Habari which means Hello in Swahili

Habari is the greeting shared by the locals here in Kenya. I was able to practice it a lot as we (Elizabeth, Kayla and I) walked approximately 2 miles to get a Matatu (Kenyan mini van transports, usually navigated by crazy drivers). God's grace has covered us while we have been here. We boarded a "safe" Matatu the morning of our travels and safely made it to see the Maasai ladies. We are spoiled in the States! I don't know if you can really see poverty until you've seen it here.

I was able to meet such humble and gracious Maasai women. It is tradition to eat fried fat (as they have nothing else to offer as visitors arrive) when you are invited into their small huts, which in many cases are smaller than the size of one of my bedrooms at home. Thankfully, Elizabeth told the Maasai ladies that only she would be eating what was offered the day we visited. She explained to me how dreadful the taste of the fat was as it "burned her throat" when she swallowed. I was grateful that she saved Kayla and me from that experience.

I was also able to meet with some of the local missionary ladies for a Bible study on Tuesday. One of the scriptures covered was Galatians 6: 9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." I believe this scripture came to life for me as I look at the tremendous responsibility bestowed upon those serving here. I admonish you all to join me in praying for the mission workers and their children here. The need to be strengthened and encouraged consistently is great.

Yesterday, I was so blessed as Elizabeth invited several mission workers and their families over to her small house for a potluck dinner (in the yard) in order to meet Merritt, the children and me. Please understand that the time that the dinner took place was heavy traffic and the roads are so terrible that driving slowly is mandatory. Many of the people made at least a 1 hour trip out to meet us with their children.

I had hoped to come and be a blessing, but I think I have been blessed by seeing the sacrifices Robbie and Elizabeth Gordon make, and the sacrifices made by those who work and teach God's word here. The people are generally kind, but their need is great. Everywhere one looks there is poverty. I pray that those of you keeping up with this blog can help Merritt and me to be a blessing from afar to those of and being helped by Living Water Christian Fellowship.

Our trip here is ending soon, but I know the people here will be in our thoughts and prayers.

May God bless you all.

Carolyn

Micah and Kayla's Notes from Kenya

Hey it's Micah. I'm having alot of fun here in Kenya. Since we've arrived here it has gone by so fast. Last Sunday we went to Pastor George's church and sang a few songs there and we watched my dad teach. We also went on a safari and saw zebras, gazell, hippos, and rhinos. Pastor Robbie took us to see elephants and today we went and fed some gariffes. Me and Kayla kissed one too. It's alot diffent from home but I like it here the people are nice even though most don't know to much English. The time has taken a little bit to get use to so the nights seem long. But basically we are all enjoying ourselves here, the Gordon's have been very nice to us, we're meeting some new people and just having a great time. I wish we had more time here because the time we have had is way to short but im glad God has given us this time to come here and hopefully we'll come back next year. God bless!!!!

-Micah Robinson



Hey it's Kayla. I've had alot of fun in Kenya. I've been to the Maasai village and have talked to the the ladies. It was a blessing to see them and see how they live. It was different from home. It also amazing to see them sing as well ! I have also been on a safari and saw lots animals. I didn't see lions which I hoped to see but I did see other animals such as buffalo, gazzel, rhinos, zebras, and giriffes. Speaking of giriffes I kissed one today it was gross but I did win 20 bucks and the kiss was slobery. On Sunday we went to Pastor George's church and we had to sing in front of the whole church even though it wasn't alot of people it was scary. So that's my Kenya trip hope to see you in a few days or so. Thanks for reading and God Bless you ! :)

Karibu (Welcome)

Karibu Pastor Merritt! This was one of the first things I heard yesterday (Thursday) as I entered onto the premises at Manna Bible Institute. Manna is a training facility for pastors throughout the country of Kenya. Pastors come from many different regions to receive training and then they are sent back to their city, communities, and tribes in order to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. Manna has 1-3 year programs of study. The class I am teaching has fifteen students and seven of the fifteen students were here when I came in September of 2008. It was beautiful to see my brothers and sisters in the Lord once again. It was able to catch up and speak with them about their studies and ministries. The first day of teaching was a blessing. However, I must get use to utilizing a translator again. English is classified as the official language of Kenya but many of the student's primary language is Swahili. In this particular class at Manna, the majority of the students utilize a Swahili Bible and therefore I have needed a translator. Despite the delays of translating from English to Swahili, the students have quickly grapsed some of the major themes of 1 Thessalonians: Holy Living, Thanksgiving, Rejoicing, Faith, Hope and Love, Praise God!!!

I also had a meeting at African Nazarene University which is close in proximity to Manna. I went with the Principal and Director of Manna as we met with the Sports Co-ordinator of the university. I visited the school back in September of 2008 when they were first opening up their newly completed multi-purpose gymnasium. It is truly a nice facility. I thought it would be awesome to hold a basketball-outreach event at the gym. Unfortunately, I was unable to keep in touch with my first contact, the Dean of Students, at the university. However, the current Sports Co-ordinator seems excited about reaching out to the community. We will continue to pray and hope the Lord opens up doors to facilitate an event for next year 2011.

Finally, Carolyn and the kids are doing well. Life in Kenya is much different than the States. There are not the luxuries of home but I think it is good for my children to understand how blessed they are. I also believe they are getting a big picture of what the Lord is able to do and is doing throughout the world. God's infinite grace and mercy are still evident.

This first week has passed by really quickly but continue to pray for us. Pray that we are well rested for the remainder of our trip. I am speaking twice on Sunday so pray that the Lord empowers me for His service and that the messages are well received. Finally, pray for Kenya and its people; it is neat to see so many people from different parts of the world coming here for the sake of Christ but His servants need the power of the Spirit to do the work of ministry. Amen!

Peace and Blessings,
Merritt

We Made It!

At this moment, it is early Thursday morning, approximately 12:11am Kenyan time. We arrived in Kenya Tuesday night at 10pm. It was a blessing to reconnect with Pastor Robbie Gordon and his family. Robbie is originally from Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and he has been in Africa for the past 13 years. When I came to Kenya two years ago, it was Robbie and his church, Living Water Christian Fellowship, who hosted our group. This trip my family and I will get to spend significant time with Robbie, his wife Elizabeth and their little girl Abigail as we will stay at their house throughout our time in Kenya. I began the book of 1 Thessalonians with Pastor Robbie's mid-week bible study group today, Wednesday. It was a blessing as I started with an introduction to the Pauline epistle and I also covered the first chapter.

Wednesday morning, I went to another ministry we worked with two years ago, Manna Bible Institute, and meet with George Mugaro. I will be teaching through the book of 1 Thessalonians beginning Thursday and hopefully I will complete the lecture series by next Tuesday. Pray for me as I minister to a new group of pastoral students and also re-connect with some students who were attending the school two years ago. Additionally, I will be speaking at the Sunday service for George's church, Satellite All Nations Gospel Church.

Carolyn, Kayla (my oldest daughter) and Elizabeth went to the Maasai land to minister to the Maasai women. Carolyn and Kayla went into the small huts of some of the Maasai women to speak with them and pray with them. Elizabeth also worked with the women from the tribe, memorizing scripture from Proverbs with the intent of turning the learned verses into a song. The Maasai women are incredible singers and they truly worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth! I pray that the Maasai will continue in their quest to outreach to the surrounding community.

Please pray for the following:

1. Peace within the country of Kenya. There was a recent bombing at large prayer meeting within the city limits of Nairobi. Approximately 6 people were killed with over 100 people injured. In addition, a pastor was killed over the weekend in front of his wife as he returned back to his church from a meeting.


2. The simplicity of the gospel is preached by pastors, understood by the Church and lived out by the saints.


3. That, we as a family, remain steadfast, faithful, compassionate and loving throughout our trip.

Peace and Blessings,

Merritt