26 February 2013

Precious Things

There is so much the Lord is doing in our church here at Calvary Chapel Nairobi…I just want to mention a few things that are precious.  It has been a blessing and an encouragement to return from furlough in Russia to see that my brothers and sisters in the worship ministry are standing shoulder to shoulder in this battle, to hear praise reports on how the Lord is faithfully keeping them and guiding them in His ways, to see how their passion to know Jesus becomes stronger, to see how their love for God’s Word grows day after day.

In the Women’s ministry, the Lord has raised up more leaders.  One of them is Janet, my precious sister in the Lord and the mother of Josiah (the little boy who died because of his heart condition).  Janet and her husband William went through this trial trusting the Lord every moment and to see the Lord moving so mightily through their testimony is very humbling and glorious at the same time. The passion for God’s Word for His saints is so deeply seen in their lives, it encourages me so much.  William is an elder in our church and Janet is teaching through the book of Revelation in our Women’s ministry.

We, as a church here in Nairobi, covet your prayers.  First please pray for our pastor David and his wife, Twinkle Zavala.  Twinkle is receiving medical treatment for ongoing health issues.  Also, please pray for the rest of the team (Pastor Nicholas and Phyllis his wife, William and Janet, Bernard and Abigail, missionaries Jamie and Natasha), that we will stand strong on the firm foundation of God’s Word, in love and unity as one.   

Please also lift this special request.  Pray for the election time here in Kenya.  March 4th is the day of elections; please pray that everything would be calm and that there would be no violence.  Pray for the church to stand strong during this time and use every opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   

Natasha Chilikina
Serving in Nairobi, Kenya

25 February 2013

Prayer Requests from Far Reaching Ministries

Thank you for intervening in prayer!

SOUTH SUDAN
  • Please continue to intercede for those fleeing ongoing violence in the Upper Nile.  Please pray for our chaplains serving in the Upper Nile region to stand courageously for the glory of our King.  
  • Thank you for standing strong in prayer for those hundreds of thousands continuing to suffer in South Sudan. Pray that relief efforts of the magnitude necessary would be able to safely get into these areas.  Please continue to lift the 75 chaplains who serve in the Nuba Mountains.  Ask the Lord to be their Strong Tower and Rear Guard as they work in this dangerous region.
  • Please continue to pray for the chaplains to be able to take the two week leave necessary for them to come to the compound for refreshing and resupply.  Pray that they would have the favor necessary for this, and that God would take care of every detail in all the logistics.
  • Ask the Lord to bring the container of supplies safely and quickly into South Sudan.  Pray that Lord would bind the hands of anyone who wants to try to extort money from us. 
  • Pray for the ladies of Rabuna Fi, that their faith would guide them in every circumstance as well as draw others to Him.

KENYA
Zavala Family: Nairobi, Mombasa, DR Congo
  • Please pray for pastor Nicholas as he pastors CC Nairobi while Dave is away.
  • Ask for God’s favor in making it possible for Twinkle to get appointments with good orthopedic specialists at Kaiser.

Natasha Chilikina: Nairobi
  • Please pray for the elections to be peaceful.  They are the first week of March. Last time the situation was very bad and many people were killed during that time.
  • Please pray for her work permit to be approved.

Jamie McKinley: Nairobi
  • Pray for peace in Kenya as election campaigns are being started and as bribery and corruption have already started.  Pray that the Lord would protect the brothers and sisters who are in unstable election places.  
  • Pray that whoever is elected would stand up for righteousness and have a fear of God.
  • Pray for Jamie that she would have wisdom as she begins teaching Ruth to the ladies of Rabuna Fi.  
  • Pray that each lady that comes to study would have a desire to know more of God and be example 
  • of Christ in their communities.
  • Pray for Kibe a brother from CC Nairobi that is going to serve in S. Sudan, that the Lord would give him wisdom and strength as he follows the call God has put on his life.  Pray for him to be protected as he travels, to arrive safely, and to have a peace as he sees the ministry he is going to.
  • Pray for Jamie and Jayne that the Lord would just speak through them to the young girls who are coming for teaching and counseling, and that God's love would just be poured out on these young girls.  Pray that the Lord would lead in every step and moment of prayer and counseling.
  • Pray that the Lord would call people to serve in the children's ministry of CC Nairobi and many would have a desire to reach the children with the Word of God and His love and salvation.

Rees Family: Thika
  • Praise and thanksgiving for the great blessings God is pouring out on Calvary Thika.
  • The new pastor, Gilbert Kibe, is rejoicing daily that God has called him to be the pastor of Calvary Thika. His new baby girl is doing well and he is having a great time walking and praying with her in the evenings.
  • Prayer for connections in England as they wait to receive the invitation and the number that they need to start their visa. Also they are praying for wisdom about whom they should contact with assistance regarding completing their visa, so it can be processed quickly without complications.
  • Blessings over Jen, a fellow missionary who will be helping them with their blog and weekly updates. Also for Ericka and Miranda who are helping them with prayer cards.
  • Pray for them to complete everything that needs to be taken care of before leaving for England and that God will give the date and all provisions according to His will. (Ps.16:11).

Ruth Deam: Karen
  • Please pray for the prison ministry. Please pray that Gods’ word will go forth as He had planned before the creation of the world.
  • Pray for the women’s bible study on Saturday; for God to give direction and discernment for the year ahead.
  • Please continue to pray for the upcoming General election; about a week and half away; pray for a peaceful election and that the Lord will give us the BEST candidate for this nation
  • Continue to pray for Josephine; for healing in Gods timing.
  • Thank you all in advance and God bless you all for your love.

UGANDA
  • Please pray for the sale of the Kampala guesthouse.

Carlson Family: Kampala
  • Thank you so much for praying with us for Josh & Natalie’s daughter, Gemma. The procedure was successful.  She will spend another day or two in the hospital for follow up. Please continue to pray for no further infection.
  • Pray that God would bless this weekend's services as they continue their vision series with 'The Definition of Missional Congregations'.

Kanyike Family: Kampala
  • Please pray for safety in Uganda and for all missionary families and homes.
  • Pray for Jill's knee and leg to heal and no after effects of whiplash.
  • Pray for all the guests who come through the guest house to feel welcome and at home.
  • Pray for Brian as he is teaching in Kololo this month.
  • Pray for Jill as she starts a new Bible study on Tuesday.
  • Pray for Luke and Laylee to stay healthy.
  • Pray for the Lord to move in and through all the ministries taking place at CCK.
  • Please pray for the guests arriving this week as they are trying to adopt.

Eastham Family: Kampala
  • Pray that their guards will be faithful in keeping the house safe and our guard dogs taken care of.
  • Pray that the church operations run smoothly in John’s absence.
  • Pray for safe travel as they visit friends and family.

MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRY
G***** Family
  • Pray that God would have His will over all
  • Pray for a speedy end to the Res. ID, if it’s within His will.
  • Ask for God's hand on the immigration paperwork as it is currently underway and under review. This can take up to 7 months.

SOUTH AFRICA
Scott Family: Cape Town
  • Please pray for the Scotts. Their landlord needs the house back that they are living in and they have to find a new place. Pray that the Lord would guide them and lead them in the direction that He wants. 
  • Please pray for the church plant. The Lord has added people and they pray for their growth. 

ASIA
E**** Family
  • Please lift up T*** that she can complete all her preparation work for her Teaching classes at H***  U and her tutoring, T**C**, home school classes, Saturday Kid's Club, and Summer English Camps.
  • Please also lift their plans as the adoption becomes a reality.  Pray for the Lord’s hand in the short-term visit home to establish T***’s residency and get his passport.  After that, it’s back here for at least a year.  Somehow, they would like to get him home for two years.  Logistically, this is complex, involving 2 to 3 couples to stand in.  Mr Missionary has a sort of plan but what he would prefer is clear direction from the boss.  So, please keep this lifted. 

CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS
  • Please pray for the Celebration Life Festival and Crusade in St. Joseph, MO. Pray that God would revive His church during this time, and for this event. And that He would cause a great awakening and revival to accrue in St Joseph, Missouri and across this land as mentioned in 2nd Chronicles 7:14.
  • Please pray for Pastor Jim and Carol Garlow.  Ask the Lord to hold them safely in the palm of His hand, and minister especially to Carol in whatever challenge she is facing medically today. 
  • Please also lift Donovan.  He is experiencing some health issues.  Please ask the Lord for a complete healing.
  • Please pray for Marcia.  Ask the Lord to intervene in her situation, as well as minister to her regarding her health.

18 February 2013

A Little Reminder of His Power


The other day was so amazing.  Vicky and I had just finished a time of prayer in the morning when she asked me to teach the youth that afternoon. I said yes and I prayed, "Lord help me, I haven’t taught in a while and I feel completely inadequate". You know how the enemy works; after breakfast I felt sick and I had a headache. It was only an hour before church when I would need to teach. So I laid down and prayed, not having any idea yet what to teach the youth.

The Lord in His goodness took me from Numbers to Philippians, from there to First Corinthians and on to Second Peter. It was a sweet blessing to feel the Holy Spirit guide me in a way I have missed. By the time church began, I had the message and I had full confidence that the Lord had given it to me for the youth.  And let me tell you, it was amazing!  After the teaching, the Lord had me break them up into groups to pray for each other to have the strength and faith to grow in the qualities of someone who lives for the Lord (2 Peter 1:5-10).

There are times in our walk that we just need a little reminder of the power of the Holy Spirit…that miracles do happen, that we can trust in the plan the Lord has for us and that He is faithful to give us everything we need--in the big things and the small.  How sweet it is when He blesses us with that!

Emily Brady
FRM Missions Coordinator

11 February 2013

Prayer Requests for Far Reaching Ministries

Thank you for battling with us in prayer!  Here are our most recent requests.  

SOUTH SUDAN
  • North Sudan attacked the Upper Nile, which is inside South Sudan, and where several of our chaplains serve.  The Upper Nile has been taking in refugees fleeing the ongoing violence in the Blue Nile providence.  Now the Northern Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have attacked this area as well.  In addition to interceding for all the people who are in great danger in the Nuba Mountains, Blue Nile, Abyei, and Darfur, please pray for our chaplains serving in the Upper Nile region to stand courageously for the glory of our King.  
  • Pray for the government and military leadership in South Sudan as it is going through a very trying time among its senior members.
  • Unfortunately, the situation in South Sudan continues much the same.  Please continue to pray tirelessly for the hundreds of thousands who are in the Nuba Mountain and Blue Nile areas that are reportedly surviving on roots and leaves.  Pray that relief efforts of the magnitude necessary would be able to safely get into these areas.  75 of our chaplains continue to serve in the Nuba Mountains.  Please continue to intercede for them as the minister in this difficult area.
  • Please pray that all 75 of our chaplains serving in the Nuba Mountains would be able to take a two week leave to come to the compound to be refreshed and strengthened in the Lord, as well as be resupplied with uniforms and needed equipment.
  • Pray for our container that is traveling to South Sudan with supplies.  Pray for safe travels and quick entry into the country.  Pray against corruption, as port and border individuals consistently try to extort money from us.  These attempts significantly slow down the container and supplies getting to South Sudan.
  • Ask the Lord to grow the women of Gelle in the truth of His word. Pray that God would put together all the details for a village church. 
  • Pray for the ladies of Rabuna Fi and the youth involved in our church plants.  Pray that their faith would be so deeply rooted and grounded in Jesus that their steadfast faith would be a mighty witness to those who don’t know Him.
KENYA
Zavala Family: Nairobi, Mombasa, DR Congo
  • Please pray that God would provide sufficient finances for their family.
  • Please pray for Eunice, Maura's mom, who was recently diagnosed with Diabetes.
  • Please pray that homeschooling wouldn’t become illegal in Kenya.
  • Please pray that God would heal Twinkle’s health.
Rees Family: Thika
  • Pray for Tom and Cheryl as they are praying for preparations and timing for arriving in England. Pray for their visit to Glouchester that God will open doors. Pray for them to be a light in the darkness and that people's hearts would be turned to Jesus.
UGANDA
  • Please pray for the sale of their Kampala guesthouse.
Carlson Family: Kampala
  • Pray that God would bless this weekend's services as they continue their vision series with 'The Definition of Missional Congregations'.
Kanyike Family: Kampala
  • Please pray for safety in Uganda and for all missionary families and homes.
  • Pray for Jill's knee and leg to heal and no after effects of whiplash.
  • Pray for all the guests who come through the guest house to feel welcome and at home.
  • Pray for Brian as he is teaching in Kololo this month.
  • Pray for Jill as she starts a new Bible study on Tuesday.
  • Pray for Luke and Laylee to stay healthy.
  • Pray for the Lord to move in and through all the ministries taking place at CCK
  • Please pray for the guests arriving this week as they are trying to adopt.
  • Eastham Family: Kampala
  • Pray for the safety of vehicles parked at church during services.
  • Pray that the person(s) involved in the theft will be brought to justice.
  • Pray that Benjamin will be able to focus better at school.
  • Pray for good return visit to the U.S. (California) and time with family and supporters.
  • Pray that the church operations run smoothly in John’s absence.
MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRY
G***** Family
  • Pray for God’s hand upon their direction.
  • Pray that the residency would be finished.
  • Ask the Lord to pour blessings upon K****'s family as they have helped them tremendously through this time.
  • Ask the Lord for wisdom on the possibility of the necessity of going to the US.
SOUTH AFRICA
Scott Family: Cape Town
  • Please pray for the Scotts. Their landlord needs the house back that they are living in and they have to find a new place. Pray that the Lord would guide them and lead them in the direction that He wants. 
  • Please pray for the church plant. The Lord has added people and they pray for their growth. 
ASIA
E**** Family
  • Please keep their interns lifted.  They face much pressure from home to leave their studies. They seldom lose anyone but it is close.  The thing that keeps the interns coming back is that they are covered in prayer.  They need to be lifted.  They need all the help they can get.  Scratch doesn’t want them to fulfill the internship.  He’s had the place for a long time and he has no intention of giving in without a fight. 
  • Please continue to ask the Lord to have His hand in the adoption process.
  • Please keep G*** lifted.  He has an opportunity to do some translation work, Italian to Chinese.  There are a lot of technical terms and he will be translating as a speaker makes his presentation. 
  • Please keep their friend Gracie lifted.  Her mother went home to be with the Lord this week
  • Please also keep J**** and K**** lifted.  Japan is not an easy place to live but things seem to be improving. 
  • Please also lift their friend Louie.  He is in a wheelchair and needs nearly round the clock help.  Getting help has become very expensive as the economy continues to improve.  He needs reliable help at a rate that he can afford. 
  • Please also lift their plans as the adoption becomes a reality.  Pray for the Lord’s hand in the short-term visit home to establish T***’s residency and get his passport.  After that, it’s back here for at least a year.  Somehow, they would like to get him home for two years.  Logistically, this is complex, involving 2 to 3 couples to stand in.  Mr Missionary has a sort of plan but what he would prefer is clear direction from the boss.  So, please keep this lifted. 
CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS
  • Please pray for the Celebration Life Festival and Crusade in St. Joseph, MO. Pray for the April 18 2013 leadership rally and for featured guest speaker Dale Bartscher as he brings the message of God’s strength and hope to His chosen leaders and that the word of God would be a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their paths. Also, that God would shine His light upon their hearts and ministries that revival would come and begin with them first, the pastors and leaders. Remember, 2 Chronicles 7:14 begins with the house of God and cannot be accomplished without bold, brave and obedient leadership in our churches. Our leaders need your prayers now more than ever and cannot accomplish their God given assignments without your support.
  • Please pray for Pastor Jim and Carol Garlow.  Ask the Lord to hold them safely in the palm of His hand, and minister especially to Carol in whatever challenge she is facing medically today. 
  • Please also lift Donovan.  He is experiencing some health issues.  Please ask the Lord for a complete healing.
  • Please pray for Donna to make a full recovery from surgery.  Ask the Lord to completely eradicate the infection in her body.
  • Please pray for Marcia.  Ask the Lord to intervene in her situation, as well as minister to her regarding her health.
  • Pray for the church in America--we desperately need to repent from our cultural compromise and idolatry and return to the Bible as the sole source for faith and practice. God is indeed a jealous God and will not countenance idolatry in His precious bride. 

06 February 2013

PLEASE PRAY


North Sudan attacked the Upper Nile, which is inside South Sudan, and where several of our chaplains serve.  The Upper Nile has been taking in refugees fleeing the ongoing violence in the Blue Nile providence.  Now the Northern Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have attacked this area as well.  In addition to interceding for all the people who are in great danger in the Nuba Mountains, Blue Nile, Abyei, and Darfur, please pray for our chaplains serving in the Upper Nile region to stand courageously for the glory of our King.  

02 February 2013

Trip to Juba


I have traveled many times to Nimule, in South Sudan and have often prayed that one day I would be able to go to the new capital of the country, Juba. It was on this trip that God opened the door!  The heat rose to over 42c (108 Fahrenheit) as we made the drive several hours north. Juba is a mix of people from all over--Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenyan, and Europe. It is the newest capital, in the newest country, where people are busy and cows are eating from the trash.  

I was able to go and visit a church that our chaplains are a part of on a military base. I believe it was an encouragement to all as we sat and told stories of the Lord’s faithfulness in our lives and the miracles He has done. 

The church has grown to over 500 people with hundreds of children running around in their Sunday best. The teaching on Sunday was on unity, how fitting for a country full of many tribes that have fought for their freedom.  Then we began to worship and I felt like it was a little taste of heaven, where every tongue, tribe and nation will worship our Lord and Savior.

Emily Brady
FRM Missions Coordinator