Author: Tameeka McIntosh

Friday; The last day of the conference. Jeff and Annette spoke again, and then Deenie thanked everyone for coming to the conference and encouraged them to keep up the fellowship with each other. The ladies gave us a present in thanks, a lovely dress each, and Jeff got a shirt.

Then we had some testimonies of God touching them and what they have learnt over the last 10 years. The ladies, Deenie, Glenys and I sang the song we had been practicing, the song was, We are worthy of You Lord.

And lastly, we celebrated communion with them. It was only a half day with lunch at the end, but there were so many testimonies from different people that lunch was rather late! They were enjoying the fellowship so much.

On Thursday, we prayed for a lady who was accidentally shot in the eye 10 years ago. We would like you to keep praying for complete healing for her. Her name is Wilikister

On Thursday, when we visited the farm, I asked if they got any rain from the downpour we got the night before, Nelson said, no. So last night when we had a thunderstorm I prayed that God would send the rain to Nelson’s farm instead of where we were. Today I asked Nelson if he got that rain last night. He said Yes!! I did a happy dance.

By Cheryl O’Shannessy

Jeff and Annette continued the sessions from yesterday. Nelson and Rael took Deenie and I to see their farm. Nelson has maize crops and kale.

It hasn’t rained for 6 weeks and the crops are thirsty. Nelson would like to put in an irrigation system. He employs people to help him, and he supplies a school and hospital with vegetables. Nelson also has some medicinal plants, Aloe Vera and Morenga

This is their old home and new home.

Nelson gave us some lemongrass to take to our accommodation.

Rael’s has a small shop.

After lunch was another session, and then we split the men and the women, and Glenys and Deenie spoke to the ladies and finished off with another singalong and Jeff spoke to the men.

By Cheryl O’Shannessy

Tuesday – Busia Conference day one

The team went to a conference in ……. Deenie, Glenys and Cheryl introduced themselves, but they already knew ‘Mama Deenie’. Jeff spoke first on the Trinity, and after morning break Annette continued on the same subject.

During lunch, Deenie spoke to the students

(A pic of what we ate and the lineup, )

A picture of Deenie with the students.

Glenys and Cheryl ate lunch with the people and fellowshipped with them. They are happy to have us come and minister to them. After lunch Annette spoke again, continuing from the earlier message. While Jeff continued with more, Deenie, Glenys and Cheryl spoke with the ladies, and taught them a song. The day started at 9 and we were home again at 4:30. A busy day but a blessed one.

Wednesday – Busia Conference day two

Today, Jeff and Annette taught me how to understand God’s road map. The congregation are enjoying the message. They first start with singing, which is beautiful, their voices are so melodious.

After lunch, Deenie, Glenys and Cheryl spoke with the widows. They appreciated our words of encouragement, and we appreciated their testimonies of how God sustained them when they became widows. We gave them our gifts from our Church, and avocados from one of the pastors.

After that Deenie spoke with the wives.

Our team have arrived safely and after an adventurous weekend (see our previous post) they are all set to start a busy week of ministry. Please see their itinerary below.

Week Two

Wednesday June 19^th : Busia conference Day Two – -Hammonds taking 5 sessions

Women’s session in the afternoon and property visits

Personal ministry

Thursday, June 20^th: Busia Conference Day Three – As above

Friday, June 21^st: Last day of the conference, women’s choir sings & farewells

Saturday, June 22^nd: Samia Bible College graduation and team resting in the afternoon

Sunday, June 23^rd: Team ministering in various churches

Monday, June 24^th: Sioport committee business meeting

By Cheryl O’Shannessy

Our trip to Kenya took us nearly two days. Everything was going well, met Jeff and Annette at the Bangkok airport on our way to the next stop, Nairobi airport, where we transferred to fly to Kisumu. We picked up our luggage and were met by Ronny who drove us for over two hours to Mundika. Upon arrival, Annette discovered that the suitcase she thought was hers was in fact not! When they called the airport they were advised to bring it back. So another driver was asked to take Annette to the airport and back again. Not what was needed after all that travelling. Jeff, Glenys, Deenie and Cheryl each went to a Church on Sunday morning. It was lovely to see the Lord working amongst these people. Their praise and worship was beautiful to see and hear. We were all greeted with enthusiasm. After the services we were picked up in the order we were dropped off, but stopped where Jeff was and was greeted by the Church members, they were very happy to see Deenie again and sang a song to her that she taught them.

After lunch, we returned home, where Annette had heard they had located her suitcase and were flying it to Kisumu. Monday morning there was a meeting with the Pastors here where we were staying.

We heard testimonies from the different Pastors about what the Lord was doing. They also discussed their dreams and the need to fulfil them. A lunch of fish and vegetables was provided for all after the meeting. Annette had to make another trip to Kisumu to retrieve her case.

The suitcase has arrived!

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Our team for Kenya is in the final days of preparation. Please see below for their itinerary for the first few days from which to glean points to pray.

Week One

Thursday, June 13th to Saturday, June 15th: Deenie, Glennys, and Cheryl depart from Australia and travel through Thailand to Kenya, meeting Jeff and Annette Hammond on the way and arriving altogether.

Sunday, June 16^th: Team ministering in various churches in the region

Monday, June 17^th: Busia committee business meeting in the morning and a time of rest in the afternoon.

Tuesday, June 18^th: Busia Conference Day One: introduce the team to the conference, with each team member having a few different tasks and roles for the day.

• • The Hammonds are taking four sessions of the conference.
  • Deenie speaking to a women’s prayer group
  • Glenys and Cheryl ministering to widows
  • Women’s session with Glenys, Annette, and Deenie
  • Cheryl property visits

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Our annual Kenya mission trip is fast approaching. Our GVCF community is invited to partner with our missions team as they prepare and while in Kenya.

Our Kenya Mission team for 2024 has five members: Jeff and Annette Hammond, Glenys Norris, Cheryl O’Shannessy, and Deenie Rensford. Our GVCF mission trip dates this year are June 14th to July 2nd. The team’s work this year will focus in the area of Eastern Kenya, where our team will be facilitating two conferences for local pastors, ministering with widows, praying in the community, and assisting in the development of local agricultural businesses

Prayer

• Please be praying as our team makes their final preparations in the coming weeks. There are many practical and prayerful things that need to fall into place.
• Please continue to pray for Jeff Hammond’s recovery. Jeff has experienced damaged ligaments and sinews in his foot. He is receiving medical care and is confident in his recovery. Please pray that this will heal fully so that his ministry plans will not be hampered.

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The team split up and travelled to various church meetings around Samia County.

Deenie enjoyed some time at the Saint’s Covenant church group with the highlight of the weekend meeting with the women’s group and praying together.

Deb visited a church celebrating a men’s day where the men took all aspects of the service – they graciously welcomed Deb and an enjoyable time was had by all. Deb’s testimony message received a great response

Jeremy has been spending time with pastors over the weekend and preaching in a small church group located by Lake Victoria.

It was a joy for Tom and Anne to connect with members of the Namunyweda fellowship and share and encourage the younger generation with them.

Children dancing at Sioport church meeting

In our series’s final video, our past team members answered: What was your favourite memory?