We're going to Kenya!
This is Kiri (aka Elizabeth & Jacob's mom). Let me tell you the amazing story about how we were invited to travel to Kenya, the incredible things that are happening as we prepare.
It all started with when we first visited New Spring Church. Elizabeth was having a very difficult time with starting middle school and growing up. That weekend had been one of the worst weekends of my life as I watched my baby girl struggle. I'd like to say we went to church on Sunday and everything was miraculously better instantly. It wasn't, but it was the beginning.
That Sunday Elizabeth's heart was moved and set on fire for Jesus! When she is having difficulties or struggles, she reads her Bible (especially Proverbs). She is inviting friends to church and youth group. She prays for people we pass on the road that need help. When she does something wrong, she prays for forgiveness.
But the coolest thing is when she talks to people about God working in her life and gives her testimony. (I was raised in a church where people really didn't give testimonies and I really never understood it. That changed the first time I heard her talk to her grandmother about Kenya and she gave her testimony. It was AMAZING.)
While we were at church, Elizabeth saw a video about the upcoming mission trips to Kenya. She researched and learned the minimum age was 16. She felt such a calling to go that she emailed the organizers the sweetest letter asking if she and I could go. Here are some excerpts:
“I want the next chapter in my life to be following God. I have looked at the Kenya information and it says you must be 16 years of age to go, but I realy want to go and help those who are in need in Kenya with my mom. I am willing to do whatever it takes to let my mom and I go to Kenya if God blesses us to be able to afford it.”
“And if I don’t get to go, I understand because I believe God has a plan for me and will put me on the right path, just like scripture says in Proverbsv3:5-6.”
Well, everyone at the church that read it was blown away at the boldness in her faith and willingness to ask, that they invited us on the trip. To learn more about the actual trip and see the video that still gives me goose bumps, visit www.newspringchurch.cc/kenya
New Spring partners with 410 Bridge, a non profit that specializes in Kenya and Haiti. They have made many trips over there and will keep us safe (I know you’re wondering). We will be in the area of Segera working on several water and educational projects to help the town and building relationships.
The actual trip is in June 2012, but the mission has already begun. I’m reminded of the song I sang as a child about not hiding your light under a bushel. I have spent most of my life hiding my light, but that has changed. As I talk about Elizabeth, I find myself telling my story more and sharing my walk with God. Jacob is very excited and telling others about the trip and Jesus. He really wants to go, but understands he can’t (he finally ‘got it’ when I told him there would not be any chicken nuggets in Kenya).
The trip, the story about how we got invited and the fundraising are giving us incredible ways to talk to others and spread the Gospel right here at home. We have already seen some hearts softened and seeds planted. Just imagine was is going to happen as we start to raise the money and finally get to go to Kenya. Or when we come home and tell the stories about the trip.
As you can imagine the trip is very expensive - especially for 2 of us. We need to raise $7000. We are walking by faith right now and trusting that God will help us raise the funds. If you can help support us, you can donate online here. The donations are tax deductible and will be directed to our fund. All of the proceeds from E is Uneek now go the Kenya fund. (If you haven’t seen E’s duct tape creations, there are links on the home page to her creations.)
We also need your prayers. It is not always easy to talk to people about Jesus. The journey to raise the money will be long and difficult. (And not everyone is supportive.) It will difficult in Kenya. So please remember Elizabeth and I (and Jacob & Stephen) in your prayers.
If you would like to send Elizabeth a note, you can email her at [email protected] (Yes, her favorite animal has always been an elephant and she hopes to see an elephant in Kenya.)
Thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support. And as mom, thank you for helping me to raise 2 pretty amazing kids. This trip will change all of our lives.
It all started with when we first visited New Spring Church. Elizabeth was having a very difficult time with starting middle school and growing up. That weekend had been one of the worst weekends of my life as I watched my baby girl struggle. I'd like to say we went to church on Sunday and everything was miraculously better instantly. It wasn't, but it was the beginning.
That Sunday Elizabeth's heart was moved and set on fire for Jesus! When she is having difficulties or struggles, she reads her Bible (especially Proverbs). She is inviting friends to church and youth group. She prays for people we pass on the road that need help. When she does something wrong, she prays for forgiveness.
But the coolest thing is when she talks to people about God working in her life and gives her testimony. (I was raised in a church where people really didn't give testimonies and I really never understood it. That changed the first time I heard her talk to her grandmother about Kenya and she gave her testimony. It was AMAZING.)
While we were at church, Elizabeth saw a video about the upcoming mission trips to Kenya. She researched and learned the minimum age was 16. She felt such a calling to go that she emailed the organizers the sweetest letter asking if she and I could go. Here are some excerpts:
“I want the next chapter in my life to be following God. I have looked at the Kenya information and it says you must be 16 years of age to go, but I realy want to go and help those who are in need in Kenya with my mom. I am willing to do whatever it takes to let my mom and I go to Kenya if God blesses us to be able to afford it.”
“And if I don’t get to go, I understand because I believe God has a plan for me and will put me on the right path, just like scripture says in Proverbsv3:5-6.”
Well, everyone at the church that read it was blown away at the boldness in her faith and willingness to ask, that they invited us on the trip. To learn more about the actual trip and see the video that still gives me goose bumps, visit www.newspringchurch.cc/kenya
New Spring partners with 410 Bridge, a non profit that specializes in Kenya and Haiti. They have made many trips over there and will keep us safe (I know you’re wondering). We will be in the area of Segera working on several water and educational projects to help the town and building relationships.
The actual trip is in June 2012, but the mission has already begun. I’m reminded of the song I sang as a child about not hiding your light under a bushel. I have spent most of my life hiding my light, but that has changed. As I talk about Elizabeth, I find myself telling my story more and sharing my walk with God. Jacob is very excited and telling others about the trip and Jesus. He really wants to go, but understands he can’t (he finally ‘got it’ when I told him there would not be any chicken nuggets in Kenya).
The trip, the story about how we got invited and the fundraising are giving us incredible ways to talk to others and spread the Gospel right here at home. We have already seen some hearts softened and seeds planted. Just imagine was is going to happen as we start to raise the money and finally get to go to Kenya. Or when we come home and tell the stories about the trip.
As you can imagine the trip is very expensive - especially for 2 of us. We need to raise $7000. We are walking by faith right now and trusting that God will help us raise the funds. If you can help support us, you can donate online here. The donations are tax deductible and will be directed to our fund. All of the proceeds from E is Uneek now go the Kenya fund. (If you haven’t seen E’s duct tape creations, there are links on the home page to her creations.)
We also need your prayers. It is not always easy to talk to people about Jesus. The journey to raise the money will be long and difficult. (And not everyone is supportive.) It will difficult in Kenya. So please remember Elizabeth and I (and Jacob & Stephen) in your prayers.
If you would like to send Elizabeth a note, you can email her at [email protected] (Yes, her favorite animal has always been an elephant and she hopes to see an elephant in Kenya.)
Thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support. And as mom, thank you for helping me to raise 2 pretty amazing kids. This trip will change all of our lives.