A pre-siesta reflection

February 2, 2008

I’m sitting on the upstairs veranda of our mission housing overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of western Kenya. It’s about 70 degrees with very little humidity. We’re at 7000 feet above sea level and on the equator—so it’s absolutely perfect weather and the most lush, green place I have ever seen. From my view I can see all these little village homes with gardens around them. In the distance I can see several tea plantations creating a beautiful deep green patchwork on the distant hills. There are so many birds with such different calls and sounds—one, we hear at dawn sounds just like a flute—it’s beautiful. At night you can see more stars than you can imagine. All through the night we hear donkeys “honking” and owls hooting and dogs barking at each other and people in the surrounding village singing and laughing.

The food here is really incredible as well. There are all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables here—from bananas to pineapples to cabbage. We have a man who collects food and helps cook for us during the week and he makes some of the best cole slaw I’ve ever had. It’s interesting too, that the custom here in Kenya is to start work early and then about 10 a.m., everyone breaks for “chai”. This is a Kenyan recipe for boiled milk with sugar that is then mixed with tea. Trust me, it is awesome. It is a great time to sit and fellowship with our Kenyan brothers and sisters over a cup of Chai each day. Then, at 1 p.m., everyone breaks for lunch—which is the big meal of the day and then return to work at 2 p.m.

You’ve all been reading about the violence and conflict here in Kenya—much of it just a few miles from where we are. Unfortunately, much of what you are reading about is very true—we are taking care of a lot of the wounded from the areas of conflict around us (more about that to follow). But I don’t want you to get the wrong picture of most of the Kenyan people. The people I work with day in and day out at the hospital and the ones we minister to are some of the kindest, most gentle, respectful godly people I have ever had the privilege of being around. Their inner joy is reflected by their beautiful, radiant smiles. There is a custom here at this hospital to pray before every operation. Many times I will pray, but often I will ask them to pray—mainly because I love to hear their words. Prayer for most of them seems effortless and reflects a real relationship with Jesus and a dependence on Him for everything they do. So, whatever you see in the news about Kenya, remember that isn’t a reflection of most of the Kenyans.

The reason I haven’t had much time to write a journal entry is because I have been VERY busy over the last few days. I have had to make several adjustments—getting back into the “saddle” of doing surgery, navigating a new culture, a new hospital and a new way of doing things. All that on top of this being a very busy time in surgery here. I left for the hospital just before 7 a.m. yesterday, did “rounds” on probably 40 patients, did my first operation at 9 a.m. and finally walked back to our cottage at 6 a.m. after doing eleven operations! I started with an arrow injury to the chest (9 a.m.), and ended with an arrow injury to the back side (5 a.m.)! In between, I operated on a 5 month old with a bowel obstruction (intussusception for you medical types), a 6 year old with burns, and a whole host of other general surgical problems. From 1 a.m. this morning until almost 5 a.m. I operated on a man who was stabbed in the abdomen and had a huge injury to his stomach, and smaller ones to his small bowel. Never a dull moment.

One of my main prayers has been for my surgical skills to come back to me quickly. I have seen God show Himself faithful in that regard. I have relied on His strength instead of my own. It sounds so simple but it when we try to do things in our own strength, we struggle. When we depend on His strength, there is an “ease” in doing what He calls us to do.

The kids are having a great time. They do their school work in the morning and play with the other missionary kids in the afternoon. Jack seems to have made friends with the whole mission compound. It’s not unusual for him to go missing for 30 minutes only to be found visiting some of the older ladies who have become his newest friends. Jenn continues to be the anchor that holds our family together. Her peaceful demeanor keeps a steady calm to our family life.

Despite all the violence and unrest here in Kenya, there has not been a moment that we haven’t experienced a “peace that passes understanding”. With all the violence so close to us, it made no sense for us to not have fear and worry and apprehension. We are so thankful we have a refuge, a fortress and a hiding place knowing He is our shield and our protector.

Well, it’s 2 p.m. on Saturday, and after being up all night I’m “running on fumes”. I feel a siesta coming on!

Many thanks for all the comments and encouraging words. Thanks to some of our long lost friends making contact with us (Steve and Lori!). We appreciate you prayers. We know that the reason we are doing so well is because there are a whole lot of people praying for us. We do not take you for granted.

Blessings to all this weekend,

Paul

Posted by Paul Osteen at 12:44pm You can leave a response here.

23 Responses to “A pre-siesta reflection”

Noriko Chege said on February 4th, 2008 at 6:35 am:

Dear Paul,
I am writing this message from Nairobi, Kenya. May God richly bless you and your family. A wonderful job !
Noriko Chege
3.35pm, 4th Jan, 2008

Dennis Harvey said on February 4th, 2008 at 8:23 am:

Good morning Brother Paul,

My family and I are members of Lakewood for a year now. God led us to the Church and Ministries from Coral Springs, FL. We have grown in our faith since we have been attending and God has opened new doors of opportunity for us as a result.

I have been involved in missions to Mexico and have witnessed the miracles and works of the Holy Spirit on these trips. It is something that I will never forget and continues to be a driving spiritual force in my life today.

I pray that God will continue to Bless you , strengthen you physically, spiritually, and that His annoiting will be on you as you minister to these people. I also pray that you and your family will be under Gods protection in these troubled times in Kenya.

Thank you,
Dennis, Candida, and Dennis Harvey Jr

Steve Ray said on February 4th, 2008 at 9:37 am:

Paul,
So good to hear from you! We left for the hill country last Thursday to do some camping and enjoyed a very peaceful time together, but prayed for you all each chance we had. We also looked for wi-fi hotspots every time we left camp hoping to see an update from Kenya (thank you McDonalds!). Thanks for all the details! Wish you had a “mission-cam” that followed you all around so we could pop in at any time and see what you are doing. We have some friends who just moved to Indonesia for work there and we just talked to them last night on Skype. It’s fun praying for and hearing from friends literally all over the world who are moving the Kingdom forward!
Love you all and will keep praying until your mission is complete (this time)!
-sray

Simone said on February 4th, 2008 at 9:44 am:

Dr. Paul,
I am so proud of you and excited about what God is doing in your life. I praise God that he is allowing you to thrive in your passion (ministry and medicine). I continue to keep you all in my prayers and know that God’s mighty hand of protection overshadows you and that your recollection of medical techniques by far exceeds what you have learned in the natural – that God will bring (not just the things you have learned but…) all things to your remembrance.

Jenn,

Thanks for all you do. You are a wonderful example of a godly wife and mother – supporting your husband, raising awesome children all the while taking care of the many other details of family life and doing it all with such grace. You amaze me. I know you are touching many in Kenya. I believe the impact your entire family is having in Kenya directly reflects the person you are and the way you choose to live your life. The families of Kenya will never be the same!

Georgia, Olivia, Sophia and Jackson,

What a joy each of you are. I know you are such a blessing and encouragement to all the children (and the adults) who cross your path. There is no doubt in my mind that you will leave them by far better off than they were when you arrived. They will never forget the love, kindness and compassion you are showing them. Thank you for your willingness to share the love of Christ at such a tender age.

Love and miss you all and continue to keep you in my prayers.

Many blessings, Simone

Kay McCallum said on February 5th, 2008 at 6:44 am:

Dear Paul and Jenn…it’s 6:30am on Tuesday here in Houston and I’ve been blessed by reading all about your family and what God has you doing. You are an example of what true dedicated Christian’s are. My prayers are with you and believing for God’s protection over you and your family and all the missionaries there in Kenya. Your sister in Christ…Kay

MARIE T. KURTZ said on February 5th, 2008 at 8:24 am:

DEAR DR. PAUL & JENNIFER & CHILDREN, I WATCH JOEL OSTEEN EVERY SUNDAY P.M. FROM CAPE CANAVERAL FLORIDA THE HOME OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE WHICH HAS BROUGHT GREAT SPACE SPINOFFS IN MEDECINE . YOU ABOVE ALL KNOW THAT FROM JOHNSON SPACE CENTERR HOUSTON,TEXAS. THE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES HAS MADE YOUR MISSION FIELD A REALITY. KENYA,AFRICA HAS MANY,MANY MISSIONARIES FROM ALL OVER THSES UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. YOUR FAMILY BEING ONE OF MANY IN THE FIELD.I ENJOYED RECEIVING THIS PARTICULAR E-MAIL FROM JOEL AND VICTORIA OSTEEN YOUR BROTHER/SISITER-IN-LAW. WE RAE SEEING THE WORST ON NATIONAL TELEVISION ABOUT KENYA,AFRICA AT THIS TIME. MOSTLY IT IS ABOUT MITT ROMNEY FOR 44TH. PRESIDENT VERSUS SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN AND MOSTLY A CHANGE WITH BARAK HUSSEIN OBAMA BEING AFRICAN AMERICAN COINCIDES WITH THE KENYAN AFRICAN NEWS EACH P.M.GLAD THAT YOU COULD VIEW XL11 SUPER BOWL SUNDAY THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO OUR SPACE SHUTTLE SPINOFFS TRECHNOLOGY,TECHNOLOGY,TECHNOLOGY HAS MAD LIFE UNBELIEVABLE GREAT IN USA TODAY AND AROUND THE WORLD.I THOUGH THTA YOU WERE AT LAKEWOOD CHURCH BUT NO YOU ARE ON THE BATTLEFRONT AS A MEDICAL MISSIONARY. HOW GREAT IS THAT FOR THE GLORY AND THE KINGODM OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK FOR YOUR HEAVENLY CROWN AWAITS YOU ONE DAY WHEN YOU SEE THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS AND HIS STATEMENT WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.HAVE A JESUS FILLED MONTH IN KENYA,AFRICA. WE HAVE OVERCOME IN CHRIST,JESUS NAME THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME. RESPECTFULLY YOURS, MARIE T. KURTZ OF CAPE CANAVERAL,FLORIDA

Melanie said on February 5th, 2008 at 11:48 am:

Dr. Paul,

I’m so excited for you and your family! My spirit soars with you and yours as you reach into your passion zone. Know that many here at home are praying and smiling as you step out in His Name.

May His Blessings rain down !!
Melanie

K.D. Carter said on February 5th, 2008 at 12:17 pm:

Dr. Paul,

First, I must say that your writing is so colorful and descriptive I’d imagine that you were left-brain writer and not a right brainer medical type! I am so glad that you and the fam are over there sharing the love of God through not only words but also deeds. I pray that God continues to use your hands, and the hands of your wife and 3 of my favorite girls on the planet and my favorite little cowboy Jack (I hope he remembered his cowboy hat)! Glad to hear (through Liv’s post) that you were going for the Giants!

11 surgeries in 23 hours!!! The Grey’s Anatomy doctors have nothing on you!

Praying for ya’ll’s safety there and on the trip back home!

K.D. Carter

Grace said on February 5th, 2008 at 10:03 pm:

Dr. Paul,

I’m so glad that God has so incredibly answered one of my main prayers for you … that your surgical skills would come back to you quickly. Amen to His faithfullness!! I continue to pray Psalms 91:1 (Amp.) over you and your family. You are missed at Lakewood but we know your heart, passion and sensitivity to God’s call!

Mungu akubariki!!!!!!!!!

The Flórez Family said on February 5th, 2008 at 10:32 pm:

Dr. Paul, Jennifer, Georgia, Olivia, Sophia & Jackson, What a blessing is this site! Thank you so much for letting us enter in your lives and days in Kenya. Thank you for sharing the pictures and letters, that give us a real sense of what you all are doing and allow us to pray specifically over every need. We are part of that inmesurable amount of people praying for you, here in Houston and around the world. Can you see the cloud of prayers? is a huge shield of protection covering the area, the compound, the villages, the hospital, the houses, the surroundings… everywhere you go! Let God continue giving you the joy, the peace and the strength to do His job. Brave servants, we follow that example of obedience and courage to let Him act in your lives and take you to places (physically and spiritually) you have never been! Precious family, each one of you are doing a vital part in this mission. Each one of you are touching lives, living memories, smiles, teachings, healings that won’t be forgotten!! We love you, Manuel, Claudia & Luisa

cynthia said on February 6th, 2008 at 7:22 am:

Dear Paul,
What a blessing to know that you have allowed your family to be used of God at this trying moment in my motherland Kenya. Am writing from Germany and would like to inform you that am praying for you and your family and the many who have heeded to God’s call to be his hands at this time of need, you can be sure all is not in vain. Thanks too for the good reports concerning the people of Kenya, you can be sure for the media, bad news is good news, but for us christians we speak life through our tongues, we let ourselves be the voice of the Lord in hopeless situation, to bring out the picture through God’s eyes. Thanks a million times.

ubarikiwe sanaa..(God bless you)

sharon said on February 6th, 2008 at 9:30 am:

paul
i want you to know that i have been part of lakewood for along time and each time i read joels devotionals and tv during the week has brought me out alot. i am hoping one day i will be at lakewood. all of u are in my prayers and your mom is a really strong person. i see u alot in the services but never heard u preach. you and your family has really touched alot of lives if u get a chance call me sometimes 8036485145. or email me sharonbell1953@msn.com. if not remember god loves u and so do I . sharon aiken s. .c

Billie Shackelford said on February 6th, 2008 at 9:44 am:

Dr. Paul Osteen, I have been in awe of you and your family since God brought you guy’s into my path in 2001. The Lord has used you all to help me get through breast cancer six years ago, and have led my daughter to an intimate relationship with the Lord at the age 16 years old. She is now 20 years old and is attending angiography school at the University of Virginia. I guess she is following her Mom’s footsteps:). I have been a registered nurse for 22 years, and currently work on an oncology unit in the Shenandoah Valley, VA. I receive Joel’s daily inspirations, and happened upon the Mission tab on the website this morning, not realizing you all were in Kenya right now. Just over the weekend, another nurse friend of mine informed me of three children in Kenya who are all alone because their Mom is here in the states with their brother, while he is receiving treatment for aplastic anemia at NIH in the Washington, DC area., and she is wanting her children to come here so badly. I have to say I am comforted by your words regarding the Kenyan people, in spite of what is going on there. And please know that I will be praying specifically that your hands will be God’s hands during your surgical cases, and that He will bring back to your remembrance all of the knowledge that you need to bring physical healing to these people. You already have the spiritual and emotional healing covered!!!!!!!! Be Blessed, Billie Shackelford, RN

jim graff said on February 6th, 2008 at 10:09 am:

How incredibly touching, we are so proud of you guys! love to the whole family, jim

Larry & Lesli said on February 6th, 2008 at 11:32 am:

Dr. Paul,

I was touched by that little boy story and the picture of his burns. We appreciate what you are doing there and in in this world. Just a note to let you know we are praying for you and thinking of you!
Larry

Kerstin Meyer said on February 7th, 2008 at 1:12 pm:

To all of our Lakewood heros in Kenya:
It is such a blessing to know that all of you care enough to put yourself in danger to undertake such a great mission! I can relate – my heart, soul and prayers are with you and if it wouldn’t be for my own ‘tribe’ I have to care for here, I would have asked to come with you and be another helping hand right alongside with all of you!
Know that we all have been praying for you, Ms. Dodie started crying talking about what difference you all are making in your Kenyan endeavors, and the Praise team and choir is going to send you a little “Thinking about you” note shortly that was recorded yesterday.
Know that you are missed here, but more needed where you are now.

May God continue to bless your powerful ministry, and keep you in the palm of His mighty hand – always!

Mike & Gayle said on February 8th, 2008 at 1:43 pm:

We began praying for you before you ever left for Africa. I know God is the One who put this awesome dream in your heart to show the people around the world who Jesus truly is. I cannot think of better representatives than your wonderful family. I know we plan our steps, but God directs our paths. We are praying for strength, divine health, wisdom and to just know that God is in control of everything you are accomplishing in Kenya. We will not stop praying for you while you are there. Even with all the unrest going on around you, God has put his hedge of protection around you and your work, and we know that every single thing He wants to do will be done, in Jesus name. We love and miss you guys so much. We know we will see you soon. You are giving these people hope in what looks like a hopeless situation to them. God uphold you in His Mighty Hand! You are like a tree planted by the water, you do not fear when drought comes, your roots go down deep.

Denise said on February 8th, 2008 at 5:53 pm:

Dr. Paul, Jenn and kids,

I have no words that can convey the love, admiration and respect I have for you and your beautiful family. The example that you are setting for your children is a tremendous inspiration for me and my children and grandchildren. I have prayed for each of you and am happy to hear of God’s faithfulness to watch over His word to perform it. When I read your blogs it’s like I’m there because you describe everything so wonderfully. My continued prayer for you Dr. Paul is for God to infuse you with supernatural energy, clarity, focus and steadiness of hand. Jenn, our beautiful angel of mercy, thank you is not enough for what you are doing as a wife, mother, teacher and helper. May God also provide you with strength, energy, and wisdom. I know you both are so very proud of the children as we all are. Continued success is all you do while there and I pray for a daily hedge of protection whereever you all may be.
I love you all…….Denise

Larry & Lesli said on February 8th, 2008 at 6:33 pm:

Hey Dr. Paul,

Go to http://www.youtube.com/toyby4 and watch the video… Enjoy!!!!

P.S. You owe me lunch!

Larry

carlos said on February 9th, 2008 at 10:34 pm:

wow… what a mission…may GOD continue to provide the strength,energy and the
blessing to the entire osteen family. I want To let all you guys know, that i watch joel osteen 4x on sunday, also on monday and friday , believe me I know
all his times. joel a given me the faith, and has change my life, spiritually,thru jesus
christ. i lost a bussiness that cost me over half a million dollar, however economically God has close that door for me , but i know he has better &bigger
things in store for me and my family. it hasn’t been easy, but the GOD always pulls
us thru. may God continue to bless the lakewood church, and joel osteen and his
family. hey, joel maybe you should run for president ,and fix this country you have values, i ‘m sure you a be a great leader for all nations.and set the peace for ever jesus

carlos said on February 9th, 2008 at 10:53 pm:

continue from my prevouis e-mail
set the peace for every nations on our beautiful earth, just like GOD create it
and jesus would do

Carlos V
thankyou

ps.you have a ambassador in MIAMI
WE LOVE YOU

Dr. Robyn Alley-Hay said on February 11th, 2008 at 9:23 am:

Dear Dr. Paul, blessing in your mission. Call me when you need an Ob/Gyn. In the meantime, I know by now even if there for only a short time, your surgeon’s hands are already back with healing of God working through you. Love in Christ, Dr. Robyn

Coalo Zamorano said on February 11th, 2008 at 9:44 am:

We are so proud of having you as pastor of Lakewood!!
we love you guys!

Coalo and family

Noriko Chege said on February 4th, 2008 at 6:35 am:
Dear Paul,
I am writing this message from Nairobi, Kenya. May God richly bless you and your family. A wonderful job !
Noriko Chege
3.35pm, 4th Jan, 2008
Dennis Harvey said on February 4th, 2008 at 8:23 am:
Good morning Brother Paul,

My family and I are members of Lakewood for a year now. God led us to the Church and Ministries from Coral Springs, FL. We have grown in our faith since we have been attending and God has opened new doors of opportunity for us as a result.

I have been involved in missions to Mexico and have witnessed the miracles and works of the Holy Spirit on these trips. It is something that I will never forget and continues to be a driving spiritual force in my life today.

I pray that God will continue to Bless you , strengthen you physically, spiritually, and that His annoiting will be on you as you minister to these people. I also pray that you and your family will be under Gods protection in these troubled times in Kenya.

Thank you,
Dennis, Candida, and Dennis Harvey Jr
Steve Ray said on February 4th, 2008 at 9:37 am:
Paul,
So good to hear from you! We left for the hill country last Thursday to do some camping and enjoyed a very peaceful time together, but prayed for you all each chance we had. We also looked for wi-fi hotspots every time we left camp hoping to see an update from Kenya (thank you McDonalds!). Thanks for all the details! Wish you had a “mission-cam” that followed you all around so we could pop in at any time and see what you are doing. We have some friends who just moved to Indonesia for work there and we just talked to them last night on Skype. It’s fun praying for and hearing from friends literally all over the world who are moving the Kingdom forward!
Love you all and will keep praying until your mission is complete (this time)!
-sray
Simone said on February 4th, 2008 at 9:44 am:
Dr. Paul,
I am so proud of you and excited about what God is doing in your life. I praise God that he is allowing you to thrive in your passion (ministry and medicine). I continue to keep you all in my prayers and know that God’s mighty hand of protection overshadows you and that your recollection of medical techniques by far exceeds what you have learned in the natural – that God will bring (not just the things you have learned but…) all things to your remembrance.

Jenn,

Thanks for all you do. You are a wonderful example of a godly wife and mother – supporting your husband, raising awesome children all the while taking care of the many other details of family life and doing it all with such grace. You amaze me. I know you are touching many in Kenya. I believe the impact your entire family is having in Kenya directly reflects the person you are and the way you choose to live your life. The families of Kenya will never be the same!

Georgia, Olivia, Sophia and Jackson,

What a joy each of you are. I know you are such a blessing and encouragement to all the children (and the adults) who cross your path. There is no doubt in my mind that you will leave them by far better off than they were when you arrived. They will never forget the love, kindness and compassion you are showing them. Thank you for your willingness to share the love of Christ at such a tender age.

Love and miss you all and continue to keep you in my prayers.

Many blessings, Simone
Kay McCallum said on February 5th, 2008 at 6:44 am:
Dear Paul and Jenn…it’s 6:30am on Tuesday here in Houston and I’ve been blessed by reading all about your family and what God has you doing. You are an example of what true dedicated Christian’s are. My prayers are with you and believing for God’s protection over you and your family and all the missionaries there in Kenya. Your sister in Christ…Kay
MARIE T. KURTZ said on February 5th, 2008 at 8:24 am:
DEAR DR. PAUL & JENNIFER & CHILDREN, I WATCH JOEL OSTEEN EVERY SUNDAY P.M. FROM CAPE CANAVERAL FLORIDA THE HOME OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE WHICH HAS BROUGHT GREAT SPACE SPINOFFS IN MEDECINE . YOU ABOVE ALL KNOW THAT FROM JOHNSON SPACE CENTERR HOUSTON,TEXAS. THE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES HAS MADE YOUR MISSION FIELD A REALITY. KENYA,AFRICA HAS MANY,MANY MISSIONARIES FROM ALL OVER THSES UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. YOUR FAMILY BEING ONE OF MANY IN THE FIELD.I ENJOYED RECEIVING THIS PARTICULAR E-MAIL FROM JOEL AND VICTORIA OSTEEN YOUR BROTHER/SISITER-IN-LAW. WE RAE SEEING THE WORST ON NATIONAL TELEVISION ABOUT KENYA,AFRICA AT THIS TIME. MOSTLY IT IS ABOUT MITT ROMNEY FOR 44TH. PRESIDENT VERSUS SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN AND MOSTLY A CHANGE WITH BARAK HUSSEIN OBAMA BEING AFRICAN AMERICAN COINCIDES WITH THE KENYAN AFRICAN NEWS EACH P.M.GLAD THAT YOU COULD VIEW XL11 SUPER BOWL SUNDAY THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO OUR SPACE SHUTTLE SPINOFFS TRECHNOLOGY,TECHNOLOGY,TECHNOLOGY HAS MAD LIFE UNBELIEVABLE GREAT IN USA TODAY AND AROUND THE WORLD.I THOUGH THTA YOU WERE AT LAKEWOOD CHURCH BUT NO YOU ARE ON THE BATTLEFRONT AS A MEDICAL MISSIONARY. HOW GREAT IS THAT FOR THE GLORY AND THE KINGODM OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK FOR YOUR HEAVENLY CROWN AWAITS YOU ONE DAY WHEN YOU SEE THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS AND HIS STATEMENT WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.HAVE A JESUS FILLED MONTH IN KENYA,AFRICA. WE HAVE OVERCOME IN CHRIST,JESUS NAME THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME. RESPECTFULLY YOURS, MARIE T. KURTZ OF CAPE CANAVERAL,FLORIDA
Melanie said on February 5th, 2008 at 11:48 am:
Dr. Paul,

I’m so excited for you and your family! My spirit soars with you and yours as you reach into your passion zone. Know that many here at home are praying and smiling as you step out in His Name.

May His Blessings rain down !!
Melanie
K.D. Carter said on February 5th, 2008 at 12:17 pm:
Dr. Paul,

First, I must say that your writing is so colorful and descriptive I’d imagine that you were left-brain writer and not a right brainer medical type! I am so glad that you and the fam are over there sharing the love of God through not only words but also deeds. I pray that God continues to use your hands, and the hands of your wife and 3 of my favorite girls on the planet and my favorite little cowboy Jack (I hope he remembered his cowboy hat)! Glad to hear (through Liv’s post) that you were going for the Giants!

11 surgeries in 23 hours!!! The Grey’s Anatomy doctors have nothing on you!

Praying for ya’ll’s safety there and on the trip back home!

K.D. Carter
Grace said on February 5th, 2008 at 10:03 pm:
Dr. Paul,

I’m so glad that God has so incredibly answered one of my main prayers for you … that your surgical skills would come back to you quickly. Amen to His faithfullness!! I continue to pray Psalms 91:1 (Amp.) over you and your family. You are missed at Lakewood but we know your heart, passion and sensitivity to God’s call!

Mungu akubariki!!!!!!!!!
The Flórez Family said on February 5th, 2008 at 10:32 pm:
Dr. Paul, Jennifer, Georgia, Olivia, Sophia & Jackson, What a blessing is this site! Thank you so much for letting us enter in your lives and days in Kenya. Thank you for sharing the pictures and letters, that give us a real sense of what you all are doing and allow us to pray specifically over every need. We are part of that inmesurable amount of people praying for you, here in Houston and around the world. Can you see the cloud of prayers? is a huge shield of protection covering the area, the compound, the villages, the hospital, the houses, the surroundings… everywhere you go! Let God continue giving you the joy, the peace and the strength to do His job. Brave servants, we follow that example of obedience and courage to let Him act in your lives and take you to places (physically and spiritually) you have never been! Precious family, each one of you are doing a vital part in this mission. Each one of you are touching lives, living memories, smiles, teachings, healings that won’t be forgotten!! We love you, Manuel, Claudia & Luisa
cynthia said on February 6th, 2008 at 7:22 am:
Dear Paul,
What a blessing to know that you have allowed your family to be used of God at this trying moment in my motherland Kenya. Am writing from Germany and would like to inform you that am praying for you and your family and the many who have heeded to God’s call to be his hands at this time of need, you can be sure all is not in vain. Thanks too for the good reports concerning the people of Kenya, you can be sure for the media, bad news is good news, but for us christians we speak life through our tongues, we let ourselves be the voice of the Lord in hopeless situation, to bring out the picture through God’s eyes. Thanks a million times.

ubarikiwe sanaa..(God bless you)
sharon said on February 6th, 2008 at 9:30 am:
paul
i want you to know that i have been part of lakewood for along time and each time i read joels devotionals and tv during the week has brought me out alot. i am hoping one day i will be at lakewood. all of u are in my prayers and your mom is a really strong person. i see u alot in the services but never heard u preach. you and your family has really touched alot of lives if u get a chance call me sometimes 8036485145. or email me sharonbell1953@msn.com. if not remember god loves u and so do I . sharon aiken s. .c
Billie Shackelford said on February 6th, 2008 at 9:44 am:
Dr. Paul Osteen, I have been in awe of you and your family since God brought you guy’s into my path in 2001. The Lord has used you all to help me get through breast cancer six years ago, and have led my daughter to an intimate relationship with the Lord at the age 16 years old. She is now 20 years old and is attending angiography school at the University of Virginia. I guess she is following her Mom’s footsteps:). I have been a registered nurse for 22 years, and currently work on an oncology unit in the Shenandoah Valley, VA. I receive Joel’s daily inspirations, and happened upon the Mission tab on the website this morning, not realizing you all were in Kenya right now. Just over the weekend, another nurse friend of mine informed me of three children in Kenya who are all alone because their Mom is here in the states with their brother, while he is receiving treatment for aplastic anemia at NIH in the Washington, DC area., and she is wanting her children to come here so badly. I have to say I am comforted by your words regarding the Kenyan people, in spite of what is going on there. And please know that I will be praying specifically that your hands will be God’s hands during your surgical cases, and that He will bring back to your remembrance all of the knowledge that you need to bring physical healing to these people. You already have the spiritual and emotional healing covered!!!!!!!! Be Blessed, Billie Shackelford, RN
jim graff said on February 6th, 2008 at 10:09 am:
How incredibly touching, we are so proud of you guys! love to the whole family, jim
Larry & Lesli said on February 6th, 2008 at 11:32 am:
Dr. Paul,

I was touched by that little boy story and the picture of his burns. We appreciate what you are doing there and in in this world. Just a note to let you know we are praying for you and thinking of you!
Larry
Kerstin Meyer said on February 7th, 2008 at 1:12 pm:
To all of our Lakewood heros in Kenya:
It is such a blessing to know that all of you care enough to put yourself in danger to undertake such a great mission! I can relate – my heart, soul and prayers are with you and if it wouldn’t be for my own ‘tribe’ I have to care for here, I would have asked to come with you and be another helping hand right alongside with all of you!
Know that we all have been praying for you, Ms. Dodie started crying talking about what difference you all are making in your Kenyan endeavors, and the Praise team and choir is going to send you a little “Thinking about you” note shortly that was recorded yesterday.
Know that you are missed here, but more needed where you are now.

May God continue to bless your powerful ministry, and keep you in the palm of His mighty hand – always!
Mike & Gayle said on February 8th, 2008 at 1:43 pm:
We began praying for you before you ever left for Africa. I know God is the One who put this awesome dream in your heart to show the people around the world who Jesus truly is. I cannot think of better representatives than your wonderful family. I know we plan our steps, but God directs our paths. We are praying for strength, divine health, wisdom and to just know that God is in control of everything you are accomplishing in Kenya. We will not stop praying for you while you are there. Even with all the unrest going on around you, God has put his hedge of protection around you and your work, and we know that every single thing He wants to do will be done, in Jesus name. We love and miss you guys so much. We know we will see you soon. You are giving these people hope in what looks like a hopeless situation to them. God uphold you in His Mighty Hand! You are like a tree planted by the water, you do not fear when drought comes, your roots go down deep.
Denise said on February 8th, 2008 at 5:53 pm:
Dr. Paul, Jenn and kids,

I have no words that can convey the love, admiration and respect I have for you and your beautiful family. The example that you are setting for your children is a tremendous inspiration for me and my children and grandchildren. I have prayed for each of you and am happy to hear of God’s faithfulness to watch over His word to perform it. When I read your blogs it’s like I’m there because you describe everything so wonderfully. My continued prayer for you Dr. Paul is for God to infuse you with supernatural energy, clarity, focus and steadiness of hand. Jenn, our beautiful angel of mercy, thank you is not enough for what you are doing as a wife, mother, teacher and helper. May God also provide you with strength, energy, and wisdom. I know you both are so very proud of the children as we all are. Continued success is all you do while there and I pray for a daily hedge of protection whereever you all may be.
I love you all…….Denise
Larry & Lesli said on February 8th, 2008 at 6:33 pm:
Hey Dr. Paul,

Go to http://www.youtube.com/toyby4 and watch the video… Enjoy!!!!

P.S. You owe me lunch!

Larry
carlos said on February 9th, 2008 at 10:34 pm:
wow… what a mission…may GOD continue to provide the strength,energy and the
blessing to the entire osteen family. I want To let all you guys know, that i watch joel osteen 4x on sunday, also on monday and friday , believe me I know
all his times. joel a given me the faith, and has change my life, spiritually,thru jesus
christ. i lost a bussiness that cost me over half a million dollar, however economically God has close that door for me , but i know he has better &bigger
things in store for me and my family. it hasn’t been easy, but the GOD always pulls
us thru. may God continue to bless the lakewood church, and joel osteen and his
family. hey, joel maybe you should run for president ,and fix this country you have values, i ‘m sure you a be a great leader for all nations.and set the peace for ever jesus
carlos said on February 9th, 2008 at 10:53 pm:
continue from my prevouis e-mail
set the peace for every nations on our beautiful earth, just like GOD create it
and jesus would do

Carlos V
thankyou

ps.you have a ambassador in MIAMI
WE LOVE YOU
Dr. Robyn Alley-Hay said on February 11th, 2008 at 9:23 am:
Dear Dr. Paul, blessing in your mission. Call me when you need an Ob/Gyn. In the meantime, I know by now even if there for only a short time, your surgeon’s hands are already back with healing of God working through you. Love in Christ, Dr. Robyn
Coalo Zamorano said on February 11th, 2008 at 9:44 am:
We are so proud of having you as pastor of Lakewood!!
we love you guys!

Coalo and family

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February 2, 2008

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February 2, 2008

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