This isn't the 'official' video for the trip, but just some video I had on my camera from the first couple places we went. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KcuuJHORP0
(Front row) Erika Yenokida, Garrett Lee, Cindy Ko, Rebekah Ogimachi, Brenden Fong, Josh Chinn, (Second row) Kristine Fu, Dakota Chenoweth, Matt Sekijima, Heather Nakamura, Renee Wong, Nicole Okada, (Back row) Trenton Yenokida, Steve Lee, Dan Ko, Bob Sandefur, John Herburger, Jesse Sandefur, Shawn Terasaki
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Most memorable time of my life
I never really blogged too much while I was in Kenya, not really sure if it was because I was 'soaking in all I was seeing' or just my lack of time. I'm not sure why I am even blogging now, it's been about a month since returning and I still feel extremely affected by it. Going to Kenya was a missions trip, a trip where obviously I signed up for thinking, "This will make me grow so much closer to God". And it did... It did so much that I've never felt more in tune to how sick and poor most of this world is. It's very easy to go to church every Sunday and look at pictures of slums and African children walking around. But actually going there is absolutely and positively a life changing experience. Seeing these kids and making full eye contact is unexplainable. Seeing the despair and the hopelessness is just heart breaking and not the kind where you feel sad for a little while, but the kind that fills your heart with the drive to do something; the drive to do something different and fix these problems. Going to Africa was literally the best decision I could have ever made and I will never regret it.
Now that I find myself back in 'real' life I find I am still heart broken. Heart broken by those who we left in Kenya, and those who sit next to me in class as they presently have absolutely no clue about what Africa 'is'. Going to Africa has definitely taught me a lot about who I am, about what I need to do as a Christ follower. Before this trip I would pass friends and tell myself that I shouldn't push my religion onto others, When I was completely wrong. It is not only something that matters but it is the ONLY thing that matters. It makes me think about hard comparison questions like, "If I could guarantee that one of my non-christian friends would become Christian but I had to give up something like College would I?" It's the hard questions like these that make me realize that my faith needs to be number 1, the absolute priority in my life.
On this trip I met an amazing group of people. We all got along and bonded quickly. As our trip came to a close I found myself very saddened by not seeing the rest of the group on a scheduled basis. Just last week we had a follow up meeting, and it was really great to see everyone. My heart felt heavy and I remembered how great it was to be around all of them. As we all go our separate ways I find myself missing each and everyone of the Kenya 2010 team. If I could I would go back in time and relive those 16 days over and over.
If I am blessed to be given the opportunity to go back to Africa I will, but that is up to God. Currently as I attend school and nestle back in my 'normal' life I would give anything to be back in the slums tommorrow morning. I want so much for my mind to be in the same place it was when we first stepped into those slums. I want so much to be in those slums because while I was there I felt the most alive I've ever felt. All of those happy kids and those horrible smells were some of the elements that created one of my most valuable memories. I want to be a light in a dark place and spread God's love. I know that this dark place does not have to be somewhere like Africa. It can be as simple as my school. Returning from Kenya HAS changed me and I need people to see that. This upcoming year my goal is to have people know I am a Christian without me even saying anything. When I meet God at the gates of Heaven I want to be able to tell him, "I was never ashamed of being a Christian and I did everything I could"
I left my heart in Africa, and I don't think I'll ever get it back.
Shawn Terasaki
Now that I find myself back in 'real' life I find I am still heart broken. Heart broken by those who we left in Kenya, and those who sit next to me in class as they presently have absolutely no clue about what Africa 'is'. Going to Africa has definitely taught me a lot about who I am, about what I need to do as a Christ follower. Before this trip I would pass friends and tell myself that I shouldn't push my religion onto others, When I was completely wrong. It is not only something that matters but it is the ONLY thing that matters. It makes me think about hard comparison questions like, "If I could guarantee that one of my non-christian friends would become Christian but I had to give up something like College would I?" It's the hard questions like these that make me realize that my faith needs to be number 1, the absolute priority in my life.
On this trip I met an amazing group of people. We all got along and bonded quickly. As our trip came to a close I found myself very saddened by not seeing the rest of the group on a scheduled basis. Just last week we had a follow up meeting, and it was really great to see everyone. My heart felt heavy and I remembered how great it was to be around all of them. As we all go our separate ways I find myself missing each and everyone of the Kenya 2010 team. If I could I would go back in time and relive those 16 days over and over.
If I am blessed to be given the opportunity to go back to Africa I will, but that is up to God. Currently as I attend school and nestle back in my 'normal' life I would give anything to be back in the slums tommorrow morning. I want so much for my mind to be in the same place it was when we first stepped into those slums. I want so much to be in those slums because while I was there I felt the most alive I've ever felt. All of those happy kids and those horrible smells were some of the elements that created one of my most valuable memories. I want to be a light in a dark place and spread God's love. I know that this dark place does not have to be somewhere like Africa. It can be as simple as my school. Returning from Kenya HAS changed me and I need people to see that. This upcoming year my goal is to have people know I am a Christian without me even saying anything. When I meet God at the gates of Heaven I want to be able to tell him, "I was never ashamed of being a Christian and I did everything I could"
I left my heart in Africa, and I don't think I'll ever get it back.
Shawn Terasaki
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Mission Trip Reflection
To me, the great thing about being on this trip was seeing how we each had 19 different perspectives and experiences. We were all mostly in the same places and doing the same things, but everyone came away with different stories. Each person reached out to different Kenyans, and it was cool to see how God could use each and every one of us and our different gifts to further His kingdom. I also enjoyed the daily devotionals, since even though we all read the same passage, for the most part everyone who shared had a different interpretation. All were equally valid, and I felt that our discussions really helped me to better understand these pieces of scripture.
Being back home, it feels really weird trying to get back into the "normal" routine. I feel a physical change inside, and it feels surreal to be able to take a shower whenever and not have to dump the shower water into the toilet tank. Doing ordinary things back home, such as going to the grocery store or watching TV just feels different, and I don't know how to describe it. It's like I go through my whole day and constantly think "This is normal to me, yet there are millions of people who can't do what I'm doing".
I've had a lingering question in my mind that has been bothering me since I got back. "What do I do now?" It's so broad, and I don't have much of an answer. Sure, I'm sharing my Kenya experience with friends and family, but I feel like there's more that I should be doing. I don't want this to be just a memory of a trip that I took. August 10th shouldn't be the end, I kind of feel that it should be the beginning of a new way of life. My heart is in a different place now, and hopefully God can reveal what He wants me to do next.
Being back home, it feels really weird trying to get back into the "normal" routine. I feel a physical change inside, and it feels surreal to be able to take a shower whenever and not have to dump the shower water into the toilet tank. Doing ordinary things back home, such as going to the grocery store or watching TV just feels different, and I don't know how to describe it. It's like I go through my whole day and constantly think "This is normal to me, yet there are millions of people who can't do what I'm doing".
I've had a lingering question in my mind that has been bothering me since I got back. "What do I do now?" It's so broad, and I don't have much of an answer. Sure, I'm sharing my Kenya experience with friends and family, but I feel like there's more that I should be doing. I don't want this to be just a memory of a trip that I took. August 10th shouldn't be the end, I kind of feel that it should be the beginning of a new way of life. My heart is in a different place now, and hopefully God can reveal what He wants me to do next.
Mini Team Experience
Recap of the last few days with the mini-team:
Mike, Steve, and I went to the Nairobi National Park on a safari of our own. It wasn't anything like Maasai Mara apparently, but we still got to see some wild animals, including a male lion. There were many zebras, gazelles, and ostriches there, and it was amazing just to look out and see the vast expanse of grassland and wildlife in the middle of an urban city. Most of the trip consisted of staring out as we drove through the park and seeing nothing but grass, but those fantastic moments when we spotted the lion or a new animal made the trip worthwhile. We got out of the car at the Hippo Pools, and started walking around the water. The ground was covered in water buffalo poo, so we had to be careful where we stepped. Lots of flies buzzed past my ears and landed on my face, which was more of an annoyance than anything, but it was scarier when we heard nearby growls and couldn't see what or where they were coming from. Luckily we found an armed guard before it was too late, and then I instantly felt safer.
To me, a safari can kind of represent our walk with Jesus, since we are placed in a wild, hostile environment where we don't always feel safe. It is scary out there, since the wild grasses mask the danger, and we never know what is lurking around the corner. The poo represents the signs that danger is out there, but Jesus is our guard, armed with an assault rifle. He knows the battle field better than we do and knows what to expect. There might be a mighty lion out there who is capable of ripping us into pieces, but just like how the assault rifle can take down the lion, Jesus can protect us from any enemy. No one wants to mess with a buff camouflaged dude and his two-foot-tall "little friend", and likewise the demons know they are powerless against God. I was comforted by the ranger's protection walking around the Hippo pools, and I was comforted by having God watching over me as we ministered in Kenya.
On Sunday, we went to church at Karura Community Chapel, where the Hyodos normally attend. It was the most reminiscent of a church like Lighthouse, as the facility was nice and there were Lexus SUVs in the parking lot (although they are just under the Toyota brand in Kenya). I really enjoyed the sermon about marriage, even though I'm obviously not going to get married in the near future. The pastor talked about how there are trials in every marriage, and the problem with most marriages are that people go in with the wrong expectations They expect marriage to be something where they get their needs met and feel good, but he said that marriage should be primarily focused on being obedient to God. Hosea's wife cheated on him and ran away from him, and most people in his situation would move on and find someone else. However, God called out to Hosea and told him to go and buy her back, even though she was rightfully his.
The pastor said how even when we have marital problems, God can use us to be a light to the community when we show our commitment to marriage and our obedience to God. Just like how God showed mercy on the Israelites and forgave them for turning away, we are called to forgive and try to work out our problems. There are definitely circumstances where a marriage can't be reconciled, but it's still important to try to work out the issues. While this seemed like a downer message since it focused mostly on how marriages have lots of problems, I thought it's a good reminder for me to know that marriage isn't smooth sailing, and that it's important to eventually look for someone not just based on how much fun I have with them or how happy they make me feel by meeting my "needs".
We stopped by the Nairobi Java House again after church, and then went back to the Comido school. The kids were really friendly as usual, and many began singing as I filmed. I'm curious to know what the lyrics mean in English, but hopefully they're glorifying to God, haha. The Well is progressing, there are still problems though, since the Kenya power company has to bring in a transformer to power the pump, so prayer is still needed to complete the project. It was a lot muddier there this time, since parts of the school grounds were flooded. We didn't stay too long, but the kids still seemed to enjoy our visit.
We then ventured over to the South C dental clinic, WMI"s most profitable dental clinic. That was when I learned that Pastor Paul and his family stay at the facility upstairs, and I was glad to know that he has such a nice, safe place to stay at.
That night, we watched The Lion King, which was another great experience. Apparently the team watched the same movie last year too. There must be something about watching it in Africa that makes it that much more special. It's funny watching Disney movies and getting the higher level humor that I didn't as a kid, and it was even funnier watching Joshua Hyodo roll around on the floor laughing during the movie. We then decided to play Wii and ended up staying up past midnight. It was nice having a smaller group, since I felt like it was a lot easier to get to know people in a smaller group setting, although I would have had a lot of fun going on to Maasai Mara too.
On Monday morning, we visited the Elephant Orphanage, where we got to see the trainers feed the baby elephants. A few of us got to touch them, and it was interesting to learn that cow milk is poisonous to elephants. Many were almost killed due to poaching or starvation, but this organization was able to nurse them back to health with the hopes of eventually re-releasing them into the wild.
Mike, Steve, and I went to the Nairobi National Park on a safari of our own. It wasn't anything like Maasai Mara apparently, but we still got to see some wild animals, including a male lion. There were many zebras, gazelles, and ostriches there, and it was amazing just to look out and see the vast expanse of grassland and wildlife in the middle of an urban city. Most of the trip consisted of staring out as we drove through the park and seeing nothing but grass, but those fantastic moments when we spotted the lion or a new animal made the trip worthwhile. We got out of the car at the Hippo Pools, and started walking around the water. The ground was covered in water buffalo poo, so we had to be careful where we stepped. Lots of flies buzzed past my ears and landed on my face, which was more of an annoyance than anything, but it was scarier when we heard nearby growls and couldn't see what or where they were coming from. Luckily we found an armed guard before it was too late, and then I instantly felt safer.
To me, a safari can kind of represent our walk with Jesus, since we are placed in a wild, hostile environment where we don't always feel safe. It is scary out there, since the wild grasses mask the danger, and we never know what is lurking around the corner. The poo represents the signs that danger is out there, but Jesus is our guard, armed with an assault rifle. He knows the battle field better than we do and knows what to expect. There might be a mighty lion out there who is capable of ripping us into pieces, but just like how the assault rifle can take down the lion, Jesus can protect us from any enemy. No one wants to mess with a buff camouflaged dude and his two-foot-tall "little friend", and likewise the demons know they are powerless against God. I was comforted by the ranger's protection walking around the Hippo pools, and I was comforted by having God watching over me as we ministered in Kenya.
On Sunday, we went to church at Karura Community Chapel, where the Hyodos normally attend. It was the most reminiscent of a church like Lighthouse, as the facility was nice and there were Lexus SUVs in the parking lot (although they are just under the Toyota brand in Kenya). I really enjoyed the sermon about marriage, even though I'm obviously not going to get married in the near future. The pastor talked about how there are trials in every marriage, and the problem with most marriages are that people go in with the wrong expectations They expect marriage to be something where they get their needs met and feel good, but he said that marriage should be primarily focused on being obedient to God. Hosea's wife cheated on him and ran away from him, and most people in his situation would move on and find someone else. However, God called out to Hosea and told him to go and buy her back, even though she was rightfully his.
The pastor said how even when we have marital problems, God can use us to be a light to the community when we show our commitment to marriage and our obedience to God. Just like how God showed mercy on the Israelites and forgave them for turning away, we are called to forgive and try to work out our problems. There are definitely circumstances where a marriage can't be reconciled, but it's still important to try to work out the issues. While this seemed like a downer message since it focused mostly on how marriages have lots of problems, I thought it's a good reminder for me to know that marriage isn't smooth sailing, and that it's important to eventually look for someone not just based on how much fun I have with them or how happy they make me feel by meeting my "needs".
We stopped by the Nairobi Java House again after church, and then went back to the Comido school. The kids were really friendly as usual, and many began singing as I filmed. I'm curious to know what the lyrics mean in English, but hopefully they're glorifying to God, haha. The Well is progressing, there are still problems though, since the Kenya power company has to bring in a transformer to power the pump, so prayer is still needed to complete the project. It was a lot muddier there this time, since parts of the school grounds were flooded. We didn't stay too long, but the kids still seemed to enjoy our visit.
We then ventured over to the South C dental clinic, WMI"s most profitable dental clinic. That was when I learned that Pastor Paul and his family stay at the facility upstairs, and I was glad to know that he has such a nice, safe place to stay at.
That night, we watched The Lion King, which was another great experience. Apparently the team watched the same movie last year too. There must be something about watching it in Africa that makes it that much more special. It's funny watching Disney movies and getting the higher level humor that I didn't as a kid, and it was even funnier watching Joshua Hyodo roll around on the floor laughing during the movie. We then decided to play Wii and ended up staying up past midnight. It was nice having a smaller group, since I felt like it was a lot easier to get to know people in a smaller group setting, although I would have had a lot of fun going on to Maasai Mara too.
On Monday morning, we visited the Elephant Orphanage, where we got to see the trainers feed the baby elephants. A few of us got to touch them, and it was interesting to learn that cow milk is poisonous to elephants. Many were almost killed due to poaching or starvation, but this organization was able to nurse them back to health with the hopes of eventually re-releasing them into the wild.
Home at last- Bob
If you count our journey from their time we left the safari lodge to the time we got home it was 48 hrs of traveling. Got more sleep on the way back than on the way over and this morning I feel fine. Seems a little strange to wake up in this location though.
Hard to express all of the thoughts, feelings and emotions of the past two weeks. I am not sure what to do with them but I know that I can't just leave it as a fun and unusual experience. Everything I do, everyplace I go brings a memory of something in Kenya. Usually of how thing are exactly the opposite there of what I see here. I know that guilt is not the answer, nor is selfrighteousness but instead a burning desire to do something positive for the long term.
Was about to download my Kenya pictures but found out I don't have enough space on my hard drive. Will head out today to pickup an external hard drive for my lap top, needed one anyway. I will be thinking twice now before I purchase something I don't really need.
Our safari was eventful as well. Saw lions devouring a zebra they had recently killed and hyenas devouring a dead wildebeest. Lots of hippos, elephants and giraffes and we were attacked by about a gazillion ants in our tents.
Can't say enough about the team we had. They stepped up when ever the need arose. Worked together, laughed together, even cried together sometimes. No complaints, no grumbling no feeling sorry for ones self. I believe everyone came away touched in some way by what we saw and changed for the better.
This is probably my last blog now. I hope others will post a final blog as we wrap things up.
Bob
Hard to express all of the thoughts, feelings and emotions of the past two weeks. I am not sure what to do with them but I know that I can't just leave it as a fun and unusual experience. Everything I do, everyplace I go brings a memory of something in Kenya. Usually of how thing are exactly the opposite there of what I see here. I know that guilt is not the answer, nor is selfrighteousness but instead a burning desire to do something positive for the long term.
Was about to download my Kenya pictures but found out I don't have enough space on my hard drive. Will head out today to pickup an external hard drive for my lap top, needed one anyway. I will be thinking twice now before I purchase something I don't really need.
Our safari was eventful as well. Saw lions devouring a zebra they had recently killed and hyenas devouring a dead wildebeest. Lots of hippos, elephants and giraffes and we were attacked by about a gazillion ants in our tents.
Can't say enough about the team we had. They stepped up when ever the need arose. Worked together, laughed together, even cried together sometimes. No complaints, no grumbling no feeling sorry for ones self. I believe everyone came away touched in some way by what we saw and changed for the better.
This is probably my last blog now. I hope others will post a final blog as we wrap things up.
Bob
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Word Of God Speak
I don't understand why blogging has been so difficult for me. I kept praying that God would speak to me and give me the perfect words, but they never came. Even now, with only a few hours left before our departure, I still have no idea how to describe my experience here in Kenya.
But I have realized that God has been answering my prayer this entire time.
He sent words of comfort when I heard one of the children at the NEST orphanage ask us if we were ever coming back.
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)
He knew my fear as I saw, smelled, heard, and felt the darkness of the Mathare slum.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)
He touched me with words of inspiration as I witnessed the passionate worship of the Christian Life Worship Centre congregation.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
He gave me reassurance as my heart was broken by the hopelessness of the Eastleigh streets.
"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." (Isaiah 59:1)
And He has given me words of encouragement as we prepare to leave Kenya.
"I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
But I have realized that God has been answering my prayer this entire time.
He sent words of comfort when I heard one of the children at the NEST orphanage ask us if we were ever coming back.
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)
He knew my fear as I saw, smelled, heard, and felt the darkness of the Mathare slum.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)
He touched me with words of inspiration as I witnessed the passionate worship of the Christian Life Worship Centre congregation.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
He gave me reassurance as my heart was broken by the hopelessness of the Eastleigh streets.
"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." (Isaiah 59:1)
And He has given me words of encouragement as we prepare to leave Kenya.
"I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The end of our time in Kenya
Well, we're on our last day in Kenya. Here's a recap of some of our activities:
We went WAY out into the Kenyan countryside to stay overnight at Heavenly Treasures. It's amazing that our bus made it on some of the dirt roads - and I can't help but imagine how bad things get when it starts to rain!
Most of my time at Heavenly Treasures was spent working on putting up a fence around their 3 fish ponds and their demonstration gardens. They grow tilapia in 3 fish ponds - at full capacity, they can grow 6000 fish. The are also showing the community how to grow a certain kind of fast growing shrub that goats like to eat - so rather than tying the goat up on the side of the road, they could devote part of their land to growing this shrub and provide for their goats. Our first afternoon we spent digging post holes for a new section of barbed wire fence.
Many of our youth learned the wonderful skill of how to swing a hammer and use an iron bar to dig a 2 foot deep square hole :)
The second day, we put up many rolls of chain link around the perimeter of the area - to keep the goats inside the fenced area, and to keep people coming to the water kiosk from the fish pond area. This water kiosk is served from a single bore hole from Heavenly Treasures (similar to the one that's being drilled at the Comido school), holds 20,000 liters of water in its tank, and provides clean water to the roughly 10,000 residents in a 15 km. radius. Right now, many people are still able to draw water from the streams and creek - but later in August and September, when they dry up, this may be the only water available for them.
Working on the fence along the main road
Making the turn back towards the water kiosk
All told, we helped put up about 120 meters (375') of chain link before we had to leave on Friday afternoon.
Saturday, Mike, Garrett and I went to Nairobi National Park while the others went back to the Nest Half-Way House. We managed to see many animals during our short time - including a male lion, along with gazelles, zebras, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, birds...
Sunday, we joined Mike and his family at their church, Karura Community Chapel, and then went to see the progress on the well at the Comido school.
They've finished drilling the bore hole - I believe they went down 220-240 meters - and now they're placing the casing down the bore hole. According to Pastor James, the casing work should be done by the end of the day today. There's still work to be done on the pump house, placing the tanks on the structure - but it's really encouraging to see the progress being made. Please continue to pray that Kenya Power & Light will take care of placing a transformer at the school so that this well can be a real blessing to the entire community.
As this trip comes to an end, I'd like to thank you for supporting us - we've seen first-hand how God continues to work miracles here in Kenya - and through your support, you too are a partner in how God works. We have many more stories than can be told in this blog - look forward to hearing from us personally in the coming weeks. Thanks too to the Hyodo's for graciously opening up their home and making us feel welcome in Kenya. And most importantly, thanks be to the Lord for continuing to work through his people here in Kenya to bless people, transform their lives, and give real hope.
Farm/Heavenly Treasures/Non-Safari Wrap-up!
Well, our mini-team (the non-safari goers) are having the 2nd annual Lion King viewing in the Hyodo living room :) And I'm writing my 2nd annual blog-post-while-watching-The-Lion-King-in-the-Hyodo-living-room! Yayy.
I thought that I should reflect on the last couple days of our ministry in Kenya... Starting with.. the Farm! It was really, really exciting for me to see familiar faces at the Farm. During our slum visits, I would get excited about seeing a kid I recognized-- but they probably didn't even remember me, and I probably only remembered them because I'd been looking back through pictures of them all year. But the kids at the Farm were ones that I'd made much deeper connections with during our visit last year, so the reunions were very happy :) We started out singing in a big circle with all the kids and as I was scanning the faces, I'd make eye contact with a couple kids on the opposite side of the circle and we'd both just get these huge smiles on our faces when we recognized each other. It was nice to see what felt like old friends :)
I spent a lot of time with a two girls, both named Mary, who I had spent time with last year. Sometime in the middle of the day they started singing a song they had tried to teach me last year and smiled at me. I was really touched that they even remembered that much about our time together! I learned it again this year and I think my Swahili learning rate has improved! :P I felt really special to be remembered by these kids and it made me really, really glad I was able to come back this year to further these relationships. One of the Mary's was eager to show me the MITS salon that she learns her trade in. It was really great to see how proud she was of what she's learning at the Farm.
Mary and me :)
I also enjoyed our time in small groups with the kids. John, Jesse, Tia, and Blake (+ Fatuma ;) were in my group and we asked the teens to share a bit about how they ended up at the Farm. A lot of them had run away from home.. and you could just tell that the lives they had led previously were pretty hopeless. One girl ended her sharing with "I know who I am now, and I know what I want to do." That was really, really awesome to hear.. especially the day after we'd seen so many hopeless young people in Eastleigh. I know that each of those kids on the streets, the ones zoned out and hooked on sniffing glue to numb their senses, has such potential to do amazing things with their life. But they need someone to believe in them and invest in that potential in order for them to also believe that they are worth something. The staff at the Farm is clearly doing that for these teens, and the results are very cool to see.
During some down time, Matt had introduced me to a girl who he'd been singing with and the three of us sang Trading My Sorrows together. Then after our Lighthouse-team-led worship time, Trenton opened up the time for the Farm kids to share their.. singing, dancing, and whatnot. That same girl signaled to me that she wanted to sing with me up there... so she, Matt and I sang Trading My Sorrows for everyone :) That was cool.
All in all, I was glad to reconnect with old friends at the Farm and encouraged to see the changed lives and joyful spirits of the kids.
A few highlights from my experience at Heavenly Treasures:
--Hanging out with some neighborhood kids on our first day there. I especially spent a lot of time with one 10-or-so-years-old girl who was carrying her baby brother on her back. I kept wanting to carry her little brother for her because I thought he must be getting really heavy and she kept having to re-hoist(?) him up, but he was scared of me :( Oh well. haha. Aaaanyway, the girl was very sweet and taught me a song she'd learned at school: "I've got my mind made up. I won't stand back. Because I want to see my Jesus someday. Born, born, born again. I'm glad I'm born again. Born, born, born again. Thank God I'm born again." :) I can still hear her sweet voice singing it in my head.. I really enjoyed my time with her.
--While the men were "being men," doing their manual labor or whatever :P... the girls stayed back to sit in on the Sisal sisters' service. Another team from the U.S. was doing some sharing and then the HT staff invited Cindy up to talk a little bit about our team. We didn't really have anything prepared, though.. Then Cindy asked us if we wanted to sing a song with the ladies. Caught off guard, I... didn't really want to. :P But at the same time I did, and some of the girls and I ended up going up there and singing Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe, a Swahili song I first heard at Urbana :) It was such a cool experience to hear the women join in singing as soon as we sang the first few words. I was so happy to be able to worship with these women in their own language. It was just.. a really cool experience. I felt really blessed to get to witness and participate in this worship time.
During our non-safari-time, our mini-team has had some other cool experiences, like:
--spending much of yesterday at the Halfway House baby orphanage
--attending the Hyodos' regular church with them this morning
--visiting the Comido school in Kwa-Njenga to see progress on the well project
--visiting Mike's dental clinic in South C
We start our long journey home tomorrow! I really can't believe that the trip is just about over... It's been an amazing two weeks, though, and I know there is still much processing to do.. Thank you all for your support and prayers! See you at home :)
love, bekah
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Well...
Hi everyone
As you may know most of the team went on the Safari. But four of us, Rebekah, Steve, Garret and I stayed back in Nairobi. Yesterday some of us spent the whole day at the Nest Halfway House. At first the babies were still sleeping so we helped the women hang up all the wet laundry. We are so blessed to have a dryer, that process took a long time. Then a few of the babies woke up so we played with them and fed them.
While we were there the women who worked there got to rest and the babies got one on one time with us, which they usually don't get very often. The babies smiled so much and some of them even laughed, I was very happy to be there with them.
Today we are going to the Hyodo's church and then afterwards we are visiting the Comido school again to see how far along the Well is coming. I am very excited that we are visiting the Comido school again, I wish the rest of our team could also see teh well being drilled. After the Comido School we will probably go to the South C slums and visit Dr. Mike's dental clinic there.
Dakota
As you may know most of the team went on the Safari. But four of us, Rebekah, Steve, Garret and I stayed back in Nairobi. Yesterday some of us spent the whole day at the Nest Halfway House. At first the babies were still sleeping so we helped the women hang up all the wet laundry. We are so blessed to have a dryer, that process took a long time. Then a few of the babies woke up so we played with them and fed them.
While we were there the women who worked there got to rest and the babies got one on one time with us, which they usually don't get very often. The babies smiled so much and some of them even laughed, I was very happy to be there with them.
Today we are going to the Hyodo's church and then afterwards we are visiting the Comido school again to see how far along the Well is coming. I am very excited that we are visiting the Comido school again, I wish the rest of our team could also see teh well being drilled. After the Comido School we will probably go to the South C slums and visit Dr. Mike's dental clinic there.
Dakota
Friday, August 6, 2010
Ol' McJesus Had a Farm
It was amazing to see the difference between Eastleigh and The Farm. Since we were able to go there on consecutive days, we were really able to see the progression and the transformation of these street kids. My last post ended with a sense of hopelessness as I couldn't break through the stronghold that the glue had on their hearts and their minds. However, yesterday at the Farm, I was able to see first-hand how God transforms lives.
It took me a long time before I was fully hit with what God wanted me to see and experience at The Farm. When we first got there, for me it was just like any other ministry day where the kids greeted us and we sang songs together. What really stood out and hit home was when we broke up into small groups to just talk and share our life stories.
We started going around asking people what their names were, what their favorite food was, you know, the typical ice-breakers. But then as we got more comfortable with each other, we started getting into deeper, more meaningful conversation.
If you had a million schillings, what would you do with it?
"I would start a school so that other kids could get an education."
"I would buy a home to house kids off of the streets so that they could have a warm place to sleep."
"I would move my family out of the slums."
"I would make my own organization like Made in the Streets so I could reach out to other kids like me who aren't being reached."
There wasn't a hint of greed in their answers. They came from so little and came from such hurt and despair, but when given the chance to soak it all up for themselves, they chose to help others like them. They had compassion on their friends when they saw how lost they were and how God through Made in the Streets was able to totally transform their lives and literally save them from a miserable life and extend their lease on life.
How has being at The Farm affected your life?
"Before, I didn't feel like anyone cared. I didn't feel like my life is valuable, but I came here and now I know that God loves me and He cares about me."
This reminded me of how there are many different types of poverty. When kids are homeless, they are impoverished materially, spiritually, and emotionally. They have no hope of a better future, many of them through their testimony shared how they didn't think it was possible for them to be able to escape the streets to a better life, but now since they can get an education, learn how to do skilled work, and get attachments (internships), their outlook on life is a lot brighter and their future is ripe with opportunity. One Farm graduate served dinner to the President of Kenya, and another is making meals for airlines. I can tell that through this program, the teens know that the sky is the limit and these success stories prove that they can do anything they set their mind to. It was also amazing to see how God, through this ministry, could provide them not only with salvation, but with the skills and the self-esteem to succeed in the real world.
A little bit of background info on The Farm: When street teens come to the Eastleigh Made in the Streets facility and get to know the staff, when the staff deems them receptive to transformation, they will go miles away to The Farm, where they get individual attention, learn about God, and learn skills to get a job. They stay there until they are 18, and there they are given attachments to introduce them to real-world work and hopefully set them up for a job once they leave.
The teens also shared their stories of how they got to The Farm. The pattern I saw in their stories was that many were abused or neglected by their parents. One was beaten because he made a mistake and caused 4,000 schillings ($50) worth of damage on a car. The father said "it's ok, I'll figure out how to pay for it, just go to sleep", but then returned with a large stick and beat him severely. He couldn't stay at home and ran away, since his father said if he ever saw him again, he would beat him more. There in Eastleigh, he turned to drugs and stealing, since that was the only way to survive. All of the kids at the bases sniffed glue and did drugs, and in order to fit in and be a part of the group, many gave in to the peer pressure. They targeted small kids to pickpocket and often went after bags and goods to resell. They remember vividly how dangerous life was. One teen was part of a group that the police tried to arrest since a man called in to report theft. One of his friends got shot. They got away, and later found out where the man lived. So angry for revenge, they didn't just rob and beat that man, they decided to ransack and destroy the neighboring area.
Another common piece they shared was the realization that stealing and doing drugs were dangerous, and as they saw their friends dying, they realized that they could easily be next. This desperation and close calls with death convinced them to venture into Made in the Streets and see what they were about.
What struck me about these kids also, was their faith in God. They talked about how they enjoyed reading the Bible, singing songs, and growing closer to Him. These were not the same kids that I saw sniffing glue on the streets. These kids had hope, these kids had peace, these kids had value, and these kids had purpose. I could most identify with them, since other than the color of their skin, we are all very similar when we think about it. We all struggle, we all fail to live up to Jesus' standards, but we still have hope for a better tomorrow, and are blessed to be able to look forward at a bright future. We can enjoy playing sports or pursuing passions, and it's amazing for me to think that a few years ago, these kids didn't have the chance to dream.
What we noticed before at the Comido and Mcedo schools was that the older kids seemed jaded by the hurt and the realization that they may never escape to a better life. However, through Made in the Streets, these kids were completely transformed and I could see the twinkle of hope in their eyes as they shared about their future plans. If I ran an infomercial or one of those "Save the Children" ads on tv and had them share their before and after stories, no one would believe it. Just like with many infomercials at home, people would respond "Oh, these are just extreme cases, or these aren't the same people before and after. They used at least 2 different people, and the after one was in much better shape all the time." But, after seeing how these teens go from zeroes to heroes, I can't deny that God doesn't do miracles. He is totally transforming their whole lives through this ministry, not just their hearts and their minds, but their whole life situations. Many of them want to be a light in their dark world and since they remember distinctly where they came from, many want to give back. It's encouraging to see that some teachers went through The Farm too, and that for every person that is saved here, God can multiply that blessing many times over through their service to Him.
It took me a long time before I was fully hit with what God wanted me to see and experience at The Farm. When we first got there, for me it was just like any other ministry day where the kids greeted us and we sang songs together. What really stood out and hit home was when we broke up into small groups to just talk and share our life stories.
We started going around asking people what their names were, what their favorite food was, you know, the typical ice-breakers. But then as we got more comfortable with each other, we started getting into deeper, more meaningful conversation.
If you had a million schillings, what would you do with it?
"I would start a school so that other kids could get an education."
"I would buy a home to house kids off of the streets so that they could have a warm place to sleep."
"I would move my family out of the slums."
"I would make my own organization like Made in the Streets so I could reach out to other kids like me who aren't being reached."
There wasn't a hint of greed in their answers. They came from so little and came from such hurt and despair, but when given the chance to soak it all up for themselves, they chose to help others like them. They had compassion on their friends when they saw how lost they were and how God through Made in the Streets was able to totally transform their lives and literally save them from a miserable life and extend their lease on life.
How has being at The Farm affected your life?
"Before, I didn't feel like anyone cared. I didn't feel like my life is valuable, but I came here and now I know that God loves me and He cares about me."
This reminded me of how there are many different types of poverty. When kids are homeless, they are impoverished materially, spiritually, and emotionally. They have no hope of a better future, many of them through their testimony shared how they didn't think it was possible for them to be able to escape the streets to a better life, but now since they can get an education, learn how to do skilled work, and get attachments (internships), their outlook on life is a lot brighter and their future is ripe with opportunity. One Farm graduate served dinner to the President of Kenya, and another is making meals for airlines. I can tell that through this program, the teens know that the sky is the limit and these success stories prove that they can do anything they set their mind to. It was also amazing to see how God, through this ministry, could provide them not only with salvation, but with the skills and the self-esteem to succeed in the real world.
A little bit of background info on The Farm: When street teens come to the Eastleigh Made in the Streets facility and get to know the staff, when the staff deems them receptive to transformation, they will go miles away to The Farm, where they get individual attention, learn about God, and learn skills to get a job. They stay there until they are 18, and there they are given attachments to introduce them to real-world work and hopefully set them up for a job once they leave.
The teens also shared their stories of how they got to The Farm. The pattern I saw in their stories was that many were abused or neglected by their parents. One was beaten because he made a mistake and caused 4,000 schillings ($50) worth of damage on a car. The father said "it's ok, I'll figure out how to pay for it, just go to sleep", but then returned with a large stick and beat him severely. He couldn't stay at home and ran away, since his father said if he ever saw him again, he would beat him more. There in Eastleigh, he turned to drugs and stealing, since that was the only way to survive. All of the kids at the bases sniffed glue and did drugs, and in order to fit in and be a part of the group, many gave in to the peer pressure. They targeted small kids to pickpocket and often went after bags and goods to resell. They remember vividly how dangerous life was. One teen was part of a group that the police tried to arrest since a man called in to report theft. One of his friends got shot. They got away, and later found out where the man lived. So angry for revenge, they didn't just rob and beat that man, they decided to ransack and destroy the neighboring area.
Another common piece they shared was the realization that stealing and doing drugs were dangerous, and as they saw their friends dying, they realized that they could easily be next. This desperation and close calls with death convinced them to venture into Made in the Streets and see what they were about.
What struck me about these kids also, was their faith in God. They talked about how they enjoyed reading the Bible, singing songs, and growing closer to Him. These were not the same kids that I saw sniffing glue on the streets. These kids had hope, these kids had peace, these kids had value, and these kids had purpose. I could most identify with them, since other than the color of their skin, we are all very similar when we think about it. We all struggle, we all fail to live up to Jesus' standards, but we still have hope for a better tomorrow, and are blessed to be able to look forward at a bright future. We can enjoy playing sports or pursuing passions, and it's amazing for me to think that a few years ago, these kids didn't have the chance to dream.
What we noticed before at the Comido and Mcedo schools was that the older kids seemed jaded by the hurt and the realization that they may never escape to a better life. However, through Made in the Streets, these kids were completely transformed and I could see the twinkle of hope in their eyes as they shared about their future plans. If I ran an infomercial or one of those "Save the Children" ads on tv and had them share their before and after stories, no one would believe it. Just like with many infomercials at home, people would respond "Oh, these are just extreme cases, or these aren't the same people before and after. They used at least 2 different people, and the after one was in much better shape all the time." But, after seeing how these teens go from zeroes to heroes, I can't deny that God doesn't do miracles. He is totally transforming their whole lives through this ministry, not just their hearts and their minds, but their whole life situations. Many of them want to be a light in their dark world and since they remember distinctly where they came from, many want to give back. It's encouraging to see that some teachers went through The Farm too, and that for every person that is saved here, God can multiply that blessing many times over through their service to Him.
Last Post from Kenya-Bob
A quick note before we leave on safari and are out of touch till we get home.
Took an overnight trip to Heavenly Treasures, could they have found a more out of the location? But he area was beautiful, and so were the people. You can look up their ministry on line and purchase some of the bags the women make as well. They also are busy with several community development projects. We very manly men helped build a fence around the fish ponds to keep predators out. I am sure some of the pictures will be posted to prove that we did some actual manual labor.
The latest on the well is that they hit water at 140 meters but are checking to see if this is the source of water they want to tap into or if they must drill deeper. Once they finish the well it will be another ten days before all of the plumbing etc. is finished. Pray that Kenya Power and Light will bring electricity out to the school or the well will be useless. The school does not have the money to pay for the electricity to be run out there so pray that KPL will do it on their own.
See you all in 4 days.
Bob
Took an overnight trip to Heavenly Treasures, could they have found a more out of the location? But he area was beautiful, and so were the people. You can look up their ministry on line and purchase some of the bags the women make as well. They also are busy with several community development projects. We very manly men helped build a fence around the fish ponds to keep predators out. I am sure some of the pictures will be posted to prove that we did some actual manual labor.
The latest on the well is that they hit water at 140 meters but are checking to see if this is the source of water they want to tap into or if they must drill deeper. Once they finish the well it will be another ten days before all of the plumbing etc. is finished. Pray that Kenya Power and Light will bring electricity out to the school or the well will be useless. The school does not have the money to pay for the electricity to be run out there so pray that KPL will do it on their own.
See you all in 4 days.
Bob
Seeing Poverty through God's Eyes...
During the past year, I’ve read a number of books focusing on poverty and injustice in the world. They have helped me to realize these are very complex issues, requiring sensitivity and Godly wisdom to address them in effective ways.
One of the books was entitled “When Helping Hurts”, and it opened my eyes to the costly mistakes we can make when trying to serve the poor and oppressed. One concept that really struck me, was the author’s description of poverty as not just material, but as a “poverty of relationship” affecting four areas of our lives: 1) self, 2) others, 3) God, and 4) our environment.
The Farm at Kamulu is part of the Made in the Streets Ministry. They rescue street kids from the slums of Eastleigh, and give them a home, an education, and teach them a trade. But most importantly, they share the love of God and give the students a “family” they can call their own.
Visiting the Farm this year, I was able to clearly see how they address these four areas of poverty. 1) The teachers and staff provide a supportive environment that encourages the students and helps to develop their self esteem. 2) They foster positive relationships among the students, and teach classes in family and relationship skills. 3) They teach the students to love God and learn to follow Him, and 4) They help students find their place in the world, where they can contribute in a productive and meaningful way.
After my visit last year, I had the opportunity to support three kids I had met. It was so encouraging to see George, Mary and Alex this year, growing into amazing young people who love the Lord and have a hope for the future. They are typical 17 and 18 year old kids, who enjoy soccer, music, computer games, and laughing. The time I was able to spend with them was definitely a highlight of my trip.
Each time I see this ministry, I realize what a blessing it is to these kids. Without Made in the Streets, they would still be struggling to survive in one of the worst slums imaginable. Now they have the chance to use their God-given talents to make the world a better place. and I’m so excited to watch their stories unfold...
Bwana Asifiwe! (Praise God!)
Heather
A welcome change of pace...Heavenly Treasures
As the paved road came to an end I thought we were close to our destination, but no...we still had a ways to go through some pretty rough terrain. Driving up we were greeted by the Sisal Sisters, women who make and sell baskets to generate income for their families. Heavenly Treasures is impacting the community in several ways. They are ministering to the orphans in the area, many who have lost their parents to AIDS. In addition they have a well that provides water to 10,000 people, who would otherwise have to travel great distances or pull water out of streams. We actually saw young children filling cans as we drove by, a reminder that water is scarce in this part of the world.
Erika told the story of Daniel and the lion’s den always a hit with the kids, complete with three ferocious lions that never fail to surprise them. She is becoming quite the teacher and God is using her to bless others as she steps out in faith in different areas despite her fears. It is pretty cool to see.
This was our last worship time. It is always great to sing along with the kids...some of our choosing and some that they share with us. Bekah and Matt have done a wonderful job leading our worship times, especially considering the flexibility required.
Heavenly Treasures was a great change of pace and scenery from the filth and tragic conditions of the inner city slums. The needs are still great, but what was missing was the hopelessness and despair. It was a good way to end our ministry time here in Kenya.
Erika told the story of Daniel and the lion’s den always a hit with the kids, complete with three ferocious lions that never fail to surprise them. She is becoming quite the teacher and God is using her to bless others as she steps out in faith in different areas despite her fears. It is pretty cool to see.
This was our last worship time. It is always great to sing along with the kids...some of our choosing and some that they share with us. Bekah and Matt have done a wonderful job leading our worship times, especially considering the flexibility required.
Heavenly Treasures was a great change of pace and scenery from the filth and tragic conditions of the inner city slums. The needs are still great, but what was missing was the hopelessness and despair. It was a good way to end our ministry time here in Kenya.Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Lord is a Miracle Worker
Tuesday, August 2nd
On Tuesday we made our way to Eastleigh to spend some time with the community through a ministry called Made in the Streets or MITS. This ministry was created to take kids off the street and create a new life for them which is rooted in Jesus Christ. If the street kids come to the MITS headquarters on Tuesdays and Fridays to learn about God and have a true desire to change their live, then MITS will send them to a place called the farm. At the farm they have a place to live, eat, worship the Lord, start an education, and learn a skill which they can us throughout their life to keep them from going back to the streets. The kids are allowed to stay at the farm until they are 18 years old and then they help them find an internship or something similar which is related to the job skill they have learned.
Once we were in Eastleigh, we had the chance to go to the bases which are small areas in the community where street kids meet to talk to MITS people about God and hopefully one day change their lives. These bases consist of around 30 to 50 kids with ages ranging from 5 to maybe 18ish which congregate for protection, very similar to a gang. Many of the boys suffer from drugs and are often high off sniffing glue. The team split into two groups in the morning, one group would go out to the bases and meet the street kids, the other group stayed at the MITS headquarters and worshiped and played games with the street kids that had decided to come to MITS that day. I was part of the group that went out to meet the street kids at the bases.
Enter the Eastleigh community was such a shock and wouldn’t have been possible unless we had a team member from the MITS ministry with us. The area is not a slum but is still in a great depression of poverty and in need of God and His presence. 90% of the population there is Muslim and it isn’t necessarily a safe place for Christians to be, however, they typically don’t bother believers. Our team consisted of Francis our leader who was an ex-street kid that has now been saved through Jesus, me, Trenton, Erika, and Renee. We made our way to the first base and as we walked through the streets of Eastleigh there was definitely a difference then walking through the slums. I actually felt less safe in the streets of Eastleigh then the slums and many people compared the community to those run down cities you would see in war movies like Black Hawk Down.
We came to our first base which was down this small alley way that was completely covered in trash. About half way down we came to a place which had about 12 street boys. Many of the boys had their bottles of glue which they were sniffing and it was obvious that the boys were high. Francis started to talk to the boys and said that we were here to bring them the word of God. It kind of caught us off guard because in the past our leader would just share a short message and then we would just be there to offer a blessing, but this time it was us that needed to give the message. Trenton, Erika, and I all gave sharings about Jesus that was almost like a small sermon. The boys seemed to listen intently and I could tell that they were very happy to have visitors in the streets. As Trenton was giving his message we heard something squeak and fall in the trash behind us. It gave us all a scare and when we turned around to see what it was, there was a small kitten that was barely alive. The street kids we were talking to said that the people on the other side of the wall threw it over and one of the boys walked over grabbed it by the tail and just threw the kitten back over the wall. This experience is something I will always remember and it really showed me how deadened to life and death these boys really are. After we were done there we said bye to the boys and made our way to the next base.
The next base had a larger number of people compared to the first base we were at and also had a few girls. This was the base which Francis had come from and it was great to see more of the street kids. We gave our message to them and then asked if we could take pictures. Wow, they exploded with joy and wanted us to take pictures of them all… it was actually quite overwhelming since I was the only one with a camera. I could feel myself being pulled in 5 different directions and everyone was saying my name wanting me to take their picture. After taking many pictures we made our way to the next base. Here there were a good number of street boys and there were two there who had remembered seeing Trenton the year before. We gave our message there and they were so thankful to hear from us and have us there. I just pray we made a difference in their lives and that they will now be one step closer to wanting to know Jesus. The one thing I made sure they knew before I finished my sharing was to let them know that Jesus loves them and wants to be with them. From here we started our journey back to MITS and came across one last base where we introduced ourselves but weren’t able to share. We came across one boy that was just sitting on the side of the street and it was obvious that he was high on glue. We wanted to invite him the MITS but I don’t even think he could stand up. One of his friends who was another street boy we had spoken to said that he would bring him, I prayed the Lord would make a way for him to get to MITS.
Once we were back at MITS we had lunch and spoke with the rest of the team about their experiences. We then proceeded to have a worship time with the boys that were at the headquarters and then broke up into small groups. I was in charge of leading one of the small groups and it was such an experience. The boys shared about why the left home and how they came to live on the streets. It was amazing to hear their stories and many of the things that happen to these boys should never have happen to anyone. It was encouraging when I asked what they wanted in life and most of them wanted to get an education and have the opportunity to go to school. Once we were done with small groups we came together to do worship again. I then noticed the boy that we had seen on the side of the streets had made it MITS but he was so high I am not sure he would even be able to tell where he was, but at least he got to eat a meal and be in the presence of the Lord. We then said bye to the street boys that had come to MITS and that completed our day at Eastleigh.
John
On Tuesday we made our way to Eastleigh to spend some time with the community through a ministry called Made in the Streets or MITS. This ministry was created to take kids off the street and create a new life for them which is rooted in Jesus Christ. If the street kids come to the MITS headquarters on Tuesdays and Fridays to learn about God and have a true desire to change their live, then MITS will send them to a place called the farm. At the farm they have a place to live, eat, worship the Lord, start an education, and learn a skill which they can us throughout their life to keep them from going back to the streets. The kids are allowed to stay at the farm until they are 18 years old and then they help them find an internship or something similar which is related to the job skill they have learned.
Once we were in Eastleigh, we had the chance to go to the bases which are small areas in the community where street kids meet to talk to MITS people about God and hopefully one day change their lives. These bases consist of around 30 to 50 kids with ages ranging from 5 to maybe 18ish which congregate for protection, very similar to a gang. Many of the boys suffer from drugs and are often high off sniffing glue. The team split into two groups in the morning, one group would go out to the bases and meet the street kids, the other group stayed at the MITS headquarters and worshiped and played games with the street kids that had decided to come to MITS that day. I was part of the group that went out to meet the street kids at the bases.
Enter the Eastleigh community was such a shock and wouldn’t have been possible unless we had a team member from the MITS ministry with us. The area is not a slum but is still in a great depression of poverty and in need of God and His presence. 90% of the population there is Muslim and it isn’t necessarily a safe place for Christians to be, however, they typically don’t bother believers. Our team consisted of Francis our leader who was an ex-street kid that has now been saved through Jesus, me, Trenton, Erika, and Renee. We made our way to the first base and as we walked through the streets of Eastleigh there was definitely a difference then walking through the slums. I actually felt less safe in the streets of Eastleigh then the slums and many people compared the community to those run down cities you would see in war movies like Black Hawk Down.
We came to our first base which was down this small alley way that was completely covered in trash. About half way down we came to a place which had about 12 street boys. Many of the boys had their bottles of glue which they were sniffing and it was obvious that the boys were high. Francis started to talk to the boys and said that we were here to bring them the word of God. It kind of caught us off guard because in the past our leader would just share a short message and then we would just be there to offer a blessing, but this time it was us that needed to give the message. Trenton, Erika, and I all gave sharings about Jesus that was almost like a small sermon. The boys seemed to listen intently and I could tell that they were very happy to have visitors in the streets. As Trenton was giving his message we heard something squeak and fall in the trash behind us. It gave us all a scare and when we turned around to see what it was, there was a small kitten that was barely alive. The street kids we were talking to said that the people on the other side of the wall threw it over and one of the boys walked over grabbed it by the tail and just threw the kitten back over the wall. This experience is something I will always remember and it really showed me how deadened to life and death these boys really are. After we were done there we said bye to the boys and made our way to the next base.
The next base had a larger number of people compared to the first base we were at and also had a few girls. This was the base which Francis had come from and it was great to see more of the street kids. We gave our message to them and then asked if we could take pictures. Wow, they exploded with joy and wanted us to take pictures of them all… it was actually quite overwhelming since I was the only one with a camera. I could feel myself being pulled in 5 different directions and everyone was saying my name wanting me to take their picture. After taking many pictures we made our way to the next base. Here there were a good number of street boys and there were two there who had remembered seeing Trenton the year before. We gave our message there and they were so thankful to hear from us and have us there. I just pray we made a difference in their lives and that they will now be one step closer to wanting to know Jesus. The one thing I made sure they knew before I finished my sharing was to let them know that Jesus loves them and wants to be with them. From here we started our journey back to MITS and came across one last base where we introduced ourselves but weren’t able to share. We came across one boy that was just sitting on the side of the street and it was obvious that he was high on glue. We wanted to invite him the MITS but I don’t even think he could stand up. One of his friends who was another street boy we had spoken to said that he would bring him, I prayed the Lord would make a way for him to get to MITS.
Once we were back at MITS we had lunch and spoke with the rest of the team about their experiences. We then proceeded to have a worship time with the boys that were at the headquarters and then broke up into small groups. I was in charge of leading one of the small groups and it was such an experience. The boys shared about why the left home and how they came to live on the streets. It was amazing to hear their stories and many of the things that happen to these boys should never have happen to anyone. It was encouraging when I asked what they wanted in life and most of them wanted to get an education and have the opportunity to go to school. Once we were done with small groups we came together to do worship again. I then noticed the boy that we had seen on the side of the streets had made it MITS but he was so high I am not sure he would even be able to tell where he was, but at least he got to eat a meal and be in the presence of the Lord. We then said bye to the street boys that had come to MITS and that completed our day at Eastleigh.
John
Maybe The Last Time- Bob
This maybe the last posting from Kenya. We are on an overnight trip tonight, come back here briefly Fri night then leave on safari Sat and do not return to Heart. Have to pack everything this morning as the y will be using our rooms while we are gone.
As expected the Farm was breath of fresh after spending 6 days working in the slums. To see the results of MITS ministers hard work and the youth they have rescued was a real encouragement. All those youth have hopes and dreams just like any others but now they have a chance to realize their dreams. Most want to go back into the slums and help rescue other youth.
Quick funny story. I asked one girl how old she was then someone said she should guess my age. She said 35. Boy did I feel good. She was shocked to hear I am 53. Then I realized after living in the slums and on the streets a 35 year old probably looks like a 53 year old and a most are probably dead by 53. That [art is not so funny.
Since we will be going through customs in Chicago everyone should be able to meet us soon after we get off the plane in Seattle. Please pray that our plane arrives in Chicago on time as we only have 2 hrs to get though customs and catch our next flight.
All but one computer is down right now so I better run. Hope I can get outone last post on Sat but who knows.
Bob
As expected the Farm was breath of fresh after spending 6 days working in the slums. To see the results of MITS ministers hard work and the youth they have rescued was a real encouragement. All those youth have hopes and dreams just like any others but now they have a chance to realize their dreams. Most want to go back into the slums and help rescue other youth.
Quick funny story. I asked one girl how old she was then someone said she should guess my age. She said 35. Boy did I feel good. She was shocked to hear I am 53. Then I realized after living in the slums and on the streets a 35 year old probably looks like a 53 year old and a most are probably dead by 53. That [art is not so funny.
Since we will be going through customs in Chicago everyone should be able to meet us soon after we get off the plane in Seattle. Please pray that our plane arrives in Chicago on time as we only have 2 hrs to get though customs and catch our next flight.
All but one computer is down right now so I better run. Hope I can get outone last post on Sat but who knows.
Bob
Jeremiah 29:11
The difference was immediately apparent. The kids coming in to the courtyard to greet us were clean, well clothed, and excited. They still have stories of living for years on the streets, of beatings and abandonment, but the kids at The Farm in Kamulu, about an hour from where we're staying in Nairobi, have changed.
Make that transformed. As we talk to them in small groups and hear their stories of how they came to Made In The Streets in Eastleigh, and then how they came to MITS' facility in Kamulu, I'm struck by how they see that God has made a difference in their lives. Could these be the same kinds of kids who stared blankly back at me, a bottle of glue hanging from the corner of their mouth at the Calif base? The kids in my group talk about what they're studying while they're at The Farm: computers, carpentry, auto mechanics. And it strikes me - they're talking about their future - a future of hope, of dreams, of a life the way the Lord meant them to live it.
On the streets, they think about what they're going to do to get money for their next meal - purse snatching, robbery, collecting scraps. They're thinking about how to make it through the next night without getting killed. Days turn into months, which turn into years - and there's no thought of future, or education, or hope. This is what's so striking about seeing the kids at The Farm the day after seeing similar kids at the bases in Eastleigh - they have hope.
The Farm is really a working farm - they grow much of the food that they need to sustain themselves - and the extra they sell to help support themselves. Victor is the farm manager, and he shows me around the roughly 15 acres, we see lots of maize (corn), sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, spinach (looks more like chard), bananas, plantains, mangos, macadamia nut trees, oranges and avocados. They're raising tilapia in one fish pond, and are expanding to a second pond. They rotate crops to prevent soil degradation, they compost when possible, they use drip irrigation and water during the cool of the morning/evening - it's clear to me that they're doing the right things, and they're doing these things very well.
I like what I see with MITS' ministry. They're there to meet the immediate needs of any kids in Eastleigh that need help. They work with the street kids to introduce them to a non-street way of life. And for those who choose to change, they provide The Farm where they can develop, go to school, learn a trade, and prepare for life. Not a life on the streets, but real life.
Many on the team are struck by the fact that many kids' futures are outwardly focused - they want to go on to become teachers and pastors. If they could, they would build more organizations like MITS, and more places like The Farm. Some, like Victor, devote their lives to ministry. This clearly shows that Jesus has transformed them, and thanks to the people at MITS, I know they'll continue to offer transformation in the years to come.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
Make that transformed. As we talk to them in small groups and hear their stories of how they came to Made In The Streets in Eastleigh, and then how they came to MITS' facility in Kamulu, I'm struck by how they see that God has made a difference in their lives. Could these be the same kinds of kids who stared blankly back at me, a bottle of glue hanging from the corner of their mouth at the Calif base? The kids in my group talk about what they're studying while they're at The Farm: computers, carpentry, auto mechanics. And it strikes me - they're talking about their future - a future of hope, of dreams, of a life the way the Lord meant them to live it.
On the streets, they think about what they're going to do to get money for their next meal - purse snatching, robbery, collecting scraps. They're thinking about how to make it through the next night without getting killed. Days turn into months, which turn into years - and there's no thought of future, or education, or hope. This is what's so striking about seeing the kids at The Farm the day after seeing similar kids at the bases in Eastleigh - they have hope.
The Farm is really a working farm - they grow much of the food that they need to sustain themselves - and the extra they sell to help support themselves. Victor is the farm manager, and he shows me around the roughly 15 acres, we see lots of maize (corn), sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, spinach (looks more like chard), bananas, plantains, mangos, macadamia nut trees, oranges and avocados. They're raising tilapia in one fish pond, and are expanding to a second pond. They rotate crops to prevent soil degradation, they compost when possible, they use drip irrigation and water during the cool of the morning/evening - it's clear to me that they're doing the right things, and they're doing these things very well.
I like what I see with MITS' ministry. They're there to meet the immediate needs of any kids in Eastleigh that need help. They work with the street kids to introduce them to a non-street way of life. And for those who choose to change, they provide The Farm where they can develop, go to school, learn a trade, and prepare for life. Not a life on the streets, but real life.
Many on the team are struck by the fact that many kids' futures are outwardly focused - they want to go on to become teachers and pastors. If they could, they would build more organizations like MITS, and more places like The Farm. Some, like Victor, devote their lives to ministry. This clearly shows that Jesus has transformed them, and thanks to the people at MITS, I know they'll continue to offer transformation in the years to come.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
How wonderful to see familiar faces!
Yesterday we went to Satellite for Sunday service. Worshipping with the congregation was such a blessing. They would sing a song with great energy, but when they finished singing, they would go on praying, praising the Lord with multiple voices in a chorus of heartfelt praise. It was truly beautiful and such a blessing for us to have the chance to worship with them.
Today we went to the Farm, and what a blessing that was! The Farm is the second and brighter half of Made in the Streets, where the street kids are educated and cared for in something like a boarding school. They are taught a vocation skill, such as sewing, computers, or hairdressing, and when they turn 18 they can go out into the world, work, and give themselves a better life. The great thing is that Made in the Streets continue to support their “graduates” for as long as necessary. The even greater thing is that for as long as these teenagers remain at the Farm, they are learning more about God and Jesus and living in an environment that is devoted wholly to Him.
But to truly “get the whole picture” so to speak, one must visit the ministry in Eastleigh, the first and darker half of MITS.
MITS in Eastleigh is run by Larry and Holly, a couple from Texas, who have basically been missionaries their entire lives. Larry can even speak Swahili fluently! Anyways, MITS works to take kids off the streets, share the good news of Jesus with them, and work to give them a better life.
Eastleigh is a unique neighborhood in Nairobi. Many of the people living there are Somali refugees, the neighborhood is 90% Muslim, and there is an unnaturally large population of homeless street kids who live together on “bases,” which are basically large areas filled with garbage. These kids have to sleep on the garbage because the decomposition of the trash keeps them warm at night. It is truly a heartbreaking sight to see and experience. These are real individuals, surrounded by garbage and countless flies. I was only at the bases with them for something like 20 minutes, and although I felt honored to meet these people and just let them know that someone cared for them, I just could not wait to leave the dirt and filth that is the reality for the homeless in Eastleigh.
The kids that live in these bases all ran away from their families and homes. At first, one wonders what could possibly motivate these kids from running away when their families provide food, shelter, and an education, three things that the streets do not provide. But they have no choice. Most of them leave because their parents abuse them physically or sexually, and to stay would mean to accept the abuse and beatings, or even die.
When they get on the streets, kids join bases, and together each base works as a family, helping each other survive by stealing food and clothes and other necessities, and by protecting each other when the streets get violent, which it often does. Almost all the people on the streets sniff glue to get high. Glue is the cheapest and most readily accessible form of drugs that they can get their hands on, and they end up using to escape the reality of their hunger or simply because of peer pressure.
Walking through the streets to visit some of the bases, it was sickening to see many of the young boys with a bottle of glue in their hands, putting it to their mouth and nose. It made me want to take it away from them and say something like, “Don’t you know that’s bad for you? Don’t you know that you can die?” but it’s too stupid and you realize that even if you do, they’re just going to find another way to get another bottle, so all you can do is shake their hand and say “Jesus loves you” and hope that they can hear you through their clouded minds. But like Steve said, it’s all the more reason that we need to pray for these people, that they would accept Jesus into their hearts and somehow make a better life for themselves. And all the more reason that ministries like MITS are so important because they don’t just pray and wish people well, they are actively working to heal not only these peoples’ spiritual needs but their physical ones as well.
On a lighter note, while we were not on the streets and inside the compound, I got to spend a lot of time with Diana, or Princess Diana as I like to call her, because she wore a beautiful pink princess dress and she was just a beautiful spirit herself. Diana was shy at first, but during worship I asked her if she wanted to come in front with me, and she nodded, and after that it was like we were attached at the hip. She’d follow me wherever I went and hug me all the time and it was the sweetest thing in the world and I’d hug her back and tell her that I loved her and so did Jesus.
And boy was Diana tiring! She constantly wanted piggy back rides or for me to swing her around in the air. I probably sweat more while playing with her than I have in the past few months of not volleyballing constantly. When I was to leave for the bases, some of my team members told me that Diana waited by the gates for a long time, waiting for me to return, and that just really touched me. When I did finally come back, she gave me a hug and we sang together again, but this time she was even better at the hand motions and it was great fun. She is such a smart girl – she figured out how to use my camera in seconds, and she probably took something like 50 pictures, and she even knew how to scroll through them and zoom in. Whenever she saw my face in a picture she’s ask me, “is that you?” and I’d say, “yes it is!” When she saw a picture of Westminster Abbey, she exclaimed, “Wow! Amazing!” and I almost replied, “Yes! Although Brendon thought it was ridiculous.” Just kidding Brendon. =)
As we were leaving, Diana and I hugged so many times and so long, but definitely the highlight of my day was our last goodbye hug, and she said “I love you” to me about 5 times and kissed me on the cheek every time. What a wonderful girl, with a wonderful grandmother, who is currently the cook for MITS, and whose mother is in an internship. I pray that God has great plans for her, and she is so blessed to be a part of MITS from such a young age.
Anyways, today we went to the Farm, which as I said before, is the second half of MITS. The kids from Eastleigh are sent to the Farm when the team believes they are ready, which basically means they have made a genuine commitment to stop using drugs and begin changing their life. Arriving at the Farm just filled me with joy, almost opposite to what I was feeling at Eastleigh, especially when walking to the bases. One girl recognized me and gave me a huge hug. Sadly, another girl, Mary, told me a little about her past life. She was only 17 years old, and already had a son who was three and another child, just one year old. Both were the result of getting raped on the streets. Mary, who is younger than me by only a year, has endured so many things that no person should ever have to endure. But after listening to Mary’s story, I found myself thanking God. Because of His will, she is at the Farm now, and her children are being raised with love and she is learning to grow in Christ and has the opportunity to work and live more of a normal life now. She does not seem sad because of her misfortunes, but happy at the blessings that she does have in her life.
And ADD moment number three, because I’ve been meaning to yell this for a while: How wonderful it was to see familiar faces!
And speaking of familiar faces, I was so surprised to see so many kids from last year, and even more surprised when some greeted me by name and gave me hugs. Mary, the girl I hung out with mostly last year, ran up to me and we hugged for so long, laughing and talking like we saw each other just yesterday. I think my favorite part of the day was when we broke off into small groups of about 10, and we got to know the people in our group a little better. We shared our names (which was difficult at first, but here they are, the result of working so hard to remember so that if I was asked I would not be embarrassed: Victor, Joshua, Alex, Marcy, James, Isaac, Duncan, Mary, Mary M, Michael, and Kevin), favorite foods, colors, sports, and finally, our stories. Three boys shared, and one girl shared. Their stories were just like those of the stories at Eastleigh, but somehow different. They had run away from their homes because of abuse, and ended up on the streets struggling to survive. But their lives were changed, separating themselves from the kids at Eastleigh. One boy was very talented at soccer, and another was a singer. Another wanted to be a seamstress, and one wanted to be a carpenter. These kids dream of a greater future, and they are motivated to work to achieve their goals. They have time to discover their talents and express their individuality. This is the “nearly finished product” of the former streets kids at Eastleigh. Kids with bright futures waiting for them.
And although many wonderful things have changed in these people’s lives, faith in God and Jesus being the main one, some things never do. Mary still is the friendliest girl, Fatuma and Blake are still best friends, the girls love to sing songs with Beekah, George still dances, boys still play soccer, and everyone still worships God with the same reverence and thankfulness that continues to make ministries like the Farm grow every year.
Today we went to the Farm, and what a blessing that was! The Farm is the second and brighter half of Made in the Streets, where the street kids are educated and cared for in something like a boarding school. They are taught a vocation skill, such as sewing, computers, or hairdressing, and when they turn 18 they can go out into the world, work, and give themselves a better life. The great thing is that Made in the Streets continue to support their “graduates” for as long as necessary. The even greater thing is that for as long as these teenagers remain at the Farm, they are learning more about God and Jesus and living in an environment that is devoted wholly to Him.
But to truly “get the whole picture” so to speak, one must visit the ministry in Eastleigh, the first and darker half of MITS.
MITS in Eastleigh is run by Larry and Holly, a couple from Texas, who have basically been missionaries their entire lives. Larry can even speak Swahili fluently! Anyways, MITS works to take kids off the streets, share the good news of Jesus with them, and work to give them a better life.
Eastleigh is a unique neighborhood in Nairobi. Many of the people living there are Somali refugees, the neighborhood is 90% Muslim, and there is an unnaturally large population of homeless street kids who live together on “bases,” which are basically large areas filled with garbage. These kids have to sleep on the garbage because the decomposition of the trash keeps them warm at night. It is truly a heartbreaking sight to see and experience. These are real individuals, surrounded by garbage and countless flies. I was only at the bases with them for something like 20 minutes, and although I felt honored to meet these people and just let them know that someone cared for them, I just could not wait to leave the dirt and filth that is the reality for the homeless in Eastleigh.
The kids that live in these bases all ran away from their families and homes. At first, one wonders what could possibly motivate these kids from running away when their families provide food, shelter, and an education, three things that the streets do not provide. But they have no choice. Most of them leave because their parents abuse them physically or sexually, and to stay would mean to accept the abuse and beatings, or even die.
When they get on the streets, kids join bases, and together each base works as a family, helping each other survive by stealing food and clothes and other necessities, and by protecting each other when the streets get violent, which it often does. Almost all the people on the streets sniff glue to get high. Glue is the cheapest and most readily accessible form of drugs that they can get their hands on, and they end up using to escape the reality of their hunger or simply because of peer pressure.
Walking through the streets to visit some of the bases, it was sickening to see many of the young boys with a bottle of glue in their hands, putting it to their mouth and nose. It made me want to take it away from them and say something like, “Don’t you know that’s bad for you? Don’t you know that you can die?” but it’s too stupid and you realize that even if you do, they’re just going to find another way to get another bottle, so all you can do is shake their hand and say “Jesus loves you” and hope that they can hear you through their clouded minds. But like Steve said, it’s all the more reason that we need to pray for these people, that they would accept Jesus into their hearts and somehow make a better life for themselves. And all the more reason that ministries like MITS are so important because they don’t just pray and wish people well, they are actively working to heal not only these peoples’ spiritual needs but their physical ones as well.
On a lighter note, while we were not on the streets and inside the compound, I got to spend a lot of time with Diana, or Princess Diana as I like to call her, because she wore a beautiful pink princess dress and she was just a beautiful spirit herself. Diana was shy at first, but during worship I asked her if she wanted to come in front with me, and she nodded, and after that it was like we were attached at the hip. She’d follow me wherever I went and hug me all the time and it was the sweetest thing in the world and I’d hug her back and tell her that I loved her and so did Jesus.
And boy was Diana tiring! She constantly wanted piggy back rides or for me to swing her around in the air. I probably sweat more while playing with her than I have in the past few months of not volleyballing constantly. When I was to leave for the bases, some of my team members told me that Diana waited by the gates for a long time, waiting for me to return, and that just really touched me. When I did finally come back, she gave me a hug and we sang together again, but this time she was even better at the hand motions and it was great fun. She is such a smart girl – she figured out how to use my camera in seconds, and she probably took something like 50 pictures, and she even knew how to scroll through them and zoom in. Whenever she saw my face in a picture she’s ask me, “is that you?” and I’d say, “yes it is!” When she saw a picture of Westminster Abbey, she exclaimed, “Wow! Amazing!” and I almost replied, “Yes! Although Brendon thought it was ridiculous.” Just kidding Brendon. =)
As we were leaving, Diana and I hugged so many times and so long, but definitely the highlight of my day was our last goodbye hug, and she said “I love you” to me about 5 times and kissed me on the cheek every time. What a wonderful girl, with a wonderful grandmother, who is currently the cook for MITS, and whose mother is in an internship. I pray that God has great plans for her, and she is so blessed to be a part of MITS from such a young age.
Anyways, today we went to the Farm, which as I said before, is the second half of MITS. The kids from Eastleigh are sent to the Farm when the team believes they are ready, which basically means they have made a genuine commitment to stop using drugs and begin changing their life. Arriving at the Farm just filled me with joy, almost opposite to what I was feeling at Eastleigh, especially when walking to the bases. One girl recognized me and gave me a huge hug. Sadly, another girl, Mary, told me a little about her past life. She was only 17 years old, and already had a son who was three and another child, just one year old. Both were the result of getting raped on the streets. Mary, who is younger than me by only a year, has endured so many things that no person should ever have to endure. But after listening to Mary’s story, I found myself thanking God. Because of His will, she is at the Farm now, and her children are being raised with love and she is learning to grow in Christ and has the opportunity to work and live more of a normal life now. She does not seem sad because of her misfortunes, but happy at the blessings that she does have in her life.
And ADD moment number three, because I’ve been meaning to yell this for a while: How wonderful it was to see familiar faces!
And speaking of familiar faces, I was so surprised to see so many kids from last year, and even more surprised when some greeted me by name and gave me hugs. Mary, the girl I hung out with mostly last year, ran up to me and we hugged for so long, laughing and talking like we saw each other just yesterday. I think my favorite part of the day was when we broke off into small groups of about 10, and we got to know the people in our group a little better. We shared our names (which was difficult at first, but here they are, the result of working so hard to remember so that if I was asked I would not be embarrassed: Victor, Joshua, Alex, Marcy, James, Isaac, Duncan, Mary, Mary M, Michael, and Kevin), favorite foods, colors, sports, and finally, our stories. Three boys shared, and one girl shared. Their stories were just like those of the stories at Eastleigh, but somehow different. They had run away from their homes because of abuse, and ended up on the streets struggling to survive. But their lives were changed, separating themselves from the kids at Eastleigh. One boy was very talented at soccer, and another was a singer. Another wanted to be a seamstress, and one wanted to be a carpenter. These kids dream of a greater future, and they are motivated to work to achieve their goals. They have time to discover their talents and express their individuality. This is the “nearly finished product” of the former streets kids at Eastleigh. Kids with bright futures waiting for them.
And although many wonderful things have changed in these people’s lives, faith in God and Jesus being the main one, some things never do. Mary still is the friendliest girl, Fatuma and Blake are still best friends, the girls love to sing songs with Beekah, George still dances, boys still play soccer, and everyone still worships God with the same reverence and thankfulness that continues to make ministries like the Farm grow every year.
God Be The Solution
Josh Chinn Quality Blog Post #8
Today, we visited The MITS Farm and spent time with the youth who had been selected to grow at the Farm instead of places like the Eastleigh MITS center. Each and every single person had an inspiring unique story and it was such a blessing to hear each boy and girl speak and share. To be honest, it was hard to compare Eastleigh and The Farm back to back because you were so encouraged by the hope and the potential many of the kids had at The Farm, but you felt so terrible for the kids who live in dangerous areas such as Eastleigh. Still, each kid you talked to shared their stories and I loved hearing them all.
There are quite a few kids at The Farm and each of them learn trades and skills that will hopefully help them succeed after they graduate from The Farm. The kids are mostly teenagers aged up to 18 and are led by Jackton and his wife Millicent and other people, some graduates of the program, who care and want to give help and support to the youth as they grow. Jackton was such an amazing person. He has such a big heart and cares for each and every kid and is willing to listen to, spend time with, and share love with every boy and girl in the Farm. We split off into small groups once we got there and I was lucky enough to be in Jackton's group. When we were told to share a little bit about our lives, over half the kids said they didn't have parents or had abusive ones, but then proceeded to praise Jackton and thank him for everything he's done in their lives. They consider Jackton and Millicent as their parents and I was really touched by how much Jackton cares for the kids and how thankful the guys are in return. I can't say enough about how much I respect Jackton. He teaches the kids about God and loves to play soccer with them (and he's darn good too), and he's leading them down a path that will end fruitfully.
I also heard stories from the youth. Many of them had grown up in Eastleigh and shared their troubles at home in the slums before running away, and also at Eastleigh. They are so thankful and they realize how fortunate they are now. They don't have too much, but I feel like they are so much more thankful than many of us at home. Paul, Eddy and George each admitted to being "bad boys" growing up in Eastleigh and had stolen and cheated many others out of what they had, but each of them had come to know God and now live at The Farm and are praising God for the works He has done in their lives. George was one of my favorites. He is 18 and will graduate the program soon and he loves Reggae music and enjoys dancing. He is outgoing and creative and can do a darn good impression of a camel. He has many big plans for his life and I'm glad he realizes his potential, but he also knows how much he has been given and how many others aren't as fortunate. The kids' grateful attitude was eye opening and I had so much fun listening to what God has done in their lives.
After sharing and receiving a tour from Jackton, we had lunch and then a worship session. The students were hesitant to jump and do some of the hand motions during the songs so I spontaneously yelled out "EVERYBODY JUMP!" and I was so excited to see the youth's participation and energy. However, nothing can match the intensity and passion they have for soccer. It's about a 10 minute walk to the soccer field and all they had was some black sand between giant metal poles, but when we played, they acted as if they were in the World Cup. Jackton and all of the boys played with the "mzungus" (foreigners) and we split up into teams under the hot sun. It was so much fun- these kids are so talented and I wouldn't be surprised if many of them would star on a varsity soccer team in the States. There was one play where I was about to head a ball and this boy who wasn't much taller than me jumps out of nowhere and bicycle kicks the ball away. It was ridiculous. I couldn't believe my eyes. In the end, we ended up tying 1-1 and we went home sweaty and thirsty.
Today was an awesome day. It was tough to see Eastleigh yesterday and take in the conditions and situation many kids were in, but today gave me such hope after seeing and hearing how well some of the kids turn out. Each and every kid has a bright future and I'm hoping I can keep in contact through email with some of them. They will all be in my prayers, especially George who I'll never see again because he'll graduate, and I wished them all the best. As I left, I saw a smaller kid who I had never met before, but I shook his hand and said "Good luck." He replied to me "I don't need luck, I have God with me." To see the growth and maturity the youth have developed was amazing. It shows me how God has a plan for everyone and that there are answers to some of the problems on the streets in areas like Eastleigh. Even though many kids still live out on the streets, it gives me hope to see people like the ones at The Farm growing through Christ.
"Whoa-oh, God be the solution."
-Josh
Today, we visited The MITS Farm and spent time with the youth who had been selected to grow at the Farm instead of places like the Eastleigh MITS center. Each and every single person had an inspiring unique story and it was such a blessing to hear each boy and girl speak and share. To be honest, it was hard to compare Eastleigh and The Farm back to back because you were so encouraged by the hope and the potential many of the kids had at The Farm, but you felt so terrible for the kids who live in dangerous areas such as Eastleigh. Still, each kid you talked to shared their stories and I loved hearing them all.
There are quite a few kids at The Farm and each of them learn trades and skills that will hopefully help them succeed after they graduate from The Farm. The kids are mostly teenagers aged up to 18 and are led by Jackton and his wife Millicent and other people, some graduates of the program, who care and want to give help and support to the youth as they grow. Jackton was such an amazing person. He has such a big heart and cares for each and every kid and is willing to listen to, spend time with, and share love with every boy and girl in the Farm. We split off into small groups once we got there and I was lucky enough to be in Jackton's group. When we were told to share a little bit about our lives, over half the kids said they didn't have parents or had abusive ones, but then proceeded to praise Jackton and thank him for everything he's done in their lives. They consider Jackton and Millicent as their parents and I was really touched by how much Jackton cares for the kids and how thankful the guys are in return. I can't say enough about how much I respect Jackton. He teaches the kids about God and loves to play soccer with them (and he's darn good too), and he's leading them down a path that will end fruitfully.
I also heard stories from the youth. Many of them had grown up in Eastleigh and shared their troubles at home in the slums before running away, and also at Eastleigh. They are so thankful and they realize how fortunate they are now. They don't have too much, but I feel like they are so much more thankful than many of us at home. Paul, Eddy and George each admitted to being "bad boys" growing up in Eastleigh and had stolen and cheated many others out of what they had, but each of them had come to know God and now live at The Farm and are praising God for the works He has done in their lives. George was one of my favorites. He is 18 and will graduate the program soon and he loves Reggae music and enjoys dancing. He is outgoing and creative and can do a darn good impression of a camel. He has many big plans for his life and I'm glad he realizes his potential, but he also knows how much he has been given and how many others aren't as fortunate. The kids' grateful attitude was eye opening and I had so much fun listening to what God has done in their lives.
After sharing and receiving a tour from Jackton, we had lunch and then a worship session. The students were hesitant to jump and do some of the hand motions during the songs so I spontaneously yelled out "EVERYBODY JUMP!" and I was so excited to see the youth's participation and energy. However, nothing can match the intensity and passion they have for soccer. It's about a 10 minute walk to the soccer field and all they had was some black sand between giant metal poles, but when we played, they acted as if they were in the World Cup. Jackton and all of the boys played with the "mzungus" (foreigners) and we split up into teams under the hot sun. It was so much fun- these kids are so talented and I wouldn't be surprised if many of them would star on a varsity soccer team in the States. There was one play where I was about to head a ball and this boy who wasn't much taller than me jumps out of nowhere and bicycle kicks the ball away. It was ridiculous. I couldn't believe my eyes. In the end, we ended up tying 1-1 and we went home sweaty and thirsty.
Today was an awesome day. It was tough to see Eastleigh yesterday and take in the conditions and situation many kids were in, but today gave me such hope after seeing and hearing how well some of the kids turn out. Each and every kid has a bright future and I'm hoping I can keep in contact through email with some of them. They will all be in my prayers, especially George who I'll never see again because he'll graduate, and I wished them all the best. As I left, I saw a smaller kid who I had never met before, but I shook his hand and said "Good luck." He replied to me "I don't need luck, I have God with me." To see the growth and maturity the youth have developed was amazing. It shows me how God has a plan for everyone and that there are answers to some of the problems on the streets in areas like Eastleigh. Even though many kids still live out on the streets, it gives me hope to see people like the ones at The Farm growing through Christ.
"Whoa-oh, God be the solution."
-Josh
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Help was just around the corner...
Today was probably the most transforming day for me. We ventured out to the "bases" today, which are basically homeless groupings where people sleep out in the open on mounds of garbage. The garbage is filthy and smelly, and yet it is vital to their survival. The garbage keeps them warm at night since heating and shelter are not available. Flies blanket the sleeping men and many of them wear mismatched shoes that they salvaged from the garbage piles. The men were still glad to see us, and were receptive to hearing about the Made in the Streets ministry, which offers them a place to shower, eat, and get an identification card which grants them the power to vote and easier access to employment opportunity.
What was great to see was that one of the Made in the Streets men, Moses, talked to the people at the base, encouraged them to come to their facilities to get food and a clean shower, and then he went and purchased corn meal for them. We then visited a man who was out of comission because of a broken leg. He was intoxicated one night and couldn't escape the wrath of a few men out to get him, and they took a huge rock and dropped it on his leg. I was hit emotionally when I realized that he was unable to move, and therefore unable to work for a couple months, and therefore unable to earn enough to feed himself. Made in the Streets took him to a doctor to get him a cast, and as we left Moses gave 50 shillings to his friend to get him something to eat. Many of the occupations we see involve wheeling carts, selling items, bagging plastic, burning garbage for the government, and collecting scrap metal.
The most heartbreaking part of the base visit came when we reached the California base. There were about 6-7 men and teenage boys sitting on the curb, and we started talking to them. We introduced ourselves, and instantly I could see that many of them were high on glue. They sniff glue so that they can get high and forget about their pain and hunger. One older man was so high that he said his name was Ostrich. As we began talking to them, more came and listened in, which was encouraging, since even though I didn't know if it was because they wanted to see the Jackie Chans or the word of God, they still got to hear the good news. Moses started talking to them about how Made in the Streets comes by that area very frequently, tells them to get off the glue, and yet nothing changes. The irony here was that many of the kids had glue bottles in their sleeves that they held up to their mouths as he was saying that.
He said that they are offering them food, fellowship through soccer, a clean shower, and a chance to go to the Farm, learn a new trade, get clean, and turn their lives around, but they don't take advantage of what is right around the corner. He pointed to one kid sitting on a 4 liter empty container of glue, and started saying how we were there at the facility leading some games and worship, and he was missing it, just because he and the others weren't receptive to their help. We then each began sharing something, and when it got to my turn, I felt the Holy Spirit prodding me to try to reach out to them and make a connection. I began talking about how they have a hard life, much harder than mine, and how I can't even begin to imagine what living on the streets must be like. Ostrich replied, "Yes, we have a very hard life here," so at least he understood what I was saying. I hope he remembers. I then started talking about how even though they face pain, suffering, and hunger, that there are good people like Moses who want to help them turn their lives around. They may use glue to ease the pain and get a high, but it is only temporary. The only lasting happiness comes from knowing Jesus, giving their lives to him, and letting Him transform their situations through His love and mercy. As I was saying this, I looked into their eyes and I just saw that the glue and drugs were separating us, disconnecting them from the truth and hope for a better life. It bothered me how it felt like I was trying so hard to break through to their hearts, but I never knew if they processed anything that I had said. I finished by saying that turning their lives over to Jesus might be the best decision that they ever make in their lives, and at that point, I just had to trust that God was working in their hearts and that He would continue to work after we left. I remembered something I heard a long time ago, which stated that we shouldn't feel bad when we don't see any fruit for our labor, since Jesus is the one they are rejecting, not us, but I just felt disheartened seeing their bondage to such a vicious cycle. Their lives would continue in that downward spiral unless they knew that help and all their hopes and dreams could become a reality if they just turned the corner and asked for help.
This experience for me was definitely more eye-opening than even walking through the slums, since I looked into the eyes of a trapped soul, I shook the hands of addiction, and I bared my heart and soul in front of those who possibly couldn't hear me. The inability to reach past the thick barrier the glue put up around their hearts still bothers me now, but there have been many success stories that I will get to hear about tomorrow when we visit the Farm, and it is evident that even though not all are saved, that area is being transformed by that ministry.
What was great to see was that one of the Made in the Streets men, Moses, talked to the people at the base, encouraged them to come to their facilities to get food and a clean shower, and then he went and purchased corn meal for them. We then visited a man who was out of comission because of a broken leg. He was intoxicated one night and couldn't escape the wrath of a few men out to get him, and they took a huge rock and dropped it on his leg. I was hit emotionally when I realized that he was unable to move, and therefore unable to work for a couple months, and therefore unable to earn enough to feed himself. Made in the Streets took him to a doctor to get him a cast, and as we left Moses gave 50 shillings to his friend to get him something to eat. Many of the occupations we see involve wheeling carts, selling items, bagging plastic, burning garbage for the government, and collecting scrap metal.
The most heartbreaking part of the base visit came when we reached the California base. There were about 6-7 men and teenage boys sitting on the curb, and we started talking to them. We introduced ourselves, and instantly I could see that many of them were high on glue. They sniff glue so that they can get high and forget about their pain and hunger. One older man was so high that he said his name was Ostrich. As we began talking to them, more came and listened in, which was encouraging, since even though I didn't know if it was because they wanted to see the Jackie Chans or the word of God, they still got to hear the good news. Moses started talking to them about how Made in the Streets comes by that area very frequently, tells them to get off the glue, and yet nothing changes. The irony here was that many of the kids had glue bottles in their sleeves that they held up to their mouths as he was saying that.
He said that they are offering them food, fellowship through soccer, a clean shower, and a chance to go to the Farm, learn a new trade, get clean, and turn their lives around, but they don't take advantage of what is right around the corner. He pointed to one kid sitting on a 4 liter empty container of glue, and started saying how we were there at the facility leading some games and worship, and he was missing it, just because he and the others weren't receptive to their help. We then each began sharing something, and when it got to my turn, I felt the Holy Spirit prodding me to try to reach out to them and make a connection. I began talking about how they have a hard life, much harder than mine, and how I can't even begin to imagine what living on the streets must be like. Ostrich replied, "Yes, we have a very hard life here," so at least he understood what I was saying. I hope he remembers. I then started talking about how even though they face pain, suffering, and hunger, that there are good people like Moses who want to help them turn their lives around. They may use glue to ease the pain and get a high, but it is only temporary. The only lasting happiness comes from knowing Jesus, giving their lives to him, and letting Him transform their situations through His love and mercy. As I was saying this, I looked into their eyes and I just saw that the glue and drugs were separating us, disconnecting them from the truth and hope for a better life. It bothered me how it felt like I was trying so hard to break through to their hearts, but I never knew if they processed anything that I had said. I finished by saying that turning their lives over to Jesus might be the best decision that they ever make in their lives, and at that point, I just had to trust that God was working in their hearts and that He would continue to work after we left. I remembered something I heard a long time ago, which stated that we shouldn't feel bad when we don't see any fruit for our labor, since Jesus is the one they are rejecting, not us, but I just felt disheartened seeing their bondage to such a vicious cycle. Their lives would continue in that downward spiral unless they knew that help and all their hopes and dreams could become a reality if they just turned the corner and asked for help.
This experience for me was definitely more eye-opening than even walking through the slums, since I looked into the eyes of a trapped soul, I shook the hands of addiction, and I bared my heart and soul in front of those who possibly couldn't hear me. The inability to reach past the thick barrier the glue put up around their hearts still bothers me now, but there have been many success stories that I will get to hear about tomorrow when we visit the Farm, and it is evident that even though not all are saved, that area is being transformed by that ministry.
Pictures around Nairobi
Here are some pictures from our bus trips around Nairobi. I hope this gives you a snapshot of what life is like here in Kenya.
Sanford & Son's, Kenyan style
Sacks of rice (maybe over 2500 pounds?) in the back of a pickup. And a guy guarding the rice (or hitching a ride)
What's the weight limit on the bus?
Hurrying to avoid the oncoming carsBig Moses Little Moses
As we were getting ready to leave Eastleigh and Made In The Streets ministry there yesterday I started talking with a young boy who I later found out was named Moses. He asked me in his poor English if I would take him to America with me, ( I don't think he was serious) but I told him he would not fit in my suit case. The humor did not translate. So I told him that if he prayed to Jesus and trusted him that he could do anything he wanted. He could even go the Farm, learn a trade, get a good job and earn enough money to come to America and visit me. He ran off apparently board with that conversation.
A minute later he was back this time with Big Moses, one of the young men who works at Made In The Streets. BM told me that he could not understand what I said and he wanted BM to translate for him. What an opportunity. So I repeated everything I had just said through our translator this time and Big Moses added that he needed to come to their Tue and Fri programs to have a chance to move to the Farm. I am not certain what goes on on Tue and Fri but I tried to reinforce the fact that he needed to go. I got a promise from Little Moses before we left that he would go every Tue and Fri. I then told him I would be praying for him. BM said that LM was 12 years old so he still had a chance to get to the Farm. I forgot to tell Big Moses that I would be praying for him to but Renee got his email so I will let him know. As usual he said "don't forget us."How could I possibly.
Another cool thing happened at MITS. I went with a group in the afternoon to tour some of the bases, the areas where the boys hangout and feel safe, their turf. We were told that we could take any pictures we wanted inside the compound but don't take any at the bases without their permission. MITS has been baned for the past 6 years from one base because a visitor took pictures there without permission. As we were leaving the first base where we found mostly adults, a cute little girl came out of nowhere and grabbed Becca's hand wouldn't let go. She would have walked right out of the base with us if they had let her. Her mom asked if anyone had a camera. Dan and I did not hesitate. We ended up taking several pictures of the girl and a little boy with Becca, Kristine and their mom's. Felt like we had made a small break through As we were leaving again they asked if they could get a copy of the pictures so Moses said we could email a copy to him and he will see that they get them.
Feels like the toughest part of our ministry is over. For the next three days we get to see the results of the successful ministers and some people who have been rescued from the streets. The bad news is that this involves long bus rides. These are not like bus rides on our freeways. They are the bumpy dusty Kenyan roads so it is not a total picnic. Know what an African Massage is? Any trip driving down a Kenyan street. That from our first bus driver.
My biggest fear right now? That we come back from our mission trip to help the hungry and starving having gained weight. The food here at Heart and in the restaurants we have visited has been so good. Even when we go into the slums the people want to share with us and are so generous with what they have. And I like Kenyan cooking. They make things just a little spicy, just the way I like it.
Finally today is a national holiday so all Kenyans will turn out to vote on the national referendum for the new constitution. This is the biggest event in this country since independence. Pray for Kenya.
Bob
A minute later he was back this time with Big Moses, one of the young men who works at Made In The Streets. BM told me that he could not understand what I said and he wanted BM to translate for him. What an opportunity. So I repeated everything I had just said through our translator this time and Big Moses added that he needed to come to their Tue and Fri programs to have a chance to move to the Farm. I am not certain what goes on on Tue and Fri but I tried to reinforce the fact that he needed to go. I got a promise from Little Moses before we left that he would go every Tue and Fri. I then told him I would be praying for him. BM said that LM was 12 years old so he still had a chance to get to the Farm. I forgot to tell Big Moses that I would be praying for him to but Renee got his email so I will let him know. As usual he said "don't forget us."How could I possibly.
Another cool thing happened at MITS. I went with a group in the afternoon to tour some of the bases, the areas where the boys hangout and feel safe, their turf. We were told that we could take any pictures we wanted inside the compound but don't take any at the bases without their permission. MITS has been baned for the past 6 years from one base because a visitor took pictures there without permission. As we were leaving the first base where we found mostly adults, a cute little girl came out of nowhere and grabbed Becca's hand wouldn't let go. She would have walked right out of the base with us if they had let her. Her mom asked if anyone had a camera. Dan and I did not hesitate. We ended up taking several pictures of the girl and a little boy with Becca, Kristine and their mom's. Felt like we had made a small break through As we were leaving again they asked if they could get a copy of the pictures so Moses said we could email a copy to him and he will see that they get them.
Feels like the toughest part of our ministry is over. For the next three days we get to see the results of the successful ministers and some people who have been rescued from the streets. The bad news is that this involves long bus rides. These are not like bus rides on our freeways. They are the bumpy dusty Kenyan roads so it is not a total picnic. Know what an African Massage is? Any trip driving down a Kenyan street. That from our first bus driver.
My biggest fear right now? That we come back from our mission trip to help the hungry and starving having gained weight. The food here at Heart and in the restaurants we have visited has been so good. Even when we go into the slums the people want to share with us and are so generous with what they have. And I like Kenyan cooking. They make things just a little spicy, just the way I like it.
Finally today is a national holiday so all Kenyans will turn out to vote on the national referendum for the new constitution. This is the biggest event in this country since independence. Pray for Kenya.
Bob
Praying at the Bases
I've been slacking on my blogging, so I thought I'd do a bit of catching up. But it's really late right now, so it'll probably be short..
Today we visited Eastleigh and the Made in the Streets Community Center. Eastleigh is always weird for me because it's filled with mixed feelings (sound familiar?)... sadness, darkness and some hopelessness because Eastleigh is among the worst areas.. filled with young people on the streets addicted to getting high off of glue to distract from their hunger. But also, so much hope because Made in the Streets is a ministry doing so much good through their commitment to investing in the Eastleigh community. A light in a dark place, if you will..
I was encouraged to see all of the street kids who came out to worship and play games with us in the morning. They were able to escape the difficulty of life on the streets for a few hours and just be goofy kids, playing Ultimate Ninja with the mzungus. And we were blessed by the time we spent with them.
I also loved getting the chance to hold a couple of the babies who are staying at Made in the Streets with their young mothers, who hold internship-like-positions. The babies names were James and Steven. They were both very sweet and content :)
As encouraging as much of the day was, it was also paired with a harsh reality of just how dark life on the streets can be for these kids. One teenage boy sat on a bench at MITS with an open wound on his knee, clearly high off of glue or drugs. Flies landed on the open gash and a friend of the boy's tried to help him keep it clean, but the boy himself was completely out of it. He just stared off into space and seemed completely unaware of what was going on around him. That was really difficult to see. Larry Conway told us that this boy was almost dead a week ago and that they have reached out to him several times, but he won't live for very much longer. That was pretty tough to accept as true. How could there be no hope left for this boy? The last thing I did before exiting MITS to get back on the bus was to take one last look at him, wondering how much longer he would be alive. This is tough to think about.
A ministry like MITS can do so much good in a community like Eastleigh... but the kids still have to WANT the change for themselves and have enough motivation to do their part. It's devastating to see the results for those who don't choose this type of life change.
It was quite an experience being out at the bases today--which I didn't get to visit last year. I feel like we saw some of the tamer areas, in better conditions than those where people sleep on piles of garbage. But still, it was an uneasy hour or so as we visited two different bases. I just felt a lot more exposed walking down the streets, which are much more open areas than the walkways in the slums. There were no scary incidents, but I felt pretty on-edge, especially as we witnessed people with glue bottles up to their mouths. The people at both bases we visited were friendly and welcoming to us. At the first base (called Jamaica), I made friends with a little toddler-aged girl who held my hand and was ready to leave with us. I would try to wave goodbye and she would wave back but then just grab my hand again, like "alright, let's go now!" I would've liked to take her home with me :) At the second base we visited, I got called out.. ha. We were going to close in prayer and the people living at the base pointed at me. One of our translators told me they wanted me to pray. So... I did. It was a short, un-eloquent, not profound, prayer. But I guess that's okay. I think a few years ago I probably would've refused to pray altogether :P So I suppose that's progress... Ha. But I think part of my difficulty today was... I didn't know WHAT to pray for these people. It seems like such an overwhelming (there's that word again..) situation and they live such a ridiculously difficult lifestyle--how could I possibly relate to them? What could I pray that would help? But, once again, I know that the point isn't for ME to have the answers to their problems. I need to look to God. So I just thanked God for bringing us together today and prayed that he would bless these people. That's all I could really come up with.. and maybe that's okay.
I pray that our ministry today at MITS and out at the bases somehow made a difference to some of the Eastleigh people. I pray that they would turn to God as their hope in what seems to be a pretty despair-filled life.
(i guess this post turned out to be... not very short :P)
thanks for reading; thanks for praying :)
love, bekah
Oh, also. Just wanted to mention that I lost 2000 shillings last night.. it fell out of my pocket. But before I even realized it was gone, this morning one of the staff of our guesthouse announced that a guard had found money on the ground early this morning and had turned it in. She said if it was ours, we could come claim it if we could just tell them how much it was that we had lost. The woman talked about how proud of her staff she was for turning in the money in the first place. And I thought that was pretty remarkable too, considering that the Hyodos had told us at the beginning of our trip to be careful about leaving valuables out in the open in our room... because even though all the staff seemed very nice, some could be in desperate circumstances... and I know that 2000 shillings is a lot of money to pass up, in a situation like that guard was in. So I feel pretty blessed to have gotten this money back. I'm also impressed with the staff here, and feel blessed to be staying here. Anyway, thanks God! :) And Mom and Dad: I'll try to be more careful with your money from here on out ;)
Rounda and Calif
Moses and another street kid posing with me at Made In The Streets' center
A reminder on the wall before you leave MITS
Francis, Larry and Moses
A street in EastleighWhether it's Seattle or Nairobi, the homeless have a rough life. But our trip with Made In The Streets (MITS) to the Rounda and Calif bases in Eastleigh convince me that it's much worse in Eastleigh.
We walk with Larry & Moses through the streets of Eastleigh towards Rounda, a base named for a roundabout in an intersection - the base is now situated about 50 yards away, against a fence. Throngs of people and cars fill Eastleigh. Most are Somali, most are immigrants (legal and not), and most are Muslim. I find out later from Moses that we caused quite a commotion - people are talking and wondering why these strangers (from Japan, China?) are in Eastleigh.
The Rounda base is set against a fence, across a foul smelling drainage ditch next to the road. Approximately a dozen people greet us as we arrive. More stop by during our 10 minute stay. We shake hands or do "fist bumps" with them all. As is Kenyan custom, they introduce themselves, followed by our introductions.
As we share a short message of love and encouragement with them, I'm astonished to hear them express appreciation and thanks for simply visiting them. Really? Don't they want money, food, a way off the street? That may come later, if they can stop by the MITS center on Sunday for church, a chance to shower and a hot meal. But right now they want to be remembered, and they're honored that these visitors from 10000 miles away would come to see them, right where they live, in the Rounda base.
The Calif base is quite different from Rounda. A dozen or so kids, some as young as 12, sit on a curb at an entrance to an apartment comples. Open bottles of contact cement (glue) hang from the corners of their mouths - glazed, empty eyes stare at us. Some can barely stand - they're so high from sniffing the glue.
The kids sniff glue to quell the hunger pangs from not eating. They're addicted, and they just can't get themselves to stop. I find out later that the new addiction is sniffing gasoline-soaked rags. Moses appeals to them to give up the glue - to come to the MITS community center - to get a new start and break the cycle. None come. They politely ask for each of us to say something to them - we share about Jesus' love for them, about what God has done in our lives - and we pray that these words can make a difference for them someday.
MITS is doing tremendous work in Eastleigh. Moses formerly came from the Calif base - now he's faithfully reaching back to those in his community - as an example fo one whose life Jesus has changed forever. there's no easy answer for all of the problems that you see in the Eastleigh bases - it's a jumble of international, national and local politics, economics, discrimination, addiction and feelings of hopelessness. But people like Larry and Moses are devoting their lives to making a difference - one person at a time - and we would be wise to support them in their effort.
We walk with Larry & Moses through the streets of Eastleigh towards Rounda, a base named for a roundabout in an intersection - the base is now situated about 50 yards away, against a fence. Throngs of people and cars fill Eastleigh. Most are Somali, most are immigrants (legal and not), and most are Muslim. I find out later from Moses that we caused quite a commotion - people are talking and wondering why these strangers (from Japan, China?) are in Eastleigh.
The Rounda base is set against a fence, across a foul smelling drainage ditch next to the road. Approximately a dozen people greet us as we arrive. More stop by during our 10 minute stay. We shake hands or do "fist bumps" with them all. As is Kenyan custom, they introduce themselves, followed by our introductions.
As we share a short message of love and encouragement with them, I'm astonished to hear them express appreciation and thanks for simply visiting them. Really? Don't they want money, food, a way off the street? That may come later, if they can stop by the MITS center on Sunday for church, a chance to shower and a hot meal. But right now they want to be remembered, and they're honored that these visitors from 10000 miles away would come to see them, right where they live, in the Rounda base.
The Calif base is quite different from Rounda. A dozen or so kids, some as young as 12, sit on a curb at an entrance to an apartment comples. Open bottles of contact cement (glue) hang from the corners of their mouths - glazed, empty eyes stare at us. Some can barely stand - they're so high from sniffing the glue.
The kids sniff glue to quell the hunger pangs from not eating. They're addicted, and they just can't get themselves to stop. I find out later that the new addiction is sniffing gasoline-soaked rags. Moses appeals to them to give up the glue - to come to the MITS community center - to get a new start and break the cycle. None come. They politely ask for each of us to say something to them - we share about Jesus' love for them, about what God has done in our lives - and we pray that these words can make a difference for them someday.
MITS is doing tremendous work in Eastleigh. Moses formerly came from the Calif base - now he's faithfully reaching back to those in his community - as an example fo one whose life Jesus has changed forever. there's no easy answer for all of the problems that you see in the Eastleigh bases - it's a jumble of international, national and local politics, economics, discrimination, addiction and feelings of hopelessness. But people like Larry and Moses are devoting their lives to making a difference - one person at a time - and we would be wise to support them in their effort.
Joseph's Story
Imagine being homeless and living on the streets of Eastleigh, a tough Nairobi neighborhood known as "Little Mogadishu". You've had a little too much to drink, so you can't run away like your other friends when some thugs show up. You can't fight them off before they drop a big rock on your right leg, breaking it.
This is Joseph's story. We met Joseph when Larry and Moses, two of the staff at Made In The Streets, stopped to talk to him as we walked from the Rounda base to the Calif base. A "base" is just a place for the homeless in Eastleigh to gather and sleep, protected through a shared sense of community.
We walked up a pile of garbage, past some large bales of plastic bags awaiting recycling, and found Joseph lying there. Larry & Moses found him a month ago with the broken leg and took him to the hospital and got him treated. Today we met with him, made sure he was healing ok, and prayed for him. He also had anohter friend in a Chicago White Sox sweatshirt standing nearby - and Moses gave him a 50 shilling note ($0.63) to buy Joseph some food - since Joseph can't get up to walk and get food on his own.
With his friend, Larry and Moses, Joseph is luckier than many on the street in Eastleigh - he's got people who care and who look after him. But life is still extremely hard. The bales of plastic are sitting on a trash heap, and that's where Joseph lies all day. Hundreds of flies are on the bales, on the trash, and on Joseph. The stench is almost unbearable. but this is Joseph's home right now - and believe it or not, it's better than living at many of the bases.
In another month, Larry and Moses will take Joseph back to the doctor to check on his healing progress, and hopefully get his cast off. Until then, it's another cold night on top of the trash heap for Joseph and hundreds others in Eastleigh.
This is Joseph's story. We met Joseph when Larry and Moses, two of the staff at Made In The Streets, stopped to talk to him as we walked from the Rounda base to the Calif base. A "base" is just a place for the homeless in Eastleigh to gather and sleep, protected through a shared sense of community.
We walked up a pile of garbage, past some large bales of plastic bags awaiting recycling, and found Joseph lying there. Larry & Moses found him a month ago with the broken leg and took him to the hospital and got him treated. Today we met with him, made sure he was healing ok, and prayed for him. He also had anohter friend in a Chicago White Sox sweatshirt standing nearby - and Moses gave him a 50 shilling note ($0.63) to buy Joseph some food - since Joseph can't get up to walk and get food on his own.
With his friend, Larry and Moses, Joseph is luckier than many on the street in Eastleigh - he's got people who care and who look after him. But life is still extremely hard. The bales of plastic are sitting on a trash heap, and that's where Joseph lies all day. Hundreds of flies are on the bales, on the trash, and on Joseph. The stench is almost unbearable. but this is Joseph's home right now - and believe it or not, it's better than living at many of the bases.
In another month, Larry and Moses will take Joseph back to the doctor to check on his healing progress, and hopefully get his cast off. Until then, it's another cold night on top of the trash heap for Joseph and hundreds others in Eastleigh.
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