CCL's first Kid's Camp

Recently we were blessed to have a Kid’s Camp for the kids of Calvary Chapel Lakeside. We were excited to see that Pastor Stephen had a heart to minister to the children of CCL during their Holiday break and as it is common here to have a sort of kid’s camp or what many Americans might call a VBS, plans began to unfold in that direction. As time began to rush by we started talking about what it might look like and how it might run. Our great friends and fellow missionaries Steve and Dianne Warn who work with Agape are well seasoned in putting on camps for kids and have a passionate heart for the Lord and the Gospel. In working together it was our hope to put something together that would be a sort of model that CCL could use in the future. After a leadership meeting, choosing and planning curriculum, finding leaders and volunteers, prepping the craft, lessons and teachings and one last three and half hour meeting, the camp called, “Decide to be Different” began on a Thursday. We really didn’t know what to expect as far as numbers but had planned for around 60 children. Since many of the boys have gone home for the break, Agape graciously allowed us to use their grounds to hold the camp.
In true Kenyan fashion many children arrived late but the amazing part was we reached 60 children immediately and the number started climbing. We quickly started rearranging groups and finding other leaders to take groups. The number grew to 80 and then to 90 and by the end we had about 100 kids. There was a huge excitement as worship began and the kids sang with great enthusiasm. A memory verse was shared, puppets performed a skit which was led by Pastor Stephen and some of the older youth, and a great teaching was given. The children then broke into groups for different stations. There was a game station, a memory verse station where they played games to learn the verse for the day, a response to the teaching station and a craft station (which I, Peg, got to run). The children would line up and when the whistle blew they would march to their station singing the theme song that Matt wrote. Not only did the children love the song, they got points for how well they did their transitions, so needless to say the transitions went smoothly. Every station was visited by everyone and then we all gathered together to see what team won the most points for the day as well as who the “king” and “queen” were for the day. These children were honored for their good behavior by sitting in decorated chairs and having crowns put on their heads. They were also served lunch first sitting in their chairs.
For the craft, the Lord gave us the idea to use bottle caps that had been pounded out flat to make a necklace. The bottle cap represented themselves. The first day the memory verse was 1 Corinthians and we taught that being new creations in Christ means we are different than who we were before. This went along with the lesson of Daniel deciding to be different by purposing in his heart not to eat King Neb’s food and “contaminate” himself. (Daniel Chap.1) We emphasized that as new creations in Christ we needed to decide to be different from the world. This day the kids painted the bottle caps artistically symbolizing a new creation.
The second day the story was the “Fiery Furnace,” and the memory verse was Joshua 1:9. Each bottle cap had a hole in it at the top and we talked about how the hole represents the trials and difficult times in our lives. We reminded them that we are new creations when we are in Christ, but we are not without trials. We talked about the trial of Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego going through the fiery furnace and how God was with them so they didn’t have to be afraid. The string of the necklace represented God and as we threaded the string through the necklace, we shared how just like God was with Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego in the fiery furnace and saw them through that trial, God will see us through our trials and hold us up just like the string holds up the bottle caps. Then we shared as we tied a knot in the string, how when we go through trials it brings us closer and tighter to God. The necklace was to be a reminder of what they had learned. This day the kid’s threaded the string through their bottle caps, tied the knot and then wrote the letters, D for decide, T for to, B for be, and D for different.
Something great happened the night before while Matt and I were in our kitchen preparing for the “string,” day. I discovered that the string, made mostly of plastic was not tying and staying tied. I began to get frustrated knowing the younger kids would never be able to get their necklaces tied. My amazing husband had an incredible idea. He showed me how the plastic would melt together when the knot went through a tiny bit of fire. Amazingly the knot became super strong after the melted part dried. I was thrilled with the idea and knew the kids would love the fire analogy, so after we demonstrated the tying of the knot, we put the knot through the flame of a candle. As we did it we talked about how when we go through fiery trials it brings us even closer and tighter with the Lord. When the kids finished their necklaces they each brought up their necklaces to be put through the fire. It was a fantastic object lesson.
For the third and final day, we didn’t have a craft but instead had adults spend time with the children and pray with them. The verse for the day was Hebrews 4:16 and we talked about how we can go to the throne room of grace with confidence and pray anytime and anywhere. For the rest of the time adults talked and prayed with the children in small groups. It was during this time that many children gave their life to the Lord. I had the privilege of leading one girl named Millicent to the Lord. She was an older girl and very emotional. She really wanted to be “saved” and seemed to understand what the Bible said. Please pray for her and that we would be able to reconnect with her as she came from across town and we weren’t able to get a contact for her.
It was so encouraging knowing that there were children who received the Lord as their Savior and were also hiding scripture in their heart during those three days. Something else that was a huge blessing was how we were really in the background and apart from running the stations and worship it was the Kenyans doing the camp. We also had several people come from church to volunteer which was very exciting. We truly praise God for a wonderful time and the lives that were saved and for His Word going forth. We trust it will not return void and thank Him that He allowed us to be a part of something so sweet.

Part 2 Thank You for the Blood

Relieved and ever so grateful that Joelle had been delivered safely and was beautiful and healthy, I turned my attention to the next stage of delivery. I had remembered with my firstborn that the placenta came out fairly easily and so I wondered after two tries and a couple of injections why this placenta was not coming out. I could tell there was a bit of concern on my doctor's face but doctors are always serious when blood is involved. Smile! After the third and incredibly painful try to deliver the placenta, I knew something might not be right. When my friend AC told me to give her my hand because they were going to put in an IV, I knew there was trouble. Shortly after the IV was in, my doctor came to my side, took my hand and in his very, sweet, gentle Indian voice told me he couldn’t get the placenta out because it was “stuck to the uterus wall.” He told me he had to take me to the “theatre” (the term here for Operating Room A.K.A. OR). I asked him if I really had to go to the theater after all that hard work and all that natural work, and he answered me with a sad yes. I aksed immediately if he would have to cut me open to get it out and to my and Matt’s relief he said, “No!” But he did tell me he had to put me under.

For one split second, I thought would panic but because I knew I had no other choice and knew God was on the throne and in total control, I decided to trust Him. Several people were moving quickly preparing me for the trip and Matt was off with baby. There two very sweet people who helped me transfer my tender body onto a gurny and I will never forget the sweet man who wheeled me to my destination. His calm, sweet voice was a comfort I needed before I entered a very chaotic environment. I chose to keep my eyes closed so I wouldn’t see anyone looking at me nor the sights around. This proved to be a great choice because the hospital was under construction so in order to get to the OR, I had to be wheeled OUTSIDE and quite a distance. Giggling to myself of what I must look like, the Lord began to put worship songs on my heart and I began to sing. My friend AC was quickly by my side, and promised me she would stay as close as possible. That was a huge comfort and I smiled knowing I was loved.

As I entered the OR room that was incredibly noisy and bright (even through my closed eyes) I was so grateful for the amazing peace I felt from the Lord. My doctor came to me and for a brief moment I opened my eyes to ask for water as I was desperately thirsty. I was met with a, “No please!” from my concerned doctor. I later learned that I was loosing a lot of blood and he was anxious to get the procedure done to stop the bleeding. I was wheeled into a corner that was sectioned off by what seemed like a curtain in my quick glance. There were people buzzing all around me and when I opened my eyes to see who was near me I saw two men in green masks and quickly decided keeping my eyes closed was still best! I began to sing from my heart and out loud. With what seemed like a quick examination, I was wheeled speedily away but a problem arose. My arms were attached to things that were still attached to the wall in the corner. Not only was I still attached to the blood pressure cord, my IV had been attached to the wall and anymore pulling might have tugged the needle out. As my arms were being stretched above my head, people were calling out in their Kenyan accents, “Wait, wait, she is still attached!” I almost laughed out loud thinking this couldn’t be real.

When I knew I was in the OR room I was comforted again by a sweet lady who turned out to be my anesthesiologist and my doctors wife. She kept telling the men handling me (the ones in the green masks) to remember I was a person and a patient and to me more gentle. I was in total agreement with her feeling the tenderness of just having birthed my girl. I continued to sing and knew the Lord was present with me and there was nothing to fear. On a 1, 2, 3, I was lifted onto to the hard, stiff operating table. There was one more chance for a panic moment feeling the hard table and imagining where I was but the Lord continued to fill me with His peace and put the song, “Thank you for the blood” on my heart. The chorus says, “Thank You for the blood, thank you for Your Son, thank you for Your love, thank you for Jesus.” I kept singing with my dry mouth and as the sweet anesthesiologist told me she was going to put me to sleep, I asked her if I could keep singing. She replied, “Oh yes, it is comforting me!” I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling the chaos in the Theatre. Smile! The last thing I remember was singing the last line, “Thank you for Jesus!”

All glory to God, everything went smooth and well and when I came to pleading for water, I could only speak Kiswahili. Now, I am learning the language and can speak a little but I am by no means fluent, so to be able to only speak Kiswahili was amazing. I really didn’t start speaking English until I was fully awake. Ha! A friend told me she thought it was more in my heart than I knew. When I thought about things later, I thought how funny it was and how cool it was that God had put that specific song on my heart. I could only imagine what my doctor thought as I sang, “thank you for the blood” as he prepared to fix a blood issue. My sincere prayer is that he and his wife would know the cleansing, powerful, loving blood of Jesus Christ and always remember the peace that filled that theatre that day. All glory to our mighty God!!!

When Matt came into our room with our little girl, she was all dressed in cute clothes wrapped in sweet blankets that had been given to us as gifts from friends in the States. Daddy had done an amazing job through it all and we were so happy the Lord had faithfully brought us through. What a Mighty God we serve!

Peg for The P4

God's Delivery

I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me! Philippians 4:13 Part 1

(Disclaimer: This is the story of our getting our Joelle Joye into this world…..labor and delivery details will be included. This is mostly for family and fellow mamas but it’s a beautiful testimony to our Lord Jesus Christ and His power and might!)

There are so many verses I could pick to start this blog but I think this verse captures the essence of our experience that we have had and are yet still having. Like any other 1 am in the third trimester, I hoisted my rather large belly up from bed to use the bathroom. As soon as I stood I realized something was very different. Either I had not made it to the toilet or Joellie was telling me it was time to come. As water gushed upon the wooden floor of our friend’s guest room, I prayed Kenya Grace our firstborn would not wake up. As I waddled to the restroom I called gently for Matt to wake up. He did sit up in bed but did not move. I called him again less gently and said he needed to come immediately. As he stumbled to the bathroom he stood over me silently just staring and not moving. When I told him my water broke, he didn’t even flinch. I told him again, “Babe, my water broke,” to which he replied, “I have to pee.” I knew the only adrenaline in the room was mine and that before any major contractions started I better get going to get us out of the house.

Back in the room as I searched for my “well prepared” hospital list Matt continued to just stand in the middle of the room not moving. Finally, I told him, “I need you to start moving and fast!!!!” Somehow I think he finally woke up and realized what was happening. After gathering our things, leaving a note for our girl, and being prayed for by our friend, we headed out into the streets of Nairobi a little before 2am. It was a bit of an eerie feeling being on the roads here in the middle of the night when crime can be at it’s peak but our mighty God protected us and we made record timing to the hospital. This was truly a gift from the Lord as traffic can be terrible and no one likes traffic, especially a woman going into labor. The contractions hadn’t totally kicked in so we parked in emergency met our dear friend AC who was already waiting for us and walked a good distance to the “Princess Zara Pavilion.”

I don’t think the nurse on duty really thought I was in labor since I was rather talkative and smiley but she gave us a room (in the next wing since maternity was full) and helped us to get settled. We had a few Kenyan moments like the nurse asking me if I had any “feelings” and I proceeded to tell her what my cramps were feeling like. Turns out she wasn’t asking me about “feelings” but “fillings” in my teeth. Ha! (There were several moments like that.) When the nurse checked me, I was 50% effaced and 3 cm. “Ha”! I said to myself, since I had been at a 3 for several weeks now and since I still wasn’t feeling anything super strong Matt, AC and I decided to try to nap. As the lights went out I found myself needing to breathe a little through what I now knew were contractions. After an hour of laying down I decided it was time to get up and try another position and AC informed me my contractions at that point were about 5 minutes a part. (I had this feeling she was not napping but listening to my breathing and sure enough, she was. Smile!) Any request we had for the nurses seemed to be taking a long time so we just decided that we’d move to the next phase right where we were at. Off went the warm clothes, on went the cool top and I found myself making company with the bath room sink which was rather sturdy and a good companion and the moaning began.

When the nurse realized I was entering hard labor she insisted we move to the labor room, wondering how quick this baby may come. After one good contraction we hustled down the hall and into the next wing and just about made it to the room when another contraction hit. The wall then became my companion and worked rather well till I could get to the friendly, green ball in the labor room. It was now about 6 am and unfortunately the ball did not work for me like it did with Kenya Grace. It was a nice resting place, but standing and rocking and burying my head into my pillow on the bed while I did tribal moans and groans worked well for at least the next hour. When AC made a phone call to the nurse and said my contractions were one minute a part I knew we were getting closer and I was getting tired. I knew I needed to try a different position and as we three experimented using the wall, all fours on the ground, even the chair, it was clear not too much at that point was going to help much.

The nurse came in and did a check after 7am and I was fully effaced and 6-7 cm’s dilated. Matt had already been reading me scripture which encouraged my heart so much but I was thinking he was going to need to do it again as I knew transition was ahead of me and things were already getting intense. My amazing labor coaches began to really exercise their muscles as the only way I could “relax” or find some relief was to fall completely into them and let them hold my 180 lbs plus and try moaning. After a short time on all 4s on the bed, I needed the bathroom again. Once in the bathroom I decided I wasn’t going anywhere and after two more contractions of hanging in my coaches arms and finding no relief, I realized my little girl was coming and no one was going to stop me. Smile! I remember hearing AC say to the nurse, she’s pushing! The nurse replied “She can’t, she has to stop, we have to get her on the bed.” That nurse was not my friend at that moment and I remember just baring down and letting out what I thought would be a good tribal moan but alas it was a scream. As the pushing took over and my body took over I had a moment of not believing what was happening. I felt flooded with peace and knew I wasn’t going to die but had no idea how I would make it through the pain.

AC and Matt managed to get me to the room and I remember hearing the nurse tell me I needed to get on the bed. I was ready to punch her, good thing Matt and AC had my arms. Just kidding! Well I did think of it but don’t think I would have ever done it. Somehow, someway they got me on the bed. Time was around 8am. I began pushing and with the pushes came the screams. I was told to stop so they could do the requested episiotomy and after being told to push gently I remember feeling like I would literally tear in two. With an intense scream and a mama bear growl, Joelle Joye Pottenger was out into the world covered in creamy vernix and blood. She really looked like strawberries and cream! Oh, what a wonder and truly the Lord from the hour we went into labor, to getting to the hospital, to the care, and strength of the Lord to bring this little girl into the world so safely and with no complications for her! (I have to add especially for a mama who praises God for epidurals and didn’t use one. Smile!)

As we pondered for at least two weeks whether to take some action in getting Joellie here, the Lord continued to encourage us to wait, and trust in Him. It was a word we continually received though we confess we waivered in resting in it. When I finally made the decision that God would bring her in His timing and in His way, and we would not interfere and that I could do all things through Christ, even wait…………………………………she arrived. All Glory to God!

Part 2 to follow (Peg’s Theatre Adventure!)

Sunday’s Testimony

Many of you have heard stories about Sunday who helps us as we serve in the ministry here. I had the privilege of leading him to the Lord last fall. He recently was just baptized, and at that time wrote out the following testimony and read it before the church prior to getting baptized. I was blessed in many ways, as a spiritual father, to see one who is still so young in his faith be so bold and so solid in the Word. It is a true testimony of our Lord's faithfulness. I was also very blessed that he used the phrase "my church" as he has wavered in a commitment to Calvary Chapel Lakeside still desiring to go to his "Roho Israel" church, which is very much a cult and very prevalent in this part of Kenya. I pray that you can take the time to read his testimony and be blessed to see, in one persons life, the testimony of what God is doing in Kisumu, Kenya. (please note that I tried to type it as close to what he had written as I could - also, I asked permission to share this before posting it here).

- Matt for the P4

Praise the LORD!

I thanks LORD for today’s opportunity. As I stand here in front of my church members this morning when they are witnessing me as I declares my testimony. I got saved on 28^th of September 2009 after I heard the Word of God being preached to me by Baba in Christ Matthew. I will not lie that God saved me from practicing evil things, that I was taking alcohol, mirra, bhang or drug abuse in general or immorality. I know, God calls his children in different ways, maybe you were called after you have been healed in a serious illness. Maybe after seeing a miracle or through songs and so many things. But to me after hearing the Word. I was thinking that to be saved, there are certain rules or procedure to follow in that to be perfect completely. The reason why am saying this is that I thought that I have not sinned any more because I was not involve in evil things which I have just named before or doing anything wrong all along the village. Every time I will thank God for He has revealed to me that I am a sinner. The Bible teaches us that “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). I am a sinner. Now I am save by grace, through Jesus’ death on the cross, Jesus is my LORD and Savior, I now have a relationship with God and live for Him not for myself. I normally study the Word and changed by the Word of what it says in my life when the Holy Spirit guides me all along. The Bible demands change in me. This is where God tells me what to do and how to do it. He expects me to be obedient and to agree with Bible teachings. By growing up in the Word day to day I came across some words which I didn’t know before; They are as follows:

1. I know there is no way that I in my good work, would ever make it to heaven. I stand hopelessly condemned on the basis of my past sin. I have no chance of being received by God apart from His mercy.

2. The Bible declares “I am as an unclean thing, and all my righteousness are as filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6) God has provided away of acceptance before Him. God who is absolutely holy and pure so righteous that no sin can dwell in His presence, has made people like me to have fellowship with Him.

3. When I believe in this sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for me - even though I didn’t deserve it – the Father grants me perfect forgiveness. That is what the gospel of grace is all about.

4. God looks at me as though I never committed a single trespass against Him. Surely I have no hope in my own self and in my own righteousness. But I have great hope in the work that Jesus Christ did for me and in the work God is doing in me by the power of His Holy Spirit as He is conforming me into the image of Christ.

5. My righteousness is not a question of good works, human effort, or in keeping certain rituals or dietary laws. My righteousness – both here and now and for all eternity – is a result of my simple faith in God’s Son Jesus.

6. Righteousness by faith removes all distinctions between those who belong to Christ. I am no better than you or you than me. We have sinned, saved only by God’s glorious grace.

I may ask myself a question: What is real faith? – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). Heb 11:6 teaches that, “but without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26) True faith leads to appropriate action. If I truly believe a certain thing, then my actions will be in keeping with what I believe. For it’s true I know: Grace changes everything! And it’s true that I was lost but now I am found.

I know that no one in the world is truly as free as a believer in Jesus Christ. As Paul said in Galatians 5:12. What are the responsibility of my freedom? The main goal and desire of my life is to be found in Christ. Complete in Him. If I am to remain free, I must be careful not to exercise my freedom in pursuing anything that could bring me under its power. May the LORD help me to freely love, to freely serve, to freely seek the best interests of one another. The verse in Proverbs 3:5-6 normally encourages me which says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” The world today is against for those who believe in Jesus, especially nonbelievers. Am saying this because I myself I have been asked so many questions concerning the meaning to be born-again or the meaning of salvation. You may think that they are in need of or that they are heading to, but its just a way of putting you off. They will mock at you, abusing you and doing wrong things to discourage you from serving your God because they don’t fear God. When I read the book of 1 Samuel 16:7 it says. “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LROD looks at the heart.”” My prayers is that to pray for those who has not receive Jesus as their LORD and Savior in that God to reveals for them. And lastly I may ask myself or you may ask me a question. How I will maintain being in Christ all along my life? My answer is in Philippians 3:12-14 which says, “Not that I have already attained or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

God bless all of you. My name is Aggrey Omondi Olwande

Pottenger Video Update

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr9_HCO939U

More to Come

We have so many praises! The first baptism was amazing, we are a family again, and awaiting the arrival of our new baby girl. More to come very soon, so stay tuned!

He is Faithful!

2Ti 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

Two weeks ago as I prepared for my last Ladies Bible study, I found myself very discouraged and "done!" Several things were not lining up, I didn't have what I needed in the right language, I was unsure of the confidence of the Kenyan woman I had asked and been praying to lead in my absence, and I was physically tired. I was done being pregnant, done preparing for Bible study, done leading Bible study and my done list went on and on. As I got into the car and headed off to the crazy downtown area where I was sure to find myself "done" with driving on the Kisumu roads, I began to pray and simply cry out to the Lord. I asked for His strength and for Him to have His way and then He prompted me to pray for others. Oh, how refreshing it was to get my mind and heart off of myself and onto others and my King who sits on the throne.

Upon arriving to my first stop I found 4 ladies plus one of their young daughters we have in Children's church all waiting together at the stop where I pick them up. This is extremely rare for all the women to be there at the moment I arrived and I was so grateful. (It's not the best place for a white woman to stop for a long period of time.) The women were very cheerful and seemed so excited to go to study. Since the only things they recieve at study are the Word, prayer and fellowship, my heart was greatly encouraged. One of the women who was very squirmy and a little downtrodden the week before as we studied the Gospel of Jesus and talked about what it is to be born again, was extremly cheerful and had a different countance about her. I wondered if she had surrendered her life to Christ though I did not get to ask her.

We were a full house as study began and when I asked the Kenyan woman who had agreed to lead in my absence if she would lead the study (I had agreed to teach) she very confidently said yes. And she did an amazing job of leading in confidence! WOW, I was praising the Lord. Then just before we began, Maureen (Pastor's Stephen's wife) handed me exactly what I needed in the language I needed. Again, I was praising my God! Though the study proved to be a bit challenging for the women as we were learning how to study the Word verse by verse, the women seemed committed and interested. Towards the end of the study two more women from church joined us and they must have walked very far to attend. It was their first time and it was exciting to see them there.

We ended study with a reminder from John 14:20 of Christ being in us, we in Him and He in the Father using an envelope demonstration and the women really seemed to understand the verse. As we spent some time in prayer, I couldn't help getting emotional remembering how faithful our God is, especially when we are faithless and I was pretty faithless that morning. I returned home so encouraged by what the Lord is doing in these women and ask for continual prayer that the women would continue to meet and remain in the Word as I am away to have this baby girl very soon.

Always Learning,

Peg for The P4

Laying a Firm Foundation

This past month we have been blessed to be a part of our churches first "Firm Foundation" class. Pastor Stephen had asked me (Matt) to teach this 6 week course which would overview such topics as The Authority and Reliability of the Scripture, God's Nature & Character, God's Plan of Redemption, The Purpose & Nature of the Church (Local & Universal), The Essence of & Essentials for a Christian, and lastly, The Who, What, Where, When, Why & How of Baptism. Although any one of these topics could serve a complete course in a Bible School, yet our purpose was to help bring a simple understanding and biblical backing to each of these things. Stephen has also been translating both the notes (to use as handouts) and the teachings each week to aid those who aren't able to understand English as well. Overall this has been a most rewarding time both for me as a teacher and also the members of the church. There has been an average of 12 people coming each week (all Kenyans) and since our average number for the church is between 35 to 50 people that means that 24% to 34% of our church is in attendance (not bad at all). One of the things that I have found most enjoyable is to help give a solid and clear understanding of what the Gospel is and what it really means to be a "Christian". It seems that not only here, but all over the world, the term "Christian" has been being misused and misrepresented by so many; and now no one is really sure what meaning it carries with it these days. We know of a couple people in attendance that seem to be not saved yet, and so we are praying that as they have taken an interest in the Word, and our Church, and have been clearly presented with the Gospel, that they would come to that point of making a decision for Jesus. Please be praying for these people. Next week we will have our last class, and subsequently offer a time to sign up to be baptized if there are any who have not been since giving their life to Jesus. Although when it has been talked about the past few weeks, people have been either shy to pursue being baptized or have said that they already are, we are hopeful that if there are any who have not yet been baptized that they'd take this opportunity. It is such a blessing to the church to watch people from their own body step forward and show their commitment to Jesus in this way. I look forward to taking all that I've learned through this time of teaching the class, and to help make the next time we plan this class to be even better. We are praising the Lord for the opportunity He's given us to help lay this firm foundation on Jesus Christ and His Word for these people at Calvary Chapel Lakeside!

Sights and Sounds

It’s easy to get so caught up in logistics and ministry and write only about those things but as I find myself missing some sights and sounds of California I thought it would be good to write about what we see and experience everyday here. Some of our fellow missionary friends included a description in one of their newsletters about the streets of Kisumu. It was so well written I thought I would post it here. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

“Street scenes in Kisumu are beyond anything you could imagine. The crowds of people, cows, goats, pigs, huge cargo and fuel trucks, cars, matatus (passenger vans), tuk-tuks (three wheeled, three passenger vehicles with what amount to lawnmower motors), pickie-pickies (motor bikes), and boda-bodas (bicycles) all weaving in and out determined to get around whomever and whatever is in front of them is something to behold. Not to mention very stressful to drive through! Driving here is like being part of an old Keystone Cops chase scene from the movies—chaos everywhere with disaster narrowly being avoided at every moment. Boda-bodas are bicycles with a passenger seat on the back. You would not believe the things we have seen being transported on a boda. We have seen as many as four passengers. We have seen individual children so small we can’t imagine how they hang on. We have seen large pigs draped over the seat, cases of sodas (24 sodas per case) stacked up to five high, lumber, couches, roofing sheets, and even coffins. Things like wood, roofing sheets (called mabati here), couches, and coffins are strapped onto the seat, but always perpendicular to the line of travel, so they occupy 6 to 8 feet of width in the road. How many times have you had to dodge a coffin on your way to work?” The only thing I could add is the challenge of dodging many pot holes and finding speed bumps on just about every street. It is amazing that driving in the above description just becomes a way of life, though a simple drive can really tire you out."

There is so much incredible wildlife here in Kisumu; birds, monkeys, hippos, snakes, jumping spiders (though small have little pinchers), large lizards, large ants, little ants, bugs of course, as well as the typical farm animals that seem to roam wild. It is very common to hear a bird that sounds like a monkey and to hear a flock of birds that sound like children crying. It’s always a bit of a start when you hear these birds in the middle of the night. A fun sound we all enjoy is the sound of the lion from a nearby park. It’s groaning and occasional roaring at night make us smile and wonder about him. (We just this week went to visit him on our family day and found him to be amazing.) And then there are the unique sounds to Kenya like the sound of a stick broom being brushed on the cement vigorously, or a crowd banging drums and chanting off in the distance, or the truck parades driving by with their rather loud music and shouts of an advertisement or preaching. It is life for us here in Kenya and though it has become common, I find myself hearing a lawn mower in the distance, a water pump that sounds like a Jacuzzi turning on, the sound of seagull or pigeon and I am all of a sudden transported back to the States and the familiar sounds I once knew. I am reminded that truly the sights and sounds here are unique to what I have known and so worth writing about.

Peg for The P4

Christ Visible

With almost four Sundays under way for church services, it is easy to see our Mighty God at work here in Kisumu. As I reminisce and think back to three years ago when we were in Kisumu for our second visit I am so amazed at all God has done. It was that second visit to Kisumu that we met Stephen and I remember hearing his heart for Kisumu and his friends and family here to know Christ and to know His Word. He seemed so excited for us to come and begin a Calvary Chapel. I’ll never forget Matt asking him why he wasn’t pastoring or why he wouldn’t start a church and be the pastor. He told us at that time that he felt he should be an assistant. However God used our time during language school to really form and shape the vision for Calvary Chapel Lakeside. During our time in language and cultural school, we knew we wanted Christ to be visible more than anything and since we are white (wazungu) Christ is not always what people see first. (They often see money, resources or opportunities.) As God worked in all of our hearts we knew that having a National pastor would really make Christ the most visible to the people of Kisumu.

Here we are three years later and not only is Pastor Stephen Otieno the senior pastor, he is an amazing Bible teacher who is feeding people the meat of the Word. 2nd Timothy 2:14-15 says, “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Pastor Stephen is one who does this very thing. The response from the Sunday morning teachings has been remarkable. As I told a friend, people are being blessed because it is the Word of God going forth and not unprofitable words. Big smile.

Some people may ask why Matt is not pastoring the church. We truly believe that God wants us to disciple His people here in Kisumu to use their gifts and minister to their own people in ways we never can. It has been such a blessing to invest spiritually in the Otieno family, encourage them, and advise them where needed. Personally meeting with Maureen, Pastor Stephen’s, wife has been an honor as we go through the Word and encourage one another in the ministry and as wives and mamas. There are two other women who attend the ladies Bible study and their heart for God’s Word and to study it is amazing. They also love to worship and learn new worship songs. For those of you who know, “This is me saying thank you,” and “Break my heart,” these are some of their favorites. When Matt plays worship on Sunday and plays these songs, one mama looks at me and smiles big. We look forward to more discipleship as God brings people to Calvary Chapel Lakeside.

On a final note, it was such a blessing to see the Lord provide a location, a tent, chairs, a podium, tithe bags, and a sign for that first Sunday. As I sit under the simple tent, in plastic chairs, with a simple podium in front, listening to Matt lead worship in Kiswahili and Pastor Stephen rightly dividing the Word of Truth (and watching Kenya Grace run around with the other small children) I truly see Christ Visible! And Glory to God!

Calvary Chapel Lakeside, Kisumu, Kenya

It is with great pleasure and delight that I get to share that Calvary Chapel Lakeside in Kisumu, Kenya, has officially been started. Our first visit to Kisumu was in February 2007, and from that time the Lord had burdened our hearts for there to be a solid Bible teaching church in this city. We weren't sure all the details of how the church would start, who would be pastoring it, where it would be located, and many other details; but God has finally given us the means to move forward. When we first left our home in California we had thought that I (Matt) would be the pastor of this church, but as we got here to Kenya, the Lord clearly showed us that wisdom would be to have a Kenyan pastor leading the church, even from the the get-go. God had already connected us with the person who we saw as that man, and slowly but surely God confirmed that he was the one to lead this church. Pastor Stephen Otieno was originally from the area of Kisumu, but the Lord had lead him to C.I.F. near Nairobi, Kenya; a church that is pastored by a good missionary friend of ours. So the Lord brought all of us together to begin this new work in Kisumu. This past Sunday (Easter Sunday) we held our first service. It was such a blessing, and we were all so excited for all that the Lord is doing. Most of those who have been faithfully coming to the Bible Study that meets at Pastor Stephen's house were there for church, and have all voiced that they are excited to have a church that teaches the Word of God. Here in Kenya there are many many churches that "preach" but do not "teach" the Word. In fact, it is commonly thought that if the pastor has not lost his voice by the end of his message that he wasn't "anointed" (due to yelling). I do believe that this church is very different than the way Kenyan's are used to 'church'. All of us were blessed by the message that Pastor Stephen taught (John 20) last week, and starting this coming Sunday we will begin going through the gospel of John, verse by verse, chapter by chapter. We are so thankful for the Lord's grace in helping get started. We are trusting the Lord as we make many decisions in this early stage of the church. We are praying about direction regarding language, having 2 services, and children's ministry (to name a few things). We appreciate all the prayer and support and encouragement that we've been getting. Praise the Lord!

Update

We are preparing to travel to Nairobi to do some routine doctor visits and pick up our visitors Matt and Lori Dragoun. We are very excited to have them come on a scouting trip and see the beginning stages of ministry here. We are also thrilled to have them during our transition time and to have a few extra hands to pack. Big smile!

Ladies Bible study was a blessing last week as we continued the genealogy of Jesus Christ and studied Rahab. The women are hungry for the Word and so receptive. Matt had a great chance to connect with Pastor Stephen and even view some property for potential Sunday services. He also got to continue teaching Inductive Bible study with a Pastor from a nearby area. We also have to mention what a blessing our staff devotion has been as we go through the book of Philippians. Teaching the Word of God to people who are so responsive is such a blessing. And tonight we will have our Friday worship night. Last week was such a blessing having a house full and hearing saints sing their hearts out to the Lord! Ahhhh!

On the home front Kenya Grace continues to amaze us as she quickly approaches 3. We've been having fun starting through an ABC Bible verse book and learning small verses and doing fun art with letters. She loves being a leader, teacher and mommy every chance she gets! I Peg discovered a really good hamburger at a place nearby and am thrilled as I have been crazing meat! I am officially in my second trimester and feeling (I think) better. Some days are better than others. I forgot how much work it takes to grow a baby. Big smile. We still have a house full as our friends Mike and Karen and their "Officially" adopted son Paul work through Embassy things to complete the process of being able to take him home to the States. It has been a blessing as they are dear friends to us, love Kenya Grace and she loves them. Paul has become a big brother to her and Kenya Grace has certainly become a little sister to Paul following him everywhere and always wanting to be with him. We feel blessed to have this time with them.

Please pray for our friend Joyce from language school as we have heard she is sick with some sort of mass. It is hard to get details but we just know she needs prayer. Please also pray for our trip to Nairobi for safe travels and safety while we are there. We leave Sunday and return to Kisumu with our visitors Thurs. We thank you for your interest and care in all that God is doing here. God bless you richly!

Peg for The P4

Latest News

Well, our life is picking up quickly. We are feeling led to move to a new home. It seems a bit wild but we really feel the Lord is leading in this as He has brought this new home to us and it provides for our needs but is also in a more quiet, secure location. We are so grateful for our first home and the way the Lord has used it to help us settle and confirm our calling here. Now we find ourselves excited about a place where we can, Lord willing focus more on ministry than house issues. Though a move seems a bit daunting to the newly pregnant lady we are trusting the Lord with all the details. We are hoping to be in our new home by April.

Ladies Bible study started this last Tues. at Pastor Stephen and Maureen's place and though there were just two women, it was a blessing to begin the book of Matthew with them. They are excited to keep the Bible study consistent and to see more women come. As I write, Matt is at Wed. Bible study this evening and had a chance to begin teaching inductive Bible study with a Pastor from Kisi this afternoon. He is also preparing for the Friday night worship evening to start again this Friday.

On a Kenyan note, we had two bats in our house last night. One was in the stairwell and one was doing a marathon in Mike and Karen's room. That one disappeared but the one in the stairwell did not live long as it was taken down with a skillet that remains upstairs in Mike and Karen's room and is just for bats. This afternoon we heard an incredibly loud POP and realized that the fuse for electricity blew and we lost it for quite awhile. Normally it is off for anywhere from 10 -20 hours but we were so blessed to get it back on late this afternoon. God is so gracious!

Thank you for your prayers and love in this adventure and journey!

Peg for The P4

Refreshed

We had an amazing time at the rain forest. We reconnected as a family, rested, prayed, hiked and took in God's amazing creation. We were also able to come up with a schedule of what life will look like now that we are back and had some good conversations. We praise God for the time away and for this beautiful place called Rondo.

Rainforest Retreat

The P4 is headed out for a family/prayer retreat in a nearby rain forest. Please be in prayer with us for our home here in Kisumu and whether we are to stay or move, the ministry with Stephen, to the expats and fellow missionaries here in Kisumu.

We are excited to have this much needed time. Thank you for praying for us.

The P4

Home!

We are finally home! I cried when we entered Kisumu, mostly because of relief and because it felt like it had been so long since we had been home. OK, I also cried for 3 days at night in Nairobi and struggled being away from our family. Ever since I was a little girl I always grieved the end of something good. Wether it was a vacation, or holiday time with family I always remember grieving a bit. Being pregnant and jet lagged added to this grief over the end of furlough.It was a hard adjustment back even rougher than our first time but the Lord was so faithful to walk me through it and help me adjust. And now that we are home it is ever so sweet! We are still unpacking and adjusting to the heat though we are currently having cooler weather! Yea! I thought getting back to the way of living here would be harder having enjoyed so many comforts of America and not having to worry about mosquitoes and nets and so much more but it feels a bit like riding a bike. Nets go down, rooms get sprayed, fans go on, KG gets wiped down when going out at night. :) It's familiar and feels normal. What grace! We have also enjoyed seeing so many of our dear friends here that we love and praise God for the beautiful community and support we have here. Let the ministry begin! Peg for The P4

Leaving for Home

We have had an incredible visit here in the States and thank everyone who made it so special. God has been so gracious and loving to us. We leave today out of LAX at 5pm. We have a 8 hour lay over in London and then fly to Nairobi. We just learned it was 90 degrees in Nairobi yesterday. Oh boy here goes the adventure. For those of you that do not know, we are expecting our second child. :) Not sure when baby is due but we are definitely pregnant.

Thank you again for all your prayers. Please also pray for Sunday who has malaria again and for the families who are staying in our home. It will be such a blessing to be home but lots of adjustment again.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above the heavenly host, praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

God bless you all!

Peg for The P4

The Lord is Good!

Peg's dad is recovering well and we have seen the hand of the Lord on us in a beautiful way. We are now spending time with family and will get to spend more time with Matt's parents this weekend. We have begun our packing and though we are grateful that we don't have 15 bags like last time, we are once again figuring out how to take all our Christmas gifts and American goodies back. What a fun dilema! We are praying for our hearts and emotions to be ready on Tues. :)

Peg's Dad

Praise the Lord, today went extremely well! Our Lord is so good and gracious. Though the surgery was more complicated than expected it went extremely well and the doctor was very pleased with the overall surgery! My mom, sister Kris and niece Jennifer got to spend the day together which was really special. We even had lunch together and did a trip down memory lane as we toured around San Bernardino and looked at old homes that had been lived in and places our grandparents lived and where several family members went to school. Dad was so happy to see us once they got him moved to his floor and when we walked in he said, "It's about time!" He had been worried that we wouldn't be able to find him. :) Though he was still coming out of the anesthesia, he spoke to us clearly and enjoyed having us nearby as he slept on and off. As predicted the pain is intense so he has a bit of a journey ahead of him for recovery but he is such a trooper and we are all so glad the surgery part is over. The Lord really blessed today in so many ways including giving us supernatural strength. Matt had a great day with Kenya Grace making a huge trip to the grocery store and then to a library story hour.
Thank you all who are praying! Please don't stop! God bless you!

Please Pray for Peg's Dad

We are officially at the final part of our furlough. We have been so blessed by all our visits and time with such amazing people here in the States. We are back down in Banning and are ready to walk through surgery and recovery with Peg's dad as he has prostate surgery tomorrow. We are so grateful to be able to be here during this time and we thank all of you who have already been praying for Bob's surgery. He will go in tomorrow morning (Wed.) at 7am. We are trusting our Lord with every aspect and look forward to all our mighty God will do through this time. Thank you again for your all prayers. We will keep updates running on the blog as much as we are able. God bless you!

Info For Our Supporters

As requested, here is the information for our new financial facilitators. Hope this helps. We love you all and thank you for your patience in this transition.

Starting in January of 2010 we are asking that you no longer send your support to Shoreline Calvary Chapel but instead to Shepherd’s Staff. The important information you will need is below.
Shepherds Staff Mission Facilitators, Inc.
PO Box 53640
Albuquerque, NM 87153-3640

We will also have a new account number so make sure to put the new number in the memo section of your check

Our new account number is #5507

Shepherd’s Staff offers three options for your donations:
Checks: Made out to Shepherd's Staff with #5507 written in the memo section of the check and sent to the address above
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): You can find an EFT form on the Shepherd’s Staff website under “give” if you are interested in this option
Online Donation: On Shepherd’s Staff web site (www.shepsstaff.org) Click on: Give, click on: donate online, click in the PayPal box.