July 31, 2012

Car, van, boat, train and camel rides; long walks on the beach, building sandcastles, swimming with colourful fish, spotting dolphins and fighting monkeys trying to get into your room; meeting new friends and saying goodbye to old friends; reading for fun and staying up late to watch the Olympics; and on and on! This is what Missionary Kids do during school breaks! Pray for good rest for homeschooling families as parents and kids get a break from studies. Pray for times of making lots of new happy memories and sharing old ones for families with kids on vacation from boarding school.

July 30, 2012

From the Samburu People Team: “Recently a team of Samburu pastors went to a village to evangelize. They (visited) a man who has been bed ridden for some time. The team shared the gospel with this sick man who… had tried the Samburu laibon (witch doctor) to heal him but to no avail. The pastors told him to leave all the things of the laibon and to trust and follow Jesus. The man turned over all the (evil) things… and… prayed to trust Jesus as his Savior and Lord. The pastors prayed for his healing and…” For what happened next go to:  http://www.samburuofkenya.org/blog/2012/07/24/a-story-of-healing

July 29, 2012

“Children … poverty… orphans, adolescent mothers, those affected by HIV and Ads, those discriminated against because of gender, culture and religion… victims of domestic and country’s political violence and refugees” – words from a special report (1) describing Kenyan children out of school. Another report (2) shares even more discouraging news: “Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for one-half of all out-of-school children worldwide and has the highest out-of-school rate of all regions.” Pray today for wisdom, discernment and strength for Believers who desire to obey our Father and Be His Heart, His Hands and His Voice among those in need in Africa.
--- --- --- --- ---
(1)”Poverty keeps 800,000 pupils out of the free learning scheme” – Daily Nation, 7/26/2012, p.18
(2) UNESCO eAtlas of Out-of-School Children – http://www.app.collinsindicate.com/uis-atlas-out-of-school-children/en-us

July 28, 2012

As Olympics 2012 begins, students at the Nairobi Baptist Centre sang the Kenyan national anthem at their annual sports day.  All the East African (1) national anthems may be played at the Olympics awards’ ceremonies WITH the exception of the anthem for the new country of South Sudan.  BUT a proud young South Sudanese, competing under the Olympic flag, says, “That I will be in the Olympics means a lot not just to me, but to my country, which has gone through so much… Even if I am not going to carry or wear the flag, I will be the flag of my nation. South Sudan will be in my heart." (2)

---   ---   ---   ---   ---

(1) For a special nudge to prayer for East Africa during the Olympics, click the maps for DR Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, or Tanzania at http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/2012/countries

(2)  For why the South Sudan anthem will not be heard, read “South Sudan marathoner is an Olympian without a country” – http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/23/world/africa/olympic-south-sudan-runner/index.html

July 27, 2012

In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, “My heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” (10:1) Have you ever prayed this for anyone, for any People Group?  Have you ever shed tears for people in need of a relationship with our Saviour? For many celebrating Ramadan, the "desire and prayer" of their hearts is to be more obedient to the Great Lord and to know Him more fully.  Will you join them in praying that they will receive the desire of their heart?

July 26, 2012

"A journey of worlds apart … colonized by Germany and later Belgium… history of mutual hostility… genocide... landlocked… agricultural economies… highly mountainous” – description of Rwanda and Burundi found recently in an East African paper.*  Why should you learn about these two countries?  **Because there are People Groups in Rwanda and Burundi unreached by our Father’s love and salvation!***  Because Believers in both countries need your prayers as they share our Father’s love and salvation with people hungry for peace and joy.  PHOTO:  An animal found in both countries – Gorillas!
---   ---   ---   ---   ---
* Rwanda and Burundi:  neighbours world apart – http://www.nation.co.ke/Features/DN2/Rwanda+and+Burundi+neighbours+world+apart+/-/957860/1458092/-/pqtxtbz/-/index.html 
** Rwanda Facts:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14093240
     Burundi Facts: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13085067,
     More Country Profiles at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/africa/
*** http://www.joshuaproject.net/

July 25, 2012

More from the wife:  “Noon on day 1 back in our home in Maralal… Electricity was on (but not today) when we arrived last night so we had hot water... the joy of sleeping in your own bed… after a long trip and a good soak… there’s a little rustling noise in the corner… hoping… (it) is not a rodent… I’m so grateful we’ve arrived safely and we are putting things in place. Thanks for your prayers for safe journey and praise the Lord that He continues to watch over us. We’re still smiling… we are back in Kenya. Glory to God.
***   ***   ***   ***   ***
For this family’s continuing story as they share our Father’s STORY with the Samburu People, a warrior tribe who are accepting our Father’s love and becoming Warriors for Christ among neighboring warrior tribes, read their future updates at http://www.samburuofkenya.org/blog/ or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/samburu.sojourner.

July 24, 2012

Wife’s version of ‘returning home” to the Samburu People – “Highlights of our eventful return to Maralal: One hour of driving in fog upon leaving Nairobi. A wonky wheel… not flat, but bent rim… normal 3 hour pavement drive took 5 hours… Praise the Lord! It’s been raining…  Hubby maneuvers around stopped trucks on muddy road and saves us from spending the night on the road... Elephants… Must be home before dark… 2 miles from home, vehicle blocking the water filled road.  Pulled him out… Can see our house, but driveway is blocked... led past cow house, through the brush to our house.”  Conclusion/ Beginning of this story tomorrow!

July 23, 2012

More of the ‘returning home story’ of missionaries among the Samburu People –  7:20 Friday morning Facebook post: “Up so see what the new day will bring... off to discuss a new road to our house, the old one is blocked.”  2:40PM Twitter: “New road, gas for stove, petrol for generator. 4 new chickens, feed, PO box renewed,  helped 2 families. good day.”  7:20PM FB post:  “Electricity still out. PLT for our generator. Busy day unpacking, organizing, cleaning.  Lot done. Still cloudy and rainy. Lots and lots of fresh milk and 1 egg today.” Midnight update: “Power just came back on!!! Good Night.”  More tomorrow.

July 22, 2012

'July 15th Nudge' UPDATE with the family’s adventures while returning to their Samburu home.  7:00 AM Thursday: “Getting ready to start our journey to Maralal… would appreciate prayer.”  1:30 PM: “Fog and wheel issues make slow going.  Need prayers.” 2:30 PM “leaving pavement. raining.  prayers appreciated.”  5:00 PM: “Keep praying.  Not home yet.  Trucks stopping on the muddy roads.” 7:30 PM: “Finally made it to Maralal. One bent rim, vehicles on the one lane/two way dirt road refusing to yield or move, stalled trucks in high water, fog, elephants crossing the road. But, we made it. Thanks for your prayers.”  More of their story tomorrow!

July 21, 2012

A clear day on the Indian Ocean, but the people of Tanzania are in the midst of three days of mourning after a ferry capsized while traveling from the city of Dar es Salam on the mainland to the main island of Zanzibar.  Half of the estimated 290 passengers were rescued, some bodies have been found, but many people are still missing.  It is estimated that 35% of Tanzanians follow Islam, but in Zanzibar, at least 95% of the population are Muslim.  Pray that Tanzanian Believers will be strong ambassadors of our Father’s love and peace as they minister to those in mourning.
***   ***   ***   ***   ***
For more on the ferry disaster and on Zanzibar:  http://dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/7672-boat-disaster-death-toll-now-65 and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanzibar

July 20, 2012

This East African moon was easy to spot, but last night many followers of Islam searched for the new moon, which begins the Muslim month of Ramadan.  The Joshua Project, highlighters of “the ethnic people groups with the least followers of Jesus Christ,” reports that in East Africa, 96 People Groups with an estimated 18 million followers of Islam will be expected to fast from dawn until sunset during this 29 to 30 day period. Would you take time to learn how Christians can join those celebrating Ramadan as they pray and seek to submit more fully to God and know Him better?
--- --- --- --- ---
For more on the Joshua Project, go to http://www.joshuaproject.net/. For an introduction to Ramadan, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan.

July 19, 2012

From a volunteer serving in Tanzania: “We experienced so many miracles and wonders. It is funny how God likes to show us his powerful when we are really looking and seeking Him…. Loved the hearts of the pastors… completely shocked at the numbers that responded to our afternoons of VBS and Bible teaching as a result of our mornings of evangelism… expected 150 children and had 500 or more… We love the Kuria people of Kenya/ Tanzania but there is much work to be done. Looking for a place to serve? Consider helping in this area.”

July 18, 2012

Yesterday’s Nudge shared God’s response to prayers for good health during a mission trip.  An awesome fact:  He also cares about our seemingly inconsequential desires!  While on leave, a missionary passed up purchasing a favorite American goody – ‘real’ needs already exceeded her luggage weight allowance!  Two weeks after returning ‘home’ to East Africa, she spotted this goody marked down in a local store – 1/3 of the original price, which made it the price in the States!  Pray today that we will recognize all of God’s responses to the desires of our hearts – the big ones and the little ‘unspoken’ ones!

July 17, 2012

From a Tanzania/ Maasai Team Member: “Wonderful days at a primary school sharing God’s love through soccer, crafts and Bible Stories. While the volunteers rested… I tried to get a photo … The next thing I knew someone is helping me up … out of a cistern tank… one leg went in and I was sitting on the other… which I was sure was broken, but thankfully it was not… We all rejoiced that I was not seriously hurt. That day’s request in our Maasai/ Tanzania Prayer Calendar used by supporters? 'Pray that the team will have good health while here’ … The power of prayer, WOW!” 
***   ***   ***   ***   ***
For more of this story, go to: July 13, 2012 post at  http://www.tzmaasaiconnection.blogspot.com/

July 16, 2012

Praying, fasting and worshipping in buildings filled with symbolic and beautiful decorations – Yes, this describes Christians. But did you know that other faiths also do these actions?  Many people in our world (photo is from a Lord Shiva Temple in East Africa), believe worshipping and praying on Mondays during the Hindu month of Shrawan is “108 times more powerful than worshipping”* and praying to Lord Shiva at other times.  Pray today that Christians will desire to learn about other faiths and find opportunities to share of the One who always hears and answers our prayers.  *“DEVOTION/ Faithful observe holy month” – DAILY NATION (Kenya)/ July 10, 2012/ p. 24

July 15, 2012

In a recent meeting of missionaries, a colleague shared:  “We have just returned from Stateside Leave and I will miss being with family and friends.  I will especially miss their hugs.  We have good friends among our People Group, but they do not express affection or appreciation in touchy/ feely ways.  Thanks for reminding me that we are God’s children, we are family.  Thanks for your hugs!”  Pray for this missionary family as they return to their People Group, a warrior tribe who are accepting our Father’s love – a tribe who can be Warriors for Christ among neighboring warrior tribes!  

***   ***   ***   ***   ***

For more of this missionary’s story, go to: http://www.samburuofkenya.org/blog/

July 14, 2012

"Over the mountains and through the woods... I go.” A great description of journeys made by missionaries in East Africa.  Others would add: “Across rivers and deserts" and/ or "Through potholes and craters with broken mufflers and flat tires, we go and go and go for days and days and days!”  A few others would include: “Amid bandits and hijackers!”  Pray for safe physical journeys for those who serve our Father in East Africa and peace and strength as they TRAVEL on their spiritual journeys, personally and with those they minister among!
---   ---  ---   ---   ---
Today’s photo is of a painting on a Kisii/ soap stone curio.

July 13, 2012

Can you imagine?  Your preschooler is very sick, so you travel to another country for medical care.  Just as she is gets better, chaos erupts in your adopted country and you cannot return home.  This family asks you to join them in praying for peace, joy, comfort, encouragement and healing during their transition to a new home in an East African country where their People Group live –  a People Group lacking our Father’s peace and joy – a People Group without His assurance of Eternal life.  Pray especially for good friends for the two preschoolers in the family.
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
One joy they have experienced – a time of refreshment with fellow missionaries, which included Bible School for their two kids.

July 12, 2012

Not a great photo, but a good view of the contrasts of East Africa. Participants in a marathon in Nairobi, Kenya, included Olympic bound runners and lovers of the challenges of exercise.  Participants also included walkers enjoying times of fellowship while strolling to the finish line! There were also the usual walkers travelling to work, school, church, shopping or like the man in the back, collecting trash which he will sell for a few shillings.   Pray for East Africa believers as they run the race of sharing our Father’s love and salvation with people with varied goals and needs.

July 11, 2012

As you hear from missionaries, the focus in often on prayer needs, but God’s servants also experience lots of joys and praises!  Two missionaries in East Africa shared a special joy recently - a service celebrating the second birthday of their church family.   The unexpected joy of the day?  Spotting the newest Sunday School class - a toddlers class.  The really exciting part?  All the class members were born after the first service of this church – including the little one at the far end of the table who was born three days after his Mom, Dad and big sisters attended the first service!

July 10, 2012

From co-workers returning from Stateside Assignment: Our time in the US is coming to a close... We are thankful for all that the Lord has allowed us to do while here… We enjoyed our first journey to see the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone… a big blessing for the five of us to see this together. We also are thankful for the time with our families… continue to be in prayer... We need stamina and patience for all the packing and weighing of luggage and safe travel. We need grace and comfort as we say good-byes to family and friends.

July 9, 2012

HOPE and JOY – some would call these two basic human needs.  For some, membership in FIFA, the international soccer governing body, may not seem like an opportunity for hope and a source of joy.  The people of South Sudan, people who only knew war and poverty for generations, are celebrating their recent acceptance as a FIFA member!   As South Sudan celebrates her first year of independence today, praise God for the opportunities for hope and joy that is found in sports, one tool that missionaries use to share our Father’s HOPE and JOY among the Unreached People Groups of South Sudan!
--- --- ---
For more on sports in South Sudan, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sudan#Games_and_sports

July 8, 2012

Not part of a reality show, but REAL life of coworkers serving in rural East Africa among people in need of our Father’s love and salvation:  “Our last visit to our 'local' bank took 6 hours – Never imagined that I would be praising God for a banking trip taking ONLY 4 hours!  A new math problem to use with our kids while homeschooling:  New bridges equal what time reduction in a journey?  Plus, slogging through less water was nice!” Today’s photo was not shared by this friend, but they might have spotted these animals during their bank safari!

July 7, 2012

One common hurdle for volunteers to East Africa – eating/ drinking foods offered by their East African hosts, such as drinking warm sodas, killing a goat before roasting it, or drinking milk mixed with blood!  But volunteers often forget that their food is also 'foreign' to the people they hope to minister among!  Recent volunteers in Tanzania offered their ‘dinner’ scrambled eggs to new Maasai friends – who gagged upon spotting the foreign dish!  Spaghetti noodles were also strange looking – could they be cooked worms?  One Maasai was overheard saying, "Good white people eat some strange food!"

July 6, 2012

In Romans 1:12, Paul told fellow Believers:  “I long to see you so that… you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.”  Pray for East African Believers today without daily encouragement – God’s servants who live in an area where few are Believers; Believers who must learn a new language/ culture before they can encourage others and be encouraged; Believers who face personal threats and losses if they openly share the encouragement of their faith; Believers who know that those they seek to encourage may face threats and losses if they receive the encouragement of our faith.

July 5, 2012

From co-workers sharing God’s love with the Kuria People of Tanzania: "Our volunteers are here with us and working hard. The one who was sick is much better but still not strong. The rest of the team are doing a great job with evangelism and VBS in our area. They are a great group and have welcomed our youngest daughter as their own. She has had a blast witnessing and helping with VBS. Prayers have strengthened them as they serve Christ with our People!"

July 4, 2012

Update from friends who recently returned from leave:  “Another day of meetings with local leaders – which now brings the total to four days!  Exhausting?  YES! Plus  I’m hearing all new words! It seems that lots of new words were added to the local trade language during our absence. Thankfully my hubby is gifted in Swahili and able to truly communicate our Father’s awesome love, hope and truth! More hurdles before we are fully re-settled/ welcomed, but our Father is busy changing hearts AND He is allowing us to join in His work with our Unreached People."

July 3, 2012

Illness and death, disappointments and discouragements, confusion and corruption, bombings and helicopter crashes - all bits of current East African news.  How do missionaries continue being their Father's heart, hands and voice with confidence and peace?  By recognizing that the devil is active and wants us to fail, but by remembering and doing what is suggested in a chorus most learned as children:  “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”

July 2, 2012

For these missionary family pets, differences come in shape, speed, colour, on which side of the fence they live, etc. Their missionary owners also face differences – differences appearing in varying shapes, colours, definitions (such as which side of the road to drive one’s car or the local definition for hot/ medium/ mild spiced foods), etc. Pray today that missionaries in East Africa will have the needed patience, sensitivity and wisdom to face differences with open and discerning eyes, ears, minds, and especially with hearts guided by the Holy Spirit.

July 1, 2012

The fisherman in yesterday’s nudge was watching a baptism of 80 new Believers! A missionary shared:  “As others sang praises, the Believers walked out to be baptized 3 at a time – the result of many pastors on the islands of Lake Victoria being very faithful. The long line of those awaiting baptism was jumping with excitement, with the greatest joy coming as each took their turn of being buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)” Praise God for these new Believers. Pray that the fisherman will learn of the one who called others to be fishermen of men.