A wild weekend

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Carl

2 Flats on a Kenyan Highway

I am at Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi waiting for tonight’s flight to Amsterdam. It has been a wild weekend and I guess you could say this journey concluded with a bang.

On Saturday we went to Kakamega to celebrate the graduation of our largest class from the Redeemer Bible College certificate program. The journey was slow going due to bad roads. I should tell you that Kakamega is a district known for being a hotbed of witchcraft, so the rest of this will make more sense. As we got to Kakamega the car began overheating and we learned that the cooling fan had shorted out. We had to get a push and pop the clutch to keep going. I developed a pounding headache that was compounded by heat and potholes. I was unable to beat the headache even with Ibuprofen. We finally made it to the graduation ceremony and wouldn’t you know it we didn’t have a certificate for one of our students. Not just any student mind you, but the best student in the class. To make matters worse this young lady had been overlooked when completing a previous program. With some fancy footwork we’re able to smooth this crisis out.

We next went to the home of a local widow who wanted to host the students. It was getting late and the heavy afternoon rains were moving in, so it was suggested that we go ahead and leave. As I was leaving the widow came out and complained about me leaving without having a meal. Again fancy footwork was required.

So finally we were on the road. The rains began pouring we navigated several deep puddles and seemed to be doing well. Shortly after passing through Bongoma our driver struck a pothole and both passenger tires blew out simultaneously. The car came to rest precariously hanging out in to traffic and it was now dusk. Our driver and Pastor Adams began the journey on foot to Bongoma in search of a tire repair shop, while Principal Ngaina, Mary, little Judah and I stayed with the vehicle. As it continued to get dark I realized that our poorly lit car was likely to get hit, so I stood off to the side. I’m glad I made that choice. In the next 2 hours I watched a tractor trailer hit the same pothole and blow out a tire. I watched another one hit the pothole and nearly enter the ditch with us. I watched a third vehicle hit the pothole and also blow out a tire.

Of course the other danger was highway robbers. Everyone who walked past would look at us and comment on how dangerous of a place this is. I also determined that two men who stayed by to be “watchmen” were actually casing us. Finally after 2 hours Pastor Adams and our driver returned with a cab. They had been all over Bongoma and found no place to repair the tire until morning. They had convinced the cab driver (with a lot of money I might add) to come out to the highway to retrieve us. They also “rented” (for a lot of money again) a spare tire to get our vehicle back to Bongoma. The taxi driver took us to a hotel that he said was the best in town. As I was waiting on my dinner I noticed the prostitutes coming from upstairs and retrieving more customers (when I later told Mary I had seen this activity, she was horrified. She had hoped I wouldn’t notice). Needless to say we ended up at another hotel for the night and the cab driver returned with a friend at 3AM to retrieve his spare tire.

As morning broke the car was up and running again, but I noticed a large bulge in the wall of the driver’s side rear tire. I was assured that we would drive slow to protect that tire. We agreed we should pray before we left and off we went. We stopped about an hour into the journey for tea with Mary’s sister. We were scheduled to speak in my friend John’s church at 11AM. We told him of our journey and he asked us to continue on. We finally arrived at his church at 12:30 (when church is scheduled to end). John’s church is one of the most energized “alive” churches I have been in. The people received me well and through another service to hear me speak. I was also intrigued to see a white woman attending the church. I learned that she is a nurse from California on mission with Saddleback Church. After the service we had lunch with John and his wife, although we were already supposed to be in Eldoret to meet with more Bible College students.

Finally around 4:30 we returned to Pastor Adams home. I did a quick job of packing, sent my wife a Mother’s Day email and we were off to Eldoret. When we arrived at Pastor Maheri’s home around 7:30PM everyone had already left. She said they had used the afternoon to pray and worship. Throughout the evening several guests dropped by and we had a great time talking about faith and our respective cultures. Pastor Maheri also blessed me with a beautiful wall hanging to remind me to pray for Kenya. In spite of all of the difficulties of the weekend, and really the trip for that matter, the journey ended on a high note. Truly God saved the best for last.

I caught an early flight to Nairobi this morning and have about 11 hours until my flight to Amsterdam. The news says the Iceland volcano is causing problems again, so we will see what the day holds. After three weeks away I am ready to be back with my wife and children.

Update from Kenya

Posted on May 7, 2010 by Carl

The past few days Pastor Adams and I have remained in Kitale. We have used our time to talk about his ministry, the needs of some of the pastors we have been working with and to record some promotional videos. We have also been planning two pastor’s conferences for January of 2011. We will be conducting one of the conferences in Nairobi and the other conference will be hosted by Rev. Peter Ngaina here in Kitale.

This has been a good time for me to be refreshed and prepared for weekend. Tomorrow we will be overseeing the graduation of our certificate class in Kakamega. This extension of Redeemer Bible College is one of our newest. It is also our largest graduating class with a total of 38 approved to receive their certificate. This is a testament to God’s sustaining power, as this extension went through some hardships when an instructor was caught stealing money from the students. The Lord allowed this issue to be resolved in a manner that kept the college in tact.

Sunday I will be speaking in the church of John Juma. John was my driver in Uganda last year. He is a very humble man and displays a true servant’s heart. It is truly an honor for me to speak in his church. In the afternoon, we will be traveling to Eldoret, where I will meet once again with Pastor Margaret Maheri and newest class of Redeemer Bible College. This class is made up of influential professionals from the Eldoret area, and it shows great promise for bringing greater opportunity for Redeemer Bible College.

I will be spending the night in Eldoret on Sunday, so that I can catch a 10AM flight to Nairobi on Monday. I will then be flying back to the US at around 10PM Sunday night.

We have also had a great answer to prayer. The driver we have had most of the journey has been very unscrupulous, charging more money than agreed and making increased demands. This caused our in country travel budget to be spent early on. We have been having to seek God’s provision for every new leg of the journey. God has mad provisions through the hands of his children on two continents. Even greater though is our getting to know a seminary student who drivers a car here in Kitale. Adams and I both felt led to inquire if he could drive us our remaining trips. Not only could he drive us, but he has agreed to do it for half the price of the man who had been driving us up to this point.

A Weeding Out Process

Posted on May 5, 2010 by Carl

Once again I find myself with a schedule change. I had originally been scheduled to speak in two churches in the Mount Elgon region of Kenya on April 18th. The delay caused by the Iceland volcano caused me to miss this speaking engagement. We had determined that we would try to reschedule that engagement for today, but our travel expenses have been much higher than anticipated and the necessary funds were not there.

Pastor Adams and I met yesterday with the overseeing Bishop of these churches. We explained our situation and I told him that a solution would need to be found if we were to come. I asked him to give me until 10:30PM last night to give him a final answer as I wanted to give God time to work and provide. The Bishop agreed to my request. Adams and I felt that God would provide for us, but only to speak in one of the churches. Adams shared this with the Bishop and he decided not to have me speak at all (this was at 5PM by the way).

I have seen on several occasions here in Kenya that the local pastors lose interest in having your work with them, when they learn that you will not be dropping a load of western money on them. Adams said last night that the Lord is showing him that some who had come seeking to work along side of him really had impure motives. It is sad that so many in the Kenyan church serve the god of money. They are more concerned with obtaining money from the West than they are in furthering the good news of Jesus Christ.

Adams has shared many stories with me of the misdoings of pastors in this area. There are many westerners doing mission and church work in this area, but they cannot even enjoy fellowship with the people of this region, because they are so often taken advantage of. In my heart I believe that God is going to use men and women like Adams to remake the church in this region. It is interesting that many of the local pastors are envious of all that Adams is doing, even though he lives by faith and has no outside support. It has brought many of them under conviction.

I believe the Lord has me remaining in Kitale the next few days for a couple of reasons. I believe that I am first of all supposed to pour my life into Adams. He tells people that I have become a spiritual father to him. I also believe God is using this time to help identify some other leaders who share Adams level of commitment to the work of the gospel. In due time the reasons will become clear.

Some photos from Kenya & Uganda

Posted on May 4, 2010 by Carl

Nairobi commute

on Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon Pastors

Roads and Rainy Season

Radio Sayare

Speaking with Pastor Adams at his Church in Kitale

Graduating class Redeemer Bible College – Kitale

Our housing in Chesower, Uganda

Enjoying a snack with Pastor Bon Labu

Inside the conference at Chesower PCM Church

Teaching at Chesower PCM Church

Pastors at Chesower, Uganda

2010 Bukwo graduates

2nd Update from Kenya and Uganda

Posted on May 3, 2010 by Carl

On Wednesday we journeyed to Uganda. My border crossing was uneventful, although my Washington, D.C. issued Ugandan visa gained a few extra glances. Pastor Adams said the border official inquired as to whether I might have any money on me.

From the border we headed high into the mountains to the village of Chesower. Chesower is a small agricultural village that was hit hard by a drought last year. Upon arrival, I was met by Pastor Bon Labu and John Chebures. I had met both of them last year through the graduation ceremonies of our Bible college. Pastor Labu has been ministering in these mountains for over 30 years. He is a strong man in both character and stature. He walks up and down the mountains ministering throughout the region. John Chebures was one of our graduating students from the first class of the Bible college last year. We were blessed to be allowed to stay in a home that is currently under construction. Even the owner had not stayed in the home yet. The toilet facilities were a little more rustic. The toilet is a series of planks layed across a deep pit with a hole in the planks. A step of faith to say the least.

After a snack of small bananas and tea we hiked about half a kilometer up hill to the church. The church is one of three in the village and has about 400 members. The church is a mud structure with a metal roof that overlooks the surrounding farm land. I spoke for about an hour in the afternoon on the topic of waiting upon God. I also prayed for about 75 people. Pastor Labu shared with me how timely this message had been for him, because he was contemplating leaving the ministry, because of discouragement. We chose not to have any evening sessions, because it is the rainy season in Uganda. During the evening I sat with Pastor Labu, John Cherubes and Pastor Adams. We talked about our countries and cultures, enjoying a great conversation. As we were coming to an end the heavy rains began.

On Thursday I slept in with the heavy rains still continuing. About 10:30AM the rains subsided and we headed to the church around noon. The news of my arrival had spread and on this day it was standing room only in the church. While we were ministering a low hanging cloud enveloped the church and I was able to capture video of this cloud blowing into the church through the doors and windows. I believe it was a sign of things to come in the afternoon. I spoke on the issue of encouragement in both sessions. In between the first and second session a woman spoke of her inability to conceive a child. She had never shared her pain with the church. We were able to pray for her as a group, and I look forward to seeing how that prayer is answered. After the conference we shared a meal in the home of this woman. Her home is a mud structure with a tin roof and has calendars from the past 10 years on the walls. Each calendar celebrates a political or military leader, including US President Obama.

On Friday we enjoyed a beautiful morning and enjoyed our breakfast and banter on the front porch of the home in which we were staying. The church was not only full, but people were seated on the ground outside of the church. I spoke 2 messages of challenge to the church and prayed for well over 100 people. I then met with the pastors for another session which was primarily a place for them to share their challenges and receive counsel. The questions dealt with people who challenge leadership, church discipline, church finances and personal growth. Friday evening was again another great time of conversation and laughter with the other leaders.

On early Saturday morning we were supposed to leave for Bukwo on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon. We received a phone call that our driver had gotten very sick and would not be able to take us. After several more phone calls another man with a vehicle was located. When the man arrived he had a small Suzuki Samurai type vehicle. Pastor Labu and I are both about 6’4” so everyone was laughing. With creative seating the four of us and our luggage made it into the vehicle. It had been raining, so the roads were pretty muddy and some of our drive was exciting to say the least. We arrived in Bukwo at around 2PM and checked into a hotel that was just being completed when I was there last year. The hotel had a western toilet which was wonderful to see and used a generator for lights in the evening. The other great thing was that I finally had cell phone service again, so I was thrilled to call my wife and daughter for a few minutes. I also received an email on my Blackberry from my youngest son who was on a trip with his school to Washington, DC. The other pastors spent the afternoon and evening planning for the graduation ceremony on Sunday. The graduation had originally been scheduled for Saturday, but the District was celebrating a festival and the building was being used, so we had to make an adjustment at the last moment. I spent the evening reading several books I had brought with me.

The light switch in my room didn’t work so they had hard wired my light fixture to the generator. When I was ready to go to bed I stood on a chair and removed my light bulb. I also put ear plugs in my ears since the generator was right outside of my room. A heavy rain came through shortly after I went to bed and I finally went to sleep.

Sunday morning I was invited to speak in the BOC church in Bukwo. Pastor Adams had said many local pastors had come by asking if I could speak in their churches, but BOC was chosen since it would also host the Bible college graduation. I was welcomed warmly and was escorted to the pulpit by two women who carried my Bible while they sang and danced. They also escorted my interpreter to the pulpit in the same manner. It was a great service and the people were wonderful.

Once the service had ended we prepared for the graduation ceremony. Before the ceremony I met with a young man I had met a year earlier. When I had last seen him, he was drunk and ran into the back of a church in Kapchesoy. He had run over a mile and half from a still where he was cooking beer, after hearing God’s voice telling him to go to the church and surrender his life. This young man’s face is now full of joy and his mother came and embraced me telling me of the change in her family and in this young man’s home over the past year. A man in my church had given me a cross medallion that had been given to him some years ago when he turned his life around. He had asked that I give it to someone in Africa and I knew that this young man was the one.

I also renewed friendship with a district official who had proclaimed in last year’s graduation ceremony that he would become a student. It was wonderful to see him graduating from this first level of training. I was able to renew my friendship with many other past students and local pastors. It was truly a highlight of my journey. In all we graduated approximately 20 students from this certificate program. Many of them will continue on in a 2 year diploma program.

During the afternoon we learned that the man who was going to take me into the low lands (where the men walk around naked I might add) had become ill. We made a decision to head back into Kenya. At the border crossing the young Ugandan who had approved my entry asked me to pray with him before I left the country. We arrived back in Kitale around 5PM with a house full of visitors waiting to share tea with me. I shared tea and then the evening meal with several of the members from Pastor Adams church. Once the guests had departed I spent about an hour IM with my wife over Skype. The broadband cards here require you purchase bandwidth, so I could not video or voice conference with her, but I was thankful for the conversation. I also found myself laughing as Mary, Pastor Adams wife, was upset with him, because she felt I had not received adequate meals and a proper toilet in Uganda.

Today and tomorrow we have nothing scheduled. We decided to take today as a down day to just recharge our batteries. Later this week we are scheduled to do a graduation in Kakamega, Kenya, meet with another church in the lower areas of Mount Elgon and meet with our Bible college students in Eldoret.

Once I can get hooked into a sufficient internet connection I hope to post some photographs and video.

First Update from Africa

Posted on April 27, 2010 by Carl

I arrived in Nairobi on Thursday evening at around 7PM. After collecting my luggage we made our way to the home of Pastor Adams brother-in-law. There we shared a meal with another brother-in-law a sister-in-law and their families, plus some friends who had learned there would be a white man from America staying in the home. Fellowship is so important in the African culture. The eldest brother-in-law took the lead and led us through a time of greeting. Each person introduced themselves, their spouse and their children. We enjoyed a great meal and much laughter.

On Friday we spent all day traveling. We had hoped to reach Mount Elgon to participate in the final day of a conference in which I had been scheduled to be the keynote speaker. The disruption of flights had caused me to miss the first three days of the conference. Unfortunately heavy rains slowed our progress and made the roads up Mount Elgon impassible. Knowing that we would not make Mount Elgon, we stopped in Eldoret for lunch and I was introduced to Pastor Margaret Maheri. Pastor Maheri is the administrator of our newest Redeemer Bible College in Eldoret, and she also hosts a radio program that broadcasts on Saturday nights to an audience of over one million people.

We finally arrived in Kitale around 5 or 6PM. Jet lag had hit me hard so I went to bed and told my hosts that if they didn’t see me at dinner, I would be alert again in the morning. Needless to say I didn’t wake up until around 5AM on Saturday. Pastor Adams wife was afraid that they had offended me with the accommodations, I explained jet lag and promised to be at dinner from here on out.

Saturday morning we made the trip to Mount Elgon, arriving shortly after the conference closing session. The pastors were gracious and re-assembled to hear from me. We had a great time of fellowship and the word the Lord gave me brought inspiration to many of them. Mount Elgon had been ravaged by a violent clan that had pillaged and killed many a few years ago. People are now beginning to return to the mountain and new church planting is happening at a furious pace.

On Saturday afternoon we traveled to Eldoret. We had been invited to share a meal with Pastor Maheri. When we got to her home, we found her visiting with a friend. Within a few minutes this friend begin to speak with me and the Lord began to touch her heart. She told me that she wanted to find God, or for God to find her. I learned that her father had been a pastor, but he had died at an early age. When her father died, her mother left the family and this woman had been forced to grow up all alone. As we spoke the Lord showed me that this woman was angry at Him for taking her father. When I said this to her she began to weep bitterly. We spent more time talking about God’s love for her and in the end I prayed over her. She left agreeing to spend time pouring out her heart to God. I believe I will hear from her in the near future and that she will have a great story of restoration and redemption.

From Pastor Margaret’s house we went to the radio station. I begin with a youth program that ran from 10PM to midnight. The host, Tobias, and I had a discussion on the challenges that young people are facing. The Lord led me to talk about the compromises in the areas of sexuality and faith that young people are being asked to make. I also talked about the church’s shortfall in speaking openly on these issues, because they are taboo and uncomfortable. After this show was over I hosted Prayer Marathon with Pastor Margaret. Prayer Marathon is a 5 hour call in show where people share their prayer requests and they are ministered to over the air. During our 5 hours we had nearly 100 requests come in. Since Saturday we have heard from many people who were blessed as they listened in.

On Sunday I spoke in Pastor Adams church operating on 2 hours of sleep. The church is just about a year old and already has a congregation of nearly 70 people. We were joined by Esther Wachira, the wife of the pastor who had hosted me in Kitale during my visit last year. Esther shared a recent conversation she had undertaken with a lady delivered from witchcraft. This woman talked to her about the active opposition that she and her fellow practitioners took against the church. These individuals would go into churches and seek to create division in all areas of the church through the use of demonic activity. The one thing this woman told Mrs. Wachira is that the people in the church do not pray and therefore they are easy targets. Pretty sobering word isn’t it. Next an 8 year old orphan that the Wachiras are raising shared a word from Matthew 5. This young man is very astute and he became my buddy the rest of the day. After the service, we held a graduation ceremony for the students of the Redeemer Bible College that operates in Pastor Adams church. During the afternoon, several pastors with whom I had developed a friendship last year came by to see me. It was a great time for renewing our acquaintance.

My greatest challenge so far has been finances. Our transportation has cost much more than it did last year, and we have less to work with. We are seeking the Lord’s guidance to raise the funds necessary for us to finish out our speaking engagements.

My other big challenge (primarily mental) was the usage of the Kenyan squat toilet. Last night I put on my big boy pants and conquered my fears. May not be what you wanted to hear about, but the milestone was huge none the less.

Yesterday, I went to a local hotel to meet with the man who was my driver last year. I had brought him a study Bible and Bible dictionary. Pastor Adams had received several calls asking if we could do a meeting today with some local pastors. We explained that we did not have any money to rent a room or provide lunch, but that we would meet with anyone who wanted to. During the afternoon I ended up spending time with a handful of pastors who showed up at my table one by one. It was great to see God work and we didn’t even have to spend any money.

Today we were supposed to head into Uganda, but we needed fuel for the van. Wouldn’t you know neither of my bank cards would work at the ATM today. So I figured I would go to the local cyber cafe and send myself a Western Union. The internet wouldn’t open the site (at 2 different cyber cafes). Finally Adams caught a ride back home and picked up a broadband card which he reloaded with credits. Finally this afternoon I got the Western Union sent to myself. Unfortunately we missed the first day of the conference, but we should be in place for the next 3 days. While we are in Uganda, Adams and I are going to make a couple of motorcycle excursions to visit some of the remote churches and pastors.

Africa Itinerary

Posted on April 13, 2010 by Carl

Here is the itinerary for Africa:

Friday, Apr 16

~ 1p, Depart CC

Saturday, Apr 17

~ 7:25p (11:25a our time) Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya

Sunday, Apr 18

~Minister at David’s church, (Nairobi)

Monday, Apr 19-

~ Travel to Eldoret and have lunch with Redeemer Bible College students at Eldoret Technical Institute. One of the students wants you to dedicate her grandchild during that meal. The media will be present to take coverage and you will have time to share our vision on media on SAYARE RTV Eldoret.

Tuesday, Apr 20

~ Travel to Mt Elgon but stop at Kamukunywa at Pastor Peter Wasai who recently joined our network, then to Chebich where we will have our lunch and ordain Pastor Peter Wasai and Pastor Dan as we also receive them into the fellowship. After lunch, we will travel to Mt. Eglon.

Wed-Fri, Apr 21-23

~ Minster in Mt. Eglon, pastor’s conference in the daytime and preach publically in the evenings

Saturday, Apr 24

~ Redeemer Bible College Graduation, Kakamega (Mtunga town)

~ 10p-12a (2p-4p our time)- live youth show at Sayare (radio) (in Eldoret)

Sunday, Apr 25-

~ 12a-4a (Sat 4p-8p our time)- ministering and praying for peoples’ needs (radio)

~ 4a-5a (Sat 8p-9p our time)- Live Morning Devotion (radio)

~ Sunday service (10a-12p, 2a-4a our time)- at Pastor Adams’ church for service, will include a small graduation ceremony (1-2p, 5-6a our time) for Redeemer Bible College (in Kitale)

Monday, Apr 26

~ Travel to Mbale, Uganda via Malaba border

~ 11a-5p (3a-9a)- two sessions ministering to pastors and church leaders hosted by Bishop Patrick (Impact Ministries)

~ Sleep in Kapchorwa

Tuesday, Apr 27

~ 10a-11a (2a-3a our time)- Meet with students on Kapchorwa campus

~ Travel to conference venue in Chewower, arrive at 2p (6a our time)

~ Have lunch there, meet pastors as they arrive

Tues-Fri, Apr 27-30

~ Conference at church in Chewower

Saturday, May 1

~ Redeemer Bible College Graduation in Bukwo 10a-1p (2a-5a our time)

~ Travel to Kitale

Sunday, May 2

~ Sunday service at Driver John’s church (their chauffer for the two weeks) from 10a-12p (2a-4a our time)

~ have lunch and travel back to Nairobi

Monday, May 3

~ 10:20p (2:10a our time) Depart Nairobi, Kenya

Tuesday, May 4

~ 6:30 pm Arrive in CC

Please be in prayer for our students in Kapchorwa, Uganda as we learned of the death of one of their classmates this morning.

A testimony that just keeps getting better.

Posted on September 21, 2009 by Carl

Ugandan man coming to faith in Christ

During my time in Uganda, this past May, I had the privilege of preaching in the PCM Church in Kapchesoy.

One afternoon as I had finished preaching and was sitting down, the whole church erupted in celebration. I learned that they were celebrating, because a man (pictured) who was the village drunkard and troublemaker was giving his life to Christ.

In the days that followed, I learned his story. He was cooking beer a mile and half from the church. He had been drinking all day and was already drunk. As he explained he heard a voice telling him that he needed to run as fast as he could to the church and give his life to Jesus. He had arrived, just as I sat down and he went forward and gave his life to Jesus.

The next day, his closest friend was at the front of the church giving his life to Jesus, because of what he had witnessed the day before. Now if that was the story, that would be absolutely amazing in itself, but it gets even better. I received this update from Pastor Adams today:

The lord is still working great things and fire as never ceased!
The man you prayed for him during the conference in Kapchesoy church who came smelling alcohol is still firm. The lord has used him to win 12 other drunkards to Christ and many are coming to get saved because of his salvation.
We have enrolled him in our Bible College and taking certificate. I was with him and told me to send you his personal greetings.

He has a hunger and passion to reaching the lost. He told me he will resign soon from teaching to start preaching the Gospel but I told him first he should seek the lord before taking any step.

One transformed life, transforming the lives of others. The power of God is truly amazing to watch.

Fresh testimony from East Africa

Posted on August 27, 2009 by Carl

I received this email on Wednesday from Pastor Adams, the Lead Pastor of East Africa ministries for Simplicity:

Dear Rev.
> I would to share with you what the lord did recently in my mission
> trip to West Pokot many KM from our home town.
>
> This is our seventh year
> in Kenya. Our hearts are entwined with the people of this nation.
> Indeed it’s the land that calls for the righteousness of God. The Lord
> has continued to bring forth His word to encourage and exhort this
> nation so that they may rise up to righteousness and advance the
> kingdom of God.
>
>
> The lord has given us
> favor and expands our many areas of influence and His power of healing
> is bringing mighty transformation in the lives of His people across
> this nation especially in the rural areas where the gospel is list
> preached.
>
> As we proclaim Jesus,
> Words flow from our lips like the sword and fire cutting and burning
> hearts like fire. The villages are shaken by the power of God resident
> in His word coming through His vessel with power and grace. The
> response of brethren here has been a time of repentance and making
> their ways right with God.
>
>
> We returned from another
> mission trip on the hills of Pokot and Marakwet, Kenya. The people of
> these regions are cattle keepers and they depend on their animals for
> survival. Few churches are planted in these areas because of the
> insecurity. We had a great time with them as we shared the love of
> Jesus with the native people of that region. Many came to our crusades
> and evening revival. They came and sat down on the grass and listened
> to us in the crusade. When we invited them for the altar call many
> gave their lives to Jesus. Miracles were also present as many got
> healed from different kinds of diseases. But among all, three miracles
> turned the whole village to Christ.
>
> 1)      There was a
> man who was bed-ridden for six months (H.I.V positive) who could not
> walk or even talk. We went with Brother Apollo to his home. We found
> him lying on bed, the wife told us of what happened to her husband six
> months ago and how they have gone to many hospitals but the condition
> of her husband worsened all day long. They are all civil servants
> serving in the Kenyan government. The husband works with the
> Administration police and the lady as a prison warden in Langata
> prisons Nairobi city. But because of the sickness they were given a
> leave to go home. They were all waiting for any fate to happen to
> them. After sharing with them about Jesus they all gave their lives to
> Jesus, then I prayed for both of them then later I prayed for her
> husband and rebuked evil disease to leave his body in Jesus’
> name. His body shook terribly and when we all said Amen, he stood up
> to greet us completely healed by the Lord. What a mighty God we serve!
>
> 2)      On that
> evening the whole village came for the revival meeting and there was a
> lady who had the issue of blood for a year. She was brought for prayer
> and she was being carried on the bed.
> After prayer she got up and walked and the fountain of blood tried up.
> The next day they all came for a Sunday service and shared with us how
> God healed them. We were amazed and everybody praised the lord.
>
> 3)      A girl aged
> ten to twelve years was cribled by a strange disease which made her
> hands, feet to wither was healed when I called upon the name of the
> lord. Immediately she struggled to stand alone and our team helped her
> to stand up alone. She was crying as she walked alone.
>
> Surely Jesus still heals
> even today. May all glory and honor be to Him and Him alone!
> Father, May you stretch
> your hand and do things that is beyond human imaginations so that this
> world will know you and your power.
> Amen and Amen.
>
> God bless you Rev
Yours faithfully
Apostle Adams

Testimonies, tempering and trust

Posted on August 3, 2009 by Carl

I want to start this round of rambling and mental sponge squeezing with the following set of emails from Africa. These emails came in over the past 3 days from Bishop Cleophas Makona, Rev. Sabila Adams (who leads the East Africa ministries for Simplicity) and John Juma (my driver in Uganda). These emails give a brief glimpse in the rear view mirror and also point to the destination for my work, they are filled with prayers, promises, passion and prompting:

Our beloved friend willis,

In II Corinthians 11:23-29, Paul the apostle demonstrated his commitment to Jesus Christ by listing a number of the hardships he have suffered . If nothing else, such ongoing mistreatment and deprivation revealed Paul’s perseverance. Let us seek to imitate Paul and his faithful commitment to Christ.

Jesus Christ in (John 7:2-9) experienced ridicule and rejection from his family . His brothers did not understand what God was doing in or through him. Therefore Jesus obeyed the will of his father in heaven instead of bowing to the pressure of those in his family. Like Jesus, we need to make sure that we are following God’s plan for our lives rather than following the dictates of people who do not know that God has planned for us. We must know God’s word and have a close relationship with God, nurtured by prayer and Bible study. Staying lose to God and remaining focused on his purpose for our lives will help us make good decisions and preserve our spiritual growth.

The enemy knows what you are doing for God, so stay focused on your calling , Jesus will never forsake you. Even at times your really own can not understand what calling you have.

God knows it, persevere dear, remember Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego and finally Daniel. They risked their lives in obedience to God’s will to them to die was better than to live with the quilt and shame of disobeying God. Like these three friends, we must determine to stand up against those who tempt us to turn from God’s will. To them to die was better than to live with the quilt and shame of disobeying God. Like these three friends , we must determine to stand up against those who tempt us to turn from God’s plan. We must follow God – no matter what cost.

In (Daniel 3:1-30) , we face situations in which we are tempted to do things that are wrong . Sometimes there are consequences for not going along with the crowd. This fact is clearly illustrated in the story of the fiery finance. The penalty for not following the crowd was death – a horrible death of being burned alive. When we stand for what is right and refuse to yield to peer pressure , we may suffer persecution, but we must stand firm in our faith. God will reward those who remain faithful to Him.

The enemy is after you, many in east Africa are being saved and rejoining the kingdom of God,AS YOU SAID THE WISE WINS SOULS. Many unreached souls have been reached and the neglected and unloved in the community have hope now through your regular support you are sowing to this mission . God is about opening bigger doors of provision through you for His work in Africa, just wait upon His timing and be sensitive in hearing His small voice and obeying every direction He leads you, He has a PURPOSE AND PLAN for your life on earth.

This can be one of the church’s finest hours in all history if we respond correctly. The Bible tells us that “ all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28)”

That includes uncertain times like these. Christians simply must not miss this opportunity to tell those who are looking for answers that JESUS IS THE ANSWER.

In fact, if we falter, I believe God will hold us responsible.

This is divine moment. Today , we can reach multitudes that we could only dream about a few years ago.As a mission we are intensifying our efforts to reach as many souls for the Lord as possible. I have asked our staff to pray more than they have ever prayed before, and I am asking you to join us and do the same. Through you, I’am asking you to sow the best seed you can to help us reach these multitudes who are looking for the Lord. You are the backbone of this mission and millions of lives are depending on your continued obedience during these great days of opportunity.

Every gift you sow into this mission is used carefully has stewards of God and wisely to help reach a growing multitude of souls all over the globe. Thank you for making a difference.

This are August prayer requests:-

i) Pray that God will provide for this two meetings to hire PA system and transport . August 13^th to 17^th ,09 – Kisumu and August 19^th to 23rd ,09 – Kuria on the border of Kenya and Tanzania.

ii) Pray for the feeding programme for orphans and widows that God will provide , for us to buy beans.Psalms 145;1-21,146:5-9. Thank you for now till next , God bless you dear servant of the most high God.

You are loved and appreciated.

All the Best.

Brother Cleophas

Dear Rev Carl and Simplicity Church

Greetings in the name of our lord Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful bright day here in Africa and the lord has wakened us up again well.

We bless the lord for what He is doing and what is a bout to do. We had a wonderful church service yesterday at our church in Kitale and the lord did move in a mighty way. The lord led me to share a bout healing the wounded spirit; I was so moved when I saw people moving a head to the altar in tears seeking God to heal their hurts. I saw this woman rolling down in tears and her mouth moving up and down but she could not speak out. When she spoke she said loudly I forgive you JOHN for hurting me and breaking my heart!

I called her latter to see me before she goes to her home. In our face to face talk she told me that she had been separated with her husband for four years a go and she left with two Sons which she is taking care. She had loved her husband so much and when the incident happened she could not believe. She was also rejected by her relatives and she decided to move to town to work as a maid.

She told me that as I was ministering it was like I knew everything which she had gone through in life. She said a heavy load was lifted out from her chest and she felt free and light than never before.

I saw such a radiance of Gods Glory in her face as she shouted a gain Hallelujah to God and saying I have forgiven you JOHN my husband, I don’t hold you any more in my heart. I let go of the past hurts and receive Gods healing Oil on my wounds.

Rev Carl, I thank God for allowing us to touch lives here. My prayer has been to God to do things that are beyond humanity and beyond Imaginations of men so that men may see it and says this is the lord!

Pray for me, I am on fire than never before, I have a heart to disciple nations and share my live testimony to the nations of the world. I believe God to pave and provide ways for me to contact leadership conferences, seminars and crusades for God and Simplicity starting next year 2010 across East and central Africa. I have already set up plans and many pastors are waiting for my first move to step out in the name of the lord. We want to plan churches as the lord leads ALL FOR HIS GLORY.

I feel the wave of Gods revival in my heart. Last night I was before the lord seeking His face over the work he has placed under my care and the Simplicity Church Network.

In my personal devotions in the book of Mathew and the feeding of the four and five thousands (chapter 14&15), I heard Holy Spirit say this to me: “Place a supernatural demand on Jesus”

We all know the story of Jesus feeding the thousands in Mathew 14:13-21 and Mathew 15:32-39.

This seems to be God’s perfect timing to send His word out, to all who are moving forth in kingdom advancement in these days and our team at Simplicity. The need is plentiful and our God has storehouses to fund His work through His people, through supernatural means, etc. in other words, He is the God who meets all our needs that we need to prosper and do the work of the kingdom. So all we need to do is to listen to our Lord and obediently follow in faith. When He leads us out, as He did to the thousands who came to hear His voice, He will not fail to supply our needs. When evening came, the disciples and Jesus came to a deserted place, without adequate supply to meet the natural demand for food. The disciples answers was to look at the natural supply and simply acknowledge that the need was too great and the people should simply be sent away to go into the villages to buy the necessary food. But our answer is found in Christ Jesus so when He talks, we immediately listen and obey. Jesus is quick to say in Mathew 14; 16: “They do not go away. You give them something to eat”. Again in Mathew 15, Jesus commands the multitudes to sit down on the ground, and proceeded to seek heaven to multiply a natural supply with a supernatural demand of faith and obedience by the one in need. There was a divine connection of multiplication when earth aligned with heaven’s supply through faith and obedience. For many this will be a test of faith, for we are looking at a natural lack and can’t see beyond it to see that God will take what is lacking in the natural and multiply it with a supernatural anointing from heaven. How else did they receive all that needed to eat? Mathew 15:37 says: “So they all ate and were filled and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left.” Mathew 14:20 says:

“So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained”.

I heard the lord peak to me loudly, Adams my Son! Heaven is ready to supply through supernatural means adequately and to satisfy your natural need. Now please understand my son, when I say ‘demand’ that surely implies that the desire has been initiated in my heart to supply what I desire to activate here on earth.

Thank you father I have heard you.

Stepping out in extraordinary ways in advancing my kingdom requires faith to see me work miracles to supply all that I am requiring all of you to do in these kingdom days. As you follow me obediently, expect heaven to back up what I have initiated in the heavenly realm for you. My son, fear not I love you so much that is why I chose you from your tribe (Sebei Tribe) to serve me. Before you were born, you were in my mind. Trust me Son, I will not fail you.

Thank you dad! I am ready to obey you are hear your voice. Amen

Simplicity, Let us wait on God, He is faithful He will perfect what He has began in us.

God bless you all.

Your humble servant and Son

Apostle Adams Sabila

For

Simplicity Church Network

Dear Rev,

Greetings once more.

I am glad to inform you that the lord has expanded our ministry greatly.We have planted three churches in My Elgon last three weeks.

I wanted to confirm first before letting you know a bout this move.I recieved a call from Pastor Charles from Elgon who informed me that they successful planted three churches in three weeks.

Every church has 50 church members and a bove.

I have been invitated to go on 15th August 2009.Please pray for the provissions of this trip.

I also wanted to ask you if there is a way we can get funds to help us here in Africa,God is opening great doors and weed funds.Like if I can get proposal asking grands in your nation.Can it be possible.if have friends or ministries that can help.

We need to meet the need of our colleges both in kenya and Uganda.

God bless,

Hope to hear from you soon.

Apostel adams

Pastor Carl,

I am so happy again for this open hearted email you have sent.It makes me encouraged and strong and strong in faith,it has encouraged me to be sure that once our plans and imaginations have been committed to God through prayer,He is faithful to grant us the desires of our heart.

I want you to know that your last email really pushed me to seek the lord,because of you and the Simplicity ministry,I joined our church intercessors to fast and pray and we have heard the lord confirming to us that the plans and vision He has for you concerning many Nations Africa being one of them,he will protect and provide for you.Place be sure that you have dear once in Kenya Kitale.

The anointing service you held in Uganda,renewed my spiritual life,our church is now over three hundred members and we give all the glory back to God.

Yours faithfully in Christ,

John.

If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I have been wrestling with the challenges of what seems prudent and what is beyond the wisdom of man. God has been using emails like these to continue to relay a message of “trust Me” that has been spoken into my life for sometime now. I take great comfort in emails like these, because they remind me that my work is not in vain. They also give me hope for my work going forward. The waiting and trusting in my case are in the realms of finances. Many who could choose to walk beside me in a financial sense, simply have not felt God’s prompting to do so. Carol and I become more and more convinced each day that the Lord’s direction for me is not to spend my time and energies in corporate America as I have been seeking, but that shortly we will see the Divine enter into the dimension of mortality, creating unseen pathways of provision. I truly believe the Lord has already put the ingredients in hand (5 loaves and 2 fish), it is now the time when Jesus does His work and multiplies that which is already present.

The second point of expectation is here in Corpus Christi, Texas and the nation. I have been to India and Africa and seen the types of things these men describe in their emails. I believe in the not to distant future we will see God moving in the hearts of people here in a similar way. A prime example occurred yesteray during our worship time. I was teaching and a watched a man walking by outside. He continued to gaze at the building, smiled, looked up at the sign and passed by. Within a few moments, he had turned around, made the sign of the cross and entered the door. His name is Charlie, he wanted us to pray for his mother Sue, she had nearly died yesterday morning. As we prayed, Kim and I placed our hands on Charlie, he had already gone to his knees. In the name of Jesus we prayed for his mom, his pain and his trust. Just as quickly as he entered, he left, smiling and saying “God bless you” as he exited.

Trust is an interesting concept. The Lord has been showing me lately that He is faithful, but not according to our time table. This week, He placed two passages of Scripture before me, to remind me of what He is doing in my life:

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NASB)
2 Then the LORD answered me and said, “Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.
3 “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

Psalm 145:15 (NASB)
15 The eyes of all look to Thee, And Thou dost give them their food in due time.

Journey To Simplicity