Category: Blog

Furaha ya kuzaliwa (happy birthday)

This trip just keeps getting better and better. The second conference is on the go and the Lord is making a way.

We had a significant meeting on Monday with the leadership of the Mundika pastor’s fellowship. They have been busy starting their own businesses over the last year, such as horticulture, dairy farming and pig rearing. Pamellah and I went and visited their farms to investigate and see what resources they need most.

It is very difficult to earn a living as a pastor here. With the majority of congregations unable to support them financially, the pastors must look elsewhere, putting a lot of strain on their time and energy. With the proper strategic investment, these micro-businesses have a real potential to take off. This will free up a lot of their time for doing ministry. But it doesn’t stop there. They are committed to building up their churches and communities through these businesses. For example, Albert – an avocado and banana farmer – donates his proceeds to a church fund that pays for the education of children in their church. It could have a mega trickle-down effect, and potentially transform a region.

Albert and his bananas

In other news, the second conference is going strong. Deenie has been meeting with and encouraging the women, and Jeremy is speaking on unity between denominations.

It was Anne’s birthday today!! Things are going so well within our team. It was a special chance to celebrate, eat some cake and have a laugh.

A Kenyan tradition is to soak the birthday girl in water. Tom got around this.

Pat Cummins is a legend.

Please pray for wisdom in how best to support the businesses of these pastors. Pray for continued revelation during the conference. We thank God for fertile ground.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

Ukweli (truth).

Big few days!

On Friday, Deenie and Jeremy had the pleasure of attending a graduation ceremony for the Bible students of Samia.

In 2012, the leading bishop of the area explained there was a pretty significant lack of biblical teaching and knowledge. They believed in “knee-ology, not theology”. Meaning, whatever the Holy Spirit ‘told them’ while they were praying was the only theology needed. This left a lot of room for false and damaging doctrine within the church.

Jeremy said it was very powerful to be sitting in that room, over a decade later, watching the next generation of pastors and teachers graduating with solid biblical knowledge and understanding, enabling them to now “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”

This could not have been possible without the financial support so many of you have provided. It is difficult to articulate how much they really do appreciate it. Asante sana.

Last year, we felt there was a real opportunity for youth ministry. The result was 50 teenagers and young adults meeting yesterday (Saturday) to worship, pray and hear from God. Anne, Pamellah and I encouraged them with a word, followed by a great Q&A. Could be the start of something…

Jeremy and Deenie were both awarded honorary diplomas.

“I tell you what, a caramel milkshake from Java slaps hard.” – Pamellah

Please pray that God will bless the ministry of the Bible College graduates and that His word will be a guiding light. Pray for continued energy and good rest for the team, and divine inspiration for the second conference.

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17.

Youth Conference

Donations being handed out

Karibu nyumbani (welcome home)

It’s great to be back in Kenya. There really is no place like it. Thank you, God, that I have been allowed to return.

Pamellah and I finally joined the team yesterday and had a great time catching up with friends and family. Someone said, “Welcome home Samweli”. That was nice.

A lot has happened in the past year. The church has grown, but so has the cost of living. It is exciting to think about the possibilities and potential for more spiritual and economic growth in this area (rural Western Kenya, near Lake Victoria).

Today we came to the end of the first conference in Sioport. It was a valuable time of teaching, singing, praying, sharing meals, and hearing the needs of these faithful people. Deenie and the ladies opened the morning session with an awesome rendition of ‘the blessing’. Video below.

I’m already learning so much. I don’t feel particularly equipped for all this sort of stuff, but I am slowly realising is it less about skills, and more about obedience and willingness. I am willing, and trying to be obedient, and genuinely want to progress God’s purposes here. Trusting he’ll make up for all that I lack.

Deb taught me how to blow an egg.

Jeremy called all the pastor’s old feet.

We appreciate your prayers so much. Please pray for the strength and safety of our team. Pray God would reveal his purposes for the future of Sioport. Pray for God’s wisdom to abound.

Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s contribution… (Exodus 35:5).

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?

Thursday to Saturday update – Deb and Deenie safely arrived in Nairobi and got checked into the hotel, later joined by Jeremy. They left early Saturday morning for Kisumu and have since been resting at their hotel in Bumala, meeting up with Langfords.  They will have each spoken at different churches on Sunday.  Both Deb and Deenie have felt the positive effects of your prayers.  Thank you. 

Deb arriving at Kisumu airport

Hotel in Nairobi

This year our team includes Pamellah. Jeremy and Pamellah met several years ago when he used one of her Air BnB residences on a previous mission trip. They connected, and their shared heart for Kenya and God’s mission led her to join the team this year.

A key way that our team can be supported whilst in Kenya is through prayer. We have set up a prayer-only email list HERE. This is where we will send out and share more specific prayer requests for and from the team whilst they are away.

Every few days we will also share prayer points here.

June 8th – 12th Prayer points

• Pray for safe and uncomplicated travel for all team members.
• Prayer for real unity in the spirit of the team
• Pray for the Sunday services in preparation and as they take place across the district.
• Pray for the team as they make key connections in the coming days

This week we had past team members answer the question – What was your favourite food?

This week we had past team members answer the question – How did you pay for Kenya?