Meru Mission Newsletter

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Ralf Kelley
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1 Newsletter Meru, Kenya Mission Trip Summer, 2008 Lacee Sewell, Clay Jones, Daniel Kelly, Lauren Trull, Bella Epps, Emily Stutzman, Corrine Fanneus, Travis Trull Visiting the Gamepark Demographics of Kenya and Meru Population of Kenya 31,012,000 (Meru 1.5 million) Education: Avg. 6th grade Annual Income: $600 60% live in poverty Life Expectancy: 53.8 years Size of country: 218,907 sq. miles (Meru area: 60 by 30 miles) Number of languages: 60 P.O. Box 467 Fort Deposit, AL Summer, 2008 Despite the political problems that severely harmed Kenya and killed hundreds in December and early 2008, we were blessed to have a group of students work with us this year. Have you milked a cow lately? Well, our students did, along with many other new things. This year s mission trip was very successful and rewarding. We went with six students, and we were joined by Travis and Lauren later to round out our group. We want to commend these students as they did an outstanding job in all their activities. They worked hard in their teaching and in encouraging the Kenyan Christians with whom they came in contact. They also gained a lot themselves through experiencing a different culture, learning about mission work and observing the challenges people face in that part of the world. Also, this year s group did very well in learning some of the Kimeru language. The students held seven Children s Bible School sessions at different villages, planned and held an overnight youth meeting, visited churches in numerous villages, participated in a bonding day, and helped with the ongoing construction of the Kambakia Training Center. We hope you enjoy this report, though it is later than we planned as we were tied up with planning and hosting the World Mission Workshop. Marinda and I thank you for your generous support for the Meru mission work. Prayer Requests for the Leaders as they serve Churches as they grow Economic problems of Kenya Festus, Principal of KTC Completion of KTC buildings Next year s mission trip New churches as they mature Bible Training School courses Increase in funding for KTC courses Festus desire to continue his education to be more effective Page 1

Children s Bible Class Each year the Meru church elders select the churches where we will teach the Children s Bible Classes (CBS).

The lessons this year were on the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus calming the storm which show that God takes care of us and has power Daniel Playing with CBS Children over everything.

The students were able to spend a lot of time with the children, eat local food and visit in the villages where the churches hosting the Children s Bible School classes were located.

In some areas there are too many kids for the local church building to hold all the children.

They were assisted by a couple of Meru youth, Muriithi and Gaki, who translated for them.

Those who did come had to pay for their own transport which often can cost the equivalent of one day s wages. Some of their churches assisted them in covering the cost of their transportation.

2 Children s Bible Class Each year the Meru church elders select the churches where we will teach the Children s Bible Classes (CBS). The students taught seven children s Bible classes in seven different villages. Over 600 children attended the classes, which are similar to our Vacation Bible School. The lessons this year were on the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus calming the storm which show that God takes care of us and has power Daniel Playing with CBS Children over everything. The Bible classes consist of biblical teachings, application of the teaching to the children s life situations, learning a memory verse, dramas, and a couple of crafts. The students were able to spend a lot of time with the children, eat local food and visit in the villages where the churches hosting the Children s Bible School classes were located. This year the churches that hosted a CBS were Abongiri, CBS at Antuamou A n t u a m u o, Cumbi, Gatinka, Kambakia, Kamacheru, and Ncheru. In some areas there are too many kids for the local church building to hold all the children. Youth Meeting The students planned and carried-out a very successful overnight youth meeting at the training center. They were assisted by a couple of Meru youth, Muriithi and Gaki, who translated for them. This year we saw 80 youth attend from all over Meru, even though in Kenya school was still in session with many of the youth away Students Teach Youth at boarding school. Those who did come had to pay for their own transport which often can cost the equivalent of one day s wages. Some of their churches assisted them in covering the cost of their transportation. Our students did an excellent job of leading devotionals, teaching the lessons which were based on the story of Joseph, leading the discussion groups, and emphasizing the lessons through dramas applying the lesson with current issues that face the youth of Kenya. The various youth groups from the different churches created their own Youth Do Their Own Drama dramas to emphasize the main point of the lessons as well. The youth of Kenya face many challenges, some of which are similar to problems faced by youth in the U.S. and others unique to the cultural situation in Kenya. They have fewer opportunities than most youth in the U.S. and face many economic challenges. Despite these hindrances they continue to face the future with faith and dependence on God. Below is a group picture of those involved in the youth meeting. Drama for the CBS The Youth and Their Sponsors Page 2

Leaders Course and Vocational Training We held a leadership course during this year s trip. A Survey of the New Testament was taught with twenty leaders from various congregations attending.

Because of the high inflation rate and economic problems that were exacerbated by the political problems in December through April, people are experiencing Twenty leaders attend Survey of New

This has caused a real hardship on everyone, including our leaders and their abilities to attend courses. The economic problems effect our training center s operation as well.

In all, we lost about one third of our income to inflation and the exchange rate.

We have been able to make many improvements to the facilities the last few years.

3 Leaders Course and Vocational Training We held a leadership course during this year s trip. A Survey of the New Testament was taught with twenty leaders from various congregations attending. Half of these were trying to complete a few courses they lacked in order to receive their certificate of graduation. Because of the high inflation rate and economic problems that were exacerbated by the political problems in December through April, people are experiencing Twenty leaders attend Survey of New Testament Course high prices on all the staples of life. Food costs alone have increased by at least a third. This has caused a real hardship on everyone, including our leaders and their abilities to attend courses. The economic problems effect our training center s operation as well. The high inflation rate and low exchange rate this last year increased the overhead costs and the cost of running the monthly courses. In all, we lost about one third of our income to inflation and the exchange rate. Our supporters have been constant in contributing to the work at the training center which we appreciate more than we can say. We have been able to make many improvements to the facilities the last few years. Please pray for improvements Kenya s economic problems raising food prices by thirty-three percent in the economic situation in Kenya and for more funds for keeping the training center running at its maximum capabilities. Our Tailoring vocational course continues to be popular and has a consistent number of students receiving training in tailoring. We are getting closer to adding a vocational course in secretarial computing. The church leaders selected this type of vocational training because they have seen opportunities for Making a Dress employment in this area in Meru. The classroom for the computers was completed this summer as part of the kitchen/dining hall building so we hope to add the computers next year depending on the economic situation. Maasai Church Visit The Maasai people have traditionally been nomadic herders of cattle. A portion of the Maasai people live in the district adjacent to the Meru District. Each year we try to visit one of seven Maasai churches. These churches are in very remote areas and are actually quite a distance from one another. It requires walking most of a day for them to visit each other. This year we went to the church in the village of Cumbi which sits high on a plateau in the Laikipia District some four hours away by Cumbi Church Building four-wheel-drive from Meru town. The students taught the Maasai Sunday School teachers to teach the Children s Bible School. Because of the distance between churches and kids away at boarding school or out herding cattle, the Sunday School teachers are taught to teach the CBS material so when they go back to their churches they can teach the Bible school material effectively. While the students were teaching, I met with the Maasai Cumbi Women Visiting church leaders. We discussed how the work was going in each of the villages. The last year was difficult because of the lack of rain which had them taking their cattle up higher toward Mt. Kenya. The October rains came on schedule but unfortunately stopped before the crops were mature enough. We have received reports from our leaders and the Kenya news is reporting severe food shortages in the northern regions of Meru. We helped the Maasai churches last year by contributing some goats to the church herd (their bank account) to which church members also contributed. They were able to increase the herd during the year. They sold some of them to put roofs on church buildings, make other improvements, and take care of other church needs. This year we gave them three goats and the students chipped in two goats to add to the church herd. They have very little cash and what cash they do get is from selling their animals or selling trade items. A leader who Student Playing with Child was seriously ill last year was there this year, much better, and thanked us for assisting in paying for his medical care. We look forward to visiting another church next year. Page 3

Bonding Kambakia Training Center (cont.) Each of the students spent a day bonding with a local Kenyan Christian. Bonding is total immersion in the culture with a Kenyan family.

They learned how to cook Meru foods the Meru way, milk cows or goats, do daily chores like picking tea or coffee, and any other activities of the family.

Most of the building renovation was completed while we were there with a new roof on, taking out the old feeding bins and filling in the walls with bricks to install windows.

Former Chicken House Project Kambakia Training Center As in previous years we continued the construction projects during the summer and were blessed to complete the kitchen/ dining hall/classroom

Our plans are to use the two rooms on each end for the men s and women s dorms, moving the location of the old dorms there because the rooms are bigger than the current dorms.

4 Bonding Kambakia Training Center (cont.) Each of the students spent a day bonding with a local Kenyan Christian. Bonding is total immersion in the culture with a Kenyan family. During the day students participated in the daily activities of life with the family with which they were bonding. They learned how to cook Meru foods the Meru way, milk cows or goats, do daily chores like picking tea or coffee, and any other activities of the family. This helps them to learn what it is like to live in another culture. The pictures below indicate the construction progression this last summer. Most of the building renovation was completed while we were there with a new roof on, taking out the old feeding bins and filling in the walls with bricks to install windows. The windows and doors were fitted after we left. Former Chicken House Project Kambakia Training Center As in previous years we continued the construction projects during the summer and were blessed to complete the kitchen/ dining hall/classroom building and to renovate the old chicken house so that we will have three functional rooms. Our plans are to use the two rooms on each end for the men s and women s dorms, moving the location of the old dorms there because the rooms are bigger than the current dorms. The center room may be used for visiting teachers or classroom space. The current dorm rooms will be changed and used as classrooms for the various courses. The cost of construction this year was $8,000. Kambakia Training Center Building 2008 Expenses - Building materials for old chicken house Expenses $6,000 - Building materials for Kitchen/Dining Hall $2,000 Total Estimated One Time Expenses $8,000 Future New Dorms Windows Added Family Notes The highlight of 2008 for our family was the marriage of Travis to Lauren Greek. Lauren also grew up in Kenya where her parents did mission work on the other side of Kenya from where we were in Meru. We have known Lauren s family for many years. Travis and Lauren are part of a mission team that is planning to work with an unreached tribe in southwest Tanzania starting in 2010 after Travis finishes his Masters degree. Jeremy s wife, Rachel, graduated from Harding this December with her nursing degree. She was hired by Children s Hospital in Little Rock even before she graduated. For now, they are still living in Searcy. Jeremy continues to work for a counseling center where he evaluates children with psychological and drug problems. New Kitchen/Dining Hall Marinda continues to work with home health while Rick works at Faulkner. Faulkner University hosted the World Mission Workshop this last October. There were many good presentations, which are available for downloading on the Faulkner website at Rick Page 4

Women s Seminars The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.

Psalms 19:7ff When David wrote those words, he was writing God s words to a people who were illiterate for the most part, who lived in houses of mud, walked to the river for their water and had no

These words were written to people who walked to worship and had no Bible, or written down words from God of their own to carry to the worship service.

They walk to the stream for their drinking water and carry it home. Very few have elecmost women have a 3rd to 6th grade education. tricity, and all walk to the church service.

5 Women s Seminars The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. Psalms 19:7ff When David wrote those words, he was writing God s words to a people who were illiterate for the most part, who lived in houses of mud, walked to the river for their water and had no electricity in their homes, but were close knit family groups that looked out for each o ther a nd t heir neighbors. These words were written to people who walked to worship and had no Bible, or written down words from God of their own to carry to the worship service. Many of these things are true of the Meru Christians also. Most live in mud houses or perhaps have upgraded to wooden walls with a dirt floor. They walk to the stream for their drinking water and carry it home. Very few have elecmost women have a 3rd to 6th grade education. tricity, and all walk to the church service. Most women have a 3rd-6th grade education. Few have Bibles to study on their own. Most that do share their Bibles with a large group of family members or friends. But they value the word of God. They treasure it in their hearts. The women where we taught this year did not grow up as part of a church family or in Bible classes teaching them the Bible stories. So when most women become Christians, they have no idea which books are in the Old Testament and which are in the New, what the gospels are, what the name of the book is that tells about when God made the world. Just imagine NO background in the Bible in your growing up years. Meru. The 7th church where I taught a group of about 50 women was from a different tribe, the Maasai tribe, where the Meru people have started about 7 churches. There we met with women out on a remote plateau on what felt like the edge of the world. Since my audience this year was a group of very new Christians in very new churches, I decided to teach on God s Work through the Bible. I gave them an overview of God s story and plan as He gave it to us in the Bible. It was like a narrated timeline with God s purpose for it all as the thread throughout and His plan for our redemption through His Son. It was amazing to see their faces as they heard God s story and how He worked through history to show His love for them, for each of them individually. The women sat It was amazing to see their faces as they heard God s story.... listening spellbound to God s story for two separate sessions, one after the other, totaling about two and a half hours. We taught just under 250 women in all, many of whom walked half a day s journey to the meeting. (Never mind the trip home after.) Many carried small children tied on their backs to the meeting. I think God allowed them to see that He had a purpose and a plan for each of their lives, that He and His Son are revealed to us in the Bible, and that He is full of love for each of us. They learned He gave all of us directions for how we are to live and follow His way in His book we call the Bible. They were blessed by His word and an increased knowledge of it. And we, their teachers, were blessed even more than they by our opportunity to share His word and plan to women who hunger for knowledge of our God and our Savior. -- Marinda Thank you for your continued support! Visit our website for more information and pictures about the. Faulkner University hosted the 2008 World Mission Workshop. The theme of the workshop was Who is my neighbor? Download presentations at worldmissionworkshop2008.org This year the elders in the churches in Meru chose 6 Meru churches in which for me to teach the women, most of which were very new churches and in extremely remote areas of Page 5

God s Early Church in Kenya

God s Early Church in Kenya Back in early 2006 I received a request for information about how to observe the Passover from a Pastor in the Massa Mara, Kenya. At that time I was the Pastor of the North