True at First Light

A Visit to the Village

2012-01-30T04:16:00.003-05:00

In late December, the Chaves family visited Lucy's grandparents in the village of Mwer. It was a long and bumpy journey, but a beautiful destination. Below are some photos from our trip:

Making New Friends

2012-01-30T04:14:00.003-05:00

Into Opar and Beyond

2012-01-30T03:58:00.008-05:00

Lucy's grandmother is a woman of vigorous faith and while we were in Allego she organized an open air outreach in a neighboring village where many have never heard about Jesus. We traveled to the homestead of Lucy's great great grandmother and Lucy led a song while Dave was invited to serve as the guest preacher for the event. Meanwhile Josh explored the area:

On Christmas day, we visited a wonderful church in Opar, about forty minutes walk from where we were staying.

The World's Youngest Grandfather

2012-01-30T03:36:00.006-05:00

The last born son of Lucy's grandfather is named 'Storm.' Storm is Lucy's uncle and therefore in Luo tradition is considered to be Joshua's grandfather. Here's a shot of Storm:

Below: Josh sits with his uncle on a traditional Luo reed bed.

The Pregnancy

2011-12-20T02:00:00.003-05:00

"I don't care", she said. Standing next to the riverbank, Mary was nine months pregnant. Her other two children were born without a roof and grew up on the street. "Think about the baby", her friends implored. "You need to go." Despite poor health and numerous complications, Mary had no interest in going to a hospital. She was having trouble walking and the baby could come at any time.

Mary and her friends came to Mukuru Lunga Lunga Slum after being chased away from the field where they lived. Under the bridge next to the riverbank seemed like the most peace and best shelter they could find. Alex and I drove the car into Lunga Lunga as far as it could go. Amidst the potholed, narrow dirt path we squeezed our way through mabati shops and houses and wandering children and goats, only to be surrounded by a group of youth who demanded money to use their 'road.'

Alex continued toward the riverbank on foot. With tears in his eyes and much pleading, he convinced Mary to join us along with another pregnant woman and two friends.

At CANA Family Life Clinic in Mukuru Sinai Slum, a team of nurses, counselors, and community health workers spent the day with Mary and her friends. Started by an experienced nurse with a heart for the community, CANA offers health care, counseling, a maternity ward, and more to families in need. Wednesdays are pre-natal screening days at the clinic and recently we have had the opportunity to connect several young women in need to the clinic.

During her visit, Mary was given some very difficult news. The baby was healthy and near to delivery, but in routine testing, Mary was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. She needed immediate treatment. If she started on anti-retrovirals and came to the clinic for delivery it would be possible to avoid transmission to the child. Mary was shocked by the results, but after meeting with another HIV positive mother, she agreed to start on medication. . .

The good news of Christmas is that even when we don't care, there is Someone who does. For God so loved the world that he gave His only son. An unexpected child, born in the most humble conditions. Unto us a child is born and a son is given.

Please pray for Mary and her friends this Christmas season as they wait to deliver.

Notes:
Mary's real name has been changed for this story.
Alex is a graduate of Light and Power Centre and Akiba School. He started reaching out to families living on the street and people like Mary several years ago. Lately we've week connecting with Alex's ministry (Springs of Hope) on a regular basis.

Multimedia with a Difference

2011-12-20T01:14:00.005-05:00

Our video production department has been slowly growing and taking on new projects. We started in 2009 with a borrowed camcorder and an aim of documenting Christian mission work in Nairobi. Over time we realized there was a need for quality video services and also an opportunity to use video as a means for positively influencing society. By empowering young people with worldview and skill-based training, we've set out to establish a media centre that can create much needed job opportunities while producing Christian documentaries, music videos, wedding and event videos, and more. . .

Currently, the department has two full time staff and several interns. Below is a short sampler of some of the projects we've worked on during 2011:

Slowly but surely we are working to improve quality and also to expand services. It has been a struggle at times, but God has been faithful and we are looking forward to what the next year holds. Below are two recent advertisements for wedding video services. Ben and Quin were interns over the past year and helped us out with the modeling. By offering coverage and editing services, we've been able to create several job opportunities.

Children's Television Programming

2011-12-20T01:10:00.002-05:00

One of the areas that we are looking to expand into is children's television programming. Much of the media in Kenya is produced externally and is often lacking in kid friendly values. There is a dramatic need for local, contextually relevant, age-appropriate children's programming offering positive values and creativity to inspire young minds. With help from a former script writer for Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, we've been putting together ideas for a children's show to be filmed at Church Army Academy. Last week we held auditions for Cookie and Sly and are now sourcing for a sponsor to produce a pilot and the first several episodes. Cookie and Sly will feature a mix of drama between two childhood friends as well as interactive games and competitions with a live studio audience of primary school children. (Above is a sketch of two of of the main characters.)

From Waste to What?

2011-12-20T01:02:00.003-05:00

Recently, Lucy challenged several of our job-seeking intern alumni to think about waste management in the city. Paper, plastic, and all sorts of waste litter the streets across Nairobi and are dumped in the river as well as near schools and public instititutions. There is no public system for regulating waste, and residents and private businesses are left to develop their own mechanisms for disposal. The results is that most waste is burned on the roadside, dumped in another part of the city, or left as litter on the ground. Private contractors ferry trucks to several dumpsites while street children pick through the waste in an informal and unhealthy recycling system.

Above: The remains of burnt tires at a burning site on the outskirts of Eastleigh, Nairobi.

As a result of Lucy's challenge, a small group has started meeting regularly and has interviewed garbage collectors, visited dump sites, and begun exploring opportunities for recycling. What started as a short brainstorming session is now blossoming into a community based organization. We are hoping to use waste management as a vehicle to create job opportunities, clean the environment, and mentor and minister to youth in the city. Creating a cleaner and kinder city through self-sustainable waste management is the goal. Our next question is "From waste to what?" Please be praying for the Tri-cycle Team and the continued research, planning, partnerships, and provision to launch a waste management program during 2012.

Demolitions across Nairobi

2011-12-20T00:51:00.002-05:00

Over the past two months, thousands of homes and apartment buildings have been demolished in a campaign to make Nairobi more secure as well as to finght against grabbing of public land. Fake title deeds are rampant and unscrupulous government agents in the Lands Ministry have colluded with the City Council and local business leaders to defraud thousands of unsuspecting home buyers. The government has now demolished several slums as well as large estates including hundreds of homes in the multi-million dollar Syokimau Estate near the national airport. One of our friends recently awoke to find his apartment building surrounded by bulldozers and police. Along with other residents, he was given a few minues to grab whatever he could and vacate the building before it was razed to the ground. Opportunistic thieves take advantage of the confusion of demolition to make off with as many household goods as they can. Corruption, insecure land tenancy, and crime are three of the biggest challenges facing Nairobi. By putting money in the right pockets, private developers have snatched hundreds of acres of public land or stolen space from local owners by fencing plots overnight and hiring gangs to chase away the previous owners. Now it is hard to know what land is legitimate and what has been stolen. In the slums the challenges are even more acute, as the very existence of each slum is tenuous. Construction and development are largely informal and unregulated and based on payment of bribes to local leaders. Residents can be expelled at a moments notice and therefore lack any incentive for making improvements in their living environment.

A few years ago, one of the largest supermarkets in Eastern Africa was demolished during the night because it had been illegally built on a road reserve. . .Our apartment complex in South B is located opposite the Railway Training College and a large plot of government land that had been set aside for Railway employee housing. Over the past three years, the public land has been slowly snatched. It has been amazing to watch the fence posts move as dozens of private apartment buildings have been constructed on government land. Most of these buildings are now fully occupied with unsuspecting home buyers or tenants paying absentee landlords. There is speculation that some of these buildings in South B could be targeted next for demolition.

Church Army Africa Newsletter

2011-12-20T00:45:00.002-05:00

Below is our latest newsletter highlighting some of the mission work from Church Army Africa. We've been especially involved in the Kibera mission as well as planning for a new medical centre.

http://www.churcharmyafrica.net/PDFs/link_november_2011.pdf

Yellow Hat and the Hide and Seek Fortress

2011-10-31T07:44:00.000-04:00

Yellow Hat and the Hide and Seek Fortress from Church Army Africa on Vimeo.

New Beginnings Graduation

2011-10-31T06:12:00.002-04:00

New Beginnings 2011

2011-10-31T02:35:00.002-04:00

A short video put together by some of our interns from 2011 reflecting on their experiences during the year.

New Beginnings - 2011 from Church Army Africa on Vimeo.

Photos from Sinai

2011-10-31T01:13:00.006-04:00

In September a gas pipe leakage and subsequent explosion resulted in the death of over one hundred residents in Sinai Slum.

A resident surveys the damage.
Anglican leaders at the site of the tragedy.
Devastation at the site of the explosion

The Site of the Fuel Leakage

Guitar Lessons

2011-10-12T05:57:00.001-04:00

A Cake Baking Celebration!

2011-10-12T05:39:00.006-04:00

In mid September, we hosted a cake baking party at our church. It was a competition among members of the youth group on who could bake the best tasting cake. The catch was that the cake needed to be prepared over a charcoal fire. Two cakes emerged from the competition in one piece: chocolate and mixed spice. In the end the panel of judges (Dave, Lucy, and Josh) awarded a victory to the spice team. It was a lesson in team building, creativity, and bringing different ingredients together to accomplish a task.

Car Seats

2011-10-12T05:32:00.002-04:00

Josh has officially outgrown his current car seat and has recently been upgraded. Here's a couple shots from just before the transition:

The Lil' Drummer Boy

2011-08-30T01:25:00.003-04:00

Adventures in Elementeita

2011-08-30T01:23:00.001-04:00

Check out this short video from our trip:

Adventures in Elementeita from Church Army Africa on Vimeo.

Journey to Elementeita

2011-08-24T10:40:00.004-04:00

The Chaves Family and friend Keith Webber spent three days earlier this month in Elementeita and Nakuru:

Waterfalls on the outskirts of Nakuru.

Accommodations at the Sleeping Warrior Camp.

The view from where we stayed in Elementeita.

Pointing out wildlife along the trail.

Inspecting the remains of a Cape Buffalo

Camping Craziness

2011-08-24T10:17:00.003-04:00

Last week we led a group of our interns on a camping trip at Rowaland's Camp on the outskirts of Kibera. The first night it rained like crazy and one of our tents flooded. The guys spent the night curled up next to a campfire. It was cold and wet, but a great time. While on a short hike the next afternoon a group of monkeys attacked the other tent and made off with much of the food. For many of the interns it was their first time camping. Lots of fun but with some important lessons for next time:

1). Avoid pitching tents in puddle prone terrain.

2). Never leave food unguarded with the monkeys of Rowaland's.

The Team.

Quin, Steve, and Pascaline try to stay warm.

George gives the thumbs up as Esther and Duncan look on.

Ezekiel prepares the cooking pot.

Visit from Training Leaders International

2011-08-24T09:58:00.003-04:00

During July we hosted a team from Training Leaders International. The group of pastors and teachers helped to coordinate workshops for Lay Readers in the Anglican Church as well as for pastors from three different informal settlements around Nairobi. Here's a few shots:

Top: The Team from TLI at the Nairobi skyline

Bottom: Small group discussions during the workshop at Church Army

Snapshots from July

2011-08-24T09:48:00.004-04:00

At home in South B.

During July, we helped to organize a workshop for the mission coordinators from all Anglican Dioceses throughout Kenya.

Dave and his "Best Man", Darren Carlson, during a recent visit to Kenya.

This Baboon seemed to be enjoying his perch on an acacia tree in Nairobi National Park.

Dave prepares a subject for an interview by fixing a lavalier microphone on location.

Josh taste tests his first orange

Showing off my teeth with a bright smile.

Building Just Communities

2011-06-06T09:58:00.004-04:00

Over two hundred participants joined us for the Building Just Communities Conference in Nairobi, Kenya in mid May. This year the Conference featured six different tracks focusing on advocacy training for pastors and community leaders in informal settlements and slums around the city. Here's a snap from the final day of the conference. See if you can spot Dave:

Ha. . .just kidding. I'm not in this photo. . .

Inspiration in an Unlikely Place

2011-06-06T09:49:00.002-04:00

Inspiration Centre reaches out to at risk youth in Nairobi's Mathare Slum. Notorious as a hideout for gangsters, Mathare is becoming home to some of the hottest artists in Kenya. With a little creativity and a lot of love, Inspiration Centre is helping many young people find their voices and advocate for social justice.

Recently we did a short documentary for Inspiration Centre. During our visit to Mathare a street boy entertained us with a song in Kikamba and showed us the sites of Mathare:

Check out the documentary below (In English and Swahili. Music by Kevin McLeod):

Inspiration in an Unlikely Place - Mathare, Nairobi from Church Army Africa on Vimeo.

A Journey with Giraffes

2011-06-06T09:25:00.004-04:00

Recently the Chaves family visited a centre for the endangered Rothschild Giraffe, one of four main types of giraffes found in Kenya. Josh was thrilled to pet and feed the long-necked creatures.

Saying Hi to the Camera

2011-06-06T09:09:00.003-04:00

Joshua Chaves at 10.5 months:

Fighting for a Place to Call Home

2011-06-06T09:05:00.003-04:00

While political leaders grab land and misuse public funds, residents of Kiambiu Slum are fighting for a place to call home. Watch this short video filmed on location in Nairobi's, Kiambiu Slum (in Swahili and English):

Fighting for A Place to Call Home - Kiambiu Slum from Church Army Africa on Vimeo.

(Music by Kevin McLeod)

A Voice for the Voiceless in Gatwikira

2011-06-06T08:28:00.004-04:00

Pastor Muganda was one of the victims of the 2007-2008 Post-Election Violence. Rather than becoming bitter, Muganda has become an agent of change in the Gatwikira region of Kibera. By starting a secondary school for displaced youth, Pastor Muganda has been able to reach many young people in the community.

Here's a group photo with Pastor Muganda, friends from CUM, and leaders of Lyahuka Church:

Check out the video we filmed recently with Muganda in Kibera(in Swahili and English):

A Voice for the Voiceless from Church Army Africa on Vimeo.

Kibera Youth Network

2011-06-06T08:19:00.002-04:00

Recently I had the privilege of being part of the launch of the Kibera Anglican Youth Network. Historically, the mainline churches have failed to reach out to residents of Africa's largest slums. Within the fourteen villages of Kibera, there are few, viable mainline churches working for social change. At the first KAYN meeting, members shared their aspirations for reaching out to address the many challenges facing young people within Kibera. Concerns were raised about ethnic and political tensions as well as joblessness and lack of educational opportunities. The young members of KAYN represent six Anglican churches within Kibera and are eager to serve their communities to offer the hope of the gospel.

Love at First Sight

2011-05-12T10:25:00.000-04:00

Love at first sight.

Holding Hands

All smiles.

I smell trouble.

Playtime!!!

Meet Our New Interns

2011-03-31T08:37:00.002-04:00

An Orange Wedding

2011-03-31T08:37:00.001-04:00

Last week, Lucy and Dave served as the best couple in the wedding of two friends. Thomas and Liz traveleed from Germany and held a traditional wedding in the village of Yala in western Kenya, as well as a western style church wedding in Nairobi. Below are a couple photos from Nairobi:

Prisons College Graduation

2011-03-31T08:33:00.000-04:00

Recently, Lucy's brother, Emmanuel graduated from the Prisons Staff Training College. It was a time of great celebration. Part way through his training, Emmanuel fell and injured his back, leaving him paralyzed on one side of his body for several days. It has been a slow recovery, but Emmanuel is now able to walk with a crutch. On the official "Passing Out Day" the graduates were awarded their certificates and performed a variety of marches and training drills. Here's a few photos

Gaining Wisdom, Changing Lives

2011-03-11T04:15:00.002-05:00

Sports Day Spectacular

2011-03-01T04:57:00.004-05:00

Last friday was Sports Day at Church Army Academy. Several hundred students competed in soccer, volleyball, handball and more.

A Visit from Upcountry

2011-01-31T08:44:00.003-05:00

Josh had some visitors from upcountry when several of his cousins came to Nairobi during their school break at the beginning of January. Below are a few photos:

Launching Digital Villages

2011-01-24T07:21:00.002-05:00

A dream that began in 2008 is now becoming a reality through partnership and prayer. Through our friendship with Computers 4 Africa and the Anglican church, we are now in the process of launching digital villages throughout Eastern Africa. Each digital village will be connected with a local church and include a network of 10 to 20 computers used for training, education, networking, and business development. Our hope is to launch the first twenty digital villages in marginalized areas throughout Kenya over the next several months. Please join us in praying for the launch of this new initiative.

The Taste Test

2011-01-24T07:17:00.004-05:00

Wheatabix is a cardboard like material that is popular for breakfast in certain parts of the world. Mixed with water or milk, Wheatabix becomes a mash of whole wheat commonly eaten as cereal. Lucy and Dave have debated the supposed "deliciousness" of Wheatabix cereal. Upon the recommendation of a Pediatrician, a taste test was set up with an unbiased reviewer. Check out the short video below to see Josh's reaction to Wheatabix cereal.

A Critical Season

2010-12-28T09:38:00.002-05:00

It is a critical time in Eastern Africa. On 9th January, Sudan will hold a referendum that will affect the future of the country and the possible independence of the South. Meanwhile, Ugandans are preparing for a much anticipated and hotly contested Presidential election. In Kenya, a new constitution is in the early stages of implementation, while several key government leaders have been shortlisted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. Please pray for peace, justice, and healing in these nations as we begin 2011.

December Update

2010-12-28T09:13:00.003-05:00

We arrived back in Nairobi at the beginning of December to 90 degrees and sunny. Josh seems to have adjusted well to the weather and time change. We had a small family reunion with the Amina clan at Lucy's parents place. Here's the group photo along with a close up of Josh.

Baby Bananas

2010-12-28T09:07:00.002-05:00

Baby Joshua sampled some of Kenya's finest squashed bananas as his first entry into the world of soild food. Check out the short video here:

Our Top Ten of 2010

2010-11-16T10:42:00.004-05:00

Hiking at Sugarloaf Mountain

2010-11-16T10:07:00.004-05:00

Sugarloaf Mountain, also known as Stronghold Mountain, is located in Boyd's, Maryland. Just over 1,000 feet high it provides views in all directions and was a strategic viewpoint during the American Civil War. Privately owned but opened to the public throughout the year, Sugarloaf Mountain was once sought after by Teddy Roosevelt as a presidential retreat. Eventually President Roosevelt decided on Camp David instead. Here's a few photos from our recent hike:

Cousins

2010-11-16T09:57:00.003-05:00

Joshua (4 months) and Raden (4.5 years) teach one another how to read. Joshua is currently on furlough from his missionary work in Nairobi, Kenya.

Improv Abe Lincoln

2010-11-16T09:47:00.004-05:00

On Saturday morning, Conn and I tried to find the sunrise over the National Mall. Our hope was to capture some footage for an upcoming documentary on international partnerships between The Falls Church (Virginia) and ministry partners in Nairobi, Kenya. Short on equipment, we used improv for a time-lapse sunrise near the Washington Monument.

Give Your Old Camera New Life

2010-11-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

With the rapid change in technology over the past few years, many American households find themselves with obsolete and unused cameras. This includes old film cameras, low resolution digital cameras, and standard definition video cameras and equipment. We'd like to put these old cameras to new use: Documenting the work of mission across Africa, Capturing memories for needy children in Nairobi, and Training young people to create jobs in photography and video production.

We're accepting used camera donations at The Falls Church in Northern Virginia over the next several weeks. For more information, contact us at: kenyaconnection@gmail.com

Three Reasons to Resurrect Your Old Camera

2010-11-15T08:49:00.008-05:00

Train aspiring artists, journalists, and producers, creating job opportunities in photography and video production in Eastern Africa.

Help capture memorable moments for children at two schools in Nairobi: Akiba School and Church Army Academy.

Document the work of missionaries serving across Eastern Africa.

A Baptism Service

2010-11-06T13:51:00.004-04:00

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)

"Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:38-39)

My First Halloween

2010-11-03T11:22:00.003-04:00

October Sunrise

2010-11-03T11:16:00.001-04:00

An early October morning over Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire.

Photos from New Hampshire

2010-10-27T14:34:00.003-04:00

look twice before crossing

big cousin and baby cousin

daddy n me

together in Massachusetts with Aunt Connie

Mission in the City

2010-10-20T12:48:00.001-04:00

check out one of the latest videos we've produced. Mission in the city explores opportunities and challenges for urban ministry in Africa with Nairobi, Kenya as a case study.

Connecting Cross-Culturally

2010-10-20T12:47:00.001-04:00

During August, two 18 year olds from London visited Kenya with the intentions to explore the beauty of the country and reach out to abandoned and needy children. Abi and Briana spent a month with Church Army and among other things, helped run a Vacation Bible School for Academy students. They worked alongside Church Army‟s New Beginnings Interns and reached out to 50 children with a creative array of games and lessons. Afterwards the “intern team” visited Nairobi National Park and caught a glimpse of lions, leopards, rhinos, zebras, and more. For Abi and Brianna, it was a wonderful way to spend their last few weeks before joining University in the U.K. Dave and Lucy look forward to welcoming more interns and international visitors during 2011.

Training of Trainers in Taita Taveta

2010-10-20T12:40:00.001-04:00

In partnership with Finish The Task ministries, Church Army trained twenty-one trainers in Taita Taveta on issues related to Church Planting and Development. These trainers are passing on the skills and knowledge that they've learned to other leaders throughout Taita Taveta Diocese. The twenty-one trainers will officially graduate and be commissioned from Church Army‟s grassroots Church Planter training in December of this year.

Training in Eldoret Diocese

2010-10-20T12:37:00.001-04:00

From 19th to 24th July, Church Army‟s Evangelism Coordinator, Rev. Capt. Livingstone Nyanje , led a team to Eldoret for a week of training seminars and workshops. During their trip, the team trained the Diocesan Board of Mission as well as 38 evan-gelists, and 34 youth leaders from churches throughout the Diocese. Rev. Nyanje looks for-ward to returning to Eldoret in December for fol-low up activities with these leaders.

Training Leaders International

2010-10-20T12:34:00.000-04:00

In mid July, Church Arm Africa partnered with Training Leaders International to conduct a three day workshop for Lay Leaders in Nairobi, Kenya. During the workshop, 60 Lay Leaders were equipped with Theo-logical Foundations for Christian Leadership, covering topics such as Sin, Salvation, Trinity, the Sovereignty of God, Suffering for Christ, Money Matters, and more.

The T.L.I Team also worked with staff from the Centre for Urban Mission to train over 100 pastors serv-ing in the informal settlements of Kibera, Kawangware, and Korogocho. During a two day, hands-on workshop, the pastors learned about Early Church History and How to Study the Bible.

Youth With A Mission

2010-10-20T12:31:00.001-04:00

Youth With A Mission (YWAM), New Zealand visited Church Army during July, 2010. During their “round the world” missions, two YWAM teams spent time serving at Church Army Academy and the School of Business Studies. The teams assisted the Academy kitchen staff and helped serve children lunch. They also led morning devotions for business school students and discussed key issues affecting young Christians.

For two weeks, one of the teams also reached out with the love of Christ in Kawangware Slum. One Sunday in Gatina, the young missionaries shared powerful testimonies and a sermon. A mem-ber also received a vision for the church that was confirmed by the congregation and the elders. In between sobs she explained how she saw God do-ing great things for the church and Gatina as a whole.

All Africa Bishop's Conference

2010-10-20T12:27:00.001-04:00

Several representatives from Church Army Africa attended the All Africa Bishops‟ Conference from 23rd to 28th August in Entebbe, Uganda. The theme of the conference was Securing Our Fu-ture, Unlocking Our Potential, based on Hebrews 12:1-2. The Conference was officially opened by President Museveni, and primates from through-out Africa were in attendance along with over 400 bishops and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. Unity was a major theme and the Anglican leaders committed themselves to addressing causes and effects of poverty and injustice throughout Africa. In addition, the bishops reaffirmed their commitment to "Anglican orthodoxy and authority of Scripture" and the "Biblical standard of the family.

Evangelism in Nyanza

2010-10-20T12:26:00.001-04:00

Over the past several months, the gift of the Jesus Film has been used to reach lost souls in Nyanza. The film is being presented in the Luo lan-guage throughout Nyanza and is reach-ing many residents who speak only Dholuo.

During the second quarter of 2010, the film was shown forty times in different villages in Southern Nyanza. The total attendance was an out-standing number of 5,862 people with 611 people accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior. Local evangelists have so far conducted 268 follow up meet-ings with many of the new believers. We believe that God will continue to do great things in the area.

Two months of heavy rains pre-vented some visitations and also led to decreased attendance at several of the outdoor showings of the film. Nonethe-less, we thank God for the great things He has done, and look forward to more showings of the Jesus Film.

July 2010 Photo Blitz

2010-10-19T15:00:00.003-04:00

Here are some photos from our activities in June and July 2010:

Welcome to the Family!!!

2010-10-19T14:58:00.003-04:00

Weighing just 6 pounds but with a healthy appetite, Joshua David Mshindi Chaves was born on July 2nd at 8:45 a.m. Lucy had been on medication to prevent prevent premature labour, but after a doctor’s visit on July 1st she was given the go ahead to stop taking the tablets. Within twenty four hours Joshua was born.

Joshua’s first few days were spent with mom at The Nairobi Hospital. Both are well and now at home. Joshua looks forward to meeting relatives and friends in the U.S. later this year. Join us in giving thanks for the gift of Joshua.

Transitions 101

2010-10-19T14:56:00.003-04:00

“I had a project that was very dear to my heart, I was constructing a toilet.” What a shift, I thought, as I listened to the man who was going to be our new pastor. Rev. Daniel Juma had served in Kibera for three years and was passionately fundraising to build a much needed toilet for Holy Trinity Church. In the midst of this noble project, he found himself transitioning to a new parish with new projects and new opportunities. It got me thinking, what am I passion-ate about? Do I understand the needs of the people I serve? Where is God leading me in this season of transition?

As I begin a new season of life as a mother, it is a time filled with transitions. I’m grateful for the
three months maternity leave I’ll enjoy, spending time with Joshua and reflecting on the upcoming changes. I’m officially resigning from my work at Church Army Africa at the end of this year, although I may still help out with the internship and short term missions programs. I will miss being part of the management team and helping to plan and coordinate events. God willing, I hope to start divinity school in January next year. The Lord has given me a heart for mission work, youth ministry, and counseling. As I begin full-time ministry as a mother, I’m excited to see where the Lord will lead us next. - Lucy Chaves

Commissioning Week

2010-10-19T14:54:00.002-04:00

The middle of June was full of activities and events at Church Army Africa. For Lucy , it was her final time coordinating the commissioning week activities which this year included a Retreat for 66 students, a Conference for over 100 evangelists from across Africa, a Fundraising Dinner, a Board Meeting, and an Annual General Meeting. Planning all these events in the final weeks of pregnancy was a great challenge, but God was faithful to provide helpers and all the details came together. On the final day of events, June 18th, 2010 over five hundred people gathered at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Nairobi to witness the sixty-six young men and women who were being commissioned as missionaries and evangelists. Twenty eight of these had trained as Chaplains while another thirty seven completed three years of study in Theology and Missions. In addition, Davis Manana, the Director of Church Army’s Bungokho Rural Development Centre in Uganda was also commissioned.

“In an era when Western countries are sending fewer and fewer missionaries, it is a momentous occasion that the church in Africa is taking the lead in sending out new mission-aries”, said the Most Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala while speaking to the young evangelists. The Kenyan Archbishop continued by sharing about pioneer missionaries in Africa mentioned in the Bible such as Simon of Cyrene, Philip, and the Ethiopian Eunuch who was a Court Official and Treasurer of Queen Can-dace. Candace ruled over the Nubian Kingdom of Meroe during the first century in what is now Sudan.

Many Westerners today consider Christianity to be a European religion, introduced to Africa through colonialism and as a form of cultural imperialism. We forget that Christianity in Africa preceded most of Europe by a thousand years with the first Gentile converts being Africans and with Alexandria and Carthage as the intellectual centres of the Roman Empire and the formative grounds for most of Western Christian theology.

As Christianity has declined in the West during the past two hundred years, it has been exciting to see the resurgence of faith in Africa. Lucy and I have been pleased to participate in supporting African missionaries who seek to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed and to offer hope and healing to communities and nations torn by conflict, poverty, and disease. Despite being on bed rest and the challenges of coordinating this year’s commissioning events, the activities all went along well.

Mission to Northern Uganda

2010-10-19T14:53:00.001-04:00

On the 5th of April, a team of eleven set out from Nairobi on a mission to Lang’o Diocese in Northern Uganda. Lucy and Dave were active in helping to plan for the mission but decided to forego the 20 hour bus ride this year. The team traveled at the invitation of Church Army evangelist, Bishop Charles Odurkami who has been serving in the war torn region for most of his life. As Church Army’s first official missionary caravan, the team of Officers and evangelists engaged in numerous mission activities. These include; primary and secondary school outreaches, technical schools and college outreaches, open air meetings, person to person evangelism and church meetings. They ministered across Apac and Lira Archdeaconries visiting several schools and churches each day and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

“God was definitely tangible” one of the officers exclaimed after the last open air crusade. In an area hard hit by war and wrestling with issues of reconciliation and forgiveness, many people responded to the gospel message. During the mission, 3,550 people made decisions for Jesus Christ. This includes 1092 people from Apac Archdea-conry and 2458 from Lira Archdeaconry.

Back to Madagascar

2010-10-19T14:52:00.001-04:00

One of the most exciting things we’ve been involved in at Church Army is sending out Missionaries. It is a great challenge to leave one’s family, culture, lifestyle, and job to serve the Lord in another country. . .but Kenyans are taking up the task. In 2008, Dave worked closely with Duncan and Victor preparing them for their missionary journey to Madagascar. For the past two years they’ve served in Toliara, one of the poorest regions in the world and an area of over 1,000 miles of coastline with only three ordained clergy. This summer the two returned with wonderful reports of their time in Toliara. Five new churches have been established and vibrant youth, music, and education ministries have developed. During the past three months we’ve been debriefing Duncan and Victor and helping them fundraise and prepare to return to Madagascar. Please pray for their continued ministry and for us as we seek to support their work from Kenya.

New Beginnings

2010-03-26T10:57:00.005-04:00

Several young Kenyans joined us in mid-March for the start of a six month internship. Here's our group at Church Army Africa:

Can you spot a hippo?

2010-03-26T10:55:00.002-04:00

A few miles outside of Nairobi:

Night Lights

2010-03-26T10:52:00.002-04:00

The sky over Nairobi lit up with bright colours the other night. Is this the Aurora Borealis?

1st Anniversary

2010-03-26T10:49:00.003-04:00

Dave and Lucy recently celebrated their first anniversary. Here's a couple shots from St. Julian's Guesthouse in Limuru, Kenya:

Learning at Light and Power

2010-03-26T10:46:00.004-04:00

The children's programme continues to run each Saturday at Light and Power. Here's a shot of the matron, Beatrice, serving children porridge after the games and activities have ended:

Missionary Exchange

2010-03-26T10:44:00.002-04:00

Conn Thieman joined us early this year as a missionary intern. After finishing his final semester at Penn State he is getting some first hand experience in mission work serving alongside Dave and Lucy in Kenya.

Here is a recent shot in front of our Theological Training Centre, Carlile College:

Tenancy Issues in Kibera

2010-03-26T10:31:00.005-04:00

One of the churches we work with at Church Army has encountered some tough going in Kibera. In the region of Mashimoni there have been a lot of challenges related to building ownership and tenancy. After the post-election violence, several local politicians encouraged tenants to no longer pay rent in Kibera as the landlords were charging too much. This has not only affected local landlords, but also churches and NGOs involved in development work who are seeking to purchase or develop structures for ministry purposes.

Above is a building that was purchased by Patmos Church in 2008 for use as classrooms for their primary school. Unfortunately, the tenants have refused to leave or pay any form of rent for the past two years. Several "vicious" policies are normally used for eviction in the area: 1. physical removal of the doors of non-paying tenants, 2. forceful expulsion by hired gangs, or 3. peaceful consultation and a decision to leave. Unfortunately, the police have very limited influence in the area. The church is worried that the structure may be burned down by angry tenants if they do not proceed carefully. We are praying for a peaceful resolution to the conflict so that the 63 children of Patmos School do not have to cram into one small room.

Mashimoni is a difficult area. Here is one of the paths through the village:

In the Hood

2010-03-26T10:30:00.003-04:00

Mzee Jomo Kenyatta

2010-03-26T10:26:00.001-04:00

Here's a shot of the first President of Kenya:

Sunrise over Nairobi

2010-02-04T01:14:00.005-05:00

4th February, 2010 from Lower Hill Overlook and Uhuru Park:

Dave and Lucy back in Kenya

2010-01-22T07:29:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your prayers. Lucy has recovered and

Dave and Lucy were able to return to Kenya on 16th January, 2010.

With Family in Northern Virginia

2010-01-22T05:58:00.002-05:00

Video Highlights from Kenya

2010-01-13T15:55:00.002-05:00

Check out this short video with stories and reports from ministries and people that Dave and Lucy work with in Kenya:

Prayer Update:

2010-01-07T16:33:00.002-05:00

It has been great to connect with many friends while Lucy and I have been in the U.S. The good news is that we are going to be around a little longer. The bad news is that this is unexpected and we need your prayers. . .

Four hours before our scheduled departure to Nairobi on Monday evening, I rushed Lucy to Arlington Hospital. She was experiencing severe stomach pain. Instead of driving to the airport, we left our packed bags by the door and went to the emergency room. After running several tests, doctors identified a large cyst as well as a bacterial infection. Lucy is now being treated for the infection and recovering in Northern Virginia.

Please join us in prayer. For now we have canceled our flight and are waiting to see when we may return to Kenya.

-Dave

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

2010-01-07T16:28:00.001-05:00

Sledding Adventures

2010-01-07T16:12:00.004-05:00

Our first Christmas together.
A foot and a half of snow.
Lucy's first sledding adventure:

Fund Raising Needs

2009-11-25T02:36:00.003-05:00

Lucy and I will be in the U.S. during December for a visit and also to raise prayer and financial support for our work. Our current financial levels are insufficient for us to continue beyond the next two months.

We need to raise funds for our return air ticket and also broaden our monthly support base and find additional partners in order to continue serving in Kenya. Please consider joining us and making a pledge or contribution.

DONATIONS can be made securely online at www.samsusa.org. Just click on "Donate" and enter the appropriate information. Remember to designate your gift for "Missionary
- David Chaves"

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we
ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” - 1 John 3:16

Prayer Requests

2009-11-25T02:33:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and care over our lives during the past year.

For God's protection and provision for the Somali Christian community in Nairobi which suffers greatly from physical persecution and overwhelming poverty.

For the process of constitutional reform in Kenya which is currently mired in tribal politics.

For the many Kenyans suffering from famine across the country.

For wisdom in our ongoing strategic planning at Church Army and for planned mission activities in

Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia during 2010.

For students at Akiba School as they begin preparations for their final exams.

Intern Reflection

2009-11-25T02:10:00.003-05:00

The New Beginnings Internship at Church Army has been one of a kind.
Throughout the six months we have all learned a lot, gaining experience and serving in the areas of information technology, media and journalism, administration, missions, creative communications, and video production.
More so, the daily devotions have helped us grow closer to God and more effectively understand and communicate His Word. We have also been able to serve alongside various ministries including: outreach to persecuted Somali Christians, youth empowerment initiatives in the slums, and home visits to orphans and widows affected by HIV/AIDS. The interns Christabel Atieno, Bob Odhiambo, Charles Otieno, Naigine Ochiel and myself, Rebbecca Mwangi, are grateful to God and our supervisors and mentors at Church Army. New Beginnings came at an important time in our lives and has helped us utilize our talents, discover our potential and grow in character, competence, comprehension, community and compassion
- Rebecca Mwangi (Intern)

Back to The Books

2009-11-25T02:01:00.005-05:00

It's official. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, I leave work a bit early.
Classes have begun for a new course in Mission Studies.
Together with seven other classmates, mostly clergy or business professionals, I've been
studying Muslim-Christian Dialogue and Relations in History. Fascinating stuff. The course is part of a graduate program at Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology. I'm excited to learn more.

Please pray for Lucy who is also hoping to start classes soon. She is discerning about the
Reading the Qur'an for homework. possibility of ordination in the Anglican Church.
- Dave

In Need of Hope in the Eye of a Storm

2009-11-25T01:45:00.002-05:00

All Mondays are tough for me. I always wish the weekends would last longer, so I wake up late drag myself across the floor do everything so slow that I almost get on my patient husband’s nerves. I count myself lucky because it is on one of those terrible MONDAYS, the 14th of September 09 that I found out the importance of family. I was having my usual Monday morning blues plus some unsettled feeling in my tummy.
I didn’t quite understand where the feeling was coming from. At around 10:30am GMT, I received a phone call from my dad who had traveled to Western Kenya visiting family. The minute I saw his call my heart skipped a bit. I knew somehow the call was connected to my
unsettled feeling. It was an emergency. My dad’s younger brother Michael, who is not quite ok, had run away from home and was found in a garbage dump almost dying.
Since we are the only family he has, my dad called me, frantic. My younger sister, my husband and I were the only people who could come to his rescue. To cut the long story short, we managed to get him admitted to a government district hospital (read under equipped and overcrowded). Now it happens that when one goes to a district hospital, the underpaid nurses are there to be seen and heard but seldom do any work. The patient’s relatives have to take care of everything, from feeding to washing the clothes (they don’t have hospital robes) to bathing.

It was while taking my uncle to the ward that I met James. My uncle was to share a small hospital bed with this man. James had the body of a child and the face of an old man. In other words it was the face of AIDS at its best. It was the saddest sight of a human being I have ever seen, skin and bones. Yet James had a very kind heart and warm personality. He welcomed my uncle warmly and offered him the pillow. That really caught my attention because normally when one is sick they don’t want to be bothered, leave alone share a bed or give
up their pillow. So we left my uncle, who in comparison to James looked ten times better, in the care of James.
The following day my sister Pauline and I took turns visiting my uncle. We agreed that she would go for the lunch hour visit and I for the evening visit. So my sister prepared some food and took it to my uncle and I came later in the evening. It was on that visit that I got curious why I hadn’t seen anyone visiting James, so I asked him about his family. James had no family.

His mother passed away in 1999 of AIDS, and your guess could be as good as mine, he was born with AIDS. When he was born, nobody would speak about AIDS openly. People would not even mention it by name it was only mentioned by nicknames (in my tribe they called it ‘Chira’- which is another name for bewitched).
So that explains why he never knew of his condition until he grew older. When his mother died, James and his younger sister had no one to turn to because their relatives turned them away. They dreaded the disease, they never knew their father. As he sister grew older she lost her mind and now wanders the streets. James had survived by hopping from one friend’s house to another or by sleeping at parking lots and eating food from the dumpster. He narrated his story with a lot of pain in his eyes, but he wasn’t able to shed a tear.
He could have, but there were no tears, not even enough to moisten his sore throat. He summed it up for me: “Lucy I wish I had a family!” In all his pains and struggles, all he ever wished for was a FAMILY!
The following Sunday, we visited James again. Even though he could barely stand and had no place to go, the doctor wanted to discharge him. Unfortunately in Kenya, there are no hospices or care centers for people like James, a discharge would mean sudden death. ‘Lucy, my greatest problem is that I don’t have a home’, he told me. So there I was, a good “Christian Lady”, where was I going to start, how was I going to tell him that God cared for him? What in his life was evidence that God cared for him? How was I going to reach out to this 22 year old who felt like killing people at times? I had no immediate answer for this puzzle.
All I managed to do was to tell him that we are God’s children and we were his family.
- Lucy

PHOTO COMPILATION 2009

2009-11-25T01:39:00.004-05:00

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. . .”
2 Corinthians 5:18

Reflecton Of The Past Year

2009-11-24T01:13:00.010-05:00

It has been twelve months since I last returned to Kenya. What an incredible year! At this time in 2008, I was struggling to fund raise, unsure if or when I would be able to make the trip back to Nairobi. Despite one of the greatest economic downturns in history, God has been ever faithful to provide. He provided missions supporters, a place to stay, a great work environment, exciting opportunities, and a wife! As Lucy and I prepare to visit the U.S. in December, we look back with wonder and gratitude for what the Lord has accomplished during the past one year. Here are some of the highlights:

Ministry Highlights
1. Dave and Lucy supported the mission work of Church Army Africa, which during the first half of 2009 saw:
i. Over 100 evangelists trained through grassroots initiatives.
ii. Over 200 youth leaders reached through grassroots training.
iii. 16 new churches planted in Dioceses across Kenya (January to June 2009)

2. Dave assisted with services and was involved in the leadership of a ministry to persecuted Somali Christians. Many Somali refugees have been coming to Christ from a background of fundamentalist Islam. (January to September, 2009)

3. Lucy was re-elected to the Parish Church Council of Christ Church, A.C.K. During 2009 she served as an active leader of the youth ministry, worship ministry, and marriage enrichment ministry. (February 2009)

4. Dave and Lucy were joined in marriage in Nairobi (March 7th, 2009).

5. Lucy planned and coordinated an induction Ceremony for the new General Secretary of Church Army with attendance from Anglican clergy across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. (March 2009)

6. Dave and Lucy worked with Church Army to help launch Vision 2015, a strategic plan to bring transformation to African communities through planting and development of over 3000 holistic churches across the continent. (March 2009)

7. Dave developed and led an internship, discipleship, and missions training program for six young people from Kenya and England. (March to September 2009)

8. Lucy planned and coordinated a Commissioning Ceremony for 33 new evangelists in the Anglican Church. Bishops and clergy from across Eastern Africa participated in the event. (June 2009)

9. Dave worked with Church Army to launch a video production center to empower young people, communicate stories of God's faithfulness, and raise funds for the work of mission. (June 2009)

10. Dave and Lucy planned, coordinated and helped lead a visiting Global Engagement Team from The Falls Church. The team helped landscape and build pit latrines at Light and Power Center and met with teachers and students at Akiba School (June to July 2009)

Water is Life

2009-09-17T08:48:00.003-04:00

This is a photo of a man offloading water for sale.It's blurred because it was shot through the curtains (paparazzi :) )

In a list of basic needs, water does not necessarily appear at the top. When one is accustomed to a constant supply, there is seldom worry that it might run out. In developed countries, we are almost sure that water will flow the moment we turn on our taps. This is why it has been a shocking shift to watch our seemingly unlimited supply of water run dry. In Nairobi, one of the most developed cities in East Africa, the price of water has skyrocketed. The City Council is no longer able to provide an adequate supply, and residents resort to paying vendors exorbitant prices for water from unknown sources. Unscrupulous businessmen fetch water from the military, Red Cross, or even stagnant pools of sewage. . .and sell it at an extraordinary profit.

For a city that was once known as “the place of cool waters”, Nairobi residents now go without running water for up to six weeks or in some cases more than three months at a time. People have resorted to hiring carts, locally known as ‘Mkokoteni.’ Previously used for carrying luggage or scrap metal, these carts are now pushed long distances on foot, ferrying plastic containers filled with the elusive fluid. As a means of preserving the little they have, residents have reduced the frequency of bathing and flushing. Dirty dishes are stacked and left to wait. Clothes pile up in the corner. But as uncomfortable as these adjustments have been, our situation is much improved compared to those living in the slums of the city. Representing 60% of the urban population, residents of Nairobi's slums may go weeks without showers and are often forced to wash clothes with water tainted by sewage. Sanitation has become a major concern and there are threats of typhoid and cholera outbreaks.

Apart from domestic use, major industries have also been affected. The lack of water has limited irrigation farming and with failed rains over the past several seasons, food prices have shot up, resulting in an estimated 10 million Kenyans now at risk of dehydration or starvation. Environmental degradation is taking its toll with water catchment areas drying up due largely to deforestation. The water shortage now affects businesses across the country as Kenya depends primarily on hydro-electric power. With water sources literally disappearing, power companies are rationing supply and most businesses face power cuts three days per week. This in turn has led to rapid inflation and a 100% increase in costs for basic commodities. As the standards of living continue to decrease in Kenya, we've come to appreciate the saying, “Water is life.” We can't survive without it, so save it now while you can. . .

Please pray for the water situation in Kenya.

True Story: Accident on Plainsview

2009-09-17T08:31:00.003-04:00

Last night after work I ran out to the store to pick up a few luxury dinner items: lettuce, milk, chapatis, sour cream, and cookies. At the time, my wife Lucy was in the house waiting for a mkokoteni cart of water to be delivered (we haven't had running water in one month). Anyway, on the way back from the store, I noticed headlights zig zagging back and forth across the road. The lights were traveling in the wrong lane and coming directly towards me. I started honking, but to no avail. The white Toyota saloon car rammed the front right side of my Toyota Prado. Our two Toyotas glanced off each other and came to a screeching halt in the the middle of Plainsview Road, just a few blocks from where we live.

(Brief background: In Kenya, whenever there is a motor vehicle accident, the cars are not supposed to move. Ideally the vehicles should remain in the middle of the road or wherever they are stopped until the police arrive. In theory, the police will survey the scene of the accident and then decide who is responsible for the damages. At that point, the drivers of the vehicles can settle the matter privately by handing over the necessary cash. Alternatively the drivers can submit claims to their insurance companies or continuing arguing it out at the police station.)

So our two vehicles sat sideways in the middle of the road, blocking several large matatus and an
onslaught of evening commuters. A large and lumbering man stepped out of the white Toyota along with several of his companions. The large man's speech was slurred and his breath smelled heavily of alcohol. As the traffic backed up, the crowd around us continued to grow. Buses and passenger cars were honking at us to get out of the road, matatu conductors (worried they would lose passengers and money waiting in the jam) urged us to settle the matter quickly and move our cars, young men came running to the scene offering to arbitrate for a fee. One gentleman advised me to call the police.

“What's the phone number?”, I asked. After some consultation, I was told “999.” My hands fumbled with the phone. Three attempts and no answer. The police were nowhere to be found. Meanwhile bus drivers and matatu conductors continued to shout and approach us angrily, grabbing shirt tails and pushing us towards our vehicles.

Overwhelmed, I got back into the car, the car door still open. I called Lucy. “Sweetheart, I've been in an accident, but I'm O.K. Some drunk guy hit me and now there is a big commotion.”
I decided to pull the car up on to the curb to allow the menacing matatu drivers to pass. As I started to move slowly to the left, a strong hand grabbed my arm, pulling me from the car. I tried to slam the door, but now two people were there, prying it open. A hand ripped the keys out of the ignition. A short wrestling match ensued. I was on the pavement and then up again, held firmly by one of the drunk drivers companions. People began to shout:

“Pay 5,000 and you can settle it.”
“I witnessed the accident, wait for the police.”
“This driver is drunk.”
“Give him the money and then you both can leave.”
“One of the keys has fallen to the ground.”
Several people surrounded me, demanding that I pay the the drunk driver in cash for hitting his car.

A large group then gathered, offering all types of advice. A smartly dressed man pulled me aside, a neighbor I'd never met. “Don't worry, I saw the whole thing.”

The rotund man declared, “So what if maybe I am drunk? I am the local Councilor. These people voted for me. They are my witnesses. Just pay me and we can go. . .I am the local Councilor.” (Note: City Councilors in Nairobi are notorious for being some of the most corrupt, violent, and evil people in the country).

Incensed, I joked with some of the bystanders. “So being a Councilor means someone can drive drunk, crash into cars, and then demand that they pay. Is that what a Councilor does? No wonder tuko na shida. Hakuna maji, hakuna stima, hakuna kazi (No wonder there is no water, electricity, or jobs).”

Lucy arrived on the scene, debating the drunken driver's companions in rapid Kiswahili. “He was
driving drunk, on the wrong side of the road. He has stolen the car keys. How can you demand money? We are waiting for the police.” She copied the license and registration numbers as our neighbor snapped photos of the scene. . .

Initially we thought that many of the young men who had rushed to the scene were hooligans affiliated with the City Councilor. Slowly things calmed down, however, and the young men began to laugh at the hilarity of it all. My car was just scratched, but the other had a busted headlight, large dents, and a popped hood. The drunk man and his companions became convinced that they should leave. We exchanged information, agreeing that there was “no agreement and no one would pay anything. Let the insurance companies sort it out.” The drunk driver gave his official name as “mjomba” (uncle). The other vehicle left.

Lucy and I were advised to file a report with the police. Since he was a Councilor, the other driver could go to the police later, after sobering up, and push his own story through the authorities.

We went to Industrial Area Police Station straight away. The electricity was out and the traffic officers on duty were “on duty somewhere else” and “should be back within the hour.” Lucy's uncle came and met us at the station to assist. As we waited a violent woman was restrained and locked up. Two and a half hours later the traffic police arrived. The officer who filed the report was very nice. He offered us a cup of tea and shared a few jokes. He inspected the car. Then he wrote our particulars on the back of a piece of paper and posted it along with other notes to dirty Styrofoam hanging on the wall. “I can't stand impunity. Let this Councilor come and give his own story and we'll rip his head off.”

− So ended Part One of our Monday evening adventure. (10th August, 2009)

Many thanks for your continued prayers. Despite the scary nature of this incident, Lucy and I are both very well. We thank God for protecting us, watching over us, and sending a neighbor to help. We now have some new friends at the police station, and I have the happy tale of having wrestled with a drunken City Councilor.

Visitors from The Falls Church, USA

2009-09-16T07:54:00.002-04:00

In this photo the team from Falls Church and the Light and Power crew are standing in front of the center's main building.

The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity. We've seen the launch of several new ministry initiatives, the planting of sixteen new churches, visits from two missions teams, a commissioning, and several conferences. Lucy and I are grateful for the support and encouragement of our friends during this season and it was a joy seeing some of you recently in Nairobi! In June, a team of eleven from The Falls Church, USA came for two weeks of missions engagement in Nairobi. A mix of ages and stages in life, the team worked together to present gifts and lead a retreat for sponsored students at Akiba School. They also helped landscape, construct a fence, and build a pit latrine at Light and Power. They shared testimonies of faith with persecuted Somali Christians, visited homes in informal settlements, got stuck in the mud with wild buffaloes, and much more!

Photo compilation of Falls Church team's visit to Light and Power Center.

2009-09-16T07:32:00.004-04:00

Commissioning Evangelists

2009-09-16T07:06:00.003-04:00

On June 12th, thirty three students from Carlile College were commissioned as evangelists at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi. With over one thousand guests in attendance, the commissioning service was graced by the presence of outgoing Archbishop of Kenya, Most Rev. Capt. Dr. Benjamin Nzimbi; Ugandan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Capt. Charles Odurkami; and Canon Capt. Johnson Chinyong'ole from Tanzania. During their commissioning, each candidate pledged to “show the love of God revealed in Christ. . .and to bring the good news of God's salvation especially to the poor, the broken, and the rejected.” The 33 new evangelists will serve the work of the Anglican Church and Church Army Africa in Uganda, Sudan, and Kenya. The commissioning was one of our biggest events of the year and we are excited to see how the Lord will use these new evangelists in their ministries

Video Production Center

2009-09-16T05:04:00.008-04:00

One of the main projects I've been working on over the past two months is the launch of a Video Production Center. The goal of the project is to
share stories of God's work in the mission field while creating jobs and raising funds to support ministry. Starting with a donated camcorder and
some basic knowledge, we now have two professionally trained videographers as well as several interns serving in the department. The
Center has already produced one documentary, covered several events and conferences, and recorded a wedding. By God's grace, we hope to
begin work on several more documentaries and instructional videos as well as produce our first gospel music video during the month of August.

Evangelism and Youth Workshops

2009-09-16T04:38:00.003-04:00

Over the past decade, Anglican church membership in Kenya has decreased significantly. Most of those leaving the church are youth. Many Kenyan youth consider themselves Christians, but feel neglected by the church or consider it irrelevant to their daily lives. Church attendance has dropped dramatically among the youth in most mainline denominations with a good number leaving to join Pentecostal churches, attracted to lively services or loud promises of prosperity. The youth represent nearly 75% of Kenya's population and face a host of social and economic challenges including unemployment, crime, corruption, tribalism, and HIV/AIDS. At Church Army Africa we seek to reverse the trend of youth leaving the church, believing that the local church is God's primary vehicle to address the concerns of young people and bring substantive change to their communities, offering authentic hope and help through Jesus Christ.

As part of the efforts to re-engage youth and revive the
church, Church Army has been conducting Youth for Work
seminars and Evangelism and Church Planting workshops
in dioceses across Kenya. In May, Church Army ministered
to nearly 100 youth leaders in Southern Nyanza and Kericho
as well as to dozens of evangelists and church leaders from
throughout the dioceses. The workshops emphasized small
group discussions and identifying and addressing local
challenges and opportunities. As a result of the workshops,
fifteen new churches have been planted in Kenya over the
past several months and dozens of new micro-enterprises
have begun among the youth.

In Search of Water

2009-09-16T04:27:00.001-04:00

Following a prolonged drought and years of mismanagement, Kenya is currently facing an acute water crisis. Agricultural production has dropped dramatically across the country while urban centers such as Nairobi are unable to provide residents with adequate water supplies. Long lines are common at water filling stations and some residential neighborhoods have gone without running water for as many as three months. At our apartment in South B we have running water one day per week on average. Unfortunately the pressure isn't enough to shower or flush the toilet, but it does allow us to collect and store enough water to last for the week. Please pray for the rains and for the water situation in Kenya.

Prayer Requests and Praises

2009-09-16T03:39:00.003-04:00

Thanksgiving for the recent visits from The Falls Church, USA and St. Mary's, UK. and for their ministries in Kenya.

Thanksgiving and continued prayer for Dave and Lucy's health and security as they live and serve in Nairobi.

For students at Akiba School in Kangemi as they prepare to enter the final term of the school year.

For the new Video Production Center as it seeks to develop as a sustainable business and missions enterprise.

For the group of interns at Church Army Africa who will be finishing in September.

For Light and Power Center as it begins production of energy efficient transportable stoves.

Severe drought, coupled with food mismanagement and soaring prices have produced a major famine in Kenya. An estimated 10 million Kenyans are at risk of starvation. Please continue to pray for those affected and for the leadership of the country.

For the new churches and believers in Jesus Christ to grow in their faith and service to their communities.

For justice, reconciliation, and peace as the government of Kenya and the International Criminal Court investigate top government and business leaders suspected in crimes against humanity.

Fence n Music at Light n Power

2009-05-02T09:59:00.002-04:00

Light and Power Centre is now overflowing with nearly 25 members. The Centre has grown rapidly due to an influx of young men looking to keep their minds busy and find positive work. Recently the guys constructed a new wooden fence behind the Centre and prepared the ground for landscaping.

A new music programme has also begun at the Light and Power. One of the mentors, Tim Omwanza, teaches daily lessons to those interested in learning drums, saxophone, or keyboard.

----photos r coming. . .darn u slow internet. . . . :)

Youth Fun Day

2009-05-02T09:45:00.002-04:00

On April 25th, Lucy and I helped lead a “fun day” for youth at our church. There were games and team building activities, food and fun, and all kinds of practical life lessons. The time went so well we are planning to continue for the rest of the year, every last Saturday of the month.

smiles in a line

class participation

Dave and Lucy inside the tent

Game time