Update from Natasha, Nairobi

This week I had an opportunity to go to my first wedding here in Kenya…It was an interesting experience… It is very common here to start your wedding ceremony 2, 3 or even 4 hours late, so…  instead of starting it at 11.00 we started at 1.30 pm.  The whole ceremony took 12 hours and was held in different places.  By the end of the day we were very tired…It looks like our church is entering a wedding season, we are going to have another wedding at our church this coming Saturday, and also next Saturday I was invited to sing worship at another wedding…Such an exciting time!!! Why I say that… is because many people here just come together and live as husband and wife without even getting married… it's the “Come and stay” life-style, as we call it. The sinful relationship that destroys many people’s lives…

  Kitange dresses

 Scholastica and I waiting for the wedding...

Another exciting thing that had happened today is that Benodictor, who moved with his family to Mombasa for a church plant from Calvary Chapel Nairobi, came to visit us!  It was so good to hear about the work that the Lord is doing in Mombasa.  Benodictor leads a Bible Study and 10 people got saved!!!  He is very excited about it.  We'll also be starting the Sunday service soon. The ministry to the Muslims is continuing and I was very encouraged to hear that the Lord opens the hearts of those who are open to hear and receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!!  It’s hard, but it’s good!!!  Please pray for Benodictor’s wife, Millicent; she is going to have a baby in one or two weeks.  Pray for safety and protection when they are witnessing to the Muslim community… Pray that the Lord would open the eyes of those who are searching for the truth…

Benedictor telling us about the ministry...

What Sheri is thankful for;

That God has a plan for my life, I am not an incident or an accident.  He has something for me that He has planned since before the foundations of the earth, and His hand is clearly seen in how He has prepared me for today.  I am thankful for the time I spent with my dad and that he was a wonderful object lesson of Matthew 7:11.  And, I am thankful for my friends who are Jesus with skin on, and for my four legged Jesus with fur on. 

 My dog and cat

- Sheri Hansen

What Cayley is thankful for:

My husband & son

My granddaughter

My dog

My son & his family

My children

What Kelly is thankful for:

It is difficult for me to put down on paper all of the things that I am thankful for this year. From the amount of time that I am blessed to be able to spend with my grandson to having a family that is thriving and healthy, I am thankful for it all. Even the issues that seem to press down on me, I find it all a little easier knowing that I have a gracious Lord that bares my burdens for me. What I am most thankful for though, is being a child of a merciful, kind, wonderful and gracious Savior.

Happy and blessed Thanksgiving to you! 

- Kelly Mejia

What Shannon is thankful for:

I can always look back and see the hand of the Lord in everything I have gone through. I am thankful that we serve a mighty God. I am thankful for this life He has chosen to so graciously give me. I am honored to be mom to Sage and Courage,  I am incredibly privileged to be wife to Bartley Forsythe, and I am honored to serve my Lord. 

Deuteronomy 3:7 for what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us....

Happy Thanksgiving!
- Shannon Forsythe

Cars in Kenya

For all of you who drive, or buy cars, or even just fuel cars you will definitely find this story funny.  Hope this little story brings a smile to your face next time you have car problems or traffic problems.

So obviously coming to a new country and culture I expected to find changes in driving especially the main one which is driving on the opposite side.  I love to laugh at the things I learn that I never would have thought of and especially how I learn them.

The first funny experience I had was when I was going to refuel my friend's car at the gas station.  I pull up   and roll down my window(gas is full service here so not self service, I know nice).  The guy walks up and says no gas.  I saw another car sitting in the station, not realizing they were having a different service and thought to myself, "No gas? What does that mean?"  So I turn to my fellow missionary confused, and asked, "Do you have to belong to a membership for certain gas stations? Or is there something I have to do or sign or say to get gas? What is wrong?" She laughed so hard, because what I thought was something I did wrong was simply not understanding the simple statement. "No Gas."  She just said as sweet as possible to my confused person, "Jamie they mean, no gas, as in there is no gas at this station they ran out."  Yes, in America even with the gas prices and many cars I had never before found a station that ran out of gas.  So remember sometimes it is better to pay for high price gas then find out there is no gas at all.

The second experience I had with cars here that is unusual for me is buying a car.  I personally do not enjoy car shopping, shoe shopping I love, car shopping I just endure.  I was so blessed to have Wes offer to help me shop for cars, my limited knowledge is obvious to dealers and it was so great to have him be able to really look for a good car.  So Wes, Vicky, Natasha, and I went looking for a car that would be suitable for me here in Kenya. I was excited to have their help.  So we go on our first test drive of a car. Most importantly in shopping for cars is to make sure air conditioning works, so we are testing that out as well.  In Kenya due to robberies a lot of dealers leave very little gas in the cars on the lot.  I am sure you know where this is going..... Yes you are correct we  ran out of gas on our test drive.  So Vicky and I and the cars salesman get out of the car and push from the back to get the car out of the road.  I was laughing so hard since here I am in a dress and Vicky in heels pushing this car.  That is definitely hands down the most fun I have ever had shopping for a car.  Please continue to pray as I have not bought a car yet, but it looks as if God has provided a good one, just pray all the details work out and it would be a blessing to the ministry here.

The most important thing in the mission field and in life is to just be able to laugh at yourself and situations.  I am always so happy to just be able to see the humor in things.

Pushing the stalled car.

In Him,
Jamie

Back in Africa

Dear friends and family,
It’s been a LONG time since I updated you on what the Lord has been doing in my life…So, here we go…
I had a chance to go to Russia for two weeks and was able to attend the Annual Calvary Chapel Conference and it was a great time of fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ!!! I also got to spend time with my daughter and I am very thankful for your prayers for her…I can see how God’s love is pursuing her. She is in the place where she knows the Gospel and she knows that Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life but she chooses not to walk in this truth. Please continue to pray for her… Continue to pray for the church in Russia…the warfare is so strong and believers there need to stay strong in the Lord, be on fire for Jesus and preach the Gospel!!!
I am back in Africa now and it is a great time of reunion with the missionary team here…We had another family who was in the stats for three months and now they are back. We also had Wes and Vicky Bentley with us for a couple of days and it was great time of encouragement and fellowship!!! It’s so good to be back at church again and see all the faces…
Now we are entering into a special season of Thanksgiving and Christmas!!! Please continue to pray for wisdom in teaching the ladies; we are studying the gospel of Matthew. Pray for our women’s Christmas Tea, that it would be special event for each lady…
Agape,
Natasha

new bass guitar...

in Moscow...

                                                            

Daily Devotion

1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

The resurrection tells us to be steadfast and immovable. These words tell us to have stability in faith. The resurrection should cause us to remain loyal to Jesus regardless of our circumstances. Corinth was a difficult place to live in, full of pagan worship, temptations, and trials that confronted Christians.

The resurrection tells us to be diligent, “always abounding in the work of the Lord.” What is the work of the Lord? It is doing good to others in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus went about doing good . We are to “abound” in His work.

The resurrection tells us to have confidence. “You know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” We need such a reminder that our work is not wasted when we work for Him. It provides hope and steadfastness, and enables us to go on in the face of difficult circumstances.

Daily Devotion

Exodus 17: 11-13

12” As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Shortly after the people of Israel had passed through the Red Sea, the Amalekites came and attached the Israelites. Because of the strength of the Amalekits’ army, the Israelites did not have the power to win. God demonstrated His power by having Moses raise his staff to part the Red Sea, and Moses was to trust God as he lifted his staff in battle.

As long as Moses held up his staff the Israelites were winning, but when he lowered it, the Amalekites were winning. Because Moses was physically too tired to keep his hands up on his own; Aaron and Hur held his hands up! Because of this, Israel won the battle.

There are times in our lives when we need our arms lifted in battle. Maybe by having others pray for us, or encourage us. I know being a missionary on the front lines in Sudan, Africa; you can feel greatly outnumbered and prone to grow weary! That is why I’m encouraged by those who are blessed by the ministry, send letters or cards confirming that we’re on the right path.

Many times pastors, leaders and missionaries may seem to be strong, but they grow tired or weary and need their arms lifted in battle, by being reassured or blessed in a certain way. May we be that support for someone who needs their arms lifted!

Daily Devotion

Exodus 16:4

3. Then the Lord said to Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.

The answer from God through Moses is that enough bread will rain down from heaven each day as to fill the people. Each day the people had to gather enough food to fill them for that day. It is important to note that God provided for each day, except for the Sabbath, they were to gather enough bread for two days, obviously so that they need not work on the Sabbath. The Lord wanted to test them as to whether they will trust Him, and whether they would serve Him.

God wanted the people to trust that He would provide each day their needs. He wanted the people to 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.' If people miss their weekly appointment with God because they have something else going, then they are missing the opportunity to remain free, squandering the time that God has given to mankind to help them to enter His Kingdom. The Sabbath is a wonderful gift He has given to us.

As in the Lord’s Prayer, let us ask for our “daily bread.”

Daily Devotion

Hebrews 4:12


12 For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

God’s Word tells us we are to build our lives upon the unwavering standard of His Word. His Word is truth and holds the answer to every problem we have ever confronted and every problem we may face in the future. If we search for answers and prayerfully reflect on the truth of God’s Word, if we consider His Word as absolute and unchanging and apply it directly into our life, then we find the solutions to our problems have been available all along in His Word!

Our Heavenly Father is a skilled surgeon who can make our heart new and prepared to yield to His Spirit. The solution to our most complex problems is always found in His presence; and He has given His Word to show us how to draw near. Let's allow our heart to be cut by the truth and to be exposed and purified by the Living Word.

Daily Devotion

Romans 8:31

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?

Yet, God is for us! In original intention, in redemption, in intercession and in Love, God is for us! While in our hopeless and helpless state, Christ came and gave His life willingly on our behalf. (Romans 5:8) God extended His mercy towards us. He did not overlook or excuse our sin. He provided for it in full through Christ Jesus. He does not force His mercy and grace upon us. We can resist it and refuse it. But for those in Christ Jesus, "there is no condemnation!"

Daily Devotion

Luke 5: 5

5 But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net."

Simon Peter had been a fisherman his whole life and now Jesus is asking Simon to let down his nets for a catch after they had toiled all night and caught nothing. Simon probably thought he knew better than the Lord, but at His request he would do as Jesus asked.
I’m sure at times we all feel we know better than the Lord when He asks us to take a step of faith. This is when our faith is really tested. Are we willing to say, “Yes, Lord” not my will, but yours.

Daily Devotion

Psalms 18: 1-3

1 I will love You, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.


The Psalmist is saying he will not trust in his own strength or power, but his trust is in the one he loved. He knew the Lord would be his rock and fortress and would deliver him in time of trouble! David looks to the Lord to be his rock, buckler, salvation and high tower.
This was a natural thing for David to do and he expressed his love by exercising his trust in the Lord. Are we willing to say, "Lord, we put ALL our trust in you today!"

Are we willing to put our trust into action like David did? Can we praise the Lord in the presence of our enemies?

Interview with Wes Bentley!

Chris Stark with TCT from Saginaw, MI recently interviewed Wes Bentley. If you would like to see the interview with Wes he said it would be on television tomorrow evening (Thursday, November 11^th) at 10:30 p.m. and the following day at 10:30 am. If you have Direct TV it will be on Channel 37. You can also view the interview on the Internet here, click on "TCT Channel 1".

Blessings in Jesus’ name!

FRM

Catch-up and Update on a girl named Flavia

Catch-up:
Flavia is a 16 year old Ugandan girl whom our missionary, Suzanne Scott, has gotten to know over the past few months. She converted from Islam to Christianity in January of this year. Her entire family is still Muslim and they recently found out that she's a Christian. She lives with over 40 relatives. We first heard that she was in trouble and that they were planning to send her away and at least beat her. She was harassed and beaten for several days. We had been praying for the return of her grandmother to aid her. This is the most recent update we received from Uganda.

Update:
Flavia is doing better now. It was 5 of her Aunts who were causing her to be beaten and caned. Thankfully, she was never beaten too severely and never needed hospitalization. Her Uncle, who is also Muslim, has stepped in and told her Aunts to stop beating Flavia. He recently left for the village for 2 weeks, but said that if her Aunts laid a finger on Flavia they would be in big trouble. Also, Flavia's grandmother has made it home. She wasn't supposed to return until December, but I firmly believe it is an answer to your prayers that she's back. She told Flavia that it's her decision to believe in what she wants to. Praise God, things are getting better. I don't know if everything is sorted out, yet, but if you can remember her in prayer, she can always use it.

Thank you so much!
God Bless,
FRM

Prayer for Wes and Vicky!

Please keep Wes and Vicky in prayer as they leave the country this week!  First they will be flying out to Russia and visiting with Lydia.  Then they will be going down to Africa for another few weeks to continue their ministry there.

 

Please pray that their travels are safe, pray that their words are the Holy Spirit’s, pray that their bodies and resources are wholly surrendered to God for His good and perfect will, and pray that the Lord will refresh them through the divine appointments they have while they are away.

 

Be blessed in Jesus’ mighty name!