Living the dream
February 12, 2008
It gets cool in the evening here and every cottage has a fireplace. We made a fire in our fireplace last night and the embers are still burning as I warm my feet, drink my coffee and write this journal entry. It’s still long before daylight on Tuesday morning. I was awakened this morning by a symphony of the songs and calls of what sounded like hundreds of different birds. All I could think of is this: “If He cares for the birds of the field…” What a great reminder that God is in control and that He cares for us and He will take care of us and He will provide whatever we need for this day. What a great way to start the day.
On a light note, as I was doing my rounds yesterday I began to think of the different expressions the people here in Kenya use that are different than what we use. Let me give you some examples: we say “flashlight”, they say “torch”; we say “surgical tape”, they say “strapping”; we say “E.R.”, they say “casualty”, we say “O.R.”, they say “theatre”, we say “the tire blew out”, they say, “the tyre exploded”. One of my favorites, though, is when they have to excuse themselves to go and take care of an urgent need. We would say “I have to go…” they say, “Please, let me first rush…”
I thought I would give you some snapshots of my busy weekend on call. Over a week ago I operated on a man who was stabbed in the abdomen and had significant and life-threatening injuries. He was intoxicated when He came in, so it was difficult to talk to him. Fortunately (God’s mercy), he has done well and I discharged him from the hospital yesterday. As I was reading through his chart I came upon this entry from one of the chaplains here at the hospital (every patient is seen by and prayed for by a chaplain every day). The entry read, “The patient gave his life to Christ Jesus today. I led him in confession prayer hoping that God will sustain his salvation.” As I reflected on this man’s life—a life threatening injury brought him four hours by car to a hospital where a missionary team helped save his life—so He could be introduced to our Savior. I believe we will spend eternity with this man because of the ministry of this mission outpost. When it’s all said and done at the end of the day, saving a physical life is important, but introducing people to eternal life is ultimately the most important thing. What a privilege to be a part of both.
The “Casualty” was very busy this weekend. The usual variety of things we see…broken bones, lacerations, infections, trauma from road accidents and the conflict that still sporadically happens here. The emergency room is tiny and cramped. There are probably 10 gurneys packed into this minute little room. When I walked in Saturday night, there were people everywhere—every bed was occupied by a very sick patient, family members in all varieties of colored dress huddled by their bedside, doctors and nurses rushed from one bed to the next. X rays were being taken; lab was being drawn—all in a space of just a few dozen square feet. The scene was vivid, the smells were overwhelming, and the atmosphere was filled with urgency and uncertainty. And yet when I walked in to this room…I had this overwhelming sense of being “at home”, content, alive, called…to what I was doing in that moment. Somehow (for me), when I am immersed in a sea of hurting people it serves as a reminder that: helping hurting people is the closest thing to God’s heart. He cares (individually) about every one of the people in casualty, He cares about their family, He cares about their physical bodies, and He cares about their eternal destiny. What an enormous privilege to be a small part of ministering to these hurting people.
On a different note, it’s been a long time since I haven’t had a car or haven’t been able to travel. Because of the conflict in this region, we are not allowed to get out on the road at all. So, to avoid going “stir crazy”, we have been taking walks on little foot paths over the hills to the different villages. It is so interesting to see the women come to the mill to have their maize ground into meal and then load the meal on to their heads, and with a child strapped on their backs, make their way up and down these hills! Most of the children run up and down the rocky paths without shoes! Donkeys pass us loaded with cargo. Children shepherd sheep and herd small herds of dairy cattle and goats. Just about every where we go, especially in the evenings, the people carry small jugs or bottles and go to a local vendor who supplies them with a few cups of milk. Since most don’t have refrigeration, it’s just enough for their evening meal or perhaps breakfast or tea…and then they do the same the next day. The majority of the villages don’t have electricity, so they cook on tiny wood burning stoves. When they are cooking at night, you can smell the onions and meat grilling on the stoves. It smells just like the fajitas at Pappasito’s (a local restaurant in Houston)! Occasionally, we will walk to a market and have a soft drink—served warm and with a straw! The other day, one of the doctors gave me a cold Doctor Pepper—I thought I had died and gone to heaven!!
I’ll close with a simple thought. When I first came to Africa for a summer missions trip after my sophomore year of college—I had this overwhelming impression that one day I would be back as a medical missionary somewhere in Africa. I’m now 52 years old…and I’m living the dream that God placed in my heart over 30 years ago. I’m a living example that…you can trust God with your dreams. So, if you happen to be reading this blog entry…and you question in your mind that maybe the dreams that God put in your heart will never come to past—I want to encourage you, you can trust God with your dreams. Seek Him first, delight in Him, trust Him…He won’t disappoint you. “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all you can ask or think, according to His power at work within you.”
Thank you Lakewood and thank you to our other friends…we can “feel” your prayers and your support. Have a great week!
From Africa with love,
Paul
Paul,
Loved reading what God is doing there! Blessings on you & your team as you are HIs Hands and Feet!
What a wonderful teacher you continue to be. A wonderful inspiration for us all. I have been feeling sort of down with life’s challenges recently. Not making the income I am used to due to the slow down in the real estate market here in Houston, getting behind on my monthly payments, and just feeling old (I’ll turn 57 this year). But God! Who brought me to your blog today.
I want to let you know that I have always enjoyed your teaching (I say this because your preaching is so impactful that I consider it teaching) at Lakewood. I didn’t even know you and your family were in Africa. See what happens when you get all wrapped up with life and don’t go to church regularly? LOL So, thank you for lifting my soul today.
And, just like in the movie the Color Purple (when Netty writes to her sister), I can almost see the and smell the sights you are experiencing. God bless you brother, Paul.
Dr. Paul,
As we see the great need of so many things over there, seems overwhelming and almost imposible to change those circumstances not only in Africa, but all around the world. Last Sunday we heard about the TWO GREAT NEEDS in the world…
The first one: WE NEED GOD! desesperatly! And in all we do, we can’t do anything with out Him, we are nothing without Him. We need God to rise our children, to make desicions, in our relationships, to built a society, to be healthy in mind and body, to be alive every single day… The world, the people, the nations need God!
The second need: GOD NEED US! He used people since the creation of the world. He put in charge Adam and Eve to take care of the garden. He used Moses to lead His people to the promise land. He used Esther, Nehemiah, Joshep, Peter, Mary, and so many others – ordinary people – to do His plans… He could have do all by himself, but He used people to reach one on one, to be His hands, His feet, His arms, His ears, His smile.
As we see the awesome opportunity you have to be right there, in the middle of so many lives in distress phisically, emotionally, and spiritually, to reach them with your skills, and your heart. We know this is not only for the time you will be there, You all are doing a huge impact on those lives. Now they realize about their main need. HIM! And you are allowing Him to use you.
Thanks for open your heart to all of us and give us a new hope to keep our dreams alive. In the meantime whe can say “Yes” to Him to use us in our daily lives, just exactly how you did it all this years helping built Lakewood, giving up your carrer and making a difference in so many lives including ours. One ordinary man, one more Heroe…
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8
Paul,
It’s great the way you express our country and most importantly that beyond your honourable mission there is another side you admire of our people. I’ll encourage you to pray that peace and tranquility prevail in Kenya that our people may live in love and appreciation of one another……. and that you may able to move around.. wherever, in our most diversified county now that your workload in hospital will lessen. God bless and continue expressing Him here and beyond!
Paul.
Dear Dr. Paul,
This is such a heartwarming report. We know you are changed forever in HIS likeness. You will have so much to impart to us when you return. It’s like “rivers of living waters”. It’s so amazing to see the Bible and God’s words become rhema. We are happy for you that you are “thriving” in this environment, however, you are dearly missed. I believer Psm. 25:14 is coming alive in you.
We love yall, give the family a hug.
G&N
Dear Dr. Paul,
I just wanted to respond to you as I am so moved by your adventures there. I met you at the 2006 Leadership Conference at Lakewood. The biggest impression that you made on me was your sincere love and compassion for people. I pastor a church on Fort Mill, SC and want you to know that you, your family and of course your brother and his family have so deeply impacted my life and our church. I am praying for you and even though I am sure you don’t remember me, I want you to know how much I love, admire, respect, and appreciate your heart and service to our Lord. God Bless You!
Brad
Dearest Dr.Paul,,
As I read this blog tonite,,from the comforts of my home,,the luxury of many,,,I realized so much….One, how for granted I take life, Second, how many people in this world do this same thing……As I was reading ,I had a visual on things that you were speaking of…….My heart broke for these people,,,,but, than I realized,,,they had something that my luxuries have blocked me from having,,,,,,,,this strong connection to what really matters in life…..LIFE,,,FAITH,,,,,AND DETERMINATION,,,bravo to them for their determination…..
You Sr. are a prime example of what GOD has instructed us to do,,,to live as HE would,,to GIVE as HE would,,,,,To show all man what HE can do…………..
thank you for sharing,,for believing,and for giving..I have friends that live in Africa,,friends that I met in New York the week after the bombing,,,,,we have maintained our friendship ever since….they too are in the medical field,,,,I know that Kenya has so many Blessings coming to them because of people like you, and my friends,,,and yet,,,,they live like they have always been BLESSED,,,,I shall learn alot from them and you.
GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THERE
Phyllis
We have been praying for you every day. We really miss you all, but are so thrilled that you are “living your dream.” What a blessing I know you are to all those you meet, care for and minster with. I am sure that many lives, including yours, are being changes forever because of your work there. Blessing on you. We love you guys.
Dr. Paul, thank you so much for your continued inspiration so far away from home! Thank you for reminding me not to give up on my dreams – to trust the Lord, no matter how long!
I have been praying for you. Your news is so much of God. Thank you for going
and being an example. And for loving the people of Kenya. To God be the glory.
Thank you for your encouragement to trust God with my dreams and the things
He has placed in my heart. Love in Christ, Clara
Dr. Paul and your dear family
It has been very interesting reading of your experiences in our country and moreso, at the Tenwek Hospital. I am thankful to the Lord that you are all in our country at this time. We continue to intercede for peace.
Thank you for the good work, I hope the children are having their share of fun too (as I have read!!). The Lord bless you, may He continue to strengthen you all and embrace you in His love.
Marianne
Dr. Paul and Family
I found out about your online journal today because there was a link on Pastor Joel’s email devotional. That blesses me so; I read it every morning at school (my husband and I are both public school teachers, junior high, so we need lots of encouragement). Since I have known you all were in Kenya, I have been praying for you guys. We can’t help but think of the turmoil in the country. But God…He will keep you where He sends you. You are such an inspiration to all of us who have learned from your ministry at Lakewood. I am sending your post to our daughter, Karen, who is in her first year in medical school. You have been a special inspiration to her. God bless and keep you all. We are always thinking and praying for you.
Sandy and Randy Allen
Well, I can definately confirm that Paul is indeed blogging from kenya. We do say “Pls let me rush” when we mean “I have to go”. I had never even realised that we do that. Now that I do know, I will have to make an effort NOT to change it. This is what makes us special and confirms our common identity irrespective of tribe…..our irreverent treatment of the English (Colonial) language.
All the best in your mission and I hope you and all readers of this blog are praying for a successful mediated LASTING solution to the conflict.
Much Love from a Proud Kenyan,
Wambui
Dr. Paul,
You and your family are quickly turning me into a “blogger”. I thank the Lord for technology that allows us to share in Kenyan experiences! You and yours are not only the Hands and Feet of Christ, but our eyes as well. Thanks for taking the time to include us by blogging!
Love to you and yours,
Melanie
Dr. Paul,
How blessed I am to have been divinely directed (by the Father) this morning to open the daily devotional sent to me from Lakewood Church. My husband and I are being called to Missions work and are anxiously knocking on doors and waiting for God to completly reveal His call on our lives. As a young girl, I surrendered to the call of full-time christian service. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to serve the Lord in my school, university, home church, professional counseling practice and now as a stay-at-home mother. Our home has been my mission field. We have children ages 6 and 5 and one year ago moved to a new city on a “flying leep of faith” for the children to attend private christian school. The Lord has placed a burning desire in our hearts to minister. As you said in your blog today, “helping hurting people is the closest thing to God’s heart.” I have always known that helping hurting people and leading them to Christ has been God’s call on my life. It was not by chance that I discovered your ministry in Africa today. God is orchestrating unseen things in our favor and I thank you for your surrendered life. Oh, what an encouragement your life is to me and how blessed the people of Kenya are that you love God and His people. Thank you for giving me a glimpse of things yet to come in the life of our family’s ministry. Before opening the Lakewood e-mail today, I spoke with our Missions pastor who made a petition regarding immediate needs within the African refugee community in our city. ‘Our God is an awesome God.” I praise Him for His mighty works and for allowing me to connect with you in Africa today. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may he make His face shine upon you. Welcome Home, Dr.Paul.
With great hope for His Kingdom work,
Amy
Dr. Paul and Jen,
Wow! We can feel God’s presence through your letters. You are simultaneously ministering to the people of Kenya and to us. May God continue to use you to bless the nations!
Praying without Ceasing!
Charles and Carolyn Miller
I received “Today’s Word” and down at the bottom saw Kenya which led me to your website and this blog. I have never “blogged” but felt compelled to do so. Paul, you are an inspiration to us all, but then you know that!
Kenya has lived in my soul since my first trip in 1982. I fell in love with the country, wildlife and the people – so kind and beautiful, and then I became caught up in their August 1, 1982 coup attempt. Then there were no cell phones, no computers and we were shut off from the outside world. But, that did not cease my love for this wonderful country. When I had to stop traveling to Kenya as a tour director due to a divorce I was devastated. But, now years later the Lord has created a passion within me to bring my love of Africa and what its like to travel on a traditional safari to everyone that may never have that opportunity. For the past two years I have been writing a book based on my journals from those many years ago. The lack of income and life’s daily difficulties has not dimmed my passion for I know it comes from the Lord. Dreams do come true!
Thank you and God’s blessings!
mary makena
I want to thank you for the great job you are doing. What a blessing to be such a blessing. Many of us dream of making a difference and you are actually doing it. I am sure you and your family are blessing the people of Kenya, just as reading about the experience is blessing me. Thank you for my daily spot of Joy!
Lori Darbey
Dear Paul and Jen
Thank you sooo much for painting some good light on my country. Thank you for serving my people, your service is well appreciated. Everyday l read your blog and get soo home sick. l live in Dallas, but it is fresh air for me to read this. keep bringing us more of this and bring more of our people to Christ. I loved the piece on the guy who came in drunk bwana asifiwe thank you so so much. I am praying for your family and l wish you the very best..
Dear Dr. Paul,
Thank you for the good work that you are doing in our country. I am so happy to tell you that , that is also my dream someday; that I will go back to Kenya and do some great work for all the needy children who need love and care. I believe that He who began the good work in me still lives in the world now and forever more. Thank you for your encouragement and may God bless you.
Jackie Macharia.
Dear Dr. Paul and Family and Whole the team,
Thanks again for sharing and for the nice words of encouragement. You have been a great mentor, pastor and inspiration for me. May the Lord keep you, strengthen and bless you more and more in blessing the world.
Best
Dear Paul & Jennifer
We miss your teachings. The place isn’t the same without you. I look forward to hearing your heart. I remember the first time I went to a third world country and the impact it had on my life. We come back changed forever, surely more grateful. I have been enjoying the pictures. Be sure to bring home a rock for your garden.
Much Love!
Hi i simply would like to tell Dr. Paul, his Family and Team GOD BLESS YOU and AHSANTE sana.
Dear Paul
How marvellous to hear your story–it touched my heart, here in Hong Kong after our relocation from Europe 6 weeks ago. We are very disrupted , completely dependent on the Lord, but as you say, feeling deeply at peace, held in His arms and sure of His eventual good plan being fulfilled. God bless you in Kenya, part of His vineyard!
Alison
Dear Paul,
I am writing again from Nairobi. What a compliment to say ‘’Living the dream!’’ I am so glad to hear that you were awakened by birds singing while hardworking in western of Kenya. I live in Nairobi but I enjoy every morning that sound of music. It is beautiful, isn’t it ? I found out the same way of the different expression by people when I visited (from Japan) first time here in 1984. People say ‘’Pole (means sorry in Swahili language)’’ instead of ‘’Excuse me’’ when someone hit/touch by mistake in the shopping mall. People say ‘’hakuna matata (no problem in Swahili)’’ even if there is a huge problem waiting ahead. Forgiving is the one of hardest thing. This time of Turmoil in this country whether people can tell ‘’Pole ‘’ to each other or people can say ‘’No problem’’ to each other ? We continue pray harder than ever before. Somebody said if there is no Kenya there is no Africa, if Kenya is up then Africa is up. I think it is true. Africa is a country of 21st century. We trust God to heal the pain and He is in control !
Noriko
You and your family are a blessing and truly missed!
Paul, thank you so much for what you are doing for the body of Christ and especially for the people of Kenya. My husband is from Kenya and I have been blessed to visit on three occasions myself. We have family caught up in the middle of the unrest. We hear from them first hand the problems they are faced with and pray on a daily basis that the violence with end soon. It is encouraging to know that there are people like you who have the heart and dream to provide aid, comfort and share the love of Christ with our brothers and sisters in Africa.
We hope to visit our family in Kenya again in the very near future. It is truly an amazing country .
God bless you, your family and the work that He is doing through you.
Dear Paul,
After reading Today’s Word, I saw the Kenya link at the bottom of the page and for some reason I click it. Then seeing the title of your blog “Living the Dream” I had to read it.
But let me give you alittle information about myselffirst, as to why I felt so impelled to read the blog entry.
My name is Jake Allen. I am a 22 year old college student at Clemson University, I also work for the United States Geological Survey. The title of your blog entry caught my eye because thats what I am looking for in my life. To be able to honestly say I am Living the Dream. I look at the positive sides of my life like how my job isn’t too stressful, how I love my school “CU”, and I have alot of good friends. But, I continually ask myself everyday “Is this really as good as it gets”.
I wrote this hoping that you, Paul and the other blog commentors will pray for me.
Thanks
Dear Paul and family,
I have never met you nor your lovely family, nor have I ever been to Lakewood. I do watch on tv and feel blessed that those of you in Lakewood share your ministry with all of the rest of us who are able to receive it on tv.
I have been reading your blog and today touched me so much that I felt led to blog back. Since I was 10 or 11 I have felt called to go on a missionary trip – first to those places my home church was travelling to, then later as a teen, I started to feel drawn to Africa. I know that God has put this desire in my heart, and so many times he has put new acquaintances (many who have become life-long friends) into my life who are from Africa, which has just increased my desire to go there on a missionary trip! At that time I was too young to go without my parents. My parents didn’t have that strong desire within them that I did (they also saw all the obstacles of a trip such as this, and felt they out-weighed the positives) so it never happened.
So, I waited to grow up and take missionary trips then. Now as an adult, married, with 4 children of my own, I sometimes find it hard to figure out when I (or we) will ever be able to go help on missionary trips. My husband is very over-protective of us all – as his mother was (and still is) with him. There are still many places in Cleveland (Ohio- where we live) that he doesn’t want to drive in – even in the day time – these are the same places where I love to go to or used to love to go to with my Dad or Grandma. How can I believe that he will ever be “ready” to go to Africa?! When I let my mind get in the way thinking about all the obstacles in my way I want to just stop dreaming of this, but the desire is too strong and my heart reminds me that this is not my wish but God’s wish for me. Your blog today helped me remember this – thank you so much!
Keep up the wonderful work there in Kenya! I am praying for you, your family, the villagers there and for your safety, peace within the country and region, and for each of you to be incredibly effective with everything while in Africa (healing people and saving souls.) May God continue to bless each of you!
All I can say is WOW!
Dr. Paul and family,
Enjoyed reading your blog. I am a big fan of your brother Joel as well.
I loved the photo of the bible and tin mugs.
Will you give me permission to paint a watercolor from your photograph?
I am an artist, not professional, but was inspired by that photo.
Thank you and God Bless you and your family and the wonderful work you are doing.
Dear Dr. Paul, Jennifer, and the little ones:)
Thankyou for this, needed it today and there is so much in my heart to do and don’t see in the natural how it will happen. I was down today and feel better. Thankyou for the inspiration! It makes me cry, out of compassion and joy that all of you are there and busy but you take the time to inspire us here,your Lakewood family! Thankyou so much.
Yes, all of you are in my prayers daily and always pray for Africa and for peace there and God is watching over us always and watching over all of you as you be the hands of feet of Jesus.
Blessings to ya’ll and wish I were there:)
God’s best blessings to you, Paul, and your family and clinic family. How refreshing it is here from missionaries that truly love the Lord and are doing His will, which is your dream, Paul. I am so happy for you. I shall pray for all of you daily that the Lord will keep you safe and set you on a high rock out of the reach of all your enemies. Thank you for loving the Lord and people sooooooo much! Go Giants!!!
Dear Paul,
Its great to read about what you are doing for our people.
I am a Kenyan living in the Eastern side of the country and working with needy children. I am so glad to know that besides watching Lakewood on TV there are true servants of God who truly love his people and show it by actions.
Thank you for doing what Jesus would do if He was walking the face of the earth today.
I hope we can get to partner in Gods own time.
I can only say God bless you and strengthen you.
From Machakos with love.
Hello all,
god bless and keep you all and happy valentines day to all !!!!!!!!!!! “Always remember god loves you and we do too ”
John 3:16
FOR GOD SO LO “V” ED THE WORLD
THAT HE G “A” VE
HIS ON “L” Y
BEGOTT “E” N
SO “N”
THA “T” WHOEVER
BELIEVES “I” N HIM
SHALL “N” OT PERISH
BUT HAVE “E” VERLASTING LIFE
Dr. Paul
What an awesome entry!
I’m so thankful that you, Jen and the family are in your place called THERE. I can hear and feel the passion in all of your writings.
We do serve a faithful God who remembers our dreams (El Zokher- God who remembers) …what an awesome truth.
I can’t wait to hear more about your trip.
I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
This is only the beginning! I Corinthians 2: 9-13
Love you and abundant blessings!!!
Kimmy
…I hear the sound of the abundant rain
Hello I just finish reading this entry and i have readed it in 2 days and right before i started reading the last half i was sitting here asking god about my dream and all i desire in my heart to restore family’s and so that my ministry to grow and just read god answered me. No matter how long god never forgets what you have asked him. thank you for taking the time in writing about your day.
God Bless You
Paul, Jenn and family,
What an incredible message. We are so proud of you and your family. As Donna, Emily and I sit here in our comfort on Valentines Day , you guys are showing a true love for people. We miss you guys terribly and can’t wait to see you and I know the people there will have a hard time letting you go. Let me know if I can do anything for you at home. Happy Valentines Day and Emily wanted to say a special Happy Valentines to the girls and Jackson!!
Love Ya Lots,
The Smiths
Happy Valentine’s Day Dear Osteen Family!
Joy, joy, joy! I feel your joy when I read each of your blogs, and am so happy for you. And, I can relate to a cold Dr. Pepper after only hot ones! You’re on my mind and I pray for you daily; and know God blesses and strengthens each of you and your family at home for the sacrifices you’ve made. Thanking God that your lights shine brightly, Mary Jane
HOW VERY BLESSED AM I TO SHARE THIS PLANET WITH SUCH A WONDERFUL SOUL!!! THANK YOU MY DEAR BROTHER IN CHRIST FOR BEING THE HANDS OF GOD TO THOSE IN NEED. WHAT A LIFE. YOUR GIVING HAS BROUGHT TEARS OF JOY TO MY EYES AND A REMINDER TO STOP TODAY AND REMEMBER THE SIMPLE PLEASURES OF LIFE. BLESSINGS AND LIGHT. SUSAN
Thanks so much for sharing this recent experience. We are excited for all that you and your family are doing. Because of this mission experience many people will feel compelled to do the same.
Please tell everyone Alex and I said hello. We wish we were there with you. We are praying for you.
Love,
Percy & Alex
Dear Paul, Jenn and gorgeous children!!! I’m a basket case reading all your heartwarming, personal stories.
There are no words at the moment to express what I really feel on your behalf. I’m so grateful to the Lord for giving you this marvelous open door, with open hearts, ready to receive the tremendous giftings the Paul Osteen family has brought to Kenya!!! What an amazing day we live in,”we really are those on whom the end of the age has come”!!!!!
Paul, the noble heritage you have, as a deliberate deposit by God into your life, is for such a time as this. Jenn is so amazing in her compassion for the people and as you have told us on occasion, a marvelous Mother and WIFE. Dean and I salute you, pray for you, admire your God -given expertise and want you to know how very loved you are by two of your friends here in Kingwood!!!! I couldn’t be happier for you!!!
Dean has been very ill with the flu and a very deep cough since you left. Just yesterday he began to feel some better.
Abigail as well with the same. I am well, working and believing for 2008 to bring great things for the Body of Christ everywhere!!!!! Blessings in abundance on you all, we miss you very much. Renee’ Garner
Dr. Paul
As I read through your journel and follow you in your journey, I know there is a GOD. It is such a blessing to hear your messages and how your days are going there in Kenya that I almost feel like I am there with you. I want to encourage you that if Ifeel that way when I read your daily activities, can you imagine what God is saying, feeling and how pleased He is with you, your team, nd the Lakewood family. I know the people there appreciate your help and are truly grateful that our Lord and Savior is their Lord and Saviour.
God Bless you and the staff at Kenya and please continue to send us more of your experiences as you help the people there. We love to hear from you.
PS I miss you and your messages.
GOD BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILY
Norma Upson
Paul,
Thanks so much for sharing your dream. I prayed for you and your family as I read the blog. I am a commander for a Medical Recruiting Battalion. I provide scholarships to health care professionals for their medical, nursing, dental education etc., to come in the Army to provide medical care for the Soldiers, their families and others. I have been in the Army for 20 years and have deployed and have had the opportunity to do similar things to what you are doing. You are truly blessed and I felt your blessing as I read your blog!
When I graduated from college many years ago I thought I would minister through Campus Crusade for Christ to do what you are doing. When I saw the pictures and read the blogs it reminds me that I went a different course to do God’s work. However, God has blessed each of us to be a blessing where we are. I pray that God continues to bless you and the Lakewood family to reach out and share his love. You and Lakewood are helping some many hurting people and you are correct, this is the closest thing to God’s heart. My prayer is that God continues to bless, protect and be glorified through everything you do.
HI Paul,
I am from a litle country in Europe, named Slovenia. I am watching your brother Joel and reading your blogs on internet.
I am so blessed by you and your family. It touches me deepley everytime. Today I got feeling I should read how you are doing in Africa. Last time I did it it made me cry. I am so touched, I can see and feel how God is working throu you all. And today , like always, I was drawn to read your blog, and the words about trusting God for getting to live a life I want, touched me so deep. Thank You. It was a message for me. I was told God has a big plan for me, but I really do not know what kind of and how it will happen. And everytime I get discouraged, I get a message again. It will happen and I will too, do big things one day.
God is so wonderful, I am thankful for all of you every single day. He is using you for teaching me about his ways.
love
Petra
To Dr. Paul
The Sukhu Family is so proud of what you are doing. My Son Travis would so much like to help you in any way he can. How can he be a part of what you are doing?
Love the Sukhu Family
Dr. Paul, Jennifer and precious children,
Thank you for sharing with us your experiences, thoughts, and feelings while you have been in Africa. We look forward to each and every one of your updates. Thank you for service to God, your commitment to take His love and healing to the people of Kenya and thank you for allowing your brothers and sistes at Lakewood to be with you in heart and spirit as you minister to those beautiful, precious people. You will be home in Houston soon (for that we are so grateful) but I know you will be leaving a large part of your heart in Africa forever!! Your next trip is probably being planned ! The work that is being accomplished there has eternal value….lives have been changed forever ….yours, theirs and ours. Thank you and thank the Lord Jesus Christ for His love and faithfulness to His people everywhere. Praying for your safe return home, Dennis and Kay Hamann
I am indeed impressed by the effoers of the Lakewood Church Missionary team to Kenya. Reading through all the blog entries, there is no doubt that the team is ahieving their purpose for the missionary expedition. I must commend Joel for such wonderful leadership, taking after his late father i the continuation of the good work. Paul and his family and other siblings also deserves a commendation. I love you all, your heart, your spirit and you dedication. God bless you all.
I am actually from Nigeria, living in the city of Lagos and worships with The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM). We had a wonderful relationship with John Osteen when he was alive and use to air his telecast in Nigeria. I am thankful for the insights I receive from Todays Word from Joel and Victoria. It will be wonderful to see your missionary team in any rural part of Nigeria soon! God bless you.
Doc P,
I am truly moved by the expressions of your heart. I think you should write a book about ya’lls Africa experience and I’ll share a great title with you upon your return.
I know that our heavenly Father is so very proud of you for trusting Him to bring your dreams to pass and that your dad is smiling from ear to ear in heaven for carrying out his dream to “reach the unreached and tell the untold!”
Great it is to “dream” the “dream”
when you stand in youth (as you did in college) by the starry stream
but a greater thing is to fight life through (as you did when everyone said you were crazy for leaving your practice in Little Rock)
and say at the end the “dream” is true!
Our love and prayers to all the family
I am writing from Kansas City after Wendell and Linda Burton told me about your blog. They were in town for Joel’s appearance here on Friday night. We have been friends for over 25 years and it has been wonderful to reconnect. I graduated from nursing school in 1983, and went into nursing after hearing about Mercy Ships International. I haven’t practiced in over 21 years, however, because we have been blessed enough for me to stay home with our 3 kids. Our youngest is now a junior in high school, and our boys are in college. My heart has been drawn toward medical missions again, and I’m currently completing the requirements to obtain my RN license again. It’s been a 6 month process of a refresher course and a couple of hundred plus hours of clinical practice, but next week I’ll be done! Your entry that I read about giving God your dreams and trusting Him alone brought me to tears. My husband and family don’t understand my intense desire to “do this thing”, and that has brought inner turmoil at times. I feel I may do short term (2 weeks) missions on the Mercy Ships after my daughter graduates from high school. Your work there in Kenya sounds so rewarding and I admire your wife and families willingness to join with you, that reflects the godly leadership of your home. May the Lord keep you safe as you continue to serve Him in Africa.
This is something so beautiful and kind, and I will give all from my heart to be a part of this group of wonderful people and be there for all those who need us.
How can I became a member of one of you? What do I need to be,to visit all this children,? this is my dream to be there helping them, please if there is any way you can help me, to help all this woman, children and baby ,I will be more than blessing to do it. I just can give my love and caring to all of them. I will give my heart and my soul too, that already belong to them.
Dear Paul and family,
Thank you for being living shining examples of God’s Love in this day and age when Love seems to be the most difficult emotion to share with our fellow man. I get chills whenever I read the stories. God Bless you all and Godspeed your journey home. You truly inspire me to do better.
DEAR DR. PAUL AND FAMILY, A JOB WELL DONE OUR NATIVE TEXAN SON.52 FIFTY TWO AND GOD STILL LOVES YOU.52 WEEKS IN THE YEAR AND 52 CARDS IN A DECK OF CARDS.EACH DAY I RECEIVE AN E-MAIL FROM JOEL AND VICTORIA OSTEEN AND THAT IS WHERE I LEARNED ABOUT YOUR MISSIONARY WORK VIA HIS E-MAIL WEB SITE.JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD IS COME.YOU’LL TRULY APPRECIATE HOUSTON ,TEXAS AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL AFTER ALL OF THE KENYA,AFRICA LACK OF SOME BASIC AMENITIES.SOMEDAY I SHALL RETURN TO HOUSTON,TEXAS JUST TO LISTEN IN THE FRONT ROW TO JOEL OSTEEN PREACH AND TEACH THE GOSPEL BY A TRUE BLUE TEXAN. PERHAPS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE THERE TOO SO THAT I MAY CONGRATULATE YOU AND YOURS ON A JOB WELL DONE IN KENYA,AFRICA.OH YES BY THE WAY SENATOR OF ILLINOIS BARAK HUSSEIN OBAMA BIOLOGICAL FATHER WAS A KENYAN,AFRICAN . FEBRUARY 29,2008 FRIDAY RESPECTFULLY YOURS, MARIE T. KURTZ FROM:CAPE CANAVERAL,FLORIDA(HOME OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE)
Thank you for your encouragement. 30 years have passed and now at 47, I listening and obeying God’s call to missions. I have started a Global Impact Team at my church and we are taking our first mission trip to Mexico in May to an orphanage there. I know that God wants me to go to Africa. I feel that calling deep within me. I am praying about where God wants us to go and feel it is Ethiopia. I have so enjoyed following your journals. It has blessed me and encouraged me to keep pressing on for His kingdom. God bless you!