Return from Kenya

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us-Ephesians 3:20

Well we made it back from Kenya, yesterday (9/22) afternoon at about 3 pm. It was good to land back on U.S. soil and see my family but it was also a little sad leaving Kenya. The Lord did so many things and we were blessed to be apart of His work so it was sad to leave a place where we saw the hand of the Lord.

I can't wait to go back. We are already praying about where the Lord would send us next year. We have been extended offers to return to Kenya but also to go to Zanzibar which is off the coast of Tanzania and to the country of Sudan. What a wonderful opportunity! So we will pray and see where the Lord leads. As my pastor always says, where God guides, God provides. We pray that we will listen to the Spirit of the Lord and be open to His leading.

I've got to give props to my partners in ministry, Miguel, Anthony, Mikey and Luis. They made this a fun trip. I really enjoyed their youthful exuberance, singing, jokes, and laughter. It was fun to go with a group of guys who really want to serve God but also want to enjoy life. So thanks guys.

For those who supported our trip and prayed for us, we thank you (Asante-Thank you in Swahili).

Finally, Lord, thank you for opening this door. We could not have done it without you. You demonstrated how great you are each and every day of this trip. May we continue to seek your face and submit ourselves to your will in order for your kingdom to be accomplished on this earth, Amen.

Merritt

Kenya Update-Sept 17

Jambo (means hello in Swahili)

Hope all is well back in the states. We are into our second week here in Kenya. The first week was extremely busy. We spent much time ministering at a bible institute for pastors and working with a local church. It was extremely busy but the Lord did an incredible work within the people and us as well. Last Saturday we went to Kibera which is a major slum area here in Nairobi. Often times when we in the states look at the "ghetto" we think of depressed conditions, crime and etc. Well Kibera is worse than any ghetto I've been to in the states. It might not have similar criminal activity but it is by far the most poor and depressed place I have ever been. The average household income per day is approximately $2. How can people live on $2 per day? I'm not sure. In addition, there housing conditions are terrible. The people live in tin shacks basically and they are all on top of each other. There is literally no room to move within this area. But we were able to see a church that is located in the middle of this slum area. It was literally a sanctuary away from the slums. Next to the church was a medical facility that is associated with the church. The unfortunate thing is that many people do not go to this free facility because it just does not have all the things needed to support the needs of the residents. It needs pre-natural equipment, scales, forceps and etc but they just don't have the money. Please pray for the residents in Kibera, the church which is called All Nations Gospel Church and for the medical facility that God would do an incredible work to rid the poverty in this area.

While touring the area, we also had the great pleasure of praying for some of the residents and church members. This was cool because you could see the people really appreciated our prayers and concern. Throughout the slums you see so many kids who are taking care of kids. It was sad. As we went through the streets the kids would speak out and say "how are you, how are you". This is what they have been taught to say when they see a "mazungo" (not sure of the spelling) but it means a white person. I am not a mazungo, I am considered a black man. But again, please pray for the people here. They need so much but the most important thing they need is the truth of the gospel and good biblical teaching. In addition, pray for us as we come to our last four days of our trip. God is not done and we have come to realize that we are still here on a mission, literally, for God. We will be ministering at Living Water Christian Fellowship, a Calvary Chapel affiliate, in the evenings this week. Sunday, I will share at the main service at Living Water. Pray that the Lord empowers us to continue in His service.

Blessings and Asante (Thank you) Lord,
Merritt

Abroad from Kenya

Greetings from Kenya,

We arrived on Monday, September 8th at approximately 9pm in Kenya. We all departed the plane thinking we have finally made it to Kenya. It is truly a blessing to be here. Pastor Robbie Gordon, who is a Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa missionary, picked us up from the airport. Robbie is a cool guy, totally down to earth and he reminds me of the guys back home. Living Water Christian Fellowship, the church that Robbie pastors, has provided lodging for us. It is more than sufficient. We have two bedrooms and a bathroom. There is a gentleman from the church, Mengestu, who is an incredible help. He is such a gracious and loving person. We have bonded with him.

We started teaching through the book of Romans at the Manna bible institute. They have approximately 20 students during this session and all of them are completely sold out and hungry for the Lord. They are also some of the sweetest people. I feel like we have been sent here to share and impart spiritual gifts with one another as it is stated in Romans 1:11-13.

It is amazing that in such a short amount of time, we have bonded with the people and they are truly our brothers and sisters in the Lord, despite being half way around the country.

Kenya is obviously different than the states. We are truly blessed in the states. Even the poor in the states have more than the majority of the people here. People in Kenya walk everywhere. Transportation is expensive here so for a person to have a car they usually are fairly wealthy.

What else have we been doing? During the night, we have been going to Pastor George Mugaro's church and teaching through the book of I Thessalonians. George is also a blessing. He is such a sweet man and very kind. We have become like brothers in this short time frame. I believe this new found relationship will continue to grow into one the provides blessings for many.

Continue to pray for the people of Kenya. They suffer from poverty, lack of resources, and poor theological doctrine (faith movement, health/wealth doctrine) just to name a few issues. But those who are truly following the Lord are strong in the faith and they are seeking to grow in God's grace and knowledge. I LOVE IT!!!

Well let me finish by asking you to continue praying for us. Pray for us to stay focused, be good stewards of the grace that God has given us, and to walk in the Spirit of the Lord, Amen.

Blessings and Maranatha,

Merritt