Wednesday, May 28, 2008

College Visitors

In May, five college students and their leader joined us for a short-term mission trip in Nairobi. The team lent a helping hand at Akiba School and visited with various ministries throughout Nairobi. They also enjoyed a short safari in the Masai Mara and a hike up Mount Longonot. Here the group poses with members of Light and Power Centre:

Overlooking the Great Rift Valley.


Hippo Gazing at Lake Naivasha

Alex and I were both unwell enough to climb Mount Longonot, so instead we went for a short visit to nearby Lake Naivasha. During a boat ride on the lake, we saw nearly a dozen hippos and many types of exotic birds as well as antelope grazing on the shore. Check out a short video of the trip:



Soccer Jerseys

Here members of Light and Power show off their new soccer jerseys, donated by members of the TFC mission team. Light and Power schedules regular matches with local clubs and secondary schools.


Saying “Hello” to Michelle

Recent photos and clips of the guys from Light and Power. They wanted to say “hello” to an overseas friend who volunteered at the Centre for several months last year.



The Godfather, Part II

Here’s a photo of me with my “godson” Charles. The manager of Akiba served as a lay leader as several other students were also baptized at St. Marks Church in Westlands.

Big Dreams for a Bright Future

James, a former member of Light and Power is finishing his last year at Akiba High School. Here he shares a bit of his story.



Games at Evergreen



A few shots of Lucy, I, and others from a recent family staff day at Evergreen park in Nairobi.

Music at Akiba




Thanks to several generous donors, Akiba School has a new music program. Complete with a keyboard, brass, and all kinds of instruments, here a few of the students perform during a recent awards ceremony at the school.

Send off to Madagascar

The Kenyan missionaries I’ve been working with have officially departed for Madagascar. It was amazing to see all the details come together at the last minute. I didn’t think it would be possible, but Kenyan churches and individuals gave sacrificially and made this possible: the first full-time missionaries from the Anglican Church of Kenya to serve outside the country. I’ll be continuing to work with Duncan and Victor as they start their ministry, and you can visit their blog for more details:

www.toliaramissions.blogspot.com

A Stoning

A couple weeks ago, I witnessed something I had never seen before – a stoning. On my way home from Nairobi’s city centre, I ran in to a homeless thief. He snatched a woman’s handbag, and as the woman stood on the median and screamed, he ran in and out of traffic, trying to escape. Unfortunately, the young man was caught by other pedestrians, beaten, and stoned on the side of the road. There was a lot of blood. I don’t know if he survived, but the event left an indelible mark in my mind. I was reminded of Jesus’ words: “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone. . .”


Who am I to stop a stoning?
To bend down when the blood
Is just drying?
Echoed laughter and sullen stares
Vegetable vendors and taxi drivers
Stalled cars and pedestrians caught
By the midday sun.
Arms still angry,
Mouths wide with abuse.
Within moments his frail form falls.
Unnamed and pelted, swallowed
By the stones.
So we stand by, even now incensed,
Remembering the one last time
Who got away.