CTK 2009 Africa Mission Trip

Team Picture

2009-08-28T12:46:00.001-07:00

CTK Africa Team 2009
(missing: Pastor Felix)

Random Pictures

2009-08-28T12:40:00.001-07:00

Elephant Orphanage

Dinner

Dusty Roads

African Soccer Ball

Kibera Slums

2009-08-28T11:12:00.001-07:00

Love Feast

2009-08-28T11:07:00.001-07:00

The People

2009-08-28T10:59:00.001-07:00

Delivering Food for Massai

2009-08-28T10:54:00.001-07:00

Visiting Bomas

2009-08-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

Work Day Pictures

2009-08-28T10:38:00.001-07:00

Baptism Pictures

2009-08-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Friday, August 28, 2009

2009-08-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

We are home once again. We are waiting for our minds and bodies to reconnect to the right time zones and are slowly reintroducing rich American food to our systems. The last several days of the trip we were unable to update the blog as we were travelling and in areas that had no online connections. So here is a summary of the last days:

Massai Baptisms
Felix, Deni, and Darlene drove out to Engikaret with Emmanuel from the YWAM base to pick up those Massai that were ready to participate in the first baptisms in the village. Between a small van, a very old jeep, and a feed truck we transported 17 Massai women and young women to a small church that allowed us to use their outside baptism tank. Once we arrived, the women were eager to check out the tank - with about 8 inches of murky water.

A local pastor taught on the meaning of baptism and the importance of the day. I (Deni) gave my testimony regarding my own baptism at the age of 16. Felix gave a blessing to the group. The women gathered around the tank and began to sing Massai songs as Deni and a local Bishop stepped into the 8 inches of murky water and began to baptism women who have NEVER sat in a any depth of water, NEVER had their faces under water, and NEVER seen a baptism performed. It was so awesome to be apart of these firsts. Each women stepped into the water in their ceremonial dresses and beaded jewelry - beautiful reflections of young Christians trusting in their new relationship with God.

This is only the first of many more baptisms to come. The men will follow in time. God is moving amoung this group of people.

Love Feast
Our last night on the YWAM base, we had a Love Feast: great food (everyone pitched in help), signing, laughing, and opportunities for to give appreciation. The YWAM team thanked Bob and Linda Gist for their many weeks of serving on the base, the CTK Team was thanked and prayed over, the base children performed for us, Felix and Deni washed the feet of John and Jacinta for their ministry on the base and then everyone hugged and sang as good-byes were said. Wonderful way to end our time there.

Drive to Nairobi, Kenya
Long. Dusty. Bumpy. One flat tire (only to put a spare on that was missing a hulk of tread). And in the midst of all of this the team stayed happy along the way. We stopped just inside of Kenya at at tourist rest stop. Some of the team ate a lunch, while others did a little more shopping. Tom made friends with one of the local storekeepers. Finding out that he was a Christian and looking for an English Bible - Tom gave him is Bible. The look of delight in the eyes of this young man will stay in our minds forever. As we left he was sitting on the ground thumbing through his new NIV Bible with a huge smile on this face.

Kibera Slums - Kenya
Inside Niarobi is a ten-square mile nieghborhood of shacks made of tin sheets, mud and dung. Over one-million people live here. 70% of those people are children. No running water, open sewage, crowded pathways between "homes", laundry hanging, hundreds of dirty children running the roads yelling out: "How are you. How are you." to the Mzungus (foriegners) walking through their roads. These are images that will stick with us forever.

With our guides and missionaries, Thomas and Beatrice Omolo, we made our way through the neighborhood to the Savior King Academy. It is here that some 200 plus children receive one meal a day, schooling and wonderfully solid teaching about Jesus Christ.

These children sang for us, greeted us warmly with smiles and were eager to play, do crafts and just sit with us. About half of the team went to visit several homes to hear the stories from single mothers, two parent families, and widows that are doing their best keep a family while living on nothing. Heartbreaking. At first we wanted to throw money at the issues - but quickly realized that all the money we had would not fix these issues long term. It will be people like Thomas and Beatrice, the long term support of CTK, and reaching the children that will someday make a dent in these issues.

We were only there for about 8 hours. The memories will stay forever.

Casting Vision
After attending their church, Thomas and Beatrice took us to their home for a wonderful lunch. Later in the afternoon we drove out to their recently purchased 5-acres of land just outside the city. It is here that Thomas casted the vision of a future children's home, school and farm, and church. We walked the land with them and prayed over it. God has a plan - there will be a day when this land will hear the sounds of orphaned children laughing and singing praise to God.

The long flights home
It took about 2 days of flying and hanging around various airports to make it home. Everyone made it, all the luggage got here, and as we placed our feet on American soil again we realized that this trip was life-changing. There will be many days and weeks of sorting through feeling, memories and thousands of pictures. Decisions will be made about the future for some, for everyone we will look at life differently than we did 3 weeks ago.

Thanks to each of you for your prayers as we travelled and served some many people. Thanks to those of you who financially supported team members, covered for them while they were gone, and for listening to team members as they process this trip with you.

Pictures will continue to be added to this blogspot over the next several weeks - so keeping checking in.

God bless you. Maybe you will be on the next mission trip!

Soccer 2

2009-08-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

As I sit in my room tonight. . .our last night in Africa. . .i think again why we came here.

Was it to build a soccer field? No, not really. It is just the icing on the cake. Well, the soccer field did not get finished (mostly because it never rained). But I do not care, because it will. We got the goalposts finished and the land is just too dry to do anything else to it. We spread the cow manure (by hand . .yuk) but not by ourselves. All the soccer boys who could make it last Saturday (and there were about 63 of them all arriving from different areas on time at 9:30 am) helped out. They helped spread the manure and then afterwards we came back to the base and they washed their uniforms. Then we talked with them for about an hour and then treated them to lunch. After lunch was over they were asked to clean their plates. Well, they didn't stop there. They cleaned the entire dining hall and the kitchen. Swept and mopped the floors and everything. They just jumped right in and took over. It was amazing to watch. These are good boys. They deserve this field.

We came here to build a soccer field mostly to meet a boy named Juma. Juma is 12 years old. He has been on this team since it started two years ago. We have an immediate connection with this kid. Must be a God thing. He stops by the base to tell us his "life story". He is only 12 and he has a "life story". He proceeds to tell us that his dad died when he was two. His mom died this April from HIV. As he tells us this the tears stream down his face. They stream down mine and Nathan's as well. When we asked him who he lived with, he told us his uncle. We asked him if he was a nice guy and he says "yes". "Where does he work?", we ask. "He is a student", he replies. We then ask him how old his uncle is and he replies "17". This kid needs a family. How can a 17-year-old possibly raise a 12-year-old? We cannot adopt this kid, or we would. Instead we arrange with Jacinta to make sure he is taken care of. He will come to the base and we will make sure his education is taken care of. Jacinta will make sure he gets a "momma" hug once in a while. This is what this ministry was started for. . .not just soccer, but to give these kids a fighting chance and a family. The picture above has Juma in it. He is the one with the biggest smile :) . . .my prayer is that he keeps smiling.

So off we go tomorrow to see our own kids. There will be a few extra hugs in it for them. I thank God for the fact that he has blessed my kids with two loving parents. . .for the family that they have, and for the "easy" life they have been given. And now thank Him for the "brother" they have in Africa.

My life is always changed when I come to Africa. . .hopefully a few other lives are changed as well. . . there's no place like home, but there's absolutely no place like Africa.

Until next time. . .

Safari Pictures

2009-08-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Pictures

2009-08-19T09:31:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the women of CTK,
toothbrushes for everyone!

Children at Kyogoa

Pushing the van up the hill
to Kyogoa.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

2009-08-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

The day started early, as we loaded medical supplies, crafts and lots of people into two mini vans and a couple of cars for the hour and half drive to Engikaret. Both vans had 14 -16 people packed in the four rows of seats; which is good because being that packed helps you from being bounced around too much. The road to Engikaret is dusty, bumpy, and dry. The drive consists of navigating donkeys, goats, holes in the roles, Massai riding bikes or walking, and passing at incredible speeds (and some risk!) other vehicles. We have bruised heads, arms and legs from the Tanzania roads. But, you really get to know those sitting around you!

We first visited the boma (village) where several of the Massai come for medical assistance. A tour of the boma was given by the Chief's son. We were all invited to enter (one by one) a mud hut and see how they lived. After about 300 pictures with kids we headed back to the clinic. Today we served 125 people. It was a comfortable day of helping meet the needs of those who are ill, meeting many women at watering hole, and giving the children Hot Wheel cars.

CTK paid for sixty 200 lb. bags of corn which was delivered today while we were there. The elders of the various villages will distribute the much needed food as they see fit. A community director came out and thanked us for the donation. The Maasai will grind the corn for food and to sell. Unloading the bags nearly killed the men on our team - while the Maasai men made it look easy.

We loaded up for home about 4:30 PM and made the dusty trip home - waving to the children walking home from school, weaving from one side of the road to the other to void huge pot holes, donkeys, cows and goats. What an adventure!

Please pray for the base director's (John) father who is ill. John is trying to get a bus ticket for him to come from Kenya and stay here. John will work this arrangement out tomorrow (Thursday).

Tomorrow is our last day here in Arusha. There are already tears that come with saying good-bye to old and new friends. Several of us will make one more trip to Engikaret to watch the village's first baptism ceremony. They estimate 20 - 40 people getting baptised tomorrow. A great way to close this chapter of our trip.

We leave for Kenya at 8:30 AM Friday to see new needs and be of help where we can. Please pray for travelling mercy and the ability to keep being the hands and feet of Jesus. Thanks!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

2009-08-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday the team was able to visit two local churches. We enjoyed joining in with the worship and choirs. Pastors Felix and Deni gave messages that we well received by hundreds of people. Once home from church we took time to rest and catch up on laundry.

Yesterday the team went two different directions. Half the team went to the Snake Park and the other half went on a Sarfari. Both teams enjoyed unique perspectives of God's creation.

Okay - battery is low so gotta publish this - more later today! We are all doing well, although everyone is very tired at this point in the trip. Keep praying for our health. Thanks!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

2009-08-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Today we drove up a mountain to play with 150 children in the Kyogoa area. We played on green grass, which was a first, as down below is very dry and dusty. However, on the way up the steep hill the vans got stuck in mud. The eagerly jumped out and pushed the vans through the muck. Everyone thought the ride up was an adventure. The road was extremely rough.

The children were waiting for us to arrive and greeted us with several songs. We played games, brought a lunch for the children, and played more games. Everyone was exhausted as we drove home.

Jacinta, Deni, Kim, Tom, and Jolene had the honor of meeting with about 15 adults with HIV before we left today. Jacinta encouraged them with good words, Deni gave a blessing over them and everyone received warm hugs before leaving.

Another great day serving in Africa.

2009-08-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Peeling garlic

2009-08-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

Praying for children
and staff of

Samaritan's Village

2009-08-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Crowding the door

at the clinic. We

served a record number
of people this day -

246

2009-08-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Washing Faces

2009-08-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Samaritan's Village
craft time

2009-08-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Massai boy praying

2009-08-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

Praying with
Maasai at clinic

2009-08-15T08:25:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Felix!

2009-08-15T08:23:00.001-07:00

Massai Teenager

2009-08-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Elissa flipping rice at
Samaritan's Village

2009-08-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

1st Massai Clinic

Pictures

2009-08-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Differences

Friday, August 14, 2009

2009-08-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

The breeze is refreshing as it blows through the dinning hall windows. There is laughter from the team as they are chopping up vegies for lunch tomorrow for the children of Kyogoa (200+). Some of them are crying as they are chopping onions. Others are sifting through rice...looking for things that shouldn't be in the rice!

The past two days have been full and rewarding. Yesterday we went to the Shalom Children's Home. This home takes children from the streets of Arusha - those whose parents have died or abandoned them. It broke our hearts to see children as young as 5 - 6 years old, knowing that they were once on the streets. But what a enjoy to see how they are loved and cared for. There was lots of laughter and hugs. A young 15 year boy preached to us one of the best messages we have heard - ever. All 60 children were given tooth brushes, tooth paste, floss, and a Hot Wheels car. Elissa did a great job demonstrating how to brush and floss!

Today we visited the Samaritan's Village Home for Children. This home cares for young children - birth through about the age of 9. Also abandon and mostly left to died alone. We read stories, did crafts and played with balloons. These children are cared for in the most passionate way.

A quick bite to eat in town on the way home, and now we are preparing for tomorrow. When anyone has a spare moment they are mostly washing their clothes (bucket style), grabbing a quick nap or talking with those on base.

Thanks again for your prayers. The BASE COLD seems to be slowing down a little.

Okay - I need to go help and have some fun myself!

OH YES! Yesterday we celebrated Pastor Felix's 60th birthday with African cake and a porch party at Tom and Deni's guest house.

Soccer Ministry

2009-08-14T02:09:00.000-07:00

While I sit here today washing my laundry in a bucket . . .i am reminded of how very blessed we are. How many things we take for granted and how I am not very good at washing my own laundry.

As we watched the boys play in the semifinals of their soccer tournament last night, I am reminded again. They have no shinguards to protect their legs, and if they do they are made of cardboard. When they come off the field they trade jerseys as all they have are the ones donated to them and they do not each have their own. . .then they trade their shoes as they do not have their own shoes either. I wonder how they can fit each foot the same. We brought them water to the game today which is a treat. They never have water at their games. There is no net on their goalpost . .and it is made from timbers. The dust is flying so high when they play that I can barely see the ball. How do they breath? This is a hard fought game . . . these are not children playing but 16 to 18 year old boys. They are good kids, they play hard, and I never see them complain.

When I watch my own son play soccer back home . .it is a different story. They have the best of uniforms . . .in two different colors with matching shorts and socks. They have the best of shoes and shinguards to protect them. The grass is well manicured. We complain if it is not perfectly flat. When they are off of the field waiting to go back in we have a tent to protect them from the sun. We bring spray bottles to mist them when they are too hot. We bring snacks to keep up their energy and Gatorade to keep them hydrated. They are good kids and they play hard, but they still complain.

Thank God everyday for how very blessed we are and never take anything for granted.

Thank God for this soccer ministry and how it is changing lives. Thank God for a 16 year old boy named "Goodluck" who started in this soccer team two years ago when it was started. They tell us that he was just mere seconds away from joining a street gang. Instead, he became a member of this soccer team and has now become the leader of the team. Praise God.

Thank God for the fact that most of these boys are from Muslim families and they are now praying after every practice and before & after every game in the name of Jesus.

I sometimes wonder - why come all the way back to Africa to build a soccer field? Why not just send that money to them as they certainly could use it. Then I saw their faces and the pride they took in the fact that we came back. . .these Americans are not just throwing money at them and hoping to solve all their problems, but they are taking an interest in them . . .in their lives. . in their future. Making sure they finish school and become great Godly men. We have decided to let them help us finish the soccer field and also to maintain it. To take ownership in what God has blessed them with. . .as it will be the finest soccer field in the region. Hopefully it will bring many many more boys like Goodluck into the program and off of the streets.

Some people say "what can a game of soccer do for these boys?" . . .my answer to them now: the story of Goodluck. . .if a soccer field can save only one boy from gangs on the street and into a Godly life - then soccer has done it's job . . .but i am certain with all of my heart that it is God's plan for this ministry to reach many many many more boys . . .to bring them into a relationship with God, to give them a family, to get them off of the streets . . .and to give them a hopeful future.

Last night after the game (which they won!! and now are in the championships!!!) the boys joined into a circle . .arms around each other tight with their coaches Justus, Geoffrey and Nathan. They stopped for a minute and called me into their inner circle. . me, a "girl", into their "inner circle" . . and asked me to pray for them . . .I am now "officially" part of the team . . .more to come. . .

Thursday, August 11, 2009

2009-08-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

As I sit here this morning, I hear the birds signing and African worship coming from the kitchen. It is overcast this a.m. so it will be a little cooler today. The team is dragging in for breakfast - yesterday was an overwhelming awesome day.

We worked at Engikaaret - where the CTK Medical Clinic is. There has not been a clinic for 6 months. The local people were ready for medical assistance and prayers. We served over 240 yesterday in 95 degree weather. Women and children (some men) sat in the hot sun waiting to be seen all day long. The team served people in an incredible way from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. It was hard to close the doors. YWAM base director, John, kept saying: "WOW, WOW so many people."

One team member said: "The best was brutal." It was a brutal day - but so many rewards. We can't wait so go back next Wednesday.

Please pray for team has we are sharing the BASE COLD with each other. Other than this, everyone is doing very well and enjoying their time serving others.

Photos

2009-08-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the base clinic

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

2009-08-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Today was a mix of hard physical labor and...shopping! The team accomplished several tasks on base today: construction clean-up, prep work for the medical clinic and children's ministry for the Maasai village tomorrow. This afternoon we drove into Arusha to do some tourist shopping. The team enjoyed themselves as they barter for the best prices.

A few team members have a little bit of a cold, otherwise everyone is feeling well. Praise God! Please continue to pray daily for us. Tomorrow will be a long day, working with many, many hurting and ill Maasai.

2009-08-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Praising God for a great day
(photo by Kim)

2009-08-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Awana Games
(photo by Jolene)

2009-08-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Running for Bible story time

2009-08-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Caught in the breeze
(photo by Jolene)

Monday, August 10, 2009

2009-08-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

Today was completely a God-driven day. Between the medical clinic on base and a trip to the Maasi village we saw 50 -60 people accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. Five of those were from the Maasi village: two women, one man and two young men. The team on the base had a extraordinary day serving men, women and children through the medical clinic (about 170 people), then praying with those who wanted prayer. The team is exhausted, but thrilled with the day's experience.

Pastors Felix and Deni, with two YWAM staff members to Lingido to meet with the District Commissioner for his blessing our ministry efforts while here in Tanzania. At first he did not remember the name CTK - but when he saw Felix he said, "Ah, yes, I remember you!" The meeting went well. However, we do have to drive out again on Thursday, (about 2 hours on bumpy dry roads) to have a "photo opportunity" with him and make our donations official. It is all good. We also met with the Medical Director and recieved a tour of the local district hospital. Pray for rain - everyone is telling us that this is the worse it has ever been. Food is difficult to find for both local people and their animals.

God is good and protecting our team. We have one person down with a cold, and couple others with mild upset systems - but all in all - we are great. Thanks again for your continued prayers.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

2009-08-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a wonderful day. Everyone enjoyed their opportunity to visit a church. The each church hosted the teams to various types of lunch. Some teams were out all day between church and lunches. Several team members took a long walk around the countryside surrounding the base. It is such a beautiful county. The people are friendly and enjoy speaking a little English as we try out our little bit of Swahili. Tonight the team is enjoying the warm weather as they sit around the base talking, journaling and playing with the children on the base. God blessed us today.

2009-08-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

This makes the
Hannegan Road
look great!

2009-08-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Creative Fun

2009-08-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Over 500 Tanzanian pastors and leders attended the CTK Leadership Conference in Arusha, Aug 5th - Aug 8th. Pastor Felix and his team (Bible teacher Mark Masucci, and pastors Thomas Okinyi, Austin Oyula from Kenya) taught on the Kingdom of God, Church Unity, Identity in Christ and Community Transformation. This was so well received that the city-wide pastoral conference committee requested that there be a 2010 CTK Leadership Conference. The city of Arusha is being changed for the glory of God.

2009-08-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

Soccer Field in the making

2009-08-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

Singing with the children from Kiogoa

2009-08-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

Mt. Meru

2009-08-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

Little Boy from Kiogoa

Sunday, August 8, 2009

2009-08-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

The team is headed out to 3 different churches this morning. Pastors Felix, Mark and Deni will bring the message in these churches. This morning the skies are clear and Mt. Meru is beautiful as it reaches high into the sky.

Yesterday went very well with the Kyogoa children. They arrived exhausted and empty looking - they left with smiles, giggles and toy cars. Amazing what a little love and fun will do for a hurting child.

The team continues to do well - thanks for your many prayers!

Uploading pictures has been very difficult.We will keep trying.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

2009-08-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Africa! The team has all arrived safely and are doing well. The team is beginning to feel like they have made the time transition and are more than ready to work. Friday, some of the team went to Massi Land to clean the medical clinic and get ready for next Wednesday's clinic. The rest of the team helped fix things on the base and attended the afternoon session of the CTK Pastors and Leaders conference with a total to 500 Africa leaders. Pastor Felix and Mark taught as well has the Pastor from the CTK Nairobi church! We enjoyed hearing him teach on CTK Small Groups.

The team wants everyone to know that they are fine, most are enjoying the food, and everyone is blessed to be here. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Now that we have internet connections set up and if the power continues to stay on we will be able to update the blog daily. Pictures coming soon!

Agenda for CTK Africa 2009 Mission team June 16th – August 26th

2009-07-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

1. Summer volunteers left June 16^th to teach in the schools. They will join the team on August 6^th.

2. Pastors/Leadershop Conference for 600 pastors and leaders from all over Africa. Pastor Felix and Mark Masucci leave on July 28^th to begin preparations. Conference scheduled for August 5th - 8th. When the conference is completed, they will join the team.

3. Building a soccer field and coaching the exploding soccer ministry in Arusha. Nate and Jill will arrive to head up soccer ministry on August 6^th. When not engaged in the soccer ministry they will join with the team.

Other Team Projects

1. Construction work on the Hope (Tumaini) Children’s Home in Arusha

2. Speaking, preaching and sharing in churches in the city of Arusha and in Masaai land.

3. Medical outreach clinics in Masaai villages in the bush as well as at the Medical Clinic we built in 2007.

4. Immunization Clinics at the base and in Masaai land

5. Children’s Ministry at Shalom Center for Orphans & Street Children and at Samaritan Village, home for abandoned children, both of which are in Arusha, Tanzania

6. Possible Children’s Ministry at Kyogo on the mountain and ministry to HIV/AIDS victims, orphans, children and adults outside Arusha

7. Planting an AWANA Club in Arusha at the base/Children’s home

8. Children’s ministry at CTK’s (Savior King Academy) in the Kibera Slum of Nairobi, Kenya. Visiting CTK’s AWANA club plant at the school and ministry with our missionaries, Thomas & Beatrice Omolo and family.

In addition to the specific projects this team will be working on – they will be building relationships, sharing at local churches and with the YWAM staff, leading people to the Lord, bringing them much needed supplies and just loving them.