We are hopeful
February 11, 2008
The former UN secretary, Kofi Annan, has been in Kenya this week along with other influential world leaders attempting to moderate a plan for peace. The violence has been decreasing for a day or so with only sporadic news of riots and bloodshed. I can tell the mood is hopeful because we were given permission to leave the hospital compound for a brief excursion.
I went by foot with Mrs. Linda into a nearby village to visit, Rachel, one of the ladies involved in her weekly Bible study. We walked about fifteen minutes outside of the hospital into the village on the side of the sloping mountains to visit Samuel and Rachel’s home. They met us atop a hill to walk us the rest of the way. Rachel has been in poor health lately suffering with leg problems related to her diabetes. She hasn’t been able to attend any of the meetings and needed some encouragement. Samuel, admittedly, has had problems with drinking. After Rachel became a Christian, the women in Rachel’s Bible study group began praying for his salvation and he eventually came to know the Lord. He is a fairly new Christian, his walk has not been easy and he still struggles with the temptations of alcohol. Today he is at home, sober and very hospitable.
We were warmly welcomed into their two room stick and mud hut. Rachel and Samuel have 6 children, 3 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, many of whom live in or around their house. Samuel farms and sells his crops to provide for his large extended family.
I could tell this was a special visit for Rachel and that she had made special preparations for us. She had a doily spread across her simple table and plenty of handmade wooden stools ready for us all to sit. She had prepared chai and had her best mugs ready for us to use.
We discussed the state of Kenya, their hopes for peace, Rachel’s health, their children and their financial difficulties. We ended in a time of powerful prayer and thanked them for their hospitality. It is the custom here in Kenya for each guest to say a word or read a scripture and address the hosts. I thanked them for letting me share chai and fellowship with them, and told them that I knew Jesus was indeed the answer to all of their needs and He would provide. I told them I would share their story with my church at home and we would remember them and their family in our prayers. As a special request to these sweet people, I asked for permission to take their picture to share with you. They graciously agreed.
Please pray for the Kenyan people who are coming to know the Lord and are growing in their faith while overcoming poverty, addictions, sickness and, now, violence. Pray also for the men and women who are sharing their faith and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord.
Today I glimpsed into a family with struggles not unlike the kind many face all over this nation. The difference is—someone introduced them to Jesus, the hope of the world. I came away feeling so glad that I can pray for them and be confident they are safe in His hands and He is watching over them.
~Jenn
Dears Ones,
I sure do love you and miss you. I have typed up several messages, but they never
would go through. Duncan told me you called Sun. A.M. I am so proud of you, and
know that you are in that place called there. God has given you the best of both worlds. Surgery, and being a pastor here.
I am trusting Jesus to care for you, and watch over you. Cincinnati was wonderful. Just got home a couple of hours age. All is well here. I was with April last week, and Tamara and Jim are here til Wed. Be blessed. Mother
I love the pictures and stories – please keep them coming.
Thanks for the updates on the blog. We miss you and can’t wait to hear all your stories when you get back. Kenya is lucky to have the Osteens!
Jenn,
We are all glad to get a recent blog! Love and concern compel all of us to see what’s happening over in Kenya!!! Touched by the story of Rachel and Samuel…they now have an army praying for them!!! Reading your experience today brought to mind the scripture, Acts 2:42, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” What sweet communion…..much love, Lesli
Thanks again for updating us. Believing with you for peace in Kenya!
I saw pictures of Todd and Sue and John S. Tell them we send love from Lakewood to them also.
Blessings and love,
Linda
Jambo, Daktari Paul, Jen and family.
Asante for the sacrifice your family has made in order to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Kenya. During this challenging times, I can feel God’s love for my country through your family .
Once again thank you for taking “The oasis of love and hope” to my troubled Country Kenya.
Your family is truly a witness for Jesus Christ.
God bless you.
Eunice.
In life there are prople who have passion for makind. The Osteens are one of the evidences of the Spirit of God moving the gospel to the world.
I am not suprise of this your trip of Love to the well being of the Africa continent, Kenya in present because God has bestowed on you an annointing that will liberate to the World from all operation of the Wicked.
The Osteens, your work of Love to this Generation will surely bring God hand the those that have benefited from your ministering. Often time i watch your messenges on the satelite here in NIgeria, i feel cool via the Holy Spirit presence from you.
Your work in this generation will please God to do more wonders to your ministry.
Thanks for your contribution towards the unity to Kenya situation.
Ernest (Kaduna, Nigeria)
you all are doing a great job send my love from lakewood
Dearest Jeni,
I feel my heart about to break and am moved to tears as I read of the
hardships and struggles you are seeing daily, there in Kenya. The children are so precious. It is overwhelming to try and conceive that so many lose their lives and that so many little ones lose their lives before it even begins. Yet….there is hope in the word and love of our Savior. Thank God for you and your family and all the wonderful missionaries who Do make a difference.
Your family here love you all very much and we are praying daily for your safety and
all the strength you need to continue. I love you.
deb
Your stories are amazing – I enjoy reading all of them – We are praying for all of you daily and for the lives of those you touch – Love you all – Stace
Jen, We are home! We had a incredible week. Gabe and I had to take doses of Cipro! UGH! We saw and were apart of the the most heart wretching outreach’s and got to minister to the most loving children while in Honduras. We were able to build 2 houses and roof another. The best part was seeing the school we sponsor and how God is bringing hope to lives that are so hopeless. I was reminded while there of the oppression that Egypt felt and and how God heard their groans and He promised to send help to them. God hears the oppressison of His people today and I am so grateful and humbled that my family can be apart of their promise. We prayed for you guys the whole time we were gone. So glad to hear things are going well and that God is using you in the lives of women. No surprise to me! Salon for Smart Ladies! Can’t wait to hear about that! We will be checking the blog more now that we are home. Love you!
Mary Ann
Dear Jeniffer,
Thank you so much for your wonderful work there in western side of this country. I really benefited to read about you through Joel’s recent book’. You tell your son Who he is at bed time. I also started to tell my son Ngamau(12 years old) and it is amazing how he appreciates to hear every night. I had sleepless nights (thinking displaced people the children and old women) and morning depression like having a long nightmare during this time of turmoil in Kenya. Most probably most of people experienced the same way even if we are not displaced What is interesting to experience since I came to know you and your family are here somewhere helping people then somehow I started to sleep so well just like before. Surely God cares everybody ! I pray for you and your family’s daily safety. Have a blessed day !
Noriko
Hi Jenn !
Just wanted to share our sweet prayers daily with ya’ll. Jesus has just immursed the prayers with his sweet sweet Love for the people there and You, Paul, and the kids . Wow what an imazing experience for You all. We miss the Kids so so much!
Thank you all for sharing your journal with us it is such a time of feeling the Love God has for the World. We are continuing to miss Ya’ll and Pray!!!
We Love You All!
Clemi
hey
Am a Kenyan lady and would like to volunteer my free time in helping the less fortunate in the society. If you would like my help please E-Mail so that we can organize.
Regards
Jackie
Volunteering
Am a Kenyan lady and would like to volunteer my free time in helping the less fortunate in the society. If you would like my help please E-Mail so that we can organize.
Regards
Jackie
Hello, My name is Michael jones. I came to Paul after service one night, and I asked for his help. I told him that I move to houston, and that I needed a job. well, i’m in North Carolina, but since then I wrote book called “Seeing the World Through The Eyes Of God. This book will transform the hearts of millions. Please, tell Paul I really need his help. I would like to use the proceeds from the book for a homeless shelter, and also to start a church. Phi 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.