LWML VISITORS

Eight (8) ladies from the Lutheran Missionary Women League (LWML) – Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) – USA were in Kenya from March 30th to April 12th. This postage of the BLOG presents a report about their Mission Trip. Every one of them wrote a little about their impression.
We thank the group for all support, efforts and friendship they shared with our people. Praise the LORD!

I – The team: (sitting, from the left) – Carol Martin (Ohio); Wendy Denman (Nebraska); Sandy Herron (Florida); Becky Mustard (Nebraska). (Standing, from the left:) Lynn Haven (California); Carol Albright (Ohio); Alison Dumas (California); Marilyn Treanor (Florida).

2 – They were hosted by Catherine Wangari and Rhoda Houge (Standing, first and second on the left), from the LCMS – WM Office in Nairobi, who were in charge of the schedule; and by Lidia Winterle, (Standing, on the right).

3 – The team arrived in Nairobi on Sunday morning, March 30th, and went to the Service at “Spring of Life Lutheran Church – Kibera”…

4 –where they saw the burnt cross and the church, nursery school and medical clinic, burnt during the post-election violence in Kenya. It was a big commotion to see with their own eyes what they had watched on TV in the USA.

5 – After the Service they talked with the congregants about their bad experiences during those days and about their hopes.

6 – On Monday, March 31st, Kibera again, where they interacted with IHV/AIDS infected and affected people. They are doing handcraft with support of the church and are receiving a revolving fund to begin a job.

7 – They visited the burnt facilities and heard from Mr. Emmanuel about the plans to rebuild the church, the nursery school and the other facilities.

8 – They visited Kibera’s slum…

9 – …and some Lutheran families that live in the slum.

Marilyn H Treanor
Melbourne FL
mhtinfl@cfl.rr.com

This trip was a dream come true.
Despite the long flight it was good to start our activities in worship with the congregation of Spring of Life Lutheran Church.
First week meeting and talking with the HIV positive people and hearing of their situation was heart-breaking. I have never talked with this type of people before. I was overwhelmed with the living condition of the slums of Kibera. I know I am very blessed with my lifestyle at home but after visiting the homes of the people of the congregations I can’t comprehend how they manage with so little.
I have been blessed more than I expected. Having all the singing and clapping by the people was such a joy. I hope I can share my experience with the congregations back home. This experience has deepened my faith in our awesome God. It is my prayer that my sharing with the people of Kenya was a blessing to them.
Marylin

10 – On April 1st, Tuesday, they visited Kawangware and the Orphans Feeding program.

11 – 30 children are receiving lunch 5 days a week, and in some special occasion nearly 100 children are invited to come, as it was that day.

12 –The youths of the congregation are in charge of that program, preparing the food. (Mosah preparing the food).

12a – Every child receives a plate with pilau (rice with a little meat) and sits on the grass and eats with the fingers.

Carol Martin
North Royalton, Ohio
Royal Redeemer Lutheran
intbycarol@sbcglobal.net

My experience in Kenya has been one of many contrasts. I have seen the beauty of the land, the animals, the birds, trees and flowers. I have felt the warmth of the sun and also the warmth and friendship of the people. But I have also seen widespread poverty and sadness, especially in light of the recent political and civil unrest in the country. There are many problems to be dealt with in Kenya, and yet I have been inspired and encouraged by the faith and resolve of the members and pastors at all of the churches we visited. They may need some support from us, but they have HOPE and JOY in their circumstances, which only God can give. I have received so many blessings from the people here, and it overwhelms and humbles me that I could come and minister to them in my small way.
I will keep praying for the churches in Kenya and ask God to give them wisdom and direction as they proclaim His word. I’m so grateful for the friendships I have made with everyone, including our team members. God has been doing mighty things through His people in Kenya.
In His love, Carol Martin

13 – On Wednesday, April 2nd, They visited NURU Media Ministry (The Lutheran Hour Ministry), where they were hosted by Mr. John Maina, the Director, and by the NURu staff.

14 – NURU organized a visit to Langata Women Prison, where NURU works with Correspondence Bible Course.

15 - The LWML ladies lead a Bible Study and told Bible Stories…

16 - … and interacted with the women in prison and their children…

17 - … giving them nappies, clothes, and Christian mementos, provided by the team and by Deac. Mary and Deac. Lorna with some donations from abroad.

Wendy Denman
Peace Lutheran Church
Grand Island, Nebraska, USA
wdenman@charter.net

This is my first experience out of the States and also on a mission trip.
I am in awe of the Kenyan and their obvious love for the Lord. They have so little as far as worldly possession go and yet so much faith, trust and hope.
Our first connection with Pastor Meeker and his congregation on Sunday morning at the Spring of Life Church in Kibera was a very moving moment. I was surprised with all of the clergy who were present. It was such a show of support for our mission team.
Each time we went out to share the word with other churches and organizations, we felt the support from the ministers from the other churches. Everyone works well as a team.
LCMS is so very blessed to have Catherine in a leadership role. She has such a connection with the people of Kenya.
My favorite events were the interaction that we had with the homeless boys at Kawangware and the women in the Women’s Prison. I really wish we had been able to spend more time with both of these groups of Kenyans.
The young men who work with the children at Kawangware are exceptional as is the group who sing with The Conquerors.
HEART was also an inspiration to me and may be my next venture as a short term missionary.
I have truly been blessed by the team of women who are on this team.
Wendy

18 – On April 3rd, Thursday, they went back to Kawangware.

19 – There they worked with the HIV;AIDS infected and affected people and with the street boys.

20 – The women of the congregation, led by Deac. Mary, have a program of Bible Study and hand crafts with the mamas

21 – The street boys have a special service every Sunday morning, led by the youth of the congregation, and receive tea and bread. They can also wash their clothes there on Saturday. The goal is to have a shelter to them and showers. (Pastor Omodhi with the street boys).

22 – The HIV/AIDS people and the street boys received lunch that day.

23 – The mamas received maize meal and cooking oil as a gift from the LWML women.

alison@px55.com
9 April 2008
Alison Dumas
Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, Cameron Park, California.

My two weeks in Kenya have shown me that the field is ripe for harvest. The people of Kenya face so many challenges: HIV / AIDS, poverty, life on the streets as an orphan, the loss of homes or businesses in the recent riots and more. Meeting people who are struggling with these problems has put faces on these painful issues.
The joy and hope that I have experienced while on this mission trip is to see, the way in which the church is reaching out to help all who are hurting. There are few government programs to help people who face these challenges.
The ELCK has stepped in to provide practical help, but even better, to offer the love and comfort that only God can provide. It has been my privilege to be part of these programs- to offer hope to God’s children.
I also pray that the message we've been able to share with the church leaders in these congregations will be an encouragement to them. l have truly been blessed by the loving welcome and generous spirit of the Kenyan people. And I have been humbled by the lasting faith of these Christians who hold on to God in the face of so many problems.
They know and proclaim freely that God is good.
Praise the Lord! Alison

24 – The Conquerors are a Music/Drama Team of Kawangware. They sang very nice on Tuesday and on Thursday and the ladies enjoyed seeing how they are so active with all these activities with the orphans and with the street boys.

25 – On Saturday, April 5th, they had a Bible study and activities with several ladies at the Uhuru Highway Lutheran Cathedral – UHLC.

Lynn Haven
havenlynn@sbcglobal.net

My thoughts so often this few days with you all are “why me, Lord”? Why did you select me to be a part of this 8-member team of women? Jeremiah says “I know the plans I have for you…” So it is in His plans! What an experience! To meet Pastors of E.L.C.K. who are so caring to watch over us! To meet Kenyans of variety of needs. A new culture yet responding to God’s love – different needs, same God!
Asante Sana ! I will always remember this time!
Lynn Haven
(E.L.C.K. = Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya
Asante Sana = Thank You!)

26 – On Sunday, April 6th, very early in the morning, they took their way to Kumpa, Kajiado (100 km from Nairobi), where there is a Massai Lutheran Congregation.

27 – They took part in the Service and heard the testimony how they were reached by the Gospel. – After this, the team had a Safari to the Ambosseli Park, where they could see animals in their natural habitat.

Becky Mustard
beckymustard@hotmail.com

This has been such an incredible experience for me. Your country is so very beautiful as are your women. I have enjoyed traveling to the different churches and meeting the pastors and women. I have gained a new understanding of being a Christian woman in another country. Our lives are so very different but our love for our Lord is the same. I will continue to pray for you and your families. God’s blessings.
Becky – your sister in Christ.

28 – On Tuesday, April 8th, they visited the New Life Center, an entity that shelter abandoned babies. They listened to a presentation how the entity is working…

29 - … and spent some time with the children

30 – On the same day, in the afternoon, they visited Kiambu, the poorest congregation of the UHLC parish, where people have a dream to build a church.

31 – The next day, April 9th, they visited a community of Ethiopians/Sudanese refugees in Ruiro (one hour from Nairobi)

31a – They became very impressed by the testimony of the people, how they suffered in their home country, and how they are now living as refugees. But all confessed gladly their faith in Jesus!

Carol Albright
4640 Boxwood Dr.
Brunswick, OH 44212
USA
laffgirl@roadrunner.com

This mission trip to Kenya for me was very fulfilling.
I have wanted to come to Africa since I was a child. And I have been on 6 or 7 other trips before this one.
The team we worked with was such a great blend of personalities, and we all complimented each other wonderfully.
We did a Bible study over the internet so we got to know each other some, but after we met in Chicago spending 14 hrs. on a layover in London, we arrived in Kenya as friends.
We did many different things but I think it all was an accomplishment. The prison really touched my heart. The ladies with their children broke my heart, but I think we brought joy with our visit/ Bible Study/ and gifts.
The street boys was another touching day for me since I have two grandsons one is 17- the other is 14- and I could see them in the street boys.
Today at Rurio – with the refugees from Ethiopia – they have been through so many struggles, lost everything they had, left home and family, saw people killed or beaten in front of them and they still know that God loves them and will provide fro them and they trust in Him completely.
I know we touched people in every thing we did by planting seeds.
I was greatly touched by the love and graciousness of everyone. They would share their last piece of bread and tea if that was all they had.
I loved being a part of this team and this mission. It will live in my heart forever.
Thank you.
Carol Albright

32 – On April 10th, Thursday, they visited Kariti, a rural congregation 2 hours by bus from Nairobi.

33 – The mamas sang and danced for them…

34 -… and the LWML ladies sang and danced with the mamas too.

Sandy Herron
scarlettoH7@yahoo.com
Christ the King Lutheran, Seminole, Florida

Where do I begin to describe my impressions of Africa?
Kenya is wonderful . the sights, the sounds, the smells, but especially the people! I will never forget my time here and the people I have met.
When I close my eyes, I will see their smiling faces; I will see the beauty of the African landscape with Mt . Kilimanjaro peeking from behind the
Clouds; I will hear the joyful singing in the churches we have visited.
We were told that our visit blessed those we interacted with but I can honestly say that I have been blessed beyond words by this experience.
Amani, (peace)
Sandy

35 – Friday was a day to see Nairobi and to go shopping. And Saturday was time to prepare the luggage and to take the plane home, praising God for all protections and for all opportunities they had to share the Gospel with so many people in Kenya!

DO YOU WANTO TO COME TO KENYA IN A MISSION TRIP TOO?
Karibu = Welcome!

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (G) - 1 - SERVICES

Introduction: “Several Activities (G)” is not really an updated report. Some of the activities happened last year, in 2007. I received some reports late. And because of the post-election violence, the BLOG’s schedule changed too. So, sorry for some “old news”; but I think it’s important to record them at the BLOG and to share them with you as a testimony about what God is doing through His servants in Kenya.
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EASTER

EASTER 2008 was an ABLAZE EASTER again. We launched ABLAZE last year on Easter Sunday. We are working on a 50-Day Mission Outreach Journey, or, as we can say in Kenya, on a MISSION OUTREACH SAFARI. Between Easter and Pentecost we are highlighting how God uses His servants to spread the Gospel. The apostles were the first ones who shared the Good News about Jesus resurrection. We are God’s messengers to proclaim the Good News to people in our days, in our world.
The Gospel for Easter Sunday, Matthew 28:1-10, tells us that the angel and Jesus say to the women: GO and TELL that Jesus is alive!
The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter, John 20:19-31, reports us the words of Jesus: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you!” Outreach begins in the heart of God, passes through the cross and reaches our heart; and through us, reaches other people as we are preaching the Word and sharing the Sacraments, God’s Means of Grace to bring salvation.
The Gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter, Luke 24:13-35, reports the amazing experience of the disciples on the way to Emmaus: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Let us open the Scripture and the Word will be Ablaze!

The children sang before they went to the Sunday School Class on Easter Sunday. So, we celebrated Easter with joy and hope, because our Redeemer lives!

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GOOD FRIDAY

On GOOD FRIDAY, Bishop Obare gave us the Absolution and consecrated the bread and the wine – the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus.

People wrote Confession of Sins and Prayers on small pieces of paper and fixed them on a Torn tree during the service. After the service, the Torn Tree and the papers were taken out of the church and burnt. Our sins are forgiven! Jesus died for us and rose from the dead at Easter!

Good Friday Service was a joint service English-Kiswahili. The Swahili Choir presented “The seven Words of Christ on the Cross”.

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PALM SUNDAY

From January 13th to March 16th, on PALM SUNDAY, the Sermons were about the main doctrines of the Christian Faith according to Luther’s Small Catechism. Posters and Power Point Presentations were used to illustrate the Bible’s truth. Small Catechisms in English (with explanation and without explanation) and in Kiswahili (with explanation) were given to the families. (The Small Catechisms and other material related to were donated by: PLI group, LCMS WR-HC, LHF and Scrip. Mission; THANK YOU!)

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (G) - 2 - KIBERA

I asked Pastor Dennis Meeker, from Kibera, to send me some pictures and to write a report about the actual situation there after the church and other facilities were burnt during the post-election violence. He wrote on March 9th:

“Springs of Life Lutheran Church Kibera is celebrating peace in Kenya. We really thank God for this change in the aftermath of much chaos. Your prayers are no small thing and we so much appreciate the fact that we are united with you in Christ Jesus our Lord. With many challenges before us we can only ask that you continue to pray that God will provide what we need to sustain us and move us forward in the rebuilding process.

We have been trying to do the little we can in the interim period as politicians are now headed the right direction for the betterment of the country. Water and electricity have been restored. Temporary fence has been put up to enclose the compound from the public. As of yesterday the main gate foundation is being dug. This is God’s work as many never thought this could happen so soon. Opposition from those who depend on the water they retrieve from our plot really was an obstacle but God has changed attitudes to agree to our security and also we agree to make water available to those that depend on it so much. A permanent stone fence with razor blade wire topped with electric fence is top priority as a proposal has been submitted to World Relief Human Care of LCMS St. Louis for assistance. Please pray that God may open the avenues for this security to be realized. It is crucial to the rebuilding process. In fact rebuilding would not be practical without a permanent fence.

We have put temporary roofing on two rooms of the parsonage so the Pastor has an office and also some storage for necessities. The church roof has been temporarily repaired and new glass fixed in the big window above the altar. This will keep us dry when the rainy season begins.

The Nursery School has over 30 children .Vision Africa has set a feeding program for our nursery school children. Thanks be to God. The restrooms at the school were least damaged and are being renovated with gifts from our friends at Scripture Mission. This is very important to pass inspection and keep the school open. The water tower is about finished with a 5,000 liter tank. Many fittings were stolen or broken, yet a plan is in place to replace and repair everything.

Plans are being put in place to temporarily replace the roofing of three classrooms and kitchen at the school. This includes widows, doors, electricity, plumbing, power washing, and painting. This will allow some normality for the children and give us time to plan well and fund raise for rebuilding the school as it was before the fire or even better. The love of Christ abides forever.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dennis Meeker “

Lidia and I attended the service in Kibera on March 30th. The burnt cross is still there, to remind of the suffering of Christ on the cross and to remind of the suffering of His people who had their church and facilities burnt.

The church was full! People are reacting very well, coming to the Services and to other activities, and helping to rebuilt the facilities.

Pastor Dennis asked me to help him when the Lord’s Supper was offered to God’s people.

Just to remember: On December 16th 2007, I preached at Kibera. The church and the other buildings had been painted and remodeled not long before and were all very nice and clean. But, God can change the bad to good!

“ The Bible from Kibera Lutheran Church”
This piece from a Bible was found in the ruins of the Lutheran Church in Kibera slum, after the fire that has been there. The Church, School and the clinic was striked of this fire.
This piece was saved from all the trash after the fire.
Psalm 124:2-3
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, Then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us.”

(Report sent by Pastor Rune Mjolhus, from Scripture Mission).

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (G) - 3 - BAPTISMS

“How do you start a fire with water?” - is one of the questions raised by ABLAZE. And the answer is: “It happens with every Baptism… it happened with yours! Our involvement in God’s mission begins when we are touched by the Holy Spirit through water and the Word in Baptism.”

JOSHWA, born on 2/May/2007, son of Emmanuel Nyamweya Mogeni and Gladys Kemunto Nyamweya, was baptized on 23rd December 2007.
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– REV. ISAIAH OBARE, GOOD-MOTHER LORNA MEEKER AND GRAND-MOTHER EUNICE OBARE
Rev. Isaiah Obare brought his 5-days-old son Walter Ralph Obare II to the Holy Baptism on Christmas Day. (Pastor Isaiah translated the Christmas Sermon to Swahili that day. He is doing his Master Degree in Theology at the Fort Wayne Seminary, USA).

Bishop Obare assisted the Baptism of his grand-son. Mother Carol was still at home, but sister Rehema was at the Baptism Service.

Young Yunuke M’Maltsi, born 25/May/2007, was baptized on Christmas Day too. Young is daughter of Wilfred Fan M’Maltsi and Lydiah Wanjiru.

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (G) - 4 - CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION - KAWANGWARE

On 12/December/2007 a special Christmas Celebration took place at the Kawangware Lutheran Church. The local Pastor, Rev. Zedekiah, opened the Celebration with a message and prayers. The Norwegian Youths took part at the celebration and they brought gifts and food for the children and the families."Heart to Heart Orphan Children Center" sponsored the event with a special grant.

The 30 orphan participants of the Feeding Program were there with their mates from their school and several other children. They sang and told poems together.

The HIV/AIDS Mamas gave their testimony about their Christian Faith, and they sang.

The Street Boys came together to say how important the support was, that the Church had given them, and they sang very happly.

Several ladies from the congregation and the youths helped to prepare food for nearly 200 people gathered that day. We thank God for this opportunity to share the message of God’s love in Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem with all these people.

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CHRISTMAS EVE ABLAZE

The Uhuru Highway Lutheran Cathedral celebrated the Christmas Eve Service ABLAZE! “We are God’s Messengers” was the theme of that night. Five short messages highlighted how the angels, as God’s Messengers, proclaimed the Good News about Jesus’ Birth to Zachariah, to Mary, to Joseph, to the shepherds; now “We are God’s Messengers” to proclaim the Good News to all people around us. This is ABLAZE: To share the Good News about Jesus with our friends and relatives.

Bishop Obare addressed one of the messages and offered the prayers.

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CHRISTMAS DAY ABLAZE

On Christmas Day, 25th December 2007, the same theme directed the Christmas Service.
As God’s Messengers, we are ABLAZE with the “Good News of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!” And we want to share them with all people

Bishop Obare was the Celebrant and he assisted us at the Baptism of his grand-son Walter Ralph Obare II on that Christmas Day (see this BLOG # 3).

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (G) - 5 - OUTREACH

KUMPA/KAJIADO

Moses Aboka, the Youth Leader, wrote: “The Nairobi Lutheran Youths organized for a Youth Rally purposed to mobilize, motivate and prepare youths for evangelism. The event was organized in the remote area of Kumpa – Kajiado, a Massai area, (from 9th to 12th August 2007). Youths from different congregations and background came together and did almost everything in unity and love… We held Bible quiz on Friday… Youths participated and it was amazing to notice how this young people had invested their time in reading studying the word of God.”

The bonfire

It was an ABLAZE event, and at the first night the youths learnt about ABLAZE surrounding a bonfire: “Praying to the Lord of the Harvest Lutheran Church Missouri Synod – World Mission (LCMS-WM) in collaboration with its North American and worldwide partners, will share the Good News of Jesus with 100 million unreached and uncommitted people by the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.”

Emmanuel Mungami, from “Spring of Life” – Kibera, shared with the youths about ABLAZE. (Pastor Carlos was invited to be there, but he couldn’t.) Moses wrote: “During the Camp fire, before the blaze was lightened, Emmanuel spoke about Ablaze and explained to the eager crowd about reaching people through the word of God. He also reminded the crowd that the blaze should signify the fire that burns in our hearts after baptism. All youth leaders came together and lit the fire as sign of readiness to spread the Good News.. All along during the Camp Fire, the fire reminded me of Youth Ablaze... a strong blaze that no man can stop.”

Door to door

Moses wrote more: “We were able to share the gospel with approximately 321 people for all the three days. I have the names of the individuals, and we can also include them in the Ablaze contact /response form that we normally have.”

Smilling Stellah in front of her house

“We also distributed the Massai Good News during our door to door evangelism and the crusade and every other day that we had programs with the local people. Most people were overwhelmed by the gifts of the word and it was true that access to Christian literature was a challenge to them.” (Obs.: The Massai Good News were donated by Scripture Mission; thank you!”)

Sport and Youth walk together. “Nairobi Combined” was a good team!
God bless these youth as they are sharing their faith in Jesus”

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MOLO

At the end of November 2007, Emmanuel Mugami led some youth, members and the choir from “Spring of Life”- Kibera, to Molo (Nakuru area), for a seminar with the local people. Molo is a new emerging congregation, that began with some contacts with Kibera’s member’s relatives, and now the Pastor of Nakuru is in charge of that new congregation. – Several children were baptized that day.

The service was held outside, at a very simple place. But many people came together to hear the Word of God.

Several adults were instructed in the Christian Lutheran Faith and confessed their faith publicly that day.

A lady was baptized that day…

and some youth were baptized too...

... and other youth confirmed.

The Holy Supper was offered to the new members for the fist time and to the Lutheran visitors from Kibera.

Emmanuel Mungami wrote a report about MOLO:
“The Ministry in Molo started in April 2007. There wasChristians in Springs of Life Lutheran Church inKibera who when they visited Molo as their rural homehad to worship in other churches and those living inthe rural home worshipped in other Pentecostal churchthere. This inspired the youth outreach ministry inSprings of Life Kibera to visit the area and preachnot only to the few Lutherans but also to reach out tothe unreached. Open air preaching were done in the monthof April 2007 and home visitations to the inhabitants.The results were good as many reached with the wordinspired the team when they started fellowshipping inone of the Christians home and doing bible study. Thisgrew up to a congregation of 15 adults Members andmore than 30 children. A Christian offered his schoolhall premises for the people to worship every Sundayand the Parish leader in Nakuru Parish assigned a layevangelist to be visiting and lead Lutheran worshipservice every Sunday and teach Lutheran Catechism.The Bishop visited in May of 2007 with 20 visitorsfrom TOMBALL CHURCH, USA and were able to see this newABLAZE MISSION work by ELCK.Parish pastor in Nakuru would occasionally visit andlead and teach the worshippers too. In July of 2007the congregation increased over 30 Adults wouldcongregate for Sunday worship and more than 45children. This growth was an inspiration and the teamleader Emmanuel organized with Nuru Media Ministry andvisited together with Conquerors Singing group andthe youth in Kibera for follow up evangelization andfor 4 days the team was in Molo in August. More peoplewere reaching by the word of God through Nuru filmMinistry and home visitations.In July of 2007 Pastor Carlos Winterle of theNairobi Uhuru Cathedral, team leader Emmanuel and 4youths from Springs of Life Lutheran Church visited forSunday worship service in which the pastoradministered Holy Communion with the Nakuru Parishleader. At that time 38 Adults were alreadycongregating every Sunday and more than 45 children.
In November 2007 the Parish of Nakuru held its Synodin Molo and 3 other Lutheran congregations that formpart of the Parish were in attendance. Springs of Lifechoir attended as Guest Choir Emmanuel and DavidMaseno attended in Official capacity as Elders inSprings of Life Kibera for 3 days in which Lutheranteachings were taught and in the worship service inthat synod 12 youths above the age of twelve years werebaptized, 22 Infants were baptized too, 11 Adults werebaptized, 5 were received back to the fellowship of theLutheran Community since they had joined otherchurches and 1 person received confirmation. Thefollowing joined the Lutheran church and to continuewith Catechism teachings 1 from Free Pentecostal, 2 fromP.C.E.A Church, 2 from Good News Church,1 from P.A.GChurch,1from A.G.C. Church, and 1 from full GospelChurch. WE THANK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST JESUS CHRISTAND FOR USING HIS SERVANTS IN THE FIELD OF GOD'SVINEYARD.Emmanuel Mungami and David Maseno handed over thecongregation to the leadership of Nakuru Parish underPastor Samuel Langat. The Bishop was to consecratepastor Chepkwony to be in charge of that New borncongregation Springs of Life Lutheran Church – KOINGE.Unfortunately the place was adversely affected by thepost election violence; this will be done once theplace is calm and people resettled.”
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KIAMBU

On December 11th, Bishop Obare visited Kiambu with Pastor Omodhi, Pastor Carlos and Ev. Sylvester to discuss about the construction of a new chapel. The present building is falling down. A Construction Team from Springfield, MO, USA, “Builders for Christ”, is planning to come and to help local people to build a new chapel. The new building is necessary to do a better outreach program in Kiambu.

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THE CONQUERORS

On March 7th 2008, THE CONQUERORS visited St. Deborah Girls Secondary School in Kawangware. They are working under the ABLAZE umbrella and invited Pastor Carlos to go with them in that visit. Since last year they have visited several schools to share the Gospel. They are planning to visit two or three schools every month.

They sang and prayed and preached about RECONCILIATION, creating a very good link between RECONCILIATION in the country after the post-election violence and RECONCILIATION with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Students from Uganda, Tanzania, the Sudan and, of course, Kenya, heard about Jesus and the reconciliation He brings to us through the Gospel.

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (G) - 6 - DO YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE?

We are trying to introduce our members and visitors through the BLOG. Please, if you haven’t been introduced till now, ask Lídia after the Service to take a picture of you (or of your family) and give your name(s) written on a piece of paper to her. So, you will be introduced through the BLOG too.

These are Prof. Godwin Kowero and Mrs. Isilda Nhantumbo, their niece Laura Takia, their daughter Victoria (Vicky). Isilda is from Mozambique and is the only one with whom Lídia and I can speak Portuguese!
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Stephan Padre, Sarah and Alexandria Leah (Lexi – 8 and half months old)). They are from the USA; Stephen is our organist; Sarah is working for the LWF.

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Jane T.Ndwigia and her sister Susan Nkemanze. Susan lives in the USA and her sister helps her here with “GRACEWORKS KENYA” – an entity that works with HIV/AIDS orphans.

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Irene Kanini and her daughter Purity. They were visited by the Pastoral Staff on December 11th. Irene lost her husband in a Road Accident in November and he was buried in Tanzania.
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Emmanuel Nyamweya Mogeni, Gladys Kemunto Nyamweya and their children: Mitchel Nyamduko and Joshwa Gitenyi. Joshwa was baptized on December 23rd.
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Dr. Dmitri Zaroslovd and Milllen Noni.

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Justus Nyang’au , the General Manager of Scripture Mission.
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Sabina Bosibori Oseko and her daughters: Janet Viviane Monyenye and Janice Valerie Moraa.

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VISITORS:

Evelyn Boren visited us on January 6th, just on her birthday!. She is from Arizona, USA and comes several times to Kenya. Her friends: Gustin, Veronica and Mary.

Eight ladies from the Lutheran Women Missionary League –LWML – LCMS, are visiting the ELCK this and the next week( from March 30th to April 12th) . They are: Sandy Herron (Florida), Becky Mustard (Nebraska), Wendy Denman (Nebraska), Marilyn Treanor (Florida), Alison Dumas (California), Lynn Haven (California), Carol Albright (Ohio), Carol Martin (Ohio); and they came to see and to help the work among the children, among the HIV/AIDS women and the mission that is being done in Kenya. Catherine (right on the picture) and Rhoda, from the LCMS-WM office, are in charge of their schedule. WELCOME AND GOD’S BLESSINGS!