So, it has been almost a month since we left for Africa. Sorry I am just now finishing off the blog. We came home and slept for about 3 days and it seems like I have been doing laundry ever since. Anyway, I wanted to say thank you so much to those of you who were following the blog and praying for us and our ministry in Africa. We literally could not do the trip without your support.
The trip was fantastic this year. The TCA students were wonderful and we hope they will all keep coming back each year! Many people received Christ and many relationships were established that were a blessing to the kingdom of God.
Jon and I wanted to say a special thanks to our adult sponsors. Please keep in mind that every adult sponsor not only did a huge amount of preparation before we left, but also led a devotion, preached or spoke multiple times, mentored a small group of students each day and generally worked hard. To thank them for all that work...we passed around a horrible stomach virus. :) Seriously, we hope they know how invaluable they were to us. With a group this size, there is just no way Jon and I could organize everything ourselves. We hope they are greatly blessed for their time on the trip.
Brian Millet - who led the team to Kajiado and who we could NOT do that half of the trip without - LITERALLY! He is really the reason Mama Ruth now has a church for her tribe. He had the personal privilege of leading two of the key Masaai leaders to Christ last year, which had obviously made a huge impact on the tribe now, opening doors for the gospel to be heard and accepted in that region.
Felicity Lopez - who helped out with everything under the sun in Machakos. She helped research and organize supplies for the School for Disabled students to make necklaces to sell. She also checked on sick people about every 10 minutes and became the dorm "mom". And she entertained my own children quite a bit and kept them laughing.
Ron Crosby - who was on the Kajiado team and really caught the vision of helping the people of Africa. He was always very positive and encouraging to everyone on the trip. We really enjoyed getting to know him better and were blessed by his consistent support.
Mark Dyer - who helped Brian organize the 5K race, complete with medals and prizes, and then went to Kajiado to help with building the church. He also caught the vision to really want to help those in need in Kenya and has been very encouraging for us as we continue to plan for the future.
Koie English - who went to Kajiado to build the church and was great to jump in and go lead a program at a school or church any time we asked. We found out that she is worth at least 5 good cows as a wife. I'm sure her husband thinks she is worth more than that!
Linda Halbert - who has now sent all 3 of her kids on the trip and has been a huge support and help in many ways, this year on the Kajiado team. One of the hardest workers on the team and never complains! Seriously! Plus, she is fun to laugh with.
Josh Stewart - who stayed in Machakos and kept everyone working hard on the preschool building project. He was great with the students and very easy to work with. He was a huge help to Jon and I managing the students and also had all sorts of technological gadgets to help us get online, download photos, etc.
and last but DEFINITELY not least:
Dr. Mitch Voelker - who was literally invaluable this year as we had the entire team down at one time or another with some kind of horrible stomach virus. He spent many hours walking the dorm hallway taking peoples temperatures and blood pressure and making sure nobody got dehydrated. He was also able to travel around and give valuable advice at the orphanage and some of the local hospitals and clinics. His kids are pretty great too!
We also want to thank our college-age counselors. This was the first year we have taken college counselors along with us and we decided it is something we want to do every time! These guys were perfect on the trip because they are young and strong to do some of the hard work (that frankly, some of us older people may not be as helpful with), and yet old enough to be great mentors to the younger students. All of these guys displayed great character and spiritual maturity throughout the whole trip and we were so glad they were each there.
Will Pendleton - This was Will's third time to go on the trip. He is a great guy with a positive attitude and was just awesome to have on the trip again as a counselor. He was always willing to do whatever the task was and was able to motivate the students to jump in and participate. Someday ask him about his door to door evangelism story where he talked a guy out of murder!
Wes Dickens - Hilarious! Very bright young man who has a gift for speaking. Wes came with us three times as a student so was perfect as an experienced counselor. In fact, several of our rules like "Don't pet the monkeys" are in in place BECAUSE of Wes! :) He is hoping to spend a semester in Africa next year. He is a dynamic young man who we believe will have a great ministry one day.
Brad Dickens - Joined his younger brother Wes this year for the first time and proved to be a great leader, great speaker and a real positive influence. He was terrific on the job site and we loved to see his desire for door to door evangelism, we believe he takes after his father with a passion for the lost.
Peter Bjorkman - was invaluable on the trip! Peter also came on the trip with us three times as a student and then actually lived in Kenya for 6 months last year working with street kids and became fluent in Swahili. He went with Brian ahead of the group to Kajiado to buy supplies and make sure everything was ready for the team. They told Brian never to bring him back because he was so great at bargaining and talked them down on prices for everything. :)
James Voelker - This was James first year as he joined his dad and younger sister Sarah. He proved to be invaluable on the work sites helping to lead in our construction work. He is a great guy and was a perfect addition to the Kajiado team helping them in their building project as well. Brian spoke highly of his leadership while in Kajiado.
We also would like to say a very special thanks James and Mary Ndungu who helped to coordinate much of the trip in Kenya. We would be lost without their constant guidance and direction for just about every area of our ministry. They are invaluable as leaders and good friends that we have had the pleasure of getting to know these past several years.
There are too many students to list individually but they were all wonderful. It is so fun to watch the new ones as they encounter a different culture for the first time and as they become invested in the people they meet. And of course we are always thrilled to see some of the students who were impacted enough to come back year after year and have a calling to help the people of Kenya. We know the Lord has big plans for each of them and are so grateful for the unique, various gifts God has given each of them.
Thank you to the parents who entrusted your kids to us and to all the many friends and family of each team member who supported us in so many ways throughout the whole trip. Our hope is that God was glorified and that many people will come to know Christ as a result of the seeds we planted this year.
In Christ alone
Jon and Jenni Millet
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Sunday, June 19
Happy Fathers Day to all you dads out there! This may be the last post you will see before we come home, but we may have wifi at the Safari...not sure yet.
Thank you Jill for getting photos from Cindy from the Kajaido group. They are all doing fine although we really haven't gotten any details because phone reception is very bad there but we've talked enough to know everyone is well.
Those of us in Machakos had a wonderful last day at various churches. Then we went to the Woodcarvers Village for the afternoon. We ran out of light and so were unable to go the the Mwania riverbed, which is too bad because it is really a geologic wonder and we like for the students to see it when possible. Anyway, we got back just in time for dinner. Then we had all of the Scott interpreters, guides, driver, cook, etc. come up and pick out some of the donated clothes and items. We are so thankful for all their help. It really makes it so nice to have a friendly person along with us to make sure we don't get lost and translate for us. There were about 20 guides in all.
Tonight, we are packing and heading to bed. The jeeps will be at both locations tomorrow morning ready to leave at 6 a.m. Four jeeps will be coming here for the group still at Scott, and 3 to pick up the Kajaido group. We will meet at the safari lodge and enjoy a couple of days of relaxation before we come home. It is a great time for the students to finally have some time to reflect on everything they have just seen and experienced. It makes a little buffer for the culture shock when they get home and realize how much differently we live as Americans than a good part of the rest of the world.
Thank you so much for all your prayers. This has been a fantastic trip. The students have been a complete joy! Every one of them has been so helpful and kind and willing to step out of their comfort zones in many different ways. You should be so proud of them.
Please pray for safety as we return home and we hope to see everyone Thurs. at the airport!
In Christ,
Jenni Millet for the group
Thank you Jill for getting photos from Cindy from the Kajaido group. They are all doing fine although we really haven't gotten any details because phone reception is very bad there but we've talked enough to know everyone is well.
Those of us in Machakos had a wonderful last day at various churches. Then we went to the Woodcarvers Village for the afternoon. We ran out of light and so were unable to go the the Mwania riverbed, which is too bad because it is really a geologic wonder and we like for the students to see it when possible. Anyway, we got back just in time for dinner. Then we had all of the Scott interpreters, guides, driver, cook, etc. come up and pick out some of the donated clothes and items. We are so thankful for all their help. It really makes it so nice to have a friendly person along with us to make sure we don't get lost and translate for us. There were about 20 guides in all.
Tonight, we are packing and heading to bed. The jeeps will be at both locations tomorrow morning ready to leave at 6 a.m. Four jeeps will be coming here for the group still at Scott, and 3 to pick up the Kajaido group. We will meet at the safari lodge and enjoy a couple of days of relaxation before we come home. It is a great time for the students to finally have some time to reflect on everything they have just seen and experienced. It makes a little buffer for the culture shock when they get home and realize how much differently we live as Americans than a good part of the rest of the world.
Thank you so much for all your prayers. This has been a fantastic trip. The students have been a complete joy! Every one of them has been so helpful and kind and willing to step out of their comfort zones in many different ways. You should be so proud of them.
Please pray for safety as we return home and we hope to see everyone Thurs. at the airport!
In Christ,
Jenni Millet for the group
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Kajiado Pictures
Hi everyone,
Jill Cox here again. It occurred to me today that Cindy Millet was probably getting picture texts from Brian so I messaged her, and she sent me these. Hopefully you will be able to tell what they are showing!
And a very special thanks to Cindy for her help!!
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Jill Cox here again. It occurred to me today that Cindy Millet was probably getting picture texts from Brian so I messaged her, and she sent me these. Hopefully you will be able to tell what they are showing!
And a very special thanks to Cindy for her help!!
Saturday, June 18
I can't believe this trip is coming to a close. Our group in Machakos has been finishing up everything today. Tomorrow we will be going to churches for various services once again and then going on a short hike to a really pretty and unusual riverbed, the Mwania river. Tomorrow night we are handing out the rest of the clothes and supplies we brought to the Scott students.
This morning, our devotion from Dr. Voelker was about being ambassadors for Christ. Obviously, we are ambassadors of God's kingdom no matter where we are, whether in Africa or Dallas at TCA. It was a good reminder of the values and attributes we should strive to portray to those around us if we are going to represent our God well.
Today, we finished up on our work project of preparing the land for the preschool building. It may not sound very glamorous or exciting that we have been basically shoveling dirt all week but it was something they needed here by the Scott campus and will have a big impact on the area. The kids have done a great job working without complaining, some even DRAGGING their tired, sick selves down there even when they didn't feel good. We had to FORCE some of them to go back and rest when they were sick! We are so proud of all of them.
This morning we also held our last session of VBS. I am SO proud of this VBS team...they have been fabulous all week long. We sang a bunch of songs, watched a movie called "The Jesus Movie" (a cartoon) and then passed out a couple of kids bibles and candy as prizes. This afternoon, Rachel, Gunnar, Michelle, and Madison came and played games with all the VBS kids just to have some fun.
I believe we also finished the mural at the Orphanage today. That group still isn't back but I know they were almost done when they went over there earlier. The rest of the group stayed here, finished up the work project and had another soccer game with some of the locals.
Tonight we will eat dinner and have our meeting and then relax a little. We are looking forward to meeting up with the rest of the team Monday for the safari.
I have had a couple more texts from Brian and all is well but no details. He doesn't seem to be getting my texts asking him for MORE details. :) But, I do know that tomorrow will be very special for them as they will be holding their FIRST church service up on top of the hill where Mama Ruth's tribe lives in the new building our team helped put up. Very exciting and I am hoping they come back with tons of photos and video.
That's all for now!
In Christ,
Jenni Millet for the group
This morning, our devotion from Dr. Voelker was about being ambassadors for Christ. Obviously, we are ambassadors of God's kingdom no matter where we are, whether in Africa or Dallas at TCA. It was a good reminder of the values and attributes we should strive to portray to those around us if we are going to represent our God well.
Today, we finished up on our work project of preparing the land for the preschool building. It may not sound very glamorous or exciting that we have been basically shoveling dirt all week but it was something they needed here by the Scott campus and will have a big impact on the area. The kids have done a great job working without complaining, some even DRAGGING their tired, sick selves down there even when they didn't feel good. We had to FORCE some of them to go back and rest when they were sick! We are so proud of all of them.
This morning we also held our last session of VBS. I am SO proud of this VBS team...they have been fabulous all week long. We sang a bunch of songs, watched a movie called "The Jesus Movie" (a cartoon) and then passed out a couple of kids bibles and candy as prizes. This afternoon, Rachel, Gunnar, Michelle, and Madison came and played games with all the VBS kids just to have some fun.
I believe we also finished the mural at the Orphanage today. That group still isn't back but I know they were almost done when they went over there earlier. The rest of the group stayed here, finished up the work project and had another soccer game with some of the locals.
Tonight we will eat dinner and have our meeting and then relax a little. We are looking forward to meeting up with the rest of the team Monday for the safari.
I have had a couple more texts from Brian and all is well but no details. He doesn't seem to be getting my texts asking him for MORE details. :) But, I do know that tomorrow will be very special for them as they will be holding their FIRST church service up on top of the hill where Mama Ruth's tribe lives in the new building our team helped put up. Very exciting and I am hoping they come back with tons of photos and video.
That's all for now!
In Christ,
Jenni Millet for the group
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, June 17
Thank you so much to Jill Cox again for updating the blog for me yesterday. There was some kind of glitch with the Wifi yesterday and nobody could connect for awhile. Anyway, I appreciate that she is always willing to blog for me when I can't. :)
Today was an awesome day here in Machakos. I did receive 5 texts from Brian today that looked like they were photo attachments, but unfortunately I couldn't open them. He did say that all were doing GREAT there and he has been so happy with the whole team that went with him this year. They finished the church building except for the windows, doors, and some roof flashing. That should all be done by tomorrow and ready for the first church service on Sunday. I'm sorry I don't have much more detail than that, but we always expect it to be hard to communicate with them.
Today, those of us in Machakos spent the morning working on the preschool grounds again. Then Jon took all of us downtown to T. Tots restaurant and bought us all samosas and cokes. From there, we walked a block or two down to their Friday open market and looked at all the fresh veggies and fruit (that we can't eat) and bought some knick knacks.
After the market, we split into several groups. Jon, Max, Catherine, Scott, Karley and Gunnar all went back to the School for Disabled again and passed out some prayer journals, bibles, and candy. We also were able to leave them some clothes, a wheelchair, canes, walkers and orthotics...thanks to many who donated items including Marshall's best friend, Kenny. Max preached his first sermon there today on Ecclesiastes and how everything that matters is what is done for Christ.
Dr. Voelker, myself, Felicity, Rachel, Michelle, Brad, Brandon, Marshall, Mikayla and Marie all went over to the orphanage and delivered about 12 tubs of diapers, formula, baby clothes, childrens toys, books and bibles and general supplies. It is always so good to see them and this mom was especially proud watching my own children interact and play with all the little kids. Mikayla even picked up a few kids, something I wasn't even aware she was capable of. :) The time went too quickly.
Will, Lauren, Lizzie and Tobias came back to Scott to lead the 6th day of VBS. We felt bad leaving it up to just the four of them since the rest of us were spread out in so many other places, but they have done just great with the kids all week. Pastor Charles was there along with several Scott students to help control the chaos too. It gets really crazy when we start passing out candy. Those kids go bananas for candy and will try to sneak into line more than once or switch jackets and try to look like someone else. They are so cute and we hope they are learning a lot about Jesus this week. Tomorrow will be our final day of VBS in the morning from about 10-12:30. We are showing a cartoon of the Jesus movie, doing a few songs and passing out more candy and a couple of childrens bibles.
We all met back here for dinner and then immediately held a movie/social night for the Scott students and their kids. There was singing and some awesome dancing that we got on video, and then we watched Despicable Me. They seemed to love it, and it has a redeeming message to it.
We are now exhausted and headed for bed. Tomorrow we have VBS, some kind of soccer match, last day on the work project and more speaking at schools. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Rachel, Alex, and Lauren have been painting another mural at the Springs of Hope Orphanage the last several days. They have done a great job and really brightened up the preschool room. They will be finishing that up tomorrow as well.
If I hear any more from the Kajaido group, I will let you know. Brian did mention that the tribe has moved about 6 kilometers down the mountain range to be closer to more of their tribe family members. The chief lady of the tribe, Mama Ruth, had been praying for the last TEN YEARS under a particular tree where they used to live for God to establish a christian church for her tribe. She was ridiculed for years from others but stayed faithful. So, while the tribe has moved away from her tree, it stands as a testament to God's answer to her prayers and the church is now just a small distance away and is being filled with many members of her tribe who have witnessed the series of events that proved her God is real. Please continue to pray with us for these people and pray that our whole group will realize the miraculous events unfolding right in front of us that we are so privileged to be a part of.
In Christ,
Jenni Millet for the group
p.s. Will try to get some more photos up...it's been really slow loading photos.
Today was an awesome day here in Machakos. I did receive 5 texts from Brian today that looked like they were photo attachments, but unfortunately I couldn't open them. He did say that all were doing GREAT there and he has been so happy with the whole team that went with him this year. They finished the church building except for the windows, doors, and some roof flashing. That should all be done by tomorrow and ready for the first church service on Sunday. I'm sorry I don't have much more detail than that, but we always expect it to be hard to communicate with them.
Today, those of us in Machakos spent the morning working on the preschool grounds again. Then Jon took all of us downtown to T. Tots restaurant and bought us all samosas and cokes. From there, we walked a block or two down to their Friday open market and looked at all the fresh veggies and fruit (that we can't eat) and bought some knick knacks.
After the market, we split into several groups. Jon, Max, Catherine, Scott, Karley and Gunnar all went back to the School for Disabled again and passed out some prayer journals, bibles, and candy. We also were able to leave them some clothes, a wheelchair, canes, walkers and orthotics...thanks to many who donated items including Marshall's best friend, Kenny. Max preached his first sermon there today on Ecclesiastes and how everything that matters is what is done for Christ.
Dr. Voelker, myself, Felicity, Rachel, Michelle, Brad, Brandon, Marshall, Mikayla and Marie all went over to the orphanage and delivered about 12 tubs of diapers, formula, baby clothes, childrens toys, books and bibles and general supplies. It is always so good to see them and this mom was especially proud watching my own children interact and play with all the little kids. Mikayla even picked up a few kids, something I wasn't even aware she was capable of. :) The time went too quickly.
Will, Lauren, Lizzie and Tobias came back to Scott to lead the 6th day of VBS. We felt bad leaving it up to just the four of them since the rest of us were spread out in so many other places, but they have done just great with the kids all week. Pastor Charles was there along with several Scott students to help control the chaos too. It gets really crazy when we start passing out candy. Those kids go bananas for candy and will try to sneak into line more than once or switch jackets and try to look like someone else. They are so cute and we hope they are learning a lot about Jesus this week. Tomorrow will be our final day of VBS in the morning from about 10-12:30. We are showing a cartoon of the Jesus movie, doing a few songs and passing out more candy and a couple of childrens bibles.
We all met back here for dinner and then immediately held a movie/social night for the Scott students and their kids. There was singing and some awesome dancing that we got on video, and then we watched Despicable Me. They seemed to love it, and it has a redeeming message to it.
We are now exhausted and headed for bed. Tomorrow we have VBS, some kind of soccer match, last day on the work project and more speaking at schools. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Rachel, Alex, and Lauren have been painting another mural at the Springs of Hope Orphanage the last several days. They have done a great job and really brightened up the preschool room. They will be finishing that up tomorrow as well.
If I hear any more from the Kajaido group, I will let you know. Brian did mention that the tribe has moved about 6 kilometers down the mountain range to be closer to more of their tribe family members. The chief lady of the tribe, Mama Ruth, had been praying for the last TEN YEARS under a particular tree where they used to live for God to establish a christian church for her tribe. She was ridiculed for years from others but stayed faithful. So, while the tribe has moved away from her tree, it stands as a testament to God's answer to her prayers and the church is now just a small distance away and is being filled with many members of her tribe who have witnessed the series of events that proved her God is real. Please continue to pray with us for these people and pray that our whole group will realize the miraculous events unfolding right in front of us that we are so privileged to be a part of.
In Christ,
Jenni Millet for the group
p.s. Will try to get some more photos up...it's been really slow loading photos.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Text Update From Jenni
Hi everyone-
Jill Cox here on behalf of the Kenya team! They've lost their WiFi connection for some reason today, so Jenni texted me a few highlights to pass along.
First of all, Jenni says that overall, everyone on both the Machakos team and the Kajiado team is doing really well. There are a couple of people still struggling with minor, annoying health issues on the Machakos team, so let's keep them in our prayers. For more specific details on each team:
Machakos:
Jenni said that the Machakos team's work group is doing a great job and the VBS numbers keep growing daily. There were about 120 kids there today (WOW!). Groups are still going out and doing door-to-door evangelism and she didn't mention this, but I am sure there were also a couple of school visits as well. So, despite those few who are feeling under-the-weather, it sounds like the Machakos team had another amazing day!
Kajiado:
Jenni said that they ended up talking to Brian through a long string of borrowed phones from the locals there at Scott and in Machakos. Apparently, Brian had sent them several texts during the day today, but they weren't receiving them. Ahhh, technology. However, tonight, a whole slew of texts came at once- maybe the same issue affecting the WiFi is affecting the texts in-country? Doesn't make sense, but you never know.
Brian said that everyone in Kajiado is doing great and that they've already gotten the posts and half of the walls up on the church... and they estimate that they'll finish the building tomorrow! The first service should be this Sunday! Isn't that AMAZING???!!! The building, which Jenni says is simple and functional (wood beam frame and metal sheet siding and roof), will also be used as a school building. So, first church service on Sunday, followed by the first day of classes on Monday.
Brian also said that he is astonished (and excited) that the local men are there helping them and are asking all kinds of questions. As you probably know, the major role of Maasai men is to herd their cattle (their wealth) while the women stay with the children near the boma and take care of the homestead. This is why Brian is so encouraged at their participation. The Maasai men continue to remark to Brian (et al) that they can not believe our team has returned for a third year. They want to know why TCA keeps coming back to help them. Brian and Pastor Charles keep explaining that they were called there by God. They must know of Mama Ruth's faithful prayers over the last several years. This is visible affirmation that God is alive- and He's answered 'yes' to Mama Ruth!
As you can imagine, I had goosebumps reading Jenni's texts. How amazing is the confluence of events that brought two groups of people from opposite sides of the globe together?! God's plan is intricate and beautiful indeed.
I'd like to end my post on a funny note- because miscommunication and cultural differences are part of the joy of this type of trip. The Kajiado team sent Koi English with a small group to a secondary school, and someone there offered Brian Millet FIVE cows for her to become their wife. But never fear! Brian protected her, telling the man that Koi had a big, burly husband at home, so that wasn't going to happen. He did remark that it was a nice offer all the same. :)
Hopefully, I won't be your guest blogger again tomorrow (let's hope the WiFi is back up and running). Please keep the entire team in your prayers. I personally plan to pray that the LORD would put a hedge of protection around each and every one of them as they do His work in Kenya, and that every attempt that Satan makes to thwart their efforts will be shut down. In my previous experience on this trip, as each day passes, you can almost hear the Enemy's cries of outrage as he tries harder and harder to discourage the team in every single way he possible can. You may think that sounds hokey, but I assure you that I have seen it happen with my own eyes.
BUT, the Enemy is seriously wasting his time. Because the war has already been won.
IN CHRIST ALONE,
Jill Cox (on behalf of Jenni Millet)
Jill Cox here on behalf of the Kenya team! They've lost their WiFi connection for some reason today, so Jenni texted me a few highlights to pass along.
First of all, Jenni says that overall, everyone on both the Machakos team and the Kajiado team is doing really well. There are a couple of people still struggling with minor, annoying health issues on the Machakos team, so let's keep them in our prayers. For more specific details on each team:
Machakos:
Jenni said that the Machakos team's work group is doing a great job and the VBS numbers keep growing daily. There were about 120 kids there today (WOW!). Groups are still going out and doing door-to-door evangelism and she didn't mention this, but I am sure there were also a couple of school visits as well. So, despite those few who are feeling under-the-weather, it sounds like the Machakos team had another amazing day!
Kajiado:
Jenni said that they ended up talking to Brian through a long string of borrowed phones from the locals there at Scott and in Machakos. Apparently, Brian had sent them several texts during the day today, but they weren't receiving them. Ahhh, technology. However, tonight, a whole slew of texts came at once- maybe the same issue affecting the WiFi is affecting the texts in-country? Doesn't make sense, but you never know.
Brian said that everyone in Kajiado is doing great and that they've already gotten the posts and half of the walls up on the church... and they estimate that they'll finish the building tomorrow! The first service should be this Sunday! Isn't that AMAZING???!!! The building, which Jenni says is simple and functional (wood beam frame and metal sheet siding and roof), will also be used as a school building. So, first church service on Sunday, followed by the first day of classes on Monday.
Brian also said that he is astonished (and excited) that the local men are there helping them and are asking all kinds of questions. As you probably know, the major role of Maasai men is to herd their cattle (their wealth) while the women stay with the children near the boma and take care of the homestead. This is why Brian is so encouraged at their participation. The Maasai men continue to remark to Brian (et al) that they can not believe our team has returned for a third year. They want to know why TCA keeps coming back to help them. Brian and Pastor Charles keep explaining that they were called there by God. They must know of Mama Ruth's faithful prayers over the last several years. This is visible affirmation that God is alive- and He's answered 'yes' to Mama Ruth!
As you can imagine, I had goosebumps reading Jenni's texts. How amazing is the confluence of events that brought two groups of people from opposite sides of the globe together?! God's plan is intricate and beautiful indeed.
I'd like to end my post on a funny note- because miscommunication and cultural differences are part of the joy of this type of trip. The Kajiado team sent Koi English with a small group to a secondary school, and someone there offered Brian Millet FIVE cows for her to become their wife. But never fear! Brian protected her, telling the man that Koi had a big, burly husband at home, so that wasn't going to happen. He did remark that it was a nice offer all the same. :)
Hopefully, I won't be your guest blogger again tomorrow (let's hope the WiFi is back up and running). Please keep the entire team in your prayers. I personally plan to pray that the LORD would put a hedge of protection around each and every one of them as they do His work in Kenya, and that every attempt that Satan makes to thwart their efforts will be shut down. In my previous experience on this trip, as each day passes, you can almost hear the Enemy's cries of outrage as he tries harder and harder to discourage the team in every single way he possible can. You may think that sounds hokey, but I assure you that I have seen it happen with my own eyes.
BUT, the Enemy is seriously wasting his time. Because the war has already been won.
IN CHRIST ALONE,
Jill Cox (on behalf of Jenni Millet)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wed. June 15 Update
Just to let you know, the group has arrived safely in Kajaido. They said that their bus broke down twice and ran out of gas once. When they ran out of gas, they were going uphill on the highway and the bus actually started rolling backwards. Sounds like they were all glad to finally be there! Anyway, Brian and Peter have already purchased and loaded all of the lumber and supplies on a truck and delivered it to the top of the hill so everything is there waiting for them to start working tomorrow. We will let you know more as we get information from them.
Goodnight!
Jenni Millet
Goodnight!
Jenni Millet
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