A Few Pictures From Kenya Ministry

Leaving Heart Lodge on our first day.

Kenya Kids

Daniel at Kenya Kids

Doing puppets at KAG in Buru Buru

Karina in tent children's church at KAG

 

Lori holding Kenya child

Caleb and Kenya boy.

Whitney makes friends in Kenya.

Good Samaritan Story at Buru Buru 1 School.

Where's Jay and PG?

Leading in song at KAG crusade.

Christine and church day school children.

Lauren interacting with children before crusade begins.

Children at Bidii School.

Jay giving morning pointers outside of Bidii School.

SOS School. All of these children are all orphans.

Darlene and Katelyn waiting for the 

program to begin at SOS.

Erak and Lori do skit at SOS.

Another early morning van ride.

PG at Harambee School.

Darlene tells story at Harambee School.

Saturday Afternoon - Nairobi

Greetings Friends!

Sorry we haven't been in touch.  We just returned from safari at the Maasai Mara in southern Kenya.  There was no internet access there.

Wednesday evening, we finished the crusade.  Over 400 children were present.  All went well.  As I have come to expect, the students did a wonderful job.  Lauren, Caleb, and Daniel did a wonderful salvation lesson.  Karina told the story of Paul and Silas in prison with Caleb, Whitney and Christine as actors.  Katelyn, Erak,  Lori and some others did puppets.  All helped with worship and Kristin ran sound.  Many children were saved.  All-in-all, we ministered to about 6000 children this week.  We estimate that around 4500-5000 prayed for salvation.  God is good.

Thursday morning found us climbing a ladder up into a huge blue safari truck and leaving our temporary home here at Heart Lodge.  We left Nairobi and headed into the hill country.  After about an hour we began the decline down the escarpment that brought us into the Great Rift Valley.  The view was fantastic.  We headed across the valley and found our way to the town of Narok.  Once we passed this busy little burg, the road became rough. I have never seen or experienced such a rough ride.  What used to be blacktop stretched into an eternity of chuck holes and natural speed bumps.  At times, the driver took us off road as that was a smoother ride.  What had been promised as a four and a half hour trip took over seven hours.  We finally made it to Maasai Mara and our tent camp at Ilkeliani.  That is a word that means "young Maasai warrior."

We went out into the reserve that afternoon and the next morning.  We saw an abundance of wildlife.  Lauren wanted to touch the lions, but we held her back.  Caleb is the official spotter.  Nobody can spot a distant giraffe or elephant like he can.  The accommodations were fabulous and everyone is healthy.  After spending four days of intense ministry to children, this was just what we all needed.

The team loaded into the blue truck early this morning and began the seven hour journey back to Nairobi.  We are now packing/re-packing our bags and getting ready to go to the airport.  As I said, everybody is healthy and excited about going home.

We are sad to leave this place, but are satisfied with the wonderful things God has done in and through us here.  The smiles of Africa's children have been burned into our hearts by the Spirit of God.  We will all be forever thankful to those that invested in this experience.  God only knows how many souls will someday stand at His throne as a result of this effort.  We have tons of pictures and memories to share with you.  God bless you all.

Our plane should arrive in Philly sometime around 3:00pm est.  See you soon.

Wednesday Afternoon

Greetings!

We are spending the afternoon relaxing at Heart Lodge.  This morning we got up, had breakfast at 5:30, and left here at 6:02 am.  This has been our practice since Sunday.  We drove through the crazy traffic again and found our way to Habari School.  As we drove, you could see the rising sun cutting paths of light through the early morning smog hanging over Nairobi.  It made me think of God's great light breaking through the darkness of sin that seeks to strangle this country.

We set up in another open courtyard and students began streaming in.  This group was uniformed in shades of green.  It has happened that each day, we have worn our team shirts in the color that matched the school we ministered in.  So today, our green shirts matched the student's clothing.  It's a God thing.  The students did a great job as I have come to expect.  Caleb is better and helped this morning.

The children of Kenya love our puppets.  They watch intently as the puppets sing.  Some of them move their hands in an attempt to mimic our puppeteers.  The children this morning were from a lower income area than those we have worked with the past two days.  Their behavior was a challenge, but they did well paying attention to our message.  As I gave the altar call, more than half of the fifteen hundred students raised their hands for salvation.  Even the little Muslim girls raised their hands and prayed.

We finished there before 9:00 and chose to come back to Heart Lodge to rest and prepare for tonight.  We will preach our last crusade service this evening.  There should be over 400 children in attendance.  We will be leaving most of our puppets and some other ministry equipment with Pastor James.  Now, the team members will share some of their thoughts with you.  God bless.

PG

Kristin says,
Hi my friends that are following! Miss and love you all! (Thanks for the comment, Bails!) Today is our last day of school assemblies and crusades. The school assemblies have been my favorite. The kids are so pumped to hear what we have to say and respond well. Meeting all these kids at different schools has been one of the best experiences. I wish I could explain how they made us feel. They were soooo excited to just give us a simple high five. It made me feel extremely special. I am so thankful God has opened this door for me to serve here in Kenya. Without a doubt I want to come back! :) See you all soon. Peace out!

Daniel Dillon:
Hey friends and family! It's hard to believe we're halfway through this trip. So much has happened since we have been here. Just getting to see kids get radically changed by God has been an awesome privilege. God is really moving through Africa. It's even the little things we do that they just take in and want to do. But I thank everyone for supporting me and praying for me as I've been here! I'm excited to come back! God bless and love y'all!

Caleb says,
Hello everyone!! Thank you for the continued prayers for me and my team. I was not feeling too well yesterday, but I am doing much better today. The children continue to bring a smile to my face and never cease to amaze me. I wish everyone could see the amazing things God is doing in Kenya.

Erak says,
Hey guys, I have been great! Kenya has seriously changed my life. Seeing the great things God is doing through the lives of the children during the school assemblies and evening crusades is simply amazing! I am just so blessed to be a part of everything God is doing here! As I type I'm drinking a cold Coke, sitting in the 85 degree weather, being in the center of God's will is awesome! =]
(Thank you all for your prayers and support! I can't wait to come back and tell some awesome stories about what God has done in Kenya in me and through me)

Christine says,
Jambo everyone! It's our fifth day in Kenya! It has been AWESOME! We did our last school assembly this morning and our last crusade service tonight! God has taught me so many things on this missions trip. Please continue to keep us in prayer as we continue to do His works here in Kenya! By the way Christina, I did your hand shake! Thanks for teaching me it=) And mommy and daddy, sorry I haven't been able to call you. We have been so busy and the phone service here is not so good! But don't worry I'm still alive and God is doing so much with me=) Can't wait to see all in FOUR MORE DAYS!!! Until then love you all <3

Whitney says,
Jambo to Dad and Rena! I miss you both, as well as all my friends from school! I cannot wait to tell you all my stories and share my pictures with you guys. God has been using us all in so many ways! The kids are so loving and well mannered! They have been responding to our salvation prayers, even some Muslim children have accepted Christ in their hearts. We have been learning a lot of their songs and I cannot wait to come back and teach them to the kids in church. God has been so good in keeping us safe, healthy, and energized. Please keep us in your prayers and pray for the people of Kenya, they are an amazing group of people! Miss you and love you all!

Lauren Pignaloso says,
Hello everyone! I am having an incredible time here in Kenya. I miss you all but I am falling in love with the children here, and the city too. We have seen thousands of kids and many of them have prayed for salvation. My favorite is seeing Muslim children pray with us and sing songs to Jesus; you can see the seed being planted and the interest in their eyes. God has been so good to our team, and we are thankful for health and safety. Dad, the drivers here are just as bad as you *wink*. Continue to pray for us. I can't wait to come back and tell you all about the children and places I have seen. Love you all! Especially Mom and Dad and fam.

Katelyn Snyder says,
Hellooo again to everyone back home! I am having an amazing time in Africa. We have been doing many school programs and kids crusades where we can go right into schools and preach (even have prayer and an altar call). Many many children raise their hands to ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus into their hearts. I really love dancing, singing and just playing with the children. Their smiles just bring joy to us all. Continue to keep me, my group, the missionary and all the people of Kenya in your prayers. I miss and love you all and I can't wait to share my experience and pictures! Byeee!

Karina Clark says,
I am blessed beyond measure. We have ministered to about 6000 children this week. The children and the people of Kenya are so hungry and thirsty for God. What a beautiful people! Thank you esposo for the words of encouragement. Please continue to pray for Kenya!

Lori Gregan says,
Hi again to everyone! I am having such a wonderful time. These past few days have stretched me so much and I feel like I have learned so much from this experience. The kids are so great and loving. Hanging out with them is the best part for me. Today is the last day of the crusade, please pray that things continue to go well and 10 times the amount of kids we had yesterday come today. I love you all and I can't wait to share my experiences with each of you!

Darlene says,

Day after day I have looked out into a see of bright eyes, smiling faces, and children hungry to know more about Jesus.  It has been a joy and a privilege to share the love of Jesus in our stories, songs, well-prepared lessons, and lives.  I know that we are coming home changed people as well.  God has grabbed our hearts for the people and children of Kenya.  To God be the glory, great things He has done.  Thank you for your prayers.  The harvest is plentiful.

Tuesday Night -Heart Lodge

Hello family and friends.  Sorry I didn't write yesterday.  Our ministry days are long and tiring.  Monday found the team ministering to two thousand elementary children at a school named Buru Buru 1 before 10:00 am.  The children stood in a concrete courtyard smiling and wearing their school uniforms.  They sang the Kenya national anthem and prayed before turning the assembly over to us.  I wish I could post a picture. This connection will not allow it.  I will make up for that when we return to America.

Our programs consists of songs, puppets, object lessons and stories all teaching children how to be good neighbors and good friends. "A friend loves at all times," is our key verse.  We can preach with no hesitation to these kids and it is well received.  About two-thirds of this crowd raised their hands for salvation.

You should be proud of your students.  They interact so well with the Kenyan children.  Smiles, hugs, dances, clapping games all work to open doors for deeper spiritual ministry with these children.

In the evening, we held a kids crusade at a local AG church in Buru Buru.  About a 120 children showed up and many of them and their parents accepted Christ.

This morning, we left for another school at 6:00 am.  This school also had about 2000 students.  The assembly began at about 7:45 and it was a blast!  There is so much energy in a crowd like that.  Most of them raised their hands for salvation.

We went on to a second school (SOS School) and held an assembly at about 11:00.  There were 250 kids.  We found that they are all orphans.  What a fabulous time we had ministering in a shaded courtyard with the wind attempting to blow down our puppet stage.  All prayed for salvation.

Tonight we did night two of the kids crusade at the AG church.  Over 200 kids showed up and the team did great.  Karina Clark did a wonderful object lesson with Christine Perera's assistance.  Lauren told the story of the lost sheep with most of us acting the parts of sheep.  The kids loved it.  Our other girls, Whitney, Lori, Kristin, and Katelyn lead in song while doing all kinds of hand motions.  They were joined sometimes by the others.  I must admit, it is very tiring for we older workers.

Caleb was sick today.  He was the only team member to eat food from a particular venue while we had lunch at a food court yesterday.  We suspect he contracted food poisoning.  He road along with us most of the day and then returned to the Heart Lodge to rest.  The meds are working and he is doing better now.

Erakles Christofis has an iPhone with and has been updating his Facebook daily.  He is a genius with sound and has kept that end of things going.  He has also done well with both acting and teaching.  He and Lori Gregan do a funny lesson in the schools using water.

Daniel Dillon is perhaps the funniest guy I have ever taken on a missions trip.  He not only ministers well to the children, but entertains the team throughout the day.  He asked us this morning if bananas could melt.  He wanted to take one with for a snack.

My Darlene is everybody's mama and has done a great job telling stories and interacting with puppets.  She was grabbed up by the pastor's wife today and will have her very own taylor-made African dress finished by tomorrow afternoon.

That is about all for now.  God bless.  We are now all well and God is in control.  See you soon.

PG

Sunday Afternoon

Greetings!  Jambo!  Hello from Kenya.  This morning, the team ministered at a church in Buru Buru.  We were featured for about 45 minutes in two different children's church services.  Children's church was held in a tent.  It was so warm!  The team did a wonderful job and many children raised their hands to ask for God's forgiveness.

We had lunch and visited another market.  Our team members are becoming quite good at bartering with the locals.  All is well.  You may be wondering why there are no pictures posted here.  Sorry, the wifi is very slow and we have not been able to upload any using this computer.  Our team members will no give you a quick greeting and/or observation about their time in Kenya.

Darlene Gruber says,
Moms, dads, friends, and supporters you would have been so proud of your young adult.  They are a true testament to the training they have received-starting in their homes.  They were all true representatives of the love of God.  It was a joy to see them interacting with the young boys and girls in Kenya.  To God be the glory.  Not only are the team members blessing the children here, but I think that they are in turn being blessed and their lives will never be the same again.  I love your students.

Lauren Pignaloso says,
Mom, Dad, Alyssa, Phillip, Spencer, VA/SC family, NY family, and friends; I love you all so much. Thanks for the support! I am having an incredible time with the kids and being able to minister on stage. I miss everyone but I am also thinking that maybe I'll stay forever. Mom, sorry there are no pictures yet, I promise I miss you a lot. Goodbye everyone!

Kristin Lombardi says,
Mother, Father, Nicole, Mandy, Robbie, my apartment mates: Amanda, Bailey, Brandy, and Shannen, and my twin (Allison) if you're reading haha, HI i miss you all! The experiences we have had so far are so amazing and something I will never forget and it's only the 3rd day! Can't wait to tell you all about it! Later gators!

Katelyn Snyder says,
Mom, Dad, Paul, Jason, family and friends - I miss and love you all and I am having an amazing time. I love Kenya and will never forget this trip. We are all loving the opportunities with the children and teaching them about Jesus. I can't wait to tell you the stories! Bye everyone!

Lori Gregan says,
To everyone who has supported me in this trip I want to say thank you again! It has turned out to be more than I could have imagined. We are having a great time with the kids! I miss all of you! Please continue to pray for us! Can't wait to see you all very soon. Love, Lori <3

Caleb Anderson says,
Bwana Asifiwe! Praise the Lord!! It is so exciting to see what God is doing here in Kenya. Thank you to all for your prayers and support. Continue to pray for protection, you wouldn't believe the crazy drivers here.

Erak Christofis says:
Jambo! Hello from Kenya! God is doing great things in me and through me in lives of Kids in Kenya! God has truly given us an awesome trip so far and I have no doubt God will give a give us a great rest of the trip.  Thanks for your continued prayer and support =] Hi Mom and Pops, love you guys!

Christine Perera says:
Hey everyone also known as Jambo here=) First off, I'm still alive, YAY!!! God has been doing some awesome things here. Today is our second day in Kenya and we have done so many things! We have gone to Kenya kids which is a orphanage and did two children's church services and let's just say God was in control of it all! Can't wait to tell you all about everything when I get back. Please continue to keep us in prayer and thank you again for all your support! Love you all and God bless=)

Whitney Geesaman says:
"Jambo" from Kenya!! We are having a blast here. So far we went to Kenya Kids which is a place that takes kids off the streets and teaches them about God. Today we did two children's church services at a local church, it was a blast! God has been moving in all of us and making a huge impact in our lives. Please keep praying for us (especially Erak's sunburn!) God Bless :)

Daniel Dillon says:
Kenya? Yes we can! It's hard to believe my feet are touching the African ground. Words can even describe how much this place has already impacted my life. The people are just the greatest people you will ever meet. Every time we smile at them, they just get the biggest smile on their faces. It's official, I've already lost my heart to Kenya. God is really moving in us and through us. Just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the support and prayers!! Love and Miss ya guys!

Karina says,
Kenya is a great place. I have been blessed to know the loving children of Kenya. God has sent us here to minister and to share His love with his people, but no mere where we go the people of this beautiful land blesses us back.

Finally, PG says, "I love Kenya.  The  children are wonderful and the van drivers are crazy good at getting us where we need to go in challenging traffic.  Thanks again to everybody who helped to send us here.  Tomorrow we will speak in a school of 2000 children.  In the afternoon, we will preach our first kids crusade service in Buru Buru.  Please continue to pray for us.  Happy birthday Sarah.  I love you."

Saturday Night In Kenya

After over 22 hours in transit and two long flights, we made it to Kenya.  We got settled in at the Heart Lodge and went to sleep after midnight.  This morning we had an orientation time with Jay Risner and set off for money changing and the market place.

Our students did well in the craziest market I have ever experienced. Vendors and other interested parties were in our faces for the hour and a half we spent there.  I am proud of our team.  They were polite when needed and firm in their bartering.  We spent time and money having this once in a lifetime market time.

We then drove to lunch and on out to the Kenya Kids compound.   Children staying with Kenya kids have been saved from life on the streets.  Some have lost their families to HIV while others were abandoned or ran away from abusive situations.  I am so blessed by our team and their compassion shown toward these kids.

The children sang and recited Scripture for us. We met and worked with James Macharia.  James is the national children's director in Kenya.  He played guitar and introduced us the the Kenya Kids. We then did a 30 minute program for them.  Following the program, our students spent some time playing with the Kenya Kids.  It was a wonderful time of ministry and we are all worn out.

Tomorrow, we will minister in two children's church services.  For now, we are all settling in for the night.

Ten

We leave tomorrow.  Ten students, ten days, two Grubers and the children of Kenya.  Here is our schedule.  Please pray for us.

SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 3

Leave Philadelphia for Kenya

Friday, March 4

Arrive Jomo Kenya Airport,  Nairobi Kenya   9:35pm

Transported to Heart Lodge for Lodging

Saturday March 5

Shopping at Downtown Market

Visit and minister at Kenya Kids Orphanage

Sunday March 6

Minister at Buru Buru Assembly of God Church

Visit Kenya Kids Group Home Limuru

Monday March 7

School Assemblies AM

Kid’s Crusade  Buru Buru  4:00PM

Tuesday March 8

School Assemblies AM

Kid’s Crusade  Buru Buru  4:00PM

Wednesday March 9

School Assemblies AM

Kid’s Crusade  Buru Buru  4:00PM

Thursday March 10

Travel to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Lodging  Ilkeliani Camp

Friday March 11

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Saturday March 12

Travel back to Nairobi

Depart Jomo Kenya Airport 11:30PM

Sunday March 13

Arrives Philadelphia 3:20PM