Msafara (Caravan) Wheels of Hope

Six buses carrying over 300 warriors for Jesus and at least that many large trucks with over 65 tons of aid for the many homeless people living in camps all over Kenya went on a 5 city, 10 day tour of Kenya. We left Nairobi on March 7 bound for Mombasa. We were an army of pastors, intercessors, counselors, and other ministers obeying the Lord of Heavens Army to do spiritual battle in the strife torn areas of Kenya most affected by the post election violence. It was 10 days of intensive spiritual warfare, moments of agony as intercessors confessed the nation’s sin and pleaded to God for mercy, repenting on behalf of the nation. Moments of triumph and celebration as church leaders from all denominations united to declare Jesus as Lord of Kenya and renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness. On behalf of their tribes, church leaders reconciled their tribal differences, and committed to serve together in obedience to Christ’s commission. It was 10 days of Phillipians 2 fellowship in the Holy Spirit, unselfishly serving one another, tender hearted compassion for one another. It was a Caravan of hope and miracles….

Claiming Mombasa For Jesus Christ

The first place in Kenya to receive the Gospel was Mombasa by the Portugese nearly 500 years ago. It was rejected and the coast has been a Muslim stronghold ever since. Msafara marched the streets of Mombasa, renouncing the forces of darkness that have successfully hindered the Gospel in these areas and declared through bold witness that Mombasa belonged to Jesus! We joined dozens of pastors and churches in Mombasa encouraging them in their witnesses and outreach.

Bearing one another's burdens

You may have heard about the people who were burned alive while seeking refuge in a church. We visited that sight near Eldoret and spoke with several people who shared their eye witness account of this atrocity. While this sight has been abandoned as a crime scene, the people in the area continue to preserve it as a memorial. The story it tells is heart wrenching, but must not be forgotten. May this place compel many who come after us to do likewise – pray for God’s mercy on the land of Kenya.

Interceding for the Tribes of Kenya

Pastors among the Kalajen tribe interceded for the many young men who committed genocide in their communities. Along with their public confession of this guilt, they asked Kikuyu pastors specifically for their forgiveness. At the close of this service, Kikuyu and Kalajen pastors celebrated, embracing one another. It was a tearful joyous moment. They Body of Christ IS a miracle!

Victims of Tribal Clashes

Along with 350,000 other people from many tribes across Kenya, this little girl has been made homeless by illegal militias that looted and destroyed most of their homes. Many of these refugees have lost or injured family members as well. As I met some of these people, I prayed that God would give them back more than they lost and that they would find in Him the strength to forgive their enemies.

Widespread Destruction

All over Rift Valley, we saw homes looted and destroyed alongside many other homes that were not disturbed. This selective violence was fueled by “negative tribalism,” whereby neighbors tragically turned against neighbor based on their ethnic origins. All effected tribes retaliated and so this “cleansing of foreigners” has happened all over Kenya, leaving 100,000’s homeless.

Rich in Friends

I have a proverb for you… “He who serves Jesus in Africa will become rich in friends.” The fellowship on Msafara was God breathed and yet down to earth human. We were many tribes, races, and nations, but one brother/sisterhood. Like soldiers in war, we bonded together and received a treasury of goodness and grace from one another. These pastors are the salt of Christ. Many of their testimonies left me speechless with awe (yea me, speechless!)

Welcome to the Slingluff's of Nairobi

The children are on a balcony outside Josiah’s little room. Debra’s at the front door. We have about 25% more space with 2 bathrooms – No Waiting! The bunnies are let out of the hutch to run about in the yard. The water tanks are larger so we don’t fret about water supplies during the 3 days each week the city turns off the taps. We hosted 6 refugees for 4 days the day we moved in and so we’ve room for visitors. Wecome.

Kibera From Our Balacony Window

We moved just down the street from our last location in the same Estate. The yellow circle shows the tin roofs of some houses in Laina Saba, one of five villages of Kibera. One Sunday Rick walked into the slum to preach at a church there and then walked to the far side of the slum to visit some other churches there. Kibera is roughly 3 miles east and west, ½ mile North and south with something like a million inhabitants.

Msafara Wheels of Hope

Msafara means caravan in Swahili. These pastors were praying fervently for this peace initiative and spiritual cleansing mission to the nation of Kenya. 100 pastors from all over the country will travel to Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisumu, praying and mobilizing hundreds of local pastors in each community to join them in prayer for the nation. We are uniting to bring down demonic strongholds that have been unleashed in this land. Aid, counsel, and comfort will also be extended to thousands of refugees still in camps across the country. “When the Kofi Annan team has finished their work, it will not have dealt with the demonic forces. Only the church can do that.” Please pray for Msafara wheels of hope. March 7 to 17. When Rick gets home he will update the blog site with news of Msafara Wheels of Hope.

Unataka Matunda

We love the kitchen in our new home. The bananas were a gift from a Mission Conference Rick did in a rural community near Mount Kenya. So was the “hat” Josiah’s wearing. Meru pineapples are delicious. We’ll have to wait for the bananas to ripen to see about them. Would you like some fruit?

Our Kenyan Connection

No one is more responsible for our Kenyan connection than Hannah Wanjiku. She visited St. Paul UMC in Gulf Breeze when she was a frail little girl of 4 years. She not only captured Rick’s heart, but in her eyes, he saw Jesus calling him to Africa. Hannah was 8 years old by the time Rick arrived in the orphanage in 1989. Now she herself is an English teacher, but dreams of becoming a journalist. We are very proud of this young lady. She told Rick that when she finds a suitable husband, she’s bringing him to ask for his approval. She sure knows how to get us in her prayer corner!