God Can Do More Than I

Our team has received their curriculum and has begun their preparations on their individual topics. Like it was said last time, there can be so many thoughts of being ill-equipped for the task at hand. When you go to serve God, many times there is a general feeling that someones salvation hinges on what you do. It is easy to feel that your readiness might affect how God moves or what He is capable of doing. Really?? Do you ever read the Bible and think God's word is so good?

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:9-11

Praise God that salvation is not dependent on man. We are a creation that is fallen. God WILL move in the Maasai people group despite our efforts. He WILL bring people to Him. He does all this and gives us the opportunity and invitation to be a part of His perfectly-timed plan. AMEN!

Pray now for our group. Pray that each member will be as prepared as they can- emotionally, Spiritually, and physically. Please, pray that we will trust our faith, serve in faith, and faithfully wait for God to do exceedingly more than what we could ever expect. For as the scriptures say, He will accomplish what He desires!

They are doing what????

So, we have talked about who is going on this trip and we have talked about where they are going. Next, let's talk about what they will be doing. This group will meet up with the three interns that are already there, and together with the help of ALARM, they will put together a youth leaders' conference. Youth there is not the same as here in the states. When you think of youth, typically some kid comes to mind. In Kenya, youth means includes young people up until their thirties, all unmarried. What a large age range! We will help train the leaders that work with this age group. This training is vitally important for this tribe to help solidify the essentials of faith. As part of the conference, each leader will receive a Bible in their own language. For many, this will be the first Bible that they will receive. Can you imagine being a leader in the church without owning a Bible?

ALARM has given the curriculum for the conference which is quite encompassing. It includes covering topics of (get ready for this is a heavy list)- discipleship, false teachings, worship, evangelism, christian leadership, Bible exposition, devotions, peer pressure, HIV/AIDS, peer pressure, youth sexuality, and conflict resolution. WOW!!!! Take a moment and think about what each one of these topics include and how you would approach teaching them to a group of people from a completely different culture. They are expecting between 80-100 attendees. Most of the classes will be large, but some will be smaller for better discussion.

These guys have a huge task in front of them and want to serve God in this way, but this task does seem quite a bit daunting, right? Can you imagine the emotions that each one of these guys are experiencing now as they begin preparation? The insecurities and doubts begin to creep in and at times they can be crippling. You start to hear the thoughts...you do not know anything on this topic...who will listen to you... you do not have enough training... you will not be prepared... you will not be relevant.... you are not a good enough Christian... you will be a failure.

This is all the more reason that our group needs and covets your prayers NOW! They need your prayers over their time to prepare, over their insecurities, and over the hearts of those attending. They need prayers now for strength, encouragement, and ability!

Who Where ?

Over the last couple of years, our church, FBCR, has partnered with ALARM, which stands for African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries. They have a great outreach for much of Central Africa. Please reference their website link for more information. This year, our church sent three young people as interns to do partner work with ALARM. They left about a week and half ago, and will be serving many locations throughout Kenya for seven weeks. Their incredible blog link is to the right. Our team will be leaving mid-July to join for their last week. So, who are these people going? In alphabetical order, they include...

• Amber R.- phys Ed teacher/coach
• Bobby D.- technical trainer
• Carlos R.- chemist
• Lindsay O.- elementary Ed teacher

Kind of a random group of people to be put together. Yet, even before they knew about this trip, God knew their abilities would be just what would be needed. More importantly, God knew that their faith in Him was just what this trip needed! This team came together rather quickly, about two weeks ago to be exact, and now through their preparation, they are learning more about each other and becoming more united.

They are beginning preparation for their trip. They are heading to Kenya, a country on the East side of Africa, right on the Equator. This country is predominantly Christian (~80%) with about 120 different ethnic people groups. Kenya is crippled by leadership that mismanages and at times is corrupt with power, as well as the rising AIDS epidemic where about 15% of the population will die from HIV. This country is poor with average middle-class family earning $340 per year. Our group will be working with Maasai tribe. There is much information about this group on Wikipedia link. This tribe, made of many, many villages is nomadic and lives off the land. When you think of a stereotype for African tribes off National Geographic, these are your people! Most of this tribe are Christ followers. Yet, there is a constant struggle with development of sound faith mixed with tribalism and tribal customs. This is a struggle for us too, right? How often is the development of our faith hindered by the culture in which we are? Sometimes the things that we struggle with as believers are similar, whether here in this developed nation or in a rural nomadic tribe of Kenya. You can start praying now for unity based on Biblical truth that transcends culture, and that this people group would hold firm to these Biblical truths!

Coming next time- what our team will be doing.....

Welcome

Well, we are off and moving. Set-up is still being completed and details are still in the works, but the Kenya trip is a go. If you are reading this, chances are that you know one of these amazing four that have committed to serve the Lord in Kenya. We have opened this up as one way that you can connect with them, learn their story, and hear what they are doing. But more importantly, we know that you will see God moving! With full expectation, you can anticipate God will move in each of their hearts. Even now their faith is being challenged, encouraged, and growing through this experience. Yet more importantly, we will see God moving through them for His kingdom! So, please partner with them through this journey of faith to Kenya!