...God had His own plans. On a flight into Dallas, Sam had a stroke and was paralyzed on the right side of his body. During this time doctors told him he was HIV positive, and given 30 days to live. Shortly after, he began attending The Village Church with Pastor Tim. God saved Sam during this time. Eventually, he was able to regain his strength and motor skills without ever having therapy. Sam will always be HIV positive, however,  the doctors can no longer find the virus in his blood. Since so many people in the town of Maai Mahiu struggle with drinking and drugs and are HIV positive, the impact Sam's testimony had on them was profound. 

An interesting thing happened in the middle of Sam's testimony, a strong wind blew through Rift Valley Fellowship. The tent rattled, people were startled and babies were crying. We had to close our eyes for the dust blowing around. It was quite a moment during a powerful testimony, almost as if The Lord wanted to get our attention. 

IDP Camp

That afternoon we visited another IDP camp. This is a camp that is not recognized by the Kenyan government and therefore they receive no assistance from the government. The people who live here have been in tents since 2008. When we entered the camp we could not help but notice how tattered the tents are and how little they have. The village itself currently has no water at all. 

IDP Camp

We were invited into a few tents to pray. The first tent was that of an elderly woman named Ann. She requested prayers for food and permanent housing. Inside her tent was just a mattress and a pot to cook over coals outside, she had few other things. Ann was so grateful for us coming to visit her that she blessed us. Pastor Joseph did all the translating. 

Inside a tent at the IDP Camp

Next, we visited with Samuel.  Samuel is living in a tent with his 4 children and wife. He showed us pictures of the camp and documents that were taken to Nairobi on Monday to the governors office by a group of IDP's that are wanting the government to recognize them. They are waiting to hear if the government will give them aid. Samuel's prayers are for God to hear the cries of his people and move the government to see these people deserve more than a tent. 

We gathered outside with the members of this community to join hands and pray for God's provision and blessings for these people who are still worshipping The Lord and have so little. We gave them all the water we had in our bottles and later that evening John had the men bring the whole village water and bread.

We enjoyed a great meal then the team split up for the night. The men went with Isaac to meet the street boys. Ryan shared his testimony with them and Pastor Joseph taught them. The had an awesome night of fellowship. 

As the boys were meeting, the women on our team fellowshipped with Ester, Pastor Isaac's wife, at their home. We sipped on chai tea, coca-cola, and chewed on sugar cane. We were so blessed and inspired to hear of Ester's ministries to the women at the IDP camp, Maai Mahiu, the teenagers and young girls. 

In the town of Maai Mahiu there is a population of 20,000 people. There are over 600 women that report their business as sex walker (prostitute), that does not include the young girls and boys who are forced by their mothers into this business. One year ago, Esther began visiting women in the IDP camps and Maai Mahui town. She befriended and listened to them and after the women felt safe, the flood gates opened up and they poured out their stories to Esther. Most of them were prostitutes that were completely overlooked by society. Ester began meeting with the women as a group every week to pray and encourage one another. They are called the Women of Courage. 

Pressing On

The front doors of Rift Valley Fellowship

Monday morning began with a team meeting and devotional. John's wife, Marsha, has been so thoughtful in sending him scriptures and prayers for our team. This morning's devotional was Philippians 3:7-21 and Psalm 65:4. 

This particular verse from the devotional spoke to each team member in a personal way:

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 3:13-14 

Yummy sugar cane

When we arrived at Rift Valley Fellowship Monday morning, Nellie had a bag of sugar cane and she was generous to share it with us. Some of us weren't exactly sure what to do, but she showed us that we just needed to chew on it to get the sweet sugar water. We had never seen this, however we all loved it! 

Our team getting the hang of eating sugar cane

Pastor Isaac asked the congregation if anyone had a testimony to share today and a woman named Sarah came forward. Sarah, who knows Christ, had never been to RVF before the training, but she was walking past and heard God speak to her that she should come in. Sarah is in a difficult circumstance. When she entered RVF, she heard a team members testimony and it spoke to her about her unforgiveness and how believers should forgive others because God has forgiven us. Sarah repented from her sin to God and others and is already beginning to bear good fruit. On another note, she has a 7 year-old boy who came Saturday and Sunday with her and copied all of Michael's notes from the white board. He studied every diagram and picture. He was so brilliant!

John giving his testimony

John shared with us his personal story of God's love, grace, discipline and redemption. The audience was captivated. They could relate with much of his life experiences and said they were so encouraged by his testimony. 

John's toilet paper illustration

To lighten things up, John used toilet paper to illustrate a biblical truth. The sheet of toilet paper represents our life on earth. When we look at that sheet in the context of the entire roll, case, etc...this represents our momentary suffering in light of eternity. 

Michael with the Street Boys

Before Michael began his message, a few curious 'Street Boys' approached him and asked many questions about the previous day's message. Michael was grateful for the opportunity to engage with them.

He then began his teaching on repentance and how it is a supernatural changing of our heart toward God - we desire to follow Him and be obedient. His teaching came from the Parable of the Prodigal Son from the book of Luke. 

He explained that we have been given all things in Christ at no cost to ourselves. We often fight in the world for the things we already have in Christ: love, a perfect family, peace through the Spirit, security, stability. We keep leaving Him and going back to the world. The way back is to turn and repent. 

He also outlined the difference between worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow. 

Rebecca giving her testimony

Next, Rebecca gave her testimony of how in the past she made an idol of her husband. She explained that she had put her husband in the place in her life where God once was, the only place He truly belongs. Not only did this cause friction in her marriage resulting in unmet expectations and subsequent anger, it also put distance in her relationship with The Lord. God changed Rebecca's heart through her repentance and brought restoration to her relationship with Him and her husband. 

Mwangaza Village IDP Camp

In the afternoon, we went to the IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp known as Mwangaza Village. We visited several families from church who live there. 235 Kikuyu families came from Eldoret where their homes and businesses were burned to the ground by the Kalenjin tribe. They fled without anything more than the possessions on them. Some had to watch as their husbands or children were killed in front of them. In 2008 in the middle of the night they were taken to a field in Maai Mahiu where they were dropped off and  lived in tents for 3 years.

Inside a home at Mwangaza Village

Ceiling adornments in a home in Mwangaza Village

At this particular camp, families live in homes built a few years ago by Habitat for Humanity. Each 3-room home has a small plot of land were they can grow vegetables and raise chickens. 

Not only was our team excited to visit these families who had befriended us during our stay in Kenya, they were so excited for us to be in their homes, as well.

Hand-painted wall art in a home in Mwangaza Village

John, after praying for the ladies in Mwangaza Village

We were humbled for the opportunity to pray for 5 families. They requested prayer for God's provision of food, healing for their bodies and their families, school expenses, and for their wayward children. 

They are so grateful to have homes of their own and a place where they can put down their roots. As we traveled from home to home, those who were at the last home would join us at the next one. By the time we arrived to the last home of the day, we had quite a crowd with us.

Our team was unanimous that visiting this camp was the highlight of our day and perhaps the trip itself. 

Treasures

The tent at Rift Valley Fellowship

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, 

the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, 

the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 

yet I will rejoice in the LORD; 

I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, The Lord, is my strength; 

he makes my feet like the deer's; 

he makes me tread on my high places.

This scripture is from Habakkuk 3:17 and how Michael began his teaching Saturday on placing our trust in God, instead of focusing on our circumstances - a struggle common to both Kenyans and Americans alike. 

After the teaching, Julie beautifully gave her testimony of salvation from an early age, and her struggles with focusing on The Lord through difficult circumstances and seasons of intense suffering. It was a very fitting testimony for the people of Maai Mahiu. 

Julie giving her testimony

Michael also shared personal stories from his testimony. A woman named Ruth who was in attendance remarked that she thought the struggles we described were unique to Africa. She had no idea that not all Americans were rich and happy. So thankful The Lord shattered this lie for her and replaced it with His Truth - we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.

Michael then outlined in detail addiction and the insanity cycle of sin. He described how Jesus Christ is the only remedy for us. This included teachings from Romans 5:12, James 1:12-16, Romans 1:24-26, 28.

From the inside looking out at RVF

We broke into small groups to discuss the teachings - Rebecca, Kristin and Martha with the women, and John, Sam and Michael with mostly men. We proposed the question to them, "Where in the cycle of sin do you see yourself?" People are hurting from poverty and broken family relationships. Drugs and alcohol are prevalent. These can be stumbling blocks for them in trusting God and surrendering fully to Him. Much like us, they can find themselves worrying, complaining and comparing themselves to others who seem more greatly blessed in their eyes. Our hope is that we reinforced to them that Jesus is enough to sustain in all circumstances. He meets us where we are, whether in want or plenty.

During small group, a man struggling in his marriage asked Julie if he could recieve counsel from her. Ryan and Julie sat with him discussing marriage, forgiveness, reconciliation, and how Rift Valley Fellowship can walk along side the couple to offer biblical support and community. Julie encouraged the man to join a homegroup at RVF, something that Isaac has been encouraging him to do also.

Sunday service at Rift Valley Fellowship - what an experience! An hour and fifteen minutes in and the message had not even begun! We were treated to such touching praise and worship, a blessing of the children, introduction of new guests, and a poem by the young boys. These four young boys we later learned sleep on the street. Every night finding a new spot because older men look for them to abuse them. Pastor Isaac and Pastor Joseph are trying to raise money to be able to house these boys at night within the church walls. 

Blessing the children

A group of older boys and Pastor Robert stood in front of the congregation and performed a dance for us, these boys were talented! One of our very own, Ryan, suddenly burst out of his chair to join their routine. Needless to say, everyone there thought it was bold and a riot to watch. Ryan said that he wanted to show the people that he is just like them and that they could feel comfortable approaching him. 

Ryan, Joseph and the Street Boys dancing

The message Sunday was over anxiety and worry. Michael was Spirit-filled and spoke passionately. He opened with The Parable of the Hidden Treasure, Matthew 13:44, a verse The Lord gave him during his personal worship time that morning. This verse led beautifully into the main text from Matthew 6:19-34 on where our treasures lie. When our true treasures are here on earth and not in heaven, this leads to idolatry and worry/anxiety. This happens when we worship God's creation (things) rather than the Creator. 

Martha, John, and Ryan serving lunch at RVF

Our team was privledged to serve lunch to the people of RVF today. Afterward, we socialized with the people, which included an abundance of small children today! 

Sam singing with the children at RVF

The team took advantage of the pleasant morning weather on Sunday and did some Crossfit in the courtyard of Daraja House. Martha, who is certified to instruct Crossfit, led the workout. About half of those working out already train in Crossfit regularly, the other half were quite sore the following day! 

And they'll know we are Christians by our love!

This is not a full day blog post but one to share how our team is bonding! 

The Lord really put this team together. Through our meetings every Sunday preparing for our trip, we began praying for The Lord to build a love within our group. Not only do we all love The Lord but we all care deeply for our brothers and sisters serving Him in this group. Honestly, no words can ultimately express way he continues to bring us together. 

Each member of our team has served in or is a part of recovery at The Village, with the exception of Rebecca. Rebecca is a long term missionary in South Africa, and has served with her husband there for 13 years. Rebecca and Julie were roommates together at A&M! So this is a beautiful reunion for the two of them. They are rooming together once again on this trip...just like old times. They both have such a heart for women and the bond between them continues to be strengthened through this mission.

Rebecca on the left, Julie on the right

Tim, a missionary who is staying here at Rift Valley for 6 months, and Sam (one of our team members) have also been friends for quite some time, having been neighbors back in Dallas. This trip has also been a great reunion for them. 

Tim on left, Sam on right

Our team at DFW - Kenya bound!

Two of our team members even got matching tattoos! 

We also have a lot of fun together as a group. The team laughs a lot and there is much joking, which can at times maybe get a bit out of hand!

Roomies Martha and Kristin. They are already completing each other's thoughts. They also share in common a random right eye squinting more than the left eye issue when their pictures are taken. See for yourself:

Martha on the left, Kristin on the right

Martha and Kristin's sleeping quarters

John showing Ryan his love for him. John has served faithfully as a men's leader in recovery for many years. This trip would not be the same without John. Ryan's wife, Marri, visited Maai Mahiu this summer and has a burden for the people here. Ryan wanted to meet these people and see how he can help them.

Ryan on the left, John on the right

Brotherly love between Ryan and Michael. Michael is a Recovery Pastor at The Village and cast the vision for the recovery program at our church. He faithfully teaches every week that we can find joy in Christ despite our difficult circumstances. 

Ryan on the left, Michael on the right

The Lord is Good

Nahum 1:7 in the Swahili Bible

"BWANA ni mwema" means The Lord is good in Swahili.

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him." This is the scripture from Nahum 1:7 that Pastor Isaac began our worship time with. The people of RVF, all people, need to allow this truth to abide in their hearts.

As the church, we praised The Lord in song with Ester leading us. The songs were sung in Swahili, with some English intertwined. We were overcome by the presence of the Holy Spirit - some of us had tears, some had goosebumps as we sang these precious words:

We love you Jesus 

We thank you Jesus 

You are so faithful

That's why we worship you in the morning

We worship you in the noontime 

We worship you in the evening 

That's why we worship you all the time

Michael then began his teaching on biblical counseling and biblical community. It was amazing to see the entire tent filled with people all eagerly taking notes and wanting to learn.

The majority of the people attending were women and there were many of Pastor Joseph's street boys in attendance, listening and taking notes. 

Two of the street boys sat behind us and Ryan quickly connected with them. By the end of the day one of the boys had given Ryan a temporary tattoo that matched his temporary tattoo. They absolutely could not get enough of Ryan! 

Ryan's new "ink"

We had a short break for some delicious Chai tea and sandwiches that Rift Valley Fellowship generously provided for all in attendance.

Chai is the new favorite....yum!

After the break Martha gave her testimony of her own brokenness, the Lord's saving grace in her life, and her need for strong biblical community. 

Martha giving her testimony

Then Michael began teaching on biblical community. It is important for the people of Maai Mahiu to understand what biblical community is and why we need it. Pastor Issac has been training homegroup leaders, however, it was evident that this is still a foreign concept that needs to take root there.

Michael teaching on the opening day of the Recovery Conference

At 2:30 pm we were served lunch - cabbage, ugali (maize meal, similar to grits) with beef and we were all very hungry. Most people in this culture will eat this with their hands. Ryan and Michael embraced the culture headlong.  

Michael and Tim eating ugali for lunch at RVF

The rest of us were not as adventurous and ate with a spoon. After lunch, we broke into small groups for discussion questions.

Before we continue, we need to confess that the women on our team were quite apprehensive of using the bathroom called the 'long-drop', which is basically a small hole in the ground. It was actually a source of much stress for us and we wondered how this would work all week. Each of us 'held it' the entire day. Late that night while we were sitting as a team with Pastor Isaac and his wife, Esther, he said, "Oh, I forgot to tell you that there is a restroom you can use in the restaurant around the corner from RVF, in case you don't want to use the long-drop." We were so relieved and had a great laugh over the fact that Isaac forgot to mention this important detail earlier and that we had so worried over it all day. 

These things are just part of the culture, and some of us are feeling like we need to do this while we are here! We are acutely aware of how westernized we are. We are feeling quite convicted of the luxuries we are afforded in the USA and that when we come to another country we expect those same luxuries. Yikes! We are privilaged!

After the day's training/conference, Pastor Tim walked us across the street to one of his favorite restaurants (the one with the restroom) where we all got ice-cold cokes in glass bottles. To say they hit the spot does not do justice - did you know that Africa is hot? 

Next we jumped back in the van for a bumpy 40 minute ride back to Daraja House Resort in Kijabe. 

In our down-time that evening Rebecca and John rested, Tim and Sam went for a walk around Kijabe, Kristin and Julie went for a jog in Kijabe, and the Crossfitters, Martha, Michael and Ryan, went for quite a long run into Maai Mahiu.

Sunset, taken from the roof of Daraja House