Dear Teresa
I salute you in Jesus Name, I believe that you are doing very well andall God's blessings are upon you all.Here in Kenya and especiallyKamaguta-Murang'a things are not so bad the grace and love from the Lord arestill upon us , we are praising His Holy name for His goodness and care. May His name be glorified. My family and the Church are also fine in theLord.Our youngest son Carlmats is doing very well,Mark and Mirriam are stillproceeding well in their education. We are still waiting to hear from you concerning the next year 2008meetings.This coming Sunday all churches will meet together in theafternoon to start praying for the mission,it is good to know from you allrequired information you need from us, I know and I'm trusting God forgreat things during the mission. What I 'm looking for is to see transformation of our people andespecially our children. I believe if we can reach children, it is veryeasier to touch their parents and then the whole community,and that iswhy though our Project (First Love Care Project) we have been holding aSaturday Club every second week of the month and more than 100 childrenhave been attending and 30 to 50 adults.This have been a very effectivestrategy to Winn souls to Christ,in every meeting we have to preach theword of God, teach them how God loves them,sometime we have to teachthem through Pastor Carl's Cds and others.The Church through the Projecthave been providing lunch for the day and some other items i.e soup,cooking oil,flour,beans and sometime clothes (children and aged people )to those who are very needy. I always give thanks to God for that vision He gave me for ourcommunity.Pastor Carl taught us that the pastor is the answer to thepeople he is looking/leading for,so I 'm glad to know that God is goingto use me as the way He used Moses of the bible.My greatest joy is that Pastor Carl's vision is like the one I have.The 8 days I spend with him(Carl) I leaned so many things and I came to realize that our connectionis not in vain,it is divine connection from above.Let us continuepraying for each other and mostly our Ministries.
Teresa, there is one thing I would like to share with you,this is myfamily issue.I and my family for more than 15 years we have been askingGod to give us money to finish our living house(you can remember how itlook like).Since we started the church it has been our prayers to havesomebody who can come and join us to pray for our community and showGod's love to our people.Now the following is the testimonies of whatGod has done to us after Pastor Carl 's prayers and visit.
( 1) You left here in the month of June. Sister Teresa believe me,by theMonth of July I receive a call from one of my friend of Finland and sheinformed me that she want to send me some money to complete my house,shewanted my details,after one week I received 1000 euros( Ksh.82,300) fromher, now I have finished my house,I didn't request her for the money,shetold me that God told her to give the money to our family for thehouse.The prayers pastor Carl prayed was answered.GIVE ALL THE GLORY TOGOD,WORSHIP HIM FOR THE MIRACLE.(Inform Pastor Carl all these miracles)
( 2) Remember the prayers which pastor Carl prayed for our land ofKamaguta and the community.Something is happened.More shops are now openedin the plot,no crime is reported since the prayers of pastor Carl, we haveone butchery after 20 or 30 years,people are witnessing that after theprayers allot of chaches are note-able.
(3) Because of Pastor Carl and the First lady Connie's testimony how theywere abused,I have a case of two brethren a man and 1 lady.They are bothborn again I'm their spiritual father,the man was left by his wife for 20years ago and the time we tried to join them together the parents of thewife refused until it became a police case,the lady has got 5 childrenand she was abused so much,the children are not of one father, so the husband used to torture her even before her children,so the lady decidedto go and life with her parent for about 4 years now .I praise God forHe has been helping me and my wife to help them.Now the two are in lovethey want to get married,something I 'm praying to God to do His will .Tous is a miracle because the two have been very faithful in the Church andthey always recall pastor Carl and the first lady's life testimony andhow they became one.
Teresa, I have allot to tell you,you hearts are with us here,we arepraying for you,we love you so much.Let pastor Carl and the First ladyConnie knows that I 'm not a shame to call them my spiritual DAD andMUM, I 'm missing them together with you,but I praise God for His graceand care, one day we shall meet and celebrate HIS love together.
God bless you.Pass my love to all .
Pastor Stephen Kamau.

Ways To Help The People Of Kamaguta

As we went to Africa, we knew as our trip unfolded that God would tell us what he wants us to do in Kenya. These people do not want a hand out but are soooo hungry for that same life changing Word that we enjoy on a daily basis. The pastors need someone who has gone before them to share insight, revelation and practical advise about what is means to pastor the body of Christ. Getting them Word and training and resources will not only help them but as they are poured into and then begin to pour out, they will help the body be the body and function as God intends it to.
Bibles!!!!!! Something so simply and so taken for granted are very hard to come by in Kenya. This is an easy problem to solve. For $7.00 we can get a Bible in the hands of someone who wants one and has never had one.
Clean Water!!!!! The same river they get their drinking water from is the same one they wash their clothes and even bikes in. School children carry water long distances to have water to clean their school with. Clean accessible water would reduce sickness and disease and make the lives of the whole community better. I have heard before, people don't care what you know until they know that you care. What better way to care but to give them clean drinking water.
School Supplies!!!!!! The government provides one school book for every four students. They don't have supplies they need. Paper, pencils, colored pencils. Some young children don't even know what crayons are. Simple supplies can enrich their learning. Many children attend school without anything to eat all day. At least if they have supplies, their money could be used to buy rice and beans.
Uniforms!!!!!! The children must wear uniforms to school. Many of the children have them on but they are in terrible repair. We are working now to get prices for uniforms for children that need them.
Supplies for young ladies!!!!! Many young girls miss a week of shcool a month due to their period. Some end up quitting school due to getting behind. Many who try to stay in school resort to using rags that must be washed or boiled to get clean. For $7.00 a year we can provide a young girl pads and two pair of panties.
These are just a few ways that you can help. In the United States we sometimes tend to equate poverty with laziness. That is not true in Kenya. These are very, very hard working people. We saw women doing heavy labor that most of the men in our country would not even do. They are in a place where the average per capita income is $300.00 per year. Things are less expensive but not cheap enough for $300.00 to last a year. They enjoy life without TV, and electricity, and indoor plumbing. Their life is not worse than ours, just different. In some ways, it is better. They have less distractions and complications. The people of Kamaguta center their lives around their church, their family, and their community. I was told that companies like to hire people from this area because they have a good work ethic.
When I was in Kenya my conversation with God was "God what do you want me to do"? I had someone tell me one time that just doing what God wants you to do today was being in His will. If each of us would just do what God wants us do, every need locally and internationally would be met. I suppose that is the body of Christ doing what it was designed to do.
Be Blessed!!!!!!
Teresa

Reflections Of Our Trip!!!

The gentleman in the white shirt is Edward. He was our driver and a most valuable member of our team. He was totally with us doing whatever we did. He helped set up and video and gave us so much insight into the people of Kenya. He is married and has a six month old and a five year old. He was away from his family the entire time we were there. He was such a blessing to us and we look forward to seeing him again. He has a sister living in the United States. We told him if he came here we would take care of him like he took care of us. He is a wonderful example of Jesus with skin on.

This is part of the grounds of the hotel in Thika. As you can see it is a beautiful, green place. Just looking at the picture makes me want to just crawl into the computer and be back in this precious place. Each person at the hotel was so gracious to us. I was told that David, who owned the travel agency that provided our driver and land arrangements, told the hotel staff to make sure we had anything we needed and boy did they. We felt totally at home and care for. All the people in stores, businesses and restaurants were so helpful. It is an example of their culture. Before we left for our trip, I read that even if you mess up and do something not culturally correct, the people of Kenya are so polite and gracious that they would love you anyway. Since meeting these wonderful people, I can tell you that is true.

The lady on the right is Pastor Stephen's mother. She was a very sweet lady and would come to me before we left and wish us a safe journey back to the hotel. I could not communicate with her in words but our hearts connected.

This is Jenny. She was one of the children that I had some extra time to get to know. One day she ended up falling asleep on my shoulder. I was told that her father mistreated her mother and left them before she was born. I can't wait to see her and the other children again.

Just another picture of young boys praising God. They were ready to dance as long as the music way playing.

Here is a picture of Carlmats. He is named after Pastor Carl of course and his birth will mark a special time in the community of Kamaguta. His birth was not the only new thing in the time we were there. There is new hope, new faith, new joy!!!!!!! From the emails we have received we are told that they people see things differently and praise God that curses are broken and the blessings of God are on them and their land.

Endings and Beginnings

We are home safe and sound in Stanly County. As we complete our trip we are so thankful to God for our safety and the favor we experienced on each leg of our trip. Although our trip has ended the time we had in Kenya marked the beginning of a wonderful work God is doing. I will post more pictures and updates as they come in. We spoke with Pastor Stephen today and he said that their community was so blessed by the Lord during our time there. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!!!!!!

Our Last Day!!!!!!

The pastor cf the church wanted to give his best and therefore they gave Pastor Carl and Connie their best goat and rooster. What a blessing. Others gave fruit and vegatbles. Of course Pastor Carl sowed it right back into the church. Connie did very well with the rooster.

These people are not smiling for the camera. They are praising God.

Dancing before the Lord!!!!!

Today was bittersweet. It was a celebration of what God has done but also a day of goodbyes.

God has really touched these people. We leave a people more free than before, with the knowledge that in God is everything that they need. Many more smiles and shouts were heard today that when we first arrived.

Saturday in Murang'a

Edda and Charles work at the hotel we are staying at. They are very nice and treat us as those we are at home.

Praising God during yesterday's service.

Pastor Stephen and Catherine's living room.

My sweetie!!!!! Isn't she beautiful. She is so spunky!!!!!

The young people praising God during the open air crusade!!!

Praising God with Pastor Carl and Connie.


Today was awesome. God moved on the children and adults. We are humbled by the week!!!

Friday in Murang'a

Today has been such an awesome day. I know you love pictures but it takes long long to upload each one (about 5 minutes) that today I decided to just write you.
We started out today meeting a new pastor from Nairobi. He wrote into the website this week saying he wanted to know more about the ministry and to invite us to come to Kenya. I emailed him back and invited him to the meetings. He was a blessing and we blessed by the Word delivered today.
Pastor Carl started the service today at the church. He shared his testimony and encouraged the people saying that people in every country share the same hurts and struggles. Many came forth in the alter call for people suffering abuse or addictions. There were men and women, young and old. It was an awesome time. I felt such a peace come over the service. I have never felt peace come in in such a tangible way before. You could literally feel turmoil and struggle leave. God is such a miraculous healer. Freedom from abuse and addiction is not something these people have heard before.
We may sometimes wonder why God would want us to come all the way from North Carolina to minister to these people. To see one person leave the service free and with their broken heart mended answers the question why. Many could come but perhaps many don't come.
How blessed we are that Blessed Hope Ministries was entrusted with this assignment.
Your prayers in the US are so important. Not just for safety and provision but for the chains that have held these people to be broken. This is a prayer that can go on even after we are home. We think about leaving these people that I have fallen in love with. We are reminded that even when we are gone they are watched over by God and He sings over them. We are also reminded that He has begun this good work and He will be faithful to complete it.
The people here live a hard life by our standards but their praise and worship to God is extravagant. Our heart is not to make their life like ours but to make their life the life God would have them live.
We were told today that the companies look for graduates from this remote area we are in for employees because these school turn out very educated children. While the kids in the larger cities go home to playstations and tvs, these kids only have their books, their school, their church, and their community.
They work together in many things they do. They are building new road and you should see all the hard work they put in each day. If one family needs to plow and area for a crop, they community all comes with their hoes to till the ground.
Well, I could write all night but I should go to bed. I pray that this will paint a picture in your mind with words. Each of you are truly a blessing.

Thursday In Murang'a

Pastor Carl delivering the Word. All present received such a blessing. They got to enjoy the wonderful preaching we have every day at home.

A little girl carrying a baby. They all help each other. This little girl didn't even know who this baby was.

This is a young girl from Tanzania. She is here with her father. Isn't she beautiful.

The meetings today were awesome. Pastor Carl preached on Possessing. I know the people were blessed and encouraged.

Thanks for the prayers and comments. We love you guys!!!!

Wednesday In Murang'a

These are the women that came for the Word Connie delivered today. They were very blessed and told stories that would break your heart. They face the same issues we face. That is true all over the world.

These are school children. We had a great time together. They discovered my hair today. We counted and said the ABCs and did adding together. I sure love them. One asked if I would forget them when I left. I told her there is no way that I could forget any of them.

This is the pastor from Uganda. He had many troubles getting to the meeting but says that Satan wanted to steal the Word and he would not let him.

This is pastor Stephen and his wife Catherine and Connie. They are so happy a part of Blessed Hope is here in Kenya and they are excited to meet all of you.

It was a wonderful day. Pastor Carl met with the pastors while Connie brought the Word. I filmed the service and loved on the women and children. Smiles and love transcend all languages.

Please keep praying. God is awesome!!!!!!

Just PIctures of the people

Thank you all for your comments and prayers. God is awesome!!!!!

Tuesday In Murang'a

I became the photographer today. I took some of the kids pictures to entertain them. Then the adults started coming up to me saying take my picture. They were excited about seeing themself. Most of them don't have a picture of themself.

Today's service was awesome. Pastor Carl spoke to the leaders. He spoke on how a leader has to be formed by God before God can breath into his ministry. He had a question and answer time and boy did he get some interesting questions. It was a good day!!!! Tomorrow Connie will be speaking to the women. I know they will be blessed.

Satari

We were so thrilled to get to see this giraff up close and personal. It was so much bigger than anything we had seen in the zoo.

The preservce we visited had a protected place for chimpanzees that had been orphaned or mistreated. They were amazing. This is a program that Jane Goodall started years ago.

We went past the equator. We got to see a science experiment in which water drains to the right or left depending on what side of the equator you are on. At the point of the equator, the water drains straight down. It was cool.

We had a good time on the safari. It was wonderful to see the natural beauty of Kenya. Tomorrow Pastor Carl speaks to leaders from 10-1. I know they will be blessed.

Keep praying!!!!! We love and miss you guys.

This is a picture of the people who attended the Sunday morning service. There were probably about 250 to 300 people there. They love to praise the Lord just like we do and the Word that they heard today was about losing hope. Many responded that they had lost hope and expectation about good things happening in them, their families, and their community. The prayer was awesome and many left with hope.

This is the front of the church. If you look closely you can see Pastor Carl with his arm outsretched. Connie is beside him.

If this child's eyes don't melt your heart, nothing will. Isn't she precious!!!

This is the inside of our hotel room. You can see the bed with the netting to protect us from insects.

I got a message from Mrs. Amanda that the childrens church kids would see the blog today. Pastor Carl, Connie and myself (Teresa) want to say a special hello and we love you. Please keep praying for the people here to receive the Word God has for them. They lack so many things that we take for granted. The village we minister in has no electricity, no running water, and the people are very poor. Even with their best clothes on for Sunday many still had old mismatched clothes and most were with out shoes. They still run and play and sing and praise God just like we do. There are some things that are the same everywhere.

God is awesome!!!! We are praying for the services today!!!!! More pictures soon!!!!

Welcoming Celebration

These are the pastors that came to meet us at the hotel and escort us to Murang'a. They were so excited about us being in Kenya.

The woman in the picture is Pastor Stephen's wife. She told us she believes she will have the baby while we are here. She is a very sweet and Godly lady.

These are just some of the children at the meeting today. They were precious. At first they were a little afraid of us but after I took their picture and showed it to them on the digital camera they were our best friends!

Of course you know who this is. Pastor Carl and Connie were about to leave to go to the welcoming celebration in Murang'a. It has been a wonderful day. Pastor Carl spoke to the church and to pastors. We had tea and bread with them. I counted about 140 people but I am sure there were more. We are looking forward to tomorrow and anticipate what God is doing. Thank you all for praying and your wonderful support.

Pictures Are Here!!!!!

This is a picture of a house near our hotel in Thika. It is a good example of how people here live.

The Blue Post Hotel is located between two falls. This is one of them!

This is a school bus that came into the hotel entrance in Thika. Can you imagine seeing "All things are possible with God" on one of our buses?

This picture was taken out my hotel room window in Nairobi. You can tell it is a big, busy city.

We are headed to Murang'a today! Hopefully I will have some people pictures soon. Thanks so much for your prayers. We are praying for you all too.

Kenya update afternoon of June 16th

It is late afternoon in Kenya and we have safely arrived at the Blue Post Hotel in Thika. It was so wonderful to meet Pastor Stephen and Pastor Zachary this morning. Pastor Zachary is from Mombasa and met Pastor Stephen through Blessed Hope, they now have a wonderful friendship and working relationship in Christ!In fact, Pastor Carl and the other pastors went shopping for the sound system earlier today, while we were still in Nairobi. Everything is good to go for the outdoor meetings in Murang'a.

Nairobi is a very large city (3 million people) but I was amazed that when we arrived late last night it was very quiet, not a lot of activity out and about on the streets. This morning however, the sidewalks are filled with people and the streets are full of traffic. It looks just like any other bustling city.

Pastor Stephen's wife is expecting another child any day now, so please keep her (Katherine) in your prayers also.

Thank you so much for the prayers, love, and support you are pouring out to us and to the people of Kenya. Our prayer continues to be that God would open up the floodgates of heaven and pour out His blessings!

Morning in Nairobi

Just a quick note to say it is morning here is Kenya and we are well. We are getting ready for breakfast and are on our way to see more of this beautiful country. We are going to our hotel in Thika today. It is called the Blue Post Hotel. We know God has us in the palm of His hand. That is such an awesome feeling to be held be the one who holds the universe. We are ready to do what he wants done.

We are here!!!!

We arrived in Nairobi safe and sound. Everyone is doing well and VERY ready to get out of the plane. We are staying in a hotel tonight named The Stanley!!!!!! Thank for the sweet notes and the prayers. It is now 11:30 pm here and we are hoping to get a good night's sleep. We met the travel agent and he is very sweet. He loves to joke around so you know we will get along great. We spoke we Pastor Stephen and he will be meeting us at the hotel in the morning at 9:00am Nairobi time. Pray that we are able to get the components needed to record an audio of the messages. I know you all will want to hear them. God continually shows us mercy and grace.
We Love You All!!!!!!!

London!!!

We arrived in London safe and sound. We had a good flight and are inching our way closer to Kenya. It is morning in London and we are supposed to board the flight to Nairobi in a few minutes. Little sleep but quick power naps and we are feeling great!!! Thanks for the comments and the prayers. We know church was awesome last night!!! God is awesome!!!!

Chicago!!!!!!

Thanks for all your prayers. We are in Chicago. We had a great flight and are waiting to head to London. Our flight to London will be about 8 hours and we will arrive there around 7:00am their time. God is so good and we are excited and ready to set foot on Kenya.

Kenya here we come!!!!!

In less than ten hours we will be leaving to go to the airport. Today has been busy but so very exciting. Many of you have called or dropped by the church to express your anticipation on what God is doing in our midst. With every word of encouragement and commitment to pray I sense more and more the difference in "going on a mission trip" vs. "being sent on a mission trip." We truly feel sent by God and by the body of Blessed Hope. Just know that we go out blessed to have a church that supports the work of the Lord. As we go out, you go out with us. Keep praying for traveling mercies and that although we are headed to Kenya that God would use us on every leg of this trip. We want to be His hands and feet and speak His Words.

One Week To Go!!!

One week from today we will be boarding the plane to head to Kenya. It is amazing that God has joined our hearts with people on the other side of the world. Each email we receive from Pastor Stephen speaks of love for the people of Blessed Hope. Please pray for Pastor Carl as God directs him to deliver the life giving, on time Word that these people need. As we minister in Murang'a, we will be seeking God as to what part He wants Blessed Hope to play in this beautiful land. We are so thankful we serve the GOD OF MORE THAN ENOUGH!!!!

Twenty one days before we leave!!!

Our trip to Kenya is almost here. Pray that God will direct what He wants done! Pray for our safety as we travel.

Getting Ready For Africa

I can hardly believe that our trip to Murang'a is almost here. Pastor Carl, Connie and myself are so excited and ready to meet these people and see this land. We have prayed and sought God and are ready to do what he wants us to do. Pastor Stephen is busy planning the details in Kenya. It amazes me that so many things that we take for granted are major issues that he must believe God for. We have heard praise reports about God supplying the timber to build a platform, the money to print the posters, and many other examples of how God supplies the needs of those who trust him.

Please pray that these last few weeks be productive in getting the last details taken care of both in North Carolina and in Kenya. Pray that the God would began to soften the hearts of the people we will be ministering to and that God will give Pastor Carl and Connie an on time Word to speak in the meetings.

God is so good and we are humbled that He would entrust us to be Jesus with skin on to our brothers and sisters so far away.

Attached you will see a poster that will be announcing the meetings in Kenya. God is so good!!!!

Teresa