Unpredictability
February 4, 2008
Last week was a really long week full of ups and downs. If I could describe the feeling of the situation here it would be unpredictability, the feeling that you do not know what tomorrow will bring. Things are still safe here on the compound but the violence inched its way closer with fighting and violence within every city within 10 miles of here.
We thank God that he surrounds us like a fortress and we remain safe in His care.
This week one of the long-term physicians decided to return to the states with his family. His wife is close to the end of her pregnancy and they feel, for their safety and peace of mind, they should leave now while the window is open and travel is allowed. The staff also lost one of their beloved staff members and leaders in the church when he and his family received death threats and had to leave town this weekend. These losses are huge to what is a small, loving, tight knit family here at the hospital. Please continue to pray for unity at the hospital and peace as each family makes decisions and goes through change related to the situation here.
For Jackson this weekend was boy heaven. Mr. John, from hospital administration, took a group of kids to explore the bat caves by the river. Jackson has counted the days until this adventure. On Saturday afternoon a group of men and children went spelunking! Paul said that Jackson and his friend Luke were the first ones in the cave with the bats flying inches over their heads and were not deterred!
Church was standing room only this Sunday. Dr. Russ preached a message based on Hebrews 11:13-16. He reminded us that we are foreigners, pilgrims and strangers here and that our citizenship is in another country- a heavenly one. This was a timely reminder for all of us that as the body of Christ we should see no skin color, no tribal affiliation or nationality.
Even in Kenya Super Bowl Sunday is a huge event, it takes a little more effort but die hard football fans can make it happen! Last night at 2:00 a.m. the alarm went off, Paul and the girls woke up and walked up the hill to Dr. Russ’ house to join other missionary families to watch the Super Bowl. They ‘rented’ a satellite from town and then rigged a projector to watch the game on the wall. They made popcorn and sweets and completely forgot it was the middle of the night. What a memory!
There is a bridge over the river that many villagers have to cross to come to the hospital and over to this part of the mountain. Everyone here calls it the “Rickety Bridge”. We walked this Sunday afternoon to see it for the first time. It basically is a bunch of stick nailed together and put over the top of the river to make a bridge. I was very nervous watching my family cross it yet hundreds of children have to cross this bridge to get to school everyday. While we were there many women crossed over with goods on their heads and children on their back.
One of the long term missionary physicians, Dr. Ben, has a work team from his home church planning to come in March who is volunteering to replace the bridge with a sturdy, metal one over beams that are anchored and cemented below the water. Dr. Ben’s dad will be heading up this work team and we pray that they will still be able to come and do something so simple but impactful that will make things easier and safer for the people in this area.
Hope you are enjoying the photos and can piece them together with our blog entries. Continue to pray for peace in Kenya.
~Jenn
Hi Jennifer, I am so enjoying your blogs. So glad to hear Dr. Paul and the kids did not miss the Super Bowl game. I get so teared up as I visit the site and read the blogs. It is very emotional to see the simple but yet great needs of the people in Kenya. And then a wonderful feeling to see you and the family doing the work of the ministry and what God has called you to do. Send my love to the family and know that you are in my prayers and never far from my thoughts.
Chantel
Jennifer,
It is great to hear that you are all safe and well! The memories you are all creating are wonderful, lifetime treasures! My children love to hear the stories about the girls and Jackson and all the adventures they are enjoying! Our prayers are with you all that you will continue to be surrounded by the peace of God and that you will remain safe in His shadow! Please, tell the kids we miss them and say “Hello”! You must be so proud of them and their desire to help others! They are following in your footsteps! God bless you all!
The Reinkes
Jennifer,
We are so glad that everything is going well. God is so orchestrating every detail of your mission there. It is so exciting to hear that the kids are adjusting so well and have such servant hearts. I know it will be a big impact on their spiritual lives forever. We love to hear all of the stories of our brothers and sisters in Christ there and all of the missionaries work there. We are so blessed here in America, that sometimes we forget or take for granted how much we are blessed, especially when we read of what others have to do just to get a Bible. It makes me humble and thankful to my Lord for all that He does for me and my family everyday. Stay strong in the Lord. God bless all you do!!
Love,
Kellie
Dr Paul and Jen,
My heart is so full and my eyes fill with tears after reading all the messages that you and the children have posted. I am a Kenyan and have been a member of Lakewood for the past 5 years. I have volunteered at Kidslife for about 4 years and have met Jackson (I’m not surprised that he has made so many friends!) You all have been such a blessing to my husband and I but this by far has been the greatest blessing of all. For you to travel thousands of miles away from home (your comfort zone) to minister to people that you don’t even know! Such a blessing! May the Lord richly bless and reward you. We will make praying for you a priority especially because we understand only too well about the violence that is going on (both our families are in Kenya). I’m glad that you are enjoying the food there and have even come to love chai! Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus and remain hidden in Him.
Dan and Esther Obiero
Dear Jen, I just came across your blog and had to catch up! It has been a dream of mine to one day go do mission work in Africa, something that God put in my heart and I know only HE can orchestrate. I have truly enjoyed reading about your familys travels, and wonderful work that you guys are doing, I will pray for all of you, as you once prayed for my family :)! I will pray for God to be your refuge, strenght, fortress & shield during these time.
Praying for Safety, peace, wisdom, love and joy for all you!
P.S. I wish we could know how to send donations for the chickens for the orphanage.
Blessings,
Rose
I love the childlike innocence of Jackson in his display of unconditional love. His unending since of adventure. Love breaks down all barriers color, language, culture, age. I experienced this first hand last Saturday February 2, 2008 in reverse at a christian community sponsored health fair for Sudanese refugees in Houston. It was this center and my first time to interact with this community. I had portions of my V.I.P. (Virtual Interactive Pediatric) Clinic. The first to approach me were the children. They took care of their ‘patient’ (the talking frog) and read or looked at an interactive book on The Human Body featuring Disney characters. The english speaking ones translated and ‘instructed’ others, often finding their parents, leading them by the hand and showing them what they learned, often having to translate to them. The minature full bible on MACK’S (a life size puppet) neck was a fascination to them and some exclaimed, I am a christian… and explaining why he wore sunglasses,” his eyes are purple because he did drugs before he let Jesus in his heart.” They felt the love and care and returned it. Their family ranged from Single parents to physicians and community leaders. Some have just arrived in Houston weeks and some for years, comming by way of France, Canada. The teenagers were friendly and helpful, ’stooping down’ outside rather than sitting or standing offering to repack my car. This time of venturing into the unknown, here at home, really gave me an appreciation for foriegn missionaries, especially you and your family through Lakewood Church outreach. As you continue the legacy of your father and their grandfather, Pastor “O.” His Legacy lives on. And the children shall lead them!!!
Hi Jen
I’m a new reader to your page. I just find it so inspiring to see the work you all do over there.
I find it so amazing that these children find it possible to smile after all they’ve been through & indeed the political uncertainty you all face. Praise the Lord for the protection He has given you so far. I add my prayers & thoughts for His further protection in the future.
God bless you.
Laurie
Hi Jen,
I’m also a new reader to your page, and its just amazing what you are doing. I’m 20yrs old and live in Kenya (Thika) . I have no money to give to you guys but, if you need an extra volunteer you can always call me. The situation now may seem uncertain but, God is with us and has good thoughts for us, so i believe that He will see us through. He will also keep you safe and continue bless you even as you help, inspire, and bless other people.
May God’s peace, love and joy be with you
Irene.
I have to Say that am very overjoyed, i never knew that Osteen is in my country Kenya until i checked out on today s word,at first i thought it was a joke…it s such a blessing to Have your family here-, I have to say that i read your first book which was given to me as a gift by some friend and it is the best book i ve ever read,every other day i get friends who make appointment for the book!!! is n t that a blessing to you,your family and Lakewood church?? I wish i could have helped you guys just to show my appreciation for the love of the words in that book but its just that am very far in Nairobi….i ll still be in prayers for you!
GOD BLESS YOU SO MUCH
Praying for you and your family’s protection. We are so proud of what you and your family are doing in Kenya. What a blessing to have yours and Jennifer’s skills to practice in a place where there is such medical need. We miss you and pray for you and your family’s welfare and protection while you are doing God’s work in Kenya.
God has you and your family in the palm of his hand.
Hilda & Moises Molina
hae Dr paul and jennifer.
You clearly do not know me. Neither have I met you. I was just reading your blog from my e-mail account ( well from daily joel osteen word of inspiration email …)
Any way as a fellow believer in Christ I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. For choosing to go to Kenya at a time when most pple would not. Well I am from Kenya. living in Mass . Working as an R.N .Anyway God is using you in a great and mighty way. I believe we need courageous men and women of God for such a time as this. Also your perspective on Kenya. The pple , the culture. Its so pure, so refreshing and such a delight compared to CNN or BBC news. Praying for your safety and for God to restore the peace in Kenya.
In christ Love
Emmah Wanjiru
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell[a] in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Dr Paul and Jen
Being Kenyan and reading your work in Kenya goes to remind me what Jesus said ” and they shall know you are my disciples, if you love one another”
It is a challenge for me to rememeber my citizenship is not in Kenya, it is in Heavens. Kenya is blessed to have missionaries sent out to make a difference to ordinary lives, this is practical Jesus Love and that will cause people to believe in God.
May the Lord sure establish you and may you live to be proud you were part of Kenya at this time as the Lord shapes this Nation for the destiny of Africa.
To your Children, may the memories of this visit birth a hunger to spread the Gospel to the world to the Honor and Glory of of Our Father who Art in Heaven.
Blessings
Very much enjoying the pictures!
Paul and Jenn,
We will continue to pray for you as you are doing Gods will.
BE CAREFUL!