SLM Blog

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Saturday we visited the ICM property. We had to wait until 11:00 because the streets are blocked off until then for trash cleanup, or what we called FOD walk in the Marine Corps. The property is beautiful and would cost millions in the US, overlooking Lake Tanganyika. Stopped by to take a picture at the Livingstone\Stanley Memorial which is only 1 kilometer north of the property. Visited the zoo and then climbed the hills above the city for the spectacular view. 

Sunday, we drove back to the northern side of the city, where we held the seminars, to a combined service of 5 churches. (Very unusual to bring multiple churches together!) What a time of celebration! Arrived at 9:00 and at about 10:30 was asked what time we wanted to conclude as not to wear us out? Suggested 12:00 but we compromised on 12:30. Preached on Acts 17 on the need for leaders in the church to teach and encourage the people to study the scriptures as the Bereans did. Leaving there we had a second meeting with the Director General of housing re. the ICM building. He had prepared drawings and a cost estimate. After review, he suggested reducing the width of the reception area and thereby save 20%. We agreed. Later, all 7 of us went out for a nice meal then home to pack for departure tomorrow for Nairobi. Wonder if our military escort will show up?

Yesterday was a very special day!  The seminary’s Chaplain agreed to proctor my final exam and Bobbi and I were able to go with Darryl Bowe (ATS Dean of Theology) and two men from their home church, Laurelglen Bible Church (LBC) in Bakersfield, CA, to the ICM Training Center on Mt. Elgon.  The Center is almost singly the product of the generosity of their church over the past decade.  One of the men, John, was here to present the gifts to the people from their church and to liaison with AWANA missionaries in Kenya.  Troy brought along his 4-year old daughter, Dakota.  He and Rebecca and their youngest daughter, Kate, are recently arrived and ministering in Nakuru, north of Nairobi.  He is a veterinarian.  We met Rebecca several years ago while she was single and here for a one-year mission in the Kabera slum outside Nairobi.

Matthew, our driver, was accompanied by a pretty young Kenyan woman who ministers on Mt. Elgon weekly and taught for ICM in the past.  We all packed into a Toyota van and set off for the mountain just after 8:30.  The trip was about 2 ½ hours and the road generally good until we turned off to begin the ascent.  Then the road became merely a dirt path.  Although nearly impassible in places, somehow Matthew managed to maneuver around huge holes and protruding rocks without leaving the van’s undercarriage behind.

The Training Center sits at about 8,000 feet and we arrived to find people gathered outside the gate waiting admission for the presentation ceremony later that morning.  We were greeted by the staff and given a tour of the main building and dormitory, only partially completed.  Then we were taken to the upper classroom building and introduced to two classes then in session.  These are certificate and diploma classes (leading to a AA degree equivalent).  Darryl greeted both and encouraged the pastors in their studies.

We then proceeded up the mountain to a grassy area just below the entrance to the compound where some plastic chairs and tables were set up under a line of trees.  Soon the front gate was opened and the people were admitted.  Several hundred people, arrayed in colorful clothing, young and old, quickly formed up and sat on the grass above the presentation area.  After much introduction and welcome by many Training Center and government officials, including the District Chief of Security and the local Chief, prayer, and a short message from Darryl, names of people preselected were called forward to receive the gifts from the congregation in Bakersfield.  (Funds for these had been donated by the LBC congregation during a missions Sunday and then the specific gift purchased locally.  The Training Center staff worked with local pastors and government officials to identify the most needy people in the community to receive the gifts.)  As their names were called, each came forward and was presented their gift by John on behalf of his church.  The first were widows who each received a sheep.  Many were young women who appeared to be in their 20’s, some widowed in the heavy fighting on Mt. Elgon and loss of life in 2006-07.  (There were 100 widows identified before the fighting and 400 after living within a 5-10 kilometer radius from the Center.)  Next came blanket and mosquito net distribution.  This was followed by maize distribution.  Finally, five pastors were each presented a yearling cow.  For some, this will mean the difference between starving to death (11 people did starve to death last year in the local village) and life.  For the pastors, this gives them a start at self-sufficiency as they minister to the poorest of the poor.

After the people disbursed with their gifts, we were served lunch in the training center library along with the staff and government officials.  As we finished the meal, Crispin, one of my students and staff member at the Center, arrived.  Having completed his exam in Kitale, he had followed us up the mountain.  After welcoming us and thanking LBC for their generous gifts, he proceeded to surprise Bobbi and me with Sabot names that their elders have assigned us.  Bobbi they named Saliyamo, “a good heart,” and I am called, Pnaibei, “problem solver.”  We were both surprised and honored.  We left for Kitale shortly after this among much hand-shaking and hugs.

The ride down the mountain was uneventful until the last 20 minutes.  Shortly after passing the entrance to the Kitale airstrip, we spotted a truck stopped in the opposite lane with smoke coming from under the engine.  Passing, we read “Petroleum” and I thought, “That is not good!”  Not 5 seconds later, we heard an explosion and looked back to see the truck in flames.  Thanking GOD for our deliverance, we prayed that no one was injured.

After eating leftover turkey and stuffing with the Bowes, Darryl delivered us back to the Founder’s Cottage on campus and bed.

What a wonderful way to spend my 65^th birthday!  Praise the LORD!

Gratefully,

Pnaibei and Saliyamc

The second day of teaching in Burundi began with an early visit to the Director General for Urban Affairs and Housing at his office in one of the many government buildings in this city of Bujumbura.  Painito hoped to get approval of the plans for the first building at the ICM campus outside of the city.  (They were able to construct a small building there this year that will eventually serve as the kitchen.)  Waiting for the elevator, we are introduced to the Minister for Tourism, a friend of our companion, Lucy (who served as translator).  The DG told us that the plans needed to be reworked and that they would be ready on Monday morning.  Painito explained that Bobbi and I were leaving on Monday and I would be unable to attend the meeting.  The DG then offered to meet with us on Sunday afternoon at 2:00.  Painito is quite pleased with the progress toward government approval of the plans and hopes to begin construction as early as next week!

We arrived at the church hosting the seminar about 9:30 after dropping Bobbi and Rose Ambuka at another church where they are conducting training for the ladies.  The men’s meeting is in a church building constructed of walls made from dried and split palm/banana tree stems and a metal roof. Immediately next door is an outdoor bar which seems to have plenty of business from early in the morning on.  The floor is of sand and we are enjoying a car-battery-powered sound system.  The women are meeting in a new, brick church but with a dirt floor about 2 blocks away.  I am enjoying the pastors of all ages and listening to their solutions to the questions posed to them.  Today, I asked them in small groups to identify any traits of Jesus that they feel they do not possess and then how they would go about developing those traits.  As I had hoped, they focused on pride as a major hindrance and how they could develop and display more humility.  I finish tomorrow by teaching the behaviors of Jesus as He prepared His disciples to assume leadership of His ministry.

The ladies walked down both days to join us for lunch.  It was exciting to see the colorful dresses and head scarves worn by the ladies as they filled up the meeting hall.  We were served a large meal of rice, beans and meat on both days.  The ladies will join us for lunch tomorrow and then stay for the afternoon teaching that will wind up the seminar.

As we left this afternoon, we decided to stop at an Internet café and email our family.  We did that quickly and then enjoyed a cup of tea with the Ambuka’s and Constantine (Painito’s assistant).  We learned that we had an appointment with the Minister for Security at 5:30 so we decided to just relax at the café for 30 minutes and then proceed together with the wives to the meeting.  We arrived at the minister’s office at the appointed time to discover that he had been delayed and could we wait?  After sitting for about 30 minutes in his outer office, an assistant informed us that the minister would have to reschedule as he was further delayed.  Somewhat relieved, we went to the car when suddenly the security gate opened and in walked the Minister!  After introductions, he disappeared inside while we waited, not sure of what would come next.  After some confusion about vehicle assignments, Bobbi and I were directed to the Minister’s SUV and crawled in the back seat.  Next thing I knew, the Minister crawled in next to me.

Agricole is a young colonel in the army and serves as the Chief of Staff for the Head of State as well as Minister of Security.  He previously served as the Principle Advisor to the President and belongs to the Free Methodist Church.  He told me that he and the President are active in the church’s men’s ministry and choir.  He took us to a lovely restaurant in a beautify part of the city and hosted us all for a delicious dinner and evening of conversation.  He invited a good friend of his, Anisette, who is also a colonel in the Burundian Army.  Agricole spent most of the evening on the mobile phone but remained a congenial host.  When I asked about his family, Anisette told us of his wife who was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year.  He said that she had gone from a state of helplessness to one of nearly full health thanks to an American pharmaceutical company and an international medical convention (GPOP), which provides them with chemotherapy free of charge.  I learned from him of the successful integration of the armed forces in 2004 when the government forces and the then-rebel forces joined together.  I was impressed with the educational opportunities afforded to all recruits to their all-volunteer force.

Just before saying good night, Agricole said that he would provide us a military escort to the airport on Monday!

Thursday we finished the last day of the pastor’s seminar.  Lucy continued to interpret from English to Kiswahili, Kirundi, and occasionally French.  The ladies came for lunch, again, and when they entered the church it was as if flowers were being distributed around the hall as the beautifully dressed women joined us.  After sharing a meal together, the ladies remained and I finished quickly with the teaching.  Then huge bags of clothing were brought in and placed on the stage.  As the organizers began unloading the bags and placing the clothing in piles by type (i.e., men’s, women’s, children), an impromptu choir of women entertained us.  Finally when the clothing was ready for distribution (Painito’s church had provided all the clothing), the people were called forward separately to select an item.  After much rejoicing and words of thanksgiving, we left for home.

Friday morning, we met the officer’s group at a building downtown that ICM had rented for the occasion.  This was to be both Burundi army and police.  For an unknown reason, the police did not arrive but a bus delivered the group of army officers.  These were captains through lieutenant colonel and all were army officers except one very tall brother Marine.  After introducing myself, I asked them to introduce themselves.  One captain pointed out to me that many of these men had been fighting against each other only a short time ago.  (In 2004 the first of the rebel groups agreed to a peace with the government and their “army” was integrated into the government forces.  The leader of this “rebel” group is the current Head of State.  As other rebel groups came in, they, too were integrated.  One half of the old army force was eventually laid off while former rebels replaced them.  I remain concerned that this group of unemployed former army members may “go to the bush” and cause trouble for the current government.)

My teaching was titled, Seven General Orders for Leaders, using the commands of Jesus for leaders.  They eagerly accepted the power of the scripture even though, as Painito commented afterwards, the teaching was “revolutionary.”  Later that night, the organizer visited us at Painito’s home and asked us to come back in April to teach a combined group of military and government leaders.  ICM will be able to assist them in leadership training and I told him that although we could not come back that quickly, we would hope to return in a year.

In the afternoon, we set off to visit the ICM property but it continued to rain very hard so we diverted to the home of Painito’s assistant, Constantine.  His wife presented their 6 children, including their young twin sons and then served us a delicious meal.  We spent some hours downtown while Rose got an extended visa and bus ticket for her return to Kenya next week.  We plan to visit the ICM property Saturday morning, weather permitting.  Our interpreter Lucy, is hosting us for a later afternoon meal.

I have been doubling up my classes in order to get the students out one day early.  One of the women, Noel, wants to attend her husband’s seminary graduation in Nairobi on Saturday so they are taking the final exam on Friday.  That means that instead of 4 ½ hours of class time each day, I am teaching 6 ½.  Today, I preached in chapel, too, so I will probably be pretty tired tonight.

My lesson in chapel was from Acts 17 comparing the reception that Paul and Silas received at Thessalonica and Berea.  I challenged the pastors to be the type of leader found in the Berean church where the people received the word eagerly and examined the scriptures to prove the claims of the evangelist.  It seemed to be well received.

Met a student at lunch today who pastors a church here in Kitale.  He will receive his BA in Theology next April after 6 years of study.  When he steps on the stage he will be 72 years old!

Darryl Bowe told me the story of a tribal chief in a town south of here who called the townspeople to the marketplace to pray during the post-election violence here in 2008.  Although the people were from both Kikuku and Kaligen tribes, the two tribes killing each other, the chief said, “we will not have any killing here—we will pray for GOD’s protection.”  The thugs threatened to kill him and went to the town armed.  Upon approaching the marketplace, there was an explosion of unknown origin, which caused the thugs to disperse and return home.  This town suffered no deaths while those around them had many horrible killings and house burnings.  ICM has invited the chief to participate in the reconciliation and healing efforts that are going on across the country.

Bobbi went to Kathy Bowe’s house after tea today to help make pies for the traditional Thanksgiving dinner they are hosting for several families tomorrow, including us.  I will miss my rice and beans but somebody’s got to eat all that food!  This will be our second Thanksgiving—and my second birthday, Friday—in Kenya.

Monday morning and starting the second week of classes.  Students have chapel this morning—students only—so I will take advantage of this time to write—and hopefully send—this later.

Our trip was uneventful connecting through Heathrow (the new Terminal 5 has not added anything to the stark, modernistic airport—it’s still pretty crowded and you must walk forever and get bussed twice!).  Spent a short night at a guesthouse in Nairobi and then returned early to the airport for an 8:00 flight to Kitale.  Single engine prop Cessna Caravan with 12 PAX and a pilot.  Don’t know how we all fit but had a beautiful view of the Great Rift Valley on the 1+15 flight.  Sat next to Agnus, a Dutch woman with Wycliffe, who has been in Kenya 14 years.  We met her several years ago in Kitale.  She is working on early education with teaching languages using the mother tongue of the children.  Kitale airstrip is probably just like you last saw it, Joel (about 3000 feet) with one small building as the “terminal.”  Missed seeing the countryside at eye level during the 8 hour drive up to Kitale but the flight is certainly convenient and a timesaver.

The campus is very quiet compared to our other stays here as there is only one class in residence—and that a small one.  BA08 is half the size of my last class and they tell me that the depressed economy and tougher entrance standards with accreditation have cut down on class sizes.  They are optimistic that that will improve next year.  We are expecting a large number of children this week who will have a camp here sponsored by the Youth Pastor for ICM, “Babu” Masonic, a wonderful guy and friend.  That will liven things up!  We have been sharing the Founders Cottage with a lovely Kenyan family from Nairobi who are here visiting family for 4 days.  Hudson (yes, he’s named after Hudson Taylor) and Grace have two boys, 10 and 6, and we have enjoyed visiting with them.  Got a big hug from both boys this morning as I left the cottage to come to the classroom and it made me miss hugs from my own grandkids.  They head a ministry called Kenyan House of Prayer.  Not associated with International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City but similar mission.

Some improvements on the campus and several personnel changes—all for the good as far as I can see.  Peter Mortensen will be pleased to know that Water Missions International has a place on campus and has set up one of their water purification plants here.

We are enjoying time with Darryl and Cathy Bowe, here for two years from the ICM headquarters in Bakersfield.  Darryl serves as the Dean of Theology and Cathy is administrative assistant.  I can see the impact of their administrative organizational expertise here already.  Went to church with them yesterday at St. Luke’s Anglican, a beautiful British-built church and headquarters for the diocese.  Bishop’s offices are behind the church and we met several of the priests after the service.  We attended the early Morning Glory service, which serves young people with lots of songs and prayers.  Darryl preached on holiness from Zechariah and did a fabulous job.  Next week they’ll have the liturgy, which we look forward to as old Anglicans ourselves.

Before others arrived, I looked at several plaques up near the altar memorializing young British men who died in 1941.  Two young pilots were probably killed in the Battle of Britain.  How the congregation has changed from the ‘40s when this was probably a whites only church!  Afterwards, the Bowe’s took us to the Kitale Club, a former British club in town, for breakfast.  Walking through the rooms, I imagined how different this place must have looked back at the turn of the century in colonial times, not physically—that has changed very little—but in terms of the membership.  Spotting a large plaque on the wall listing the club presidents, the British names end with Kenyan independence in the 1960’s.

Bobbi and Kathy Bowe have made one trip to a shop in town established by two Catholic nuns for Turkana ladies who have fled their northern homeland due to starvation and are being trained to make jewelry.  The nuns have established this small enterprise to teach the women a skill so that they don’t have to sell their bodies on the street to feed their children.  They left after tea today for round two.

The students are engaging and personable.  We have three ladies in the class, including the president.  I asked Darryl about one very tiny woman named Christine, as he taught the last class with this group.  He said he wondered about her too since she was so quiet in class.  He thought maybe she was a Sunday school teach here to get some new material.  He talked to her one night and found out that she is a missionary to the Pokot people, up in northern Kenya, and she and another lady had to fight with their mission board to allow an unmarried woman on the mission field.  Darryl said that as she continued to talk she became more animated and related how they had begun 12 churches and a ministry to orphans and were just getting started!  He described her as a “real lioness!”

I have been asked to preach in the campus-wide chapel on Wednesday.  I’ll teach from Acts 17:1-15, which I have titled, “A Tale of Two Cities.”  Great lesson for pastors on what needs to be done to prepare your people in scripture knowledge and prophesy interpretation.

We both send our love and greetings to you all.  Thank you for your prayers.

John & Bobbi

Back from Kipsongo and talking to the ladies and seeing them work and hearing them sing.  I had a companion from the time I got there….Christiano, who sat on my lap and laid his head on me and didn’t want me to leave.  I would have brought him home but his mom might not have liked that.  Ending this long epistle.  In Him, Bobbi

Recently a Kenyan friend wrote that the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States has set an important example for the nations of Africa.  He wrote that the pre-election talk on the street was that the U.S. would never elect a black man as president.  Seeing that they were wrong, he says sends a message to Kenyans and other Africans that they must look beyond their tribal prejudices when voting for government leaders.  I had not considered that but will be anxious to see if the church can capitalize on this historic event in America to change attitudes and hearts in Africa.

With the very liberal positions that Mr. Obama has taken in the past on important issues like the sanctity of life, national defense, marriage, and taxes, I remain concerned, though, that my country has elected a man based on the color of his skin rather than on his character.  This is the opposite of what Dr. King prayed for in his famous, “I have a dream” speech viz “that one day my children would be judged by their character and not the color of their skin.”

Our responsibility as Christian leaders, now, is to pray for our new president and to speak out when his policies diverge from what the Scripture teaches us.  I pray that he would be an example of a godly, servant leader for the U.S., Africa and the nations of the world.

I recently (2 weeks ago) upgraded my desktop tower and received Windows Vista installed from Dell.  I made the mistake of ordering the LapLink PC Mover software & cable to theoretically move all programs and files from my old XP machine to the new Vista machine.  BIG MISTAKE!

The migration took 3 days and 4 attempts and then my desktop would not advance beyond the Dell opening screen.  After spending all day on the phone with Dell tech support, I had removed my backup external drive, a backup printer and reconfigured and updated my main printer drivers.  The next day, it was apparent that all was not well.  Back to tech support and finally had to reconfigure my system back to the factory original state.  Then came the task of manually uploading all files and reinstalling all programs.  Still not sure I got them all!

In summary, Vista is great and a huge improvement (along with Office 2007) over XP and Office 2000.  But it is painful!

Anyone else have a similiar experience?

John

We hosted two friends from Tanzania last week who were on their way to Bakersfield, CA, for the annual International Christian Ministries International Council.  They are Country Directors in Tanzania for ICM but native Kenyans and we were in their home in December.

James is finishing a master’s degree in a school in Zimbabwe and was telling me how terrible the conditions are there with 3700% inflation, no jobs and nothing to eat.  I asked him “when were the people going to rise up and demand a new leader?”  His reply was, “the president is the chief of his tribe and as long as they are the majority, they will never go against their chief.  That is the African way.”  WOW!

This really got me thinking and I thought of South Africa and Kenya as examples where African seem to have overcome that tribal way of thinking about their leaders.  (Not that tribal prejudices don’t exist in Kenya–and I assume South Africa–they do!)  How can this mentality be changed?  In Zimbabwe will it hold until there is no one left alive?

John