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.
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 16th: Team ministering in various churches in the region
Monday, June 17th: Busia committee business meeting in the morning and a time of rest in the afternoon.
Tuesday, June 18th: 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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Well, that’s a wrap! What a trip we’ve had. The second conference finished on Friday (last week), with some great testimonies of God speaking, challenging and encouraging.
Josiah, a legendary 95-year old who has been ministering to Maasai tribesmen since 1991, said he has been praying for this “conference of all denominations” for over 20 years. Praise God! He got home late due to rain. He was riding his bicycle…
Josiah on his bicycle.
Pamellah and I visited some homes. A lot of dairy farming, some poultry, security services and a tailor. We really believe these businesses are worthy investments.
On Saturday, we had a grand old time at Anne’s family home. 30 or so of her relatives came and cooked up a great African feast. They killed Tom’s goat. It was delicious. So special to see where she grew up, and the close-knit clan she belongs to. Felt very blessed to be a part of it all. 4 generations present!
Sunday was the typical church visits. Got Deenie slightly lost whoops. Left church early to drive Deb and Deenie to the airport, while Jeremy and I pushed onto Maasai Mara for a short conference and some safari.
Very fruitful time with the pastors in the famous region. Some of them walked 40km to be there. Completely different life down there. Everyone walks around with little sharp clubs, ready to take down any lion that tries its luck. The lions actually know not to mess with these guys. They tattoo little marks on their wrist to show how many lions they’ve killed…
I’ve once again learnt so much on this trip. I feel like because it was my second time, I was less distracted by the newness of everything, and could spend more time watching and listening. It’s no doubt a unique, strange but special place. Apart from the daily grind of survival, one of the hardest things to grapple with is all the corruption. It begins at the top, and trickles down to every level of society. It is having a destructive effect on Kenya. There are also no jobs. So many parents have spent a fortune on educating their children, only to see their doctors and engineers return home and try to earn a scrap filling in pot-holes. Gee I’ve got it good.
The distinction between the unbelieving and believing Kenyan is vast. In one town, you have a united group of faithful Christians full of life and joy, praising God for his goodness, and counting their blessings. They have an extremely tough life. Their blessings aren’t THAT obvious.
10 minutes down the road, there is a faithless and idle town fully addicted to opioids, riddled with AIDS, and highly prone to suicide. They have no hope.
The Gospel enables us to find joy and hope in the little things, because we have ultimate joy and hope in the biggest thing. Who’s to say this united body of Christ in little Sioport and Mundika cannot show the life to be found in Christ to a region that is so desperately crying out for it. Let’s dream big!
… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:10
P.S. see you all on July 16 at GVCF for a mission spot.
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)
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.
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.
