February 29, 2012

Shared on Feb 8th by a missionary couple who have worked in Swahili, Tanzania's national language of Tanzania, for many years, but are now working with a different People Group:  “Started formal Maasai language studies with a tutor this week… not going to be easy with all the other things to do. Pray for us to get the most out of every session and to find the time to study.” PRAISE shared last Sunday: “We introduced ourselves in Maasai for the first time today in church. They were so excited to hear us using their language... maybe one day we won't need our cheat sheets.”
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For more from the Tanzania Maasai team:  

www.tzmaasaiconnection.blogspot.com

www.baptist-volunteer-tz.net/baptist-volunteer-tz/Welcome.htm

February 28, 212

Missionaries who have been in Kenya for 30+ years took two new missionaries on a tour of Nairobi yesterday.  Many things the two couples saw made them laugh, others broke their hearts; views of mature Baptist work led to praising God; and there was a little fear as one drove in the city! One missionary took photos and later found this scene with a surprise!  The truly humorous part – having shopped at such kiosks for second hand clothes, she knew some of these clothes may have first been sold at the American store sharing the kiosk’s name!
*** To allay fears, the "fear" bit about driving in the city referred to potholes filled with rain, so one had no idea of how deep they were or exactly how far they spread, new multi-lane highways with no lines and unfinished parts which led to traffic appearing going to the opposite way in one's lanes as well as sharing the road with donkey carts, bicycles and pedestrians!  Driving in East Africa definitely keeps one alert!

February 27, 2012

A missionary’s thoughts upon her first view of a 6-foot-long/ 2-foot-deep display of REAL bananas in an East African grocery:  “Was someone bored or being punished? How long did it take to plop a sticker on each banana?  There are thousands on this shelf!”  Last week as the missionary purchased this bunch of REAL bananas (in the photo) from the constantly re-stocked shelf, she thought:  “What if everyone who viewed Believers knew we were REAL? What if we were as committed to proclaiming the eternal gospel to everyone on earth as the person who adds REAL stickers to these bananas?"

February 26, 2012

Some children in East Africa had adequate food last week, others did not. Some slept in secure houses, others in refugee tents or on streets.  The buzz of malaria-carrying mosquitoes kept some awake, while a few were awakened by cattle rustlers attacking their village or a fire spreading through their slum.  Floods caused some kids to flee their homes, while others tried to remember what rain looked like?  Some children attended school, while others tended animals or walked miles hauling water.  Some learned new Bible stories, while too many were still waiting for someone to tell them of the true God who loves and cares for children!

February 25, 2012

The lower quarter of this photo could be titled, “A family picnic by the river.” Mom and kids are visiting Dad at work as he joins hundreds of adults and kids in searching the huge Dandora Dump (Nairobi, Kenya) for items to sale.  Rescuing and cleaning plastic bags in the river that edges the 30+acre dump provides this Dad’s income.  Pray for good health and protection for these ‘recyclers.' Pray also for strength and wisdom for Believers who minister to these workers - sharing God’s love and hope among these people does bring joy, but also heartbreak.

February 24, 2012

This bougainvillea photo has nothing to do with today’s Prayer Nudge – simply a catch-your-attention substitute for a photo that should not be used! Drawn by sparkly, colourful items, a missionary often pauses at the window of an East African shop owned by a South Asian.  Yesterday, she spotted a new sign above the shop's door - "Specialist in Bangles, Ladies Purses, and God Statues." Her first thought:  An interesting combination!  Second thought:  A prayer that Believers will be bolder witnesses of the peace and joy which can only be found in knowing and serving the Living God!

February 23, 2012

BRANDING - An important tool used by successful international companies.  Even people in rural areas of East Africa may easily recognize which soda is sold at this shop!  Today's nudge to prayer:  Do others identify us as Christians?  Do we stand out in the crowd as children of God, reflecting His love and salvation "like stars in the sky" holding "firmly to the word of life?"  (Philippians 2:15,16)

February 22, 2012

Why do some missionaries still focus on cities where our Father’s Good News has been shared for years and years?   Almost 4 million people live in Nairobi (Kenya) and around 10 million live in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo).  These 14 million people may not include representatives of “every nation, tribe, language and people of our world” (Rev. 14:6), but these cities are home for representatives of many any of our world’s UNREACHED nations, tribes, languages, and peoples –  UNREACHED nations, tribes, languages, and peoples  WHICH could become REACHED if one or more of their own become Disciple Making Believers!

February 21, 2012

Miss Personality Plus and other kids in her coastal East African village are already learning of our Father's love and salvation, but too many African kids may never hear the Good News of John 3:16. Would you like to help SHATTER THE SILENCE they face?  PRAY that God will call out laborers through the upcoming Sub-Saharan African Peoples Summit, 29 Feb-2 March in Montgomery, AL.  Pray for those leading the summit as they share what God is doing in Sub-Saharan Africa.  PRAY that participants will be equipped to effectively engage an unreached, unengaged People Group.  Another option: ATTEND the summit!

More information at:  http://imbafrica.org/summit/  ... AND if this summit/training is too soon for you, check out: http://www.imbafrica.org/indaba/

February 20, 2012

A peaceful scene, yet many residents of this area lack peace. Searching the internet for ‘cattle rustling, East Africa’, one recommended article* begins, “Cattle rustling, a centuries old tradition in parts of East Africa, has escalated this year.”  Written in late 1986, these words could begin current reports from any East African country!  Those affected by cattle rustling, which results in death and destruction far beyond stolen animals, also lack another kind of peace. They often live in hard-to-reach, difficult-to-live places – home for many Unreached People Groups who lack the peace of the creator of the Great Rift Valley!
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* "Rustlers terrorize East African Villages" - Times Daily, November 27, 1986

February 19, 2012

Blessing shared by an IMB missionary in East Africa:  “After arriving and greeting everyone at the village school, we unloaded 40 boxes (320 bags) of ‘Kits for Kids’ and gathered the students and told them the ‘story’ of how kids in America gathered the materials together and sent them through BGR (Baptist Global Response).  We read them the saying on the bags, ‘Connecting Kids in need with Kids who care.’  Everyone was thrilled!  There is a good chance these school supplies will last the students this school year. What a blessing!”
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For more on BGR Kits for Kids, go to http://bgrkitsforkids.com/
For more Baptist Global Response, go to:  http://www.baptistglobalresponse.com/

February 18, 2012

"Lift up my banner to the peoples."  Isaiah 49:22 could be a great theme for a time of Evangelism! WIKIPEDIA says:  “Evangelism refers to the practice of relaying information about a particular set of beliefs to others who do not hold those beliefs… often used in reference to Christianity.”  True, but Christians are NOT the only ones “relaying information” about their faith? Followers of many faiths, including those at this East African place of worship, are lifting their banners. Are you lifting your banner?  What are you doing to make certain ALL Peoples come to know our Father’s love and salvation?

February 17, 2012

Shared by a co-worker living near Nairobi:  "Very grateful for a variety of fruits & veggies available to us. Talked to a fellow colleague who lives in another part of Africa and does not have much to choose from. Remember to be grateful for those normal occurrences of each day!" (The vegetables/ fruits are taking their required swim in a sink of water with a disinfectant at the moment! All but the apples are grown in Kenya!)

February 16, 2012

Recent blog post from a Journeygirl in South Sudan:  "Uh, this place is hot.  No, this is not a joke. No, it's not somewhere else. No, the thermometer isn't broken.  And yes, it says 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermometer in the shade is reading 109!"  Her co-worker's latest blog post: “One word:  HOT!”  Pray for physical, emotional and spiritual strength for those serving in uncomfortable situations!  A prayer for sufficient water for multiple quick showers each day would also be welcomed by co-workers in South Sudan!

February 15, 2012

“I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength.”  (Psalm 88:4)  East African roads are filled with potholes, including a very deep ‘pit’ behind the passing white car.  The driver, standing nearby, definitely had the expression of ‘a man without strength’.  Pray for Believers in East Africa as we daily maneuver pits we did not cause, but must encounter as we minister.  Pray also that we will acknowledge the pits we do dig (unfortunately, a new pothole will appear at the spot where the car’s axle became tireless) and claim our Father’s strength.

February 14, 2012

Not sure a tub of shortening/ fat has our best interests at heart, BUT we know who does - Our Heavenly Father!  Praying today that we always make Him the heart of all we do, experience, think, say, etc., and yes, the heart of every meal (Acts 2:46)! Thanking God today for our partnership in the faith and your desire for a deepened “understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.  Your love has given us (East African Believers/Missionaries) great joy and encouragement” and refreshment of the heart – A true Valentine’s gift!   (Philemon 6,7)  PHOTO:  East African wall advertising

February 13, 2012

View from a dusty car window on a blaring/ glaring hot East African afternoon.  Not that well focused, yet a good reminder that there is so much 'world' out there for us to see and experience.  A great challenge to slow down in our busy lives and take time to appreciate all of God's gifts.  Also a challenge to make sure we are not moving so fast that we overlook where God wants us to stop, look, and listen to Him so we can serve as His Heart, Hands and Voice!

February 12, 2012

From an East African missionary 3rd grader: "One of the things I love is having new friends … I like being an MK! One of my favorite things is I get to have my mom as a teacher. I love doing art projects and horse-riding along the Nile River. Uganda has so many different animals… I really love the beautiful birds and silly monkeys in our backyard. Please pray for me and my little sister to do well in school, be responsible and show kindness to everyone. BYE” 
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From the girls' Mom: "Thanking God for home-school books that the IMB has shipped around the world to us!"

February 11, 2012

From a Hands On volunteer in East Africa: I am finally here! Oh, the journey God has already brought me on! Orientation was tough… heat, exhaustion, emotional hardships, dirt and more dirt… God began to break … my pride, my self-righteousness, self-sufficiency… Learning that I am prone to stray from His purpose when I’m hot, tired, dirty, hungry, frustrated… Pray for my time in God’s Word and in prayer – tough in this environment when the only time you are alone is in the shower! Pray that God would give me grace to be disciplined and wise with the time He has allotted me here. (Photo provided by HANDS ON volunteer)
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For more on the student Hands On program, go to: http://www.thetask.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=44564&PID=723638

February 10, 2012

Crowds gathered above an East African open-air market. Not sure what they are watching or hearing. Could be a HIV/Aids drama… musicians enjoying a bit of fame… two hawkers fighting over space… a herbalist promoting his latest cure-all… variations of all these activities… or nothing other than a bystander gazed below while waiting for a bus and now others are trying to make certain they aren’t missing something of interest!  Pray for East African Believers as they seek opportunities to get the attention of those needing our Father’s ‘something of interest’ - His Love and Salvation.

February 9, 2012

Most low-cost, yet ‘good-for-you' snack foods are not considered a delicacy, but in East Africa, many people crave corn slowly roasted over hot coals – which some say is best with a coating of pili-pili (red pepper)! Today’s nudge to prayer:  How often do our actions get the rapt attention of others?  Do others see us reflecting our Father’s glory as we go about our daily lives or did we last 'catch' someone’s full attention in the grocery store or in traffic when things didn’t go our way! 

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APOLOGIES to anyone who grew up in East Africa and no longer live where a hot and spicy bit of roasted corn can be purchased occasionally or even daily!

February 8, 2012

A friend’s comment to the February 4th Prayer Nudge:  “I never thought of churches having more than 1,000 members in EAST AFRICA.  Stereotypes keep us from seeing God at work!"  Elephants and lions do roam around East Africa, but tourists also see cities with high rise buildings, traffic jams, million dollar homes for sale, and millions of people.  Researchers say that from 10% to 40% of the residents of East Africa countries live in cities – one city has 10 million residents!  Pray today that our perceived stereotypes WILL NOT keep us from seeing God at work and how we can serve as His workers!

February 7, 2012

Interesting insight gleaned from climbing atop a tall building and viewing what residents of an East African city value:  Water (tanks) and Communication (TV/ internet satellite dishes).  Pray for East African Believers as they meet the needs of the residents of their cities – cities which often include a large cross-section of “every nation, tribe, language and people” in need of a proclamation of our Father’s Eternal Gospel (Acts 14:6) OR phrased another way – People in need of our Father’s Living Water and Living Word!

February 6, 2012

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”  (Luke 8:15)  Praising God today for bi-vocational East African pastors  who take time from their busy schedules to attend Bible Schools where they can “hear the word, retain it” and share it with their church members and others.  Pray for strength and wisdom for missionaries who use their gifts (English in this photo) and persevere in order to “produce a crop” of trained Disciples – a CROP of new Disciples who can continue producing reproducing Disciples!

February 5, 2012

Shared by a missionary in East Africa: “While ministering in a village our daughter went out to play with the kids. She just went out and sat down ... 2 seconds later one came close... 10 seconds later they were all gathered around her giving high 5's... singing and playing. When we returned to the van, our 9 year old informed us that while we were with the family, she had her own ministry outside. She told all the children about Jesus.” Added by a missionary aunt: “She had all the children doing whatever she did - no language barrier here.”

February 4, 2012

All Sizes and Shapes!  Some East African churches have less than ten members; a few have more than a thousand!   Many worship under God’s canopy (the sky and hopefully a shade tree); others in man-made walls of thatch, mud, rough timbers, stone or concrete in homes, rented spaces or their own buildings.  These kids are a part of a 19 month old church – younger than all but one or two of them – meeting in a rented hall at a restaurant!  Pray for wisdom and vision for their and similar congregations as they seek adequate, affordable and appropriate worship space.

February 3, 2012

Description of CHURCH shared by one working with the Maasai of Tanzania:  “Interesting day at church last Sunday. One never knows what you will encounter when you meet under a tree. Yesterday was the first time one of the young Maasai herders brought his herd of goats to the service. There were around 20-25 goats climbing all over the huge rock hill that forms part of Emunge's tree church. They were so close that I could reach out and pet them. They stayed around for the singing then meandered off to the area right below the church.”
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For more IMB work among the Maasai of Tanzania, go to:
www.tzmaasaiconnection.blogspot.com   and/or
http://www.baptist-volunteer-tz.net/baptist-volunteer-tz/Welcome.html

February 2, 2012

How do you define CHURCH?  Are special surroundings, music, or orders of service required to worship our Father?  Places of worship in the Bible included all sorts of places from grand buildings of precious metals,  woods and stones (2 Chronicle 3:5-7) to an animal stable (Luke 2:15, 16), and even a boat (Matthew 14:33). Praise God today that true worship is not defined by man-made/ directed activities but by our worshipping Him “in Spirit and truth” (John 4:23,24), which in East Africa often occurs  in rented/ borrowed buildings or tents, in homes, and under trees or on barren plains!

February 1, 2012

Offering praises today for our being “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  (Ephesians 2:10)  Pray today for wisdom, insight and protection for Believers using creative ways to share our Father’s love and salvation with those in our world facing restrictions or limitations which deny them access to His Good News – ways such as teaching in non-Christian countries, sharing piglets with families affected by HIV/AIDS, and digging wells in out-of-the-way places for people in need of both drinking water and our Savior’s Living Water!

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Today's photo - Proof of the creative spirit found in East Africa!