Our first church service
January 27, 2008
We attended our first church service this morning. About 100 people, most of who work in the hospital, gather together for a service. We read scripture, sang hymns–My Jesus I Love Thee, Are You Washed in the Blood?, There is a Fount… and then the Kenyan worship team led us in some songs that we sing at Lakewood—Shout to the Lord, These Are the Days of Elijah.
During the service, they welcomed all of the visitors who had come to serve at the hospital. They stressed that most visiting doctors had cancelled their trips because of the conflict and how our coming not only was such a welcome help for them, but an inspiration for other doctors to consider coming as well. They are SO grateful for all of us who have come to help. This really blessed and encouraged us. I’m so glad we persevered and made the trip.
Most of you have probably read that the violence continues here in Kenya—some very close to where we are. Most feel like the country is teetering on spinning out of control. The message this morning focused on how the conflict here in Kenya is really just a reflection of the spiritual conflict between good and evil, God and Satan, love and hate, light and darkness. The Kenyan pastor posed the question to all of us: “What are God’s people to do?” He made such great points—we need to stand up for righteousness, resist hatred and violence and pray for the God to intervene. And that we serve an awesome and powerful God who is able to bring peace and unity to this country. It was a great and timely message.
We have a restful Sunday afternoon planned (meaning we don’t have a TV or car!) and we’re ready for the start of our first full week here at the hospital. Keep us in your prayers and we will keep you posted.
Blessings,
Paul
I’m sitting here smiling as I write this – You all look so happy – I looked at all the pictures, you are all just beaming. I am praying for you each and every day – Love Stacy
Hey man it was good to hear from you. We go south in 2 days and will be back on the 8th of Feb. It is great to see the pics of you guys with all of your new friends and seeing you interact with the local population. I am so happy to hear all is going well and that you are getting to spend time in surgery. I know you are making such a difference as God is using you there.
We continue to pray for you and your family, for your safety, health, and spirits. If you get another chance 993-6323. If I don’t reply before we leave, we will check with you when we return.
JT
Jackson, hey man have you had a chance to do any hunting yet? I have heard that they got some real wild game animals over there. If you go on Safari you might see if your dad will let you take a gun. I could really use one of those lion skins by my fireplace. Say “HI” to the rest of your family for me.
Mr. John
Hello Dr. Paul! We are praying for you! Looks fun, keep up the good work….
Your sister filled in for you Wednesday night, the church misses you…
Larry
Dear Dr. Paul,
Wow, what an analogy – Good vs. Evil, etc. Such insight ! as we fall down to worship at HIS feet and pray ! What messages He’s putting in you ! Keep those wonderful pictures and blogs coming. Continuously praying for your and your precious family, and your safe return.
Gary and Nancy
Hi Dr. Paul and Family,
Thanks for this we blog and for sharing about your amazing mission with us. You are a great inspiration for all who love to be Jesus’s hands and feet!
God bless and stay safe!(I am glad U wrote abut UR safety there!)
Hi olivia sophi and georgia we really miss you at church and karate girl is praying for you your friend cydney
please call me or send a email back your friend cydney
Dr. Osteen,
I just think it is wonderful that you and your family are there in Kenya serving the Lord together and that we can read about it in your journal entries. You are all inspiring and brave soldiers of Christ! When will you be returning to the US?
God bless,
Diane Fournier
paul and family
you remind me alot of your brother joel. your family has been a real blessing to me and others.love u all. sharon
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT U ALL HAVE SACRIFICED TO HELP THESE PEOPLE IN THIS PLACE OF TURMOL AND MAY GOD BLESS U ALL IN WHAT YOU ALL DO ON A DAILY BASES. I TOO HELP MY FELLOW CHRISTIANS IN THAT I HELP BY DONATIONS TO HATIE. THE MISSIONIERS, BOBBY AND SHERRY BURNETTE GIVE THEIR LIVES TO THESE PEOPLE MUCH LIKE YOURSELVES AND I KNOW LIKE YOU ALL, THEY RISK THEIR LIVES EVERYDAY SO MAY I TAKE THIS TIME TO SAY THAT WE ALL CAN HELP OUR FELLOW MAN AS GOD WOULD HAVE US TO DO AND DO IT WITH A CHEERFUL VOICE AND WITH ACTIONS, AMEN. GOD BLESS AND YOU ALL WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS. NORMA
Dear Osteen Family…
I will try to keep this short because I know you have lots to read and live!
I live in Ontario, Canada. I have been watching your brother Joel about 2 years now. I have seen you and your wife in the audience and have heard his comical “jabs” at you Paul, although they may not seem comical to you? wink wink
I just opened your family’s blogs accidentally tonight while reading my daily devotions from the Lakewood Church and have been so amazingly wrapped up in all the words and info you and your family have to offer for I have recently adopted/sponsered a child through Compassion Canada, a ministry releasing children from poverty…my child is from Kenya!!! Do you ever wonder about decisions you have made? If they are right? Did you hear God’s direction to this? WELL…when from what I have heard in the news recently and now reading these Osteen Family blogs…I am certain I have made the right choice in adopting Moses from Kenya!
It amazes me how I have been connected on a personal basis with the Osteen family through my little boy in Kenya!
MANY MANY PRAYERS are sent your way….
“God Bless you all!!!!!!”
God is know every things Mark 9:23 “‘ If you can’?” said Jesus ,Everything is
possible for him who believes.”Also, ISAIAH 22:22 God said I will place on his
shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what
he ahuts no one can open. Thank you may the Lord Blees your ministries.
Brother Joel,
I am a 57 year old lady who need some advice(spiritual). I do not go to church. I work 7 days a week with a elderly man who is disable. I was raised in a church school and I am a christian. I watch you services when I can.
I have a question. If you work for the elderly and get cash, do you pay taxes on what you get. I give to organizations like( feed the children,Brother Benny Hinn,Cancer foundation,for the police department,fire department,make a wish,Indian foundation,and some other). I also when I can go to a church, I give in the offering. I do not make a lot of money, but I believe all of the money I get belongs to God. I live Week -Week. I do not have a saving account . I give most of my extra money away.I keep planting a seeds. I know God will see to my needs.
“Please” pray and tell me what is the right thing to do. God will come back soon and I will answer to him for my things I have done in my life.
Sincerely Yours
Elsie Carroll