Slippery Rock Baptist Church

Letter To Home From Ms Norma 2

2009-02-16T11:50:00.001-05:00

Dear Church Family,

God surely has ordered our steps and our hearts and minds are filled and burdened with all that He has shown us. Sarah has told of our journey and so I won't repeat all that, just read her email.

My cell phone was dead in Zambia and so I have many wondering where I have gone and trying to contact me. But we still have much ministry planned during her stay with me which has been a real blessing for me and an encouragement to work along with someone. Pray for both of us as we know God will show us each what His plan for us is as we want to continue to do missions work. We are learning so many news things here in Nairobi with some contacts that God has brought our way. Some things that will help our dear pastor friends in Zambia and in Kericho. So pray for us as we SUFFER for Jesus in dark Africa! Just kidding of course but it really is a blessing to serve such a wonderful Saviour.

He is worthy.
Norma Jane

Letter To Home From Sarah 4

2009-02-16T11:45:00.002-05:00

We are now back in Kenya. I loved Zambia so much. The pastors and the people are wonderful and the places we went were so beautiful. I really enjoyed the fellowship with the nationals and also with the men from back home. Once again I would like to thank those who made it possible for Miss Norma and I to go to Zambia. It was such a blessing to me.

Well, we had quite an interesting time coming back to Kenya. We got on a bus in Kalulushi, Zambia on Saturday morning and 10 hours later we arrived in Lusaka. Upon arriving at the airport we were told that our flight was canceled and they were closing the airport, so we took a taxi to a nearby motel. I've stayed in tents that were nicer, but we were just so glad to have a place to rest. We went back to the airport on Sunday morning and finally got on a flight at 11:00 am. We landed in Nairobi at 4, but I was 2 hours trying to get another visa back into Kenya. Unfortunately I had to purchase another visa although my old one had not expired. I guess because I had left the country. Then we waited at the airport for our contact. when they never showed we took a taxi downtown. Finally we called the missionary there and he gave us directions to his place. After another hour or so of searching all of Nairobi, at last we arrived at his house. We were overjoyed to finally have finished travelling. Until tomorrow. Last night we stayed at the most beautiful guest house. It's like an old, old mansion. Almost like a palace. It sits on a little lake and has a gorgeous garden. I thought it was wonderful. An improvement from the shack we stayed at on Saturday.

Today we have visited 2 orphanages and a school. The children of course are precious and they are so well taken care of. Each home had about 60 kids. I had a really hard time when we left Zambia. I loved being there, but once again I am enjoying being in Kenya.

Thank you all again for your prayers and for keeping up with everything on this trip. It has been really fun keeping up with this blogspot and just knowing that people back home care about what we're doing every day.

Tomorrow, Lord willing, we will be going to Mt. Kenya to see another orphanage. See you all in a couple more weeks.

Your servant in Christ,
Sarah

P.S. I ate caterpillar in Zambia and I don't care what anyone else says-- it was the most disgusting thing ever.

On US Soil

2009-02-14T08:57:00.002-05:00

9:44 am ~ Just landed in Pittsburgh. Praise the Lord for a safe journey and answered prayer. Remember the girls. They will be flying out at midnight (Lusaka time). Right now they are on a bus. We are home - mission accomplished!

6:53 am ~ Just landed in DC. All is well. One more flight. It's a little chilly.

Traveling Home

2009-02-14T00:24:00.002-05:00

Pastor sent a few updates throughout their day of travel. I was not home however to post updates . . .

11:10 am (EST) ~ Just boarded our flight. Next stop, Senegal. Ron tried to cheer us up by telling us about the plane accident in Buffalo.

8:35 am (EST) ~ Just landed in Johannesburg. So far so good -- only have 18 more hours to go on a plane.

6:00 am (EST) ~ Just boarded our flight to Johannesburg -- 2 1/2 hours. Said good bye to everyone. We are ready to come home. Just realized tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I sure have a good wife that puts up with me.

Return Flight Itinerary

2009-02-12T21:45:00.004-05:00

Pastor Barnhouse, Ron Raine, David Childs, Randy Munger and Ben Oesterling will be leaving Zambia on Friday. Their flight information is exactly the same as Zeke's was with the exception of the date.

February 13: Departing Ndola, Zambia at 1:00 pm (6:00 am EST) on South African Airways Flight #8155, arriving in Johannesburg, South Africa at 3:30 pm (8:30 am EST). Not sure if we'll have difficulties again tracking this flight since it is actually a South African Airlink flight.

Departing Johannesburg at 6:30 pm (11:30 am EST) on South African Airways Flight #207 (a multi-segment flight) -- flying through the night.

February 14: Arriving in Dakar, Senegal at 1:10 am (9:10 pm EST - Feb. 13) continuing on Flight #207 leaving Dakar at 2:10 am (10:10 pm EST - Feb. 13) arriving in Dulles (Washington, DC) at 6:00 am EST.

Departing Dulles at 8:47 am on South African Airways Flight #7482 (United Airlines #7783), arriving in Pittsburgh at 9:55 am.

*I think I have my time zones correct for EST.

Last Full Day

2009-02-12T21:39:00.002-05:00

We are ending our last full day in Zambia.

Don't like leaving the girls behind, but they still have work to do. They will be getting the house we stayed in ready for the missionaries that will be returning from furlough. We sure do appreciate being able to stay in their house.

The girls will be taking a bus to Usaka on Saturday, then flying to Nairobi at midnight. Pray for them.

Will send last text from Zambia in the morning.

Thank you. Thank you.
Pastor

He's home!

2009-02-12T09:54:00.002-05:00

Zeke's flight landed in Pittsburgh at 9:40 am!

Welcome Home Zeke!

Today's (Yikes!) Report From Pastor

2009-02-11T15:54:00.005-05:00

Yesterday while we were in the bush, we killed a snake. One of the guys thought it was a boa and started to pick it up. I saw it and knew it wasn't. I stopped him before he got too close. It was a gaboon viper, and they are very deadly.

Pictures inserted from web at Pastor's request:

[The Gaboon Viper is the ultimate ambush snake. It will stay still for a long time and wait for it's prey to come into reach. An adult ranges from 4-5 feet in length. It is the world's heaviest venomous snake. It has the longest fangs and the highest venom yield of any venomous snake. It is native to Southern Africa.]

Zeke left today. We are going to miss him. It rained really hard today, so we did not go into the bush. We had church in town. Pastor Ackim preached. It was a good time of fellowship. Tomorrow is the last day in the bush.

Update On Zeke's Flight

2009-02-11T11:08:00.005-05:00

Thursday, 8:15 am EST ~ Zeke's flight arrived in Dulles. An alternate flight number for his Dulles - Pittsburgh flight is United Airlines #7783.

9:40 pm EST ~ Zeke's flight arrived in Dakar.

4:15 pm EST ~ Don't know if anyone else has had difficulties tracking Zeke's flight on the above provided tracking widget or not . . . I tried using http://www.flysaa.com/ (South African Airways website). Here is a link that will save you a step or two. It's home page asks for country, language, etc. and this will put you past that: http://ww3.flysaa.com/fares/nav/en/en_frameset.html?contents=/fares/faresTDPDspSearch.jsp?NewSession=true&locale=en_za&loadFrame=false. You will have to click on Flight status under the heading At the airport to enter the flight number (#207) and select the date (11-February-2009).

11:00 am EST ~ I just spoke with the travel agent because I was unable to track Zeke's flight from Ndola to Johannesburg. She said that flight was with South African Airlink, but she did not have a different flight number for that airline. She does not see anything on her computer that would make him a "no show", so we are going to assume that he made it safely to Johannesburg and is getting ready to board Flt #207 at this time.

Zeke's Flight Itinerary

2009-02-10T22:18:00.006-05:00

Unfortunately, I am not 100% about this information because I'm piecing together things from a few sources. However, it is very likely that Zeke will be flying home with the following itinerary:

February 11: Departing Ndola, Zambia at 1:00 pm (6:00 am EST) on South African Airways Flight #8155, arriving in Johannesburg, South Africa at 3:30 pm (8:30 am EST).

Departing Johannesburg at 6:30 pm (11:30 am EST) on South African Airways Flight #207 (a multi-segment flight) -- flying through the night.

February 12: Arriving in Dakar, Senegal at 1:10 am continuing on Flight #207 leaving Dakar at 2:10 am arriving in Dulles (Washington, DC) at 6:00 am EST.

Final flight to home ~ Departing Dulles at 8:47 am on South African Airways Flight #7482, arriving in Pittsburgh at 9:55 am!

Please pray for Zeke's safety.

Visiting The Bush Churches - Day 1

2009-02-10T16:40:00.005-05:00

From Pastor ~

Today we started visiting the churches. We went to the furthest one in the bush. One Pastor rides his bike over 26 miles to preach at that church. We saw why they need an orphanage. There are children at every church without parents. At this point, we are emotionally and physically drained. We can't quiet the cries of help ( . . . the message drops off).

Letter To Home From David Childs

2009-02-10T16:30:00.002-05:00

Greetings from "warm and humid" Zambia!

Greetings as well in the wonderful name of our Savior Jesus Christ!

The experience in Zambia has been wonderful. The opportunities to see this first hand what God has been doing here is exciting. Ackim and his brother Terry have been chauffering us around the bush. We have had great fellowship and now feel that I know them so much better. They both love the Lord and you sense imediately that the are men of God.

Our daily schedule has varied throughout the trip and you learn to expect the unexpected. The trip to the bush from Kitwe is about 2 hours each way on roads that are full of potholes (sometimes very gruelling). Sunday as we were driving back from Kitwe we stopped to help a standed motorist. After Terry and Zeke fixed the man's car we were on our way and back to the Mission house around 10:30 PM (it was a long day that stated at 7:30 AM). Sunday Services were amazing! Pastor asked if I would preach at the Morning Service. There were 5 professions of faith and the singing and fellowship was great.! Pastor and I teamed up on Sunday night (it was the first Sunday night service for this church) and the Lord blessed our time together. Sunday afternoon we were delighted with a chicken, catapillar, and shema (Corn meal). It was a greaaaat time to fellowship with these dear people.

I'll sign off for now (we have to go meet the Chief).

Your representatives in Zambia.

David Childs

Letter To Home From Ron Raine

2009-02-10T16:26:00.003-05:00

Yesterday four of us got to teach 13 pastors and 13 assistant pastors. It was very humbling. Some of them do not even have Bibles. After 4-5 hours of preaching, studying and singing, we ending the day in an emotional experience you will have to see. The end of the session was filmed. You will just have to see it to experience it. The roads are worse than before [last year], so we lose so much time. The internet is sooooooo slow.

Have to run.
Ron Raine

Today's Message From Pastor

2009-02-09T13:07:00.004-05:00

12:56 pm (EST) ~We are out in the bush today. The girls are teaching the women at the orphanage property and the men are teaching at the church. There are about 40 pastors that came for Bible training. Soon we will meet for lunch. It was all cooked outside over a charcoal fire. Tomorrow we wil begin visiting the thirteen churches.

NOTE: There has been some difficulty receiving complete text messages since the groups have arrived in Zambia probably due to the remote area they are in. I have done my best to make sense of what is received.

Sunday Services

2009-02-08T18:32:00.003-05:00

2:30 pm (EST) ~ We finished our night service. We are on our way home -- it's 9:30 pm -- long day. The Lord blessed us today with four souls being saved. Back out to the bush in the morning.

7:00 am (EST) ~ Just finished the morning service. Bro. Dave Childs preached at Ackims church. Randy, Ben and Sarah went further into the bush. Church was great. The place was packed. We are going to eat lunch, then back to church.

Yet Another Message From Pastor

2009-02-07T10:41:00.003-05:00

Just finished buying the food for the week. What an experience. Things like paper plates are very hard to find if at all.

Tomorrow we head out we head out in the bus. We will have church, then lunch, then out to see the chief, then back to church. There is no electric or running water, but there are people and lots of them.

We are on the way to a small airport to pick up the rest of the guys [Group 2]. Then we will all be here (in Kitwe, Zambia with George and Ackim).

There are several preaching opportunities tomorrow. Please pray.

Message From Group 2

2009-02-07T00:14:00.001-05:00

All,

Randy, Dave, Ben, and I have made it to Johannesburg, South Africa.

We left P'gh Int'l at ~ 2:30 PM on Thursday, and boarded our 2nd plan in D.C. at 4:30 PM EST, but it did not take off until ~6:30 PM. We landed in Jo'brg at 4:30 local time. 15 hrs in the air, 17 hours in the plane. The ride was fine, and we saw the large desert on the west coast of Africa (not sure what country that was). However, from our view in the plane, the country of South Africa appears to be a beautiful place, and comparable to any first world country.

Our next flight (to Ndola, Zambia) leaves at 12:20 local time tomorrow, so we have plenty of time to try to adjust to the 76-80 degree weather. We called the first group at ~9 PM (2 PM EST). All four of them have arrived at the house in Kitwe and are doing well. We are looking forward to joining them tomorrow.

Thank you all for your prayers, the Lord has been keeping His hand over the activities thus far,

Ron

Another Message From Pastor

2009-02-06T07:40:00.004-05:00

(From Wednesday) We arrived in Nairobi, picked up the girls' tickets and checked into the hotel run by the Mennonites. It is clean, safe and has hot water. We ate at a restaurant tonight and a waiter asked if I did counselling. We went out into the parking lot and I gave him the Gospel. He thanked me and gave me his email. He said he would take some time after work and ask the Lord to save him. Never had that happen to me in that way before. I am glad God is in control.

We leave at 4:45 am (local time). We will get to our destination around 5 pm and the girls will arrive around 9 pm.

(From Thursday) Waiting to check in for our flight. We said goodbye to the girls. They are on their own -- well not really, they have the best traveling partner.

*Update* We saw John Bovard in the hospital yesterday, and he is doing well. We are now on the plane waiting for departure.

Thursday's Agenda

2009-02-05T09:55:00.003-05:00

Last communication from Pastor (1:30 am EST), Group 1 and Ms Norma were about an hour out of Nairobi. They are going to a hotel where they will overnight.

Pastor and Zeke will be flying out Friday morning on South African Airways Flight #183 at 7:30 am local time (12:30 am EST). Ms Norma and Sarah will be headed out via other means of transportation. I do not have details on their travel arrangements.

Group 2 will be leaving the church around 10 am and heading to the Pittsburgh airport. Their flight is scheduled to leave at 2:14 this afternoon. They have a layover in Dulles and then fly directly to Johannesburg on a 15-hour flight. Their flight information is posted at the top of the page.

Notes from Africa

2009-02-04T11:36:00.004-05:00

Pastor is preaching a few times today before Group 1 and Ms Norma make the long trip back to Nairobi today in anticipation of their flights/bus ride to Zambia tomorrow.

Before leaving, Pastor had his shoes shined for 30 cents and was going to get a haircut -- he's either fearless or crazy! Maybe they'll send pictures!

Prayer requests:

~Pastor Barnhouse is meeting with a few men from the African Inland Church group. Their system is a mess, and there are some preachers that want to break away. They need prayer for strength to stay in line doctinally.

~Continue to pray for Ms Norma and her visa situation. Pastor & Ms Norma will be working on that before heading to Zambia.

~Please pray for safety. Group 1 is headed back to Nairobi and then on to Zambia -- Ms Norma & Sarah will taking a less than desireable route and could really use your prayers. Group 2 will be flying out on Thursday from the States and headed to Zambia. (Will have tracking available again for their flights tomorrow.)

~Pray they will all be a blessing while visiting Ackim & George in Zambia.

~Continue to pray for Bro. Bovard and his health situation (See Letter To Home From Zeke 2 & 3).

More Pictures

2009-02-04T10:37:00.007-05:00

These pictures did not come with much explanation. Some information has come from previous posts and texts received from Pastor. **Viewer Discretion Advised** Last photo is of uncooked chicken leg that was part of their meal while in the bush.

Dedication service for the Independent Baptist Church

Zeke planting a tree at dedication service

Sarah planting a tree at dedication service

Church where Zeke helped work*
(In the background is a sign "Glory Baptist Church" made by Natalie Franko)

Scenic view

Workers in field*

Sarah & Ms Norma with children in Kericho

Zeke with national pastor and children

School Children

Zeke made a portable potty for Ms Norma because many places in the bush don't have bathroom facilities.

Ms Norma, Zeke and Sarah at the prison*

(Ms Norma, Zeke & Sarah pictured)

Curious children

Cabbage*

++++++++++++++++++

**Viewer Discretion Advised for next picture**
++++++++++++++++++

A rather skinny chicken leg used in a meal eaten by Group 1.

*Guessing the description of this picture

Letter To Home From Ms Norma

2009-02-04T10:34:00.001-05:00

Dear Praying friends at SRBC,

Words cannot express how wonderful it is to have the team here working with me. We are having a blessed time and God is doing so much in our hearts and the hearts of the people. It makes me feel so good to have the people here show so much love to them and enjoy them so much. We have run around here and they're like chickens with their heads cut off. If we could have caught one we probably would have eaten it. We can't seem to find any American places that serve food that they like, but we just pray and eat and complain!

We are busy packing and excited about going to Zambia to see the work there. Sarah and I are so much alike and have so many plans when we return that we won't have enough time to fit it all in. I'm not sure what God is going to do for Sarah or for my future ministry here in Africa, but it is so exciting to wait upon Him knowing that He is perfect in all His ways and will show us His will.

Please pray for me that all my plans will work out for me to come to the states the first of April. I need to take care of some business and visit my churches after being here for one year I will take a break for a short time. Thank you all so much for all that you sent to me, it was more than I expected and I am so grateful. I will keep in touch now that I have this blog to keep you informed.

All my love and prayers,
Norma Jane

Letter To Home From Zeke 3

2009-02-04T10:30:00.002-05:00

Today is our last day in the town of Kericho where Miss Norma lives. Tommorrow we travel by bus back to Nairobi so we can fly to Zambia. We have had a great time and learned so much. The people of Kenya have been so gracious and want us to stay forever. I wish I was a millionare so that I could help more.

A person could help people so much here if more money was available. Everywhere you look there is a need. Miss Norma has taught us so much about living by faith and letting God take care of your problems. All you need to do is be willing to serve.

The people of our church are lucky to have Pastor Barnhouse. He has a gift of preaching that I get to see even more when we are in foreign places. We went to 2 prisons yesterday and it was an experience I will not soon forget. He preached one of the best sermons I have ever heard. The national pastors that were with us were so excited when he was done. You have to realize we were with 200 hardened criminals and he turned them into soft hearted men that seemed to be moved by his sermon. I was the only one to see it because the girls stayed behind to do housework. So if You want a blessing, go on a missions trip. It will change so much about the way You think.

Miss Norma made us French toast this morning for breakfast and it was a great break from the "stuff" we had been eating. We have two services to attend today, Pastor will be preaching both of them. If anyone thinks he is on vacation, you are sooooooo wrong. He has been preaching so much that I feel bad for him. But he does it so willingly and counts it as a privilege. He has a great spirit and it is seen by the people here. They love him.

We do miss America and our families, friends. We would stay longer if we could. I am really looking forward to Zambia and getting to see Ackim again. I am sure he is thrilled for us to be coming. Miss all of you. Especially my Girl, Hi honey.

Zeke

P.S.- John Bovard has Hepatitis A. They are checking for the other kinds (B,C). He can still use your prayers.

Letter To Home From Sarah 3

2009-02-04T10:27:00.003-05:00

Well, we are still in Kericho. Tomorrow we leave for Nairobi and on Friday we are all heading to Zambia.

I would just really like to thank everyone who donated the funds to allow Miss Norma and I to go to Zambia. We are both so excited!!

Yesterday we went to the prisons. That was quite an experience but God definitely was working. The messages were awesome and Lord willing souls accepted Christ.

Yesterday afternoon Miss Norma washed our clothes and the guys clothes by hand. I felt like I was back in Honduras again.

We had our first American meal last night. Hot dogs, ham and eggs. We were so excited!!! You would've thought it was filet mignon. Then we topped it off with ice cream.

Well, please remember to continue praying for us. So far we are all still healthy and I know we are all having a wonderful time.

Your servant, Sarah

Letter To Home From Pastor 2

2009-02-03T07:43:00.003-05:00

Ok, back up and running. Phone is charged, and I have internet available in town (Kericho).

Our agenda today was to preach in prisons. Just finished preaching in one and in a few minutes I will going to the next one. There were about 40 women in the women's prison. Here if you have a baby, it stays with you until it is 4 years old, so we saw a few babies in prison. It was very sad. They listened very well and some trusted Jesus as there Saviour. The men's prison was very different and intimidating. They all came out into this big cement yards. Hundreds of them, all bare foot and wearing rags. There were people everywhere. It was very hot, but they sat there and listened. The Lord gave me a good translator. The first one was quiet and would have never been able to reach all the people. The one I had for the men did the job. They listened and many trusted Christ as there Saviour. God helped us today. You would never go into a place like that without God. You would be crazy.

Zeke and Sarah have been a blessing, and we are all gaining a better respect for this wonderful lady that is here by herself. One thing the Lord has convicted me about is encouraging her. She says she does not get very many letters or emails from back home. I know I can do that. It is easy to forget.

Out in the bush when we dedicated the church, they gave each of us a tree to plant. When it came time for Sarah to plant her tree, they said they picked that one because it looked like Sarah. This tree would have made the Charlie Brown Christmas tree look big. It was thin and tall. They considered it an honor. Their humor is a little different.

Tell the church "Thank you" for allowing Norma and Sarah to travel to Zambia. We thought it was going to be to hard, so we forgot about it. But when Ms Norma prays, things happen. Pray for them because they will fly on Lusaka Zambia. They have a layover in another neighboring country. Then they will take a bus for six hours. We will send two pastors down to get them. Zeke and I will not be with them because our flight was booked at an earlier time. They will not be alone because those pastors will be there to meet them. But still pray tomorrow.

I will preach twice at a local church and on Thursday. We will be getting on a bus and traveling to Nairobi, spending the night and heading out to Zambia on Friday. Tell the group coming to meet us that we are very excited about them coming and seeing what the Lord is going to do in Zambia.

Thank you for all your help with the blog it looks good. Pray the Lord will use it.

Letter To Home From Zeke 2

2009-02-02T10:58:00.002-05:00

We have just got back to Kericho from a few days out to a village called Chebangon. It was quite the experience. We got to live right beside the Kenyans as if we were one of them ourselves. Same food, same sleeping facilities and same "toilet" (hole in ground).

A man has opened a Baptist church in the village that Miss Norma has had a big hand in building. It is first of its kind in a huge section of Africa. The Pastor of the church was very genuine and has a pure heart. He is very focused. It was a treat for them to have Americans there for the church opening, and we were treated like family. It was pretty sweet to get a shower about a half hour ago, I was nasty. No bathroom for well over two days is hard, especially the ladies.

Our hearts are broken when we see the poverty here and how it affects the children. We have a hard time understanding why they all have 5-8 children when they can't feed them. They have a lot of bizzare cultures and practices here. The children are suffering in so many ways. Food, clothes, and education are more than lacking, non-existent in some cases. I got to stay behind and help some men work on the church while the others went to minister in a school. It was fun to work beside the Africans again as it reminded me of our last trip to Africa. I also built Miss Norma a wooden "Port-a-Potty" so she could use the "Ladies Room" with a little more comfort. She was really happy.

If I could type faster I would write more but, that is not the case. A young man told me he heard on the radio that the Steelers won. I couldn't believe that he knew. He was excited to tell us because he knew we were from Pa. (Hi Jessica, I am still alive and I miss you!)

Zeke

P.S.- We have just got news that Missionary John Bovard is in the Hospital with a major problem with his liver and he is in bad shape. Pray for him.

Letter To Home From Sarah 2

2009-02-02T10:25:00.003-05:00

Hello again everyone!!!

I cannot believe we have now been in Africa for 5 days. We have experienced so much in these last few days.

Saturday we went out to the bush and spent the weekend. We had no showers or bathrooms, but the family we stayed with was so hospitable. Within just a few hours I felt like they were my family. Saturday afternoon was the church dedication. The new building was packed. Even a school of children came out to be there. The people out in the bush are so poor, but so incredibly kind and hospitable. Everywhere we go we are invited into their humble homes and invited to have tea with them. Everyone treats us like family. They are so attentive and kind. The baptist pastor in the church has a wonderful testimony. He has such an overwhelming task out there and has absolutely no resources other than what Miss Norma or we are able to do for him. His family is so precious. I wish that everyone in our church had had the oppurtunity that we had to sit in his living room and drink tea and listen to him talk about his life and what God has done for him. It is so exciting to see our brothers and sisters from other countries serving the same God we serve. Unfortunately, many times they are doing so much more than we are.

Once again, thank you for supporting us and what we are doing over here. Please continue praying for the church out in the bush and all of the ministries that we have been priviliged to be a part of on this trip.

Your servant in Christ,
Sarah Miller

Sunday

2009-02-02T07:39:00.003-05:00

Message From Pastor~

Just finished lunch -- cow bones, lima beans, rice and potoatoes. The hot sauce came in handy.

I preached this morning and had a great time. Heading out to another village for church tonight. We have done so much already. One more night in the bush and then back to Kericho.

Tell all the folks back home that the people here thank them for sending us.

(Not sure when I'll hear from Pastor. His phone battery ran out, and he cannot charge it until they return to Kericho.)

Reflections On The Day

2009-01-31T13:44:00.004-05:00

Message From Pastor~

We had a great time today. We got to see the opening of the first independent Baptist church in this area. Ms. Norma had a suit made for the pastor. He's a godly man and will serve the Lord well.

The sun is going down. It is nice and cool -- 60 degrees. Sarah & I are playing with about 15 kids. Zeke is inside talking farming with the pastor. Ms. Norma is resting. I am reflecting on the day.

It was a privilege preaching today. It was as if we have known each other forever. The kids are huddled around watching me. They sit and rub your arms because we have hair on our arms and they don't.

Thank you for praying and giving.

Pictures

2009-01-30T12:18:00.006-05:00

Some of the picture can be clicked on to see a larger view: however, due to quality issues some cannot.

Group 1 arrived in Nairobi -- pictured with Ms. Norma

Sarah & Zeke at the site of the US Embassy bombing.

While on the bus drive from Nairobi to Kericho, they saw a zebra, two families of wart hogs and baboons. Pastor says, "We weren't even on a safari. Just traveling to Ms. Norma's house."

One of the schools they visited

Pastor said Ms. Norma was very lonely and glad to see them. "I can't believe she does this
all by herself, but she has the Lord with her."

Zeke observing the children at the school.

Lastly, a little of Pastor's "humor" -- We learned a new custom. When you get married, you are never allowed to go to your mother-in-law's house or can never be alone with her. Maybe this place is not so bad!

Letter To Home From Pastor

2009-01-30T11:49:00.004-05:00

I am finally in front of a computer. I am not going to worry about spelling so I can go faster.

We had a great day today. We went to three schools today, and we all had a chance to speak to the children and tell them about the Lord. Some of the schools only have dirt floors. The kids are well behaved and study hard because if the do not pass then they cannot continue. The better the grade, the better the school they can go to. We were able to pray and teach in these schools with no problems. They welcomed us. We met several pastors today and ate at one of their houses (a mud hut). Our food was fixed outside -- rice & beans and a little meat. They come by and wash your hand in bowl while you sit. They had so very little yet were so generous. The pastor's mom was 100 years old. She had large holes in her ear lobes from the ornaments she used to wear. The pastor's wife passed away leaving him with six kids.

Tonight we will be eating in the home of a pastor who is not Baptist in doctrine to try and influence him. Many of them have little doctrine. Tomorrow we will go out in a village for two days. There will be no shower facilities, and we will be staying in a hut. The dedication of the First Baptist Church in this area will be tomorrow. The pastor was meeting with a small group of people in his livingroom. He was praying that he could start a Baptist church and God led his path to Mrs Norma who was praying for a Baptist church in this area. Most churches here are Bishop run with women elders. We had tea 5 times today. Every were you go they what you to drink tea.

Sarah and Zeke have been a blessing. They are willing to do anything, and they love the people. I will be able to email again on Monday. In the mean time, I will continue to text when I can. I will send this first then the pics.

America is so blessed.
Pastor

(This letter has been edited by the administrator to decrease the amount of typos and repair grammar for ease of reading.)

Letter To Home From Zeke

2009-01-30T11:47:00.001-05:00

This is from Zeke. Hello. We have been in Africa for 3 days now and all is well. We have had opportunities to do things that the majority of the world will never experience. Today we went with Norma to 3 childrens schools and shared the gospel. The children are so precious and so poor. They have so little and yet have a huge smile on their faces. I wanted to take all of them home with me. We gave them candy and it was like Christmas to them. They all sang for us and clapped anytime any of us spoke. They have probably never seen a white person before except for Norma. They want to rub your arms, face, and hair and then they burst into laughter. It was quite a site. We took a lot of pictures so church members can understand how things transpire here.

After the school visit, we went to meet some pastors at one of their houses and ate dinner. I cannot say that I enjoyed the food, but the experience of 20 people in a room the size of a walk in closet was crazy. They want to know everything about us. Our families, our jobs, and the places we have traveled are the topics of conversation. They cling to every word because most of them have the same story. They do not travel anywhere due to the fact that they have NO money. We truly are so blessed in the U.S. so much more than you can understand.

Ms. Norma is the sweetest lady on the face of the earth. Most grown men would never be able to keep up with her. She has done so much and made so many friends in the 5 years she has been here. The children and people seem to love her and respect her. She gives everything she has to the people of Kenya.

Tommorow we travel to a town far away. We have to stay with a national pastors in his mud house, so that will be bizzare. The roads are beyond horrible were we travel and the car we take is junkyard material. Somehow we seem to make it though. There are so many things I could tell you, it would fill 100 pages. Hope all is well at home. I miss my Fiance, Hi Jessica.

Talk to all of you soon.
Zeke Seivers

Letter To Home From Sarah

2009-01-30T11:44:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are doing great and having a wonderful time. We had the privilege of giving Bible lessons and presenting the gospel in 3 schools today. Also, we have met many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are staying in the community of Kericho. Kericho is known all over Kenya for their tea plantations. Everyone drinks hot tea with milk several times a day. 4 times we have been invited into people's homes to drink tea and eat bread. It's been quite an experience.

Tomorrow we leave for the bush. We are invited to a church dedication and we will spend the night out there. I am very excited and eager to see more of Africa. The people are amazingly friendly and hospitable. Also, it's been a nice treat that nearly everyone knows at least some English. Obviously that makes communicating much easier. They also do speak Swahili or other tribal languages, so it's very neat to hear them speaking to each other on the streets.

I think Miss Norma is having a good time having us here. She was so grateful for the little gifts and letters that so many people sent her. Her and I were really hoping to get an oppurtunity to go to Zambia, but God has not opened that door to allow us to go. Maybe He has another plan for us here.

There is no way to relay the burden and everything that we are seeing and experiencing here, but I can assure you that anyone who came here and saw these children and these people would feel the burden. The children are, as all children, so precious.

If only in America we could somehow grasp how blessed we are and how much we have. It does not even seem right that we should have so much and waste so much when there are 1000's of people dying over here every day. We have sat in homes today of people who have absolutely nothing. They have the clothes on their back, a mudhole to live in, and whatever food they bring home that day to eat. Our dogs live better than they do.

Please pray for us. How can you truly help them in just the few days that we have the oppurtunity of being here. They need so much more. And most importantly they need our Saviour. Pray that they will accept Him.

Thank you all for supporting us here. For your prayers and for everyone who has joined us on this trip on our blogsite.

Your servant,
Sarah Miller

Bus Ride to Kericho

2009-01-29T10:16:00.005-05:00

At least Pastor, had difficulties sleeping last night as the difference in time is 8-hours. He was wide awake at 5 am local time. It was a rough trip getting to Nairobi. Pastor said it made him imagime what David Livingston had to go through.

Today schedule includes a 6-hour drive to Kericho. Traffic is crazy, but they saw the site of the US Embassy Bombing in 1996. On the drive, they saw a zebra. (As of last contact, they had not made it to their destination.) Pastor is hoping to send pictures later.

Tomorrow the work begins after almost three days of travel . . . Ms. Norma Grooten works with the children in the villages and runs a Bible Study coorespondence ministry for young people and adults.

Some of the children Ms. Norma works with in Kericho

Wednesday's Updates

2009-01-28T01:23:00.008-05:00

2:00 pm EST - Group 1 has obtained their luggage!! They are headed to the guest house where they will stay overnight. From there they are going to eat with Ms. Norma and Bro. Bovard. Tomorrow morning, they will taking a 6-hour bus ride to Kericho (where Ms. Norma has been ministering). Pastor says "Thank you for your prayer!"

1:21 pm EST - Group 1's flight landed within a few minutes of scheduled time in Nairobi, Kenya. They were exiting the plane and going to look for Ms. Norma.

8:54 am EST - Current temperature at the airport in Kenya is 75 degrees. How refreshing for the group as they arrive after MANY hours of travel! Please continue to pray for their safety as they travel. They are scheduled to arrive around 12:30 EST. Hopefully I'll have a good report about their luggage when Pastor checks in upon arrival!

*Typo - the name of the airline from Amsterdam to Kenya was incorrect originally. It has been corrected . . . Northwest Airlines Flight # 8565

4:11 am EST- Boarded flight for Kenya. "They have had breakfast three times in one 'day'. Feels like they are stuck in a neverending day. So far so good."

1:18 am EST - Landed in Amsterdam at 7:10 am (local time). "Long flight. 32 degrees. Three hour layover and then back up in the air."
_

Tuesday's Updates

2009-01-27T14:20:00.002-05:00

2:15 pm - Group 1's flight landed in Detroit on time.

3:15 pm - Pastor and crew are enjoying their last American fast food meal in the Detroit airport while waiting for their next flight. On the first flight, Pastor sat next to a lady who told him her son's friend just committed suicide, and he was able to talk to her about the Lord.
_

Group 1 Flight Itinerary

2009-01-26T21:36:00.012-05:00

Tuesday, January 27

(Group 1) Pastor Barnhouse, Zeke Seivers and Sarah Miller will be flying out of Pittsburgh.

Northwest Airlines Flight 2949
Departing Pittsburgh at 12:42 pm
Arriving Detroit at 2:06 pm

Continuing to Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Northwest Airlines Flight 68
Departing Detroit at 5:35 pm (flying through the night)

Wednesday, January 28

Arriving Amsterdam at 7:30 am

Continuing to Nairobi, Kenya.

Northwest Airlines 8565
Departing Amsterdam at 10:20 am
Arriving Nairobi at 8:25 pm

Overnight at hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. (Kenya is 8 hours ahead of EST)

THINGS TO PRAY FOR:
Safety / Weather
Flights keep on time
Luggage (arrives at destination ON TIME)
Testimony & witness as they travel
Sleep while traveling
_

Laying A Little Ground Work

2009-01-23T22:21:00.003-05:00

These pictures were taken during the missions trip to Africa in 2008:

Market in Kalalushi (small city near where Ackim lives)

Long road to Ackim's church / Orphanage / Property

Church Building

Zeke, church member, Allan, Ackim's mom & Ackim

Bathroom at the church

Future Orphanage to house 24 boys

An orphanage worker and his home

Typical home in the bush

Postings and Pictures

2009-01-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

This site will be updated as information and pictures are received from Pastor Barnhouse while he is in Africa.