Kenya Mission Team- Tues Aug 28

Hi Everybody,

Well, we wrapped up at the Mosop work site yesterday, and it was a wonderful way to end our work at the orphanage. The progress on the roof as we neared the finish line was pretty amazing…so much so that the Kenyan work team skipped their afternoon chai in order to keep working (that never happens!). The work is 95% installed, and the infamous tricky “turn” at the one corner will be taken care of today. Our ACAC fellas were amazing. Each one of them working side by side with the Kenyans on top of a roof, at 7,000 feet altitude, all day in the hot Kenyan sun. At the end of the day, Charles (work site supervisor) had some very kind words to say about the team’s love, involvement and humor on the job. We cannot wait to take on another construction assignment with him!

Elijah, Rachel and the orphans sent us off with a wonderful celebration. We had a huge circle of all the orphans, who sang and played music for us. Beautiful. At the end, we were presented with a large “sotet.” A Kipsigis word for a decorative gourd that is used as Kenyan “Tupperware” for sour milk. I was asked to take the sotet back to our home church and present it to the pastor on behalf of the orphanage. (it’s good that Pastor Rock, in fact, loves sour milk, isn’t it?) It was great to have our Kenyan work team there with us along with all the children. Truly a community who took up a fellowship/construction/ministry project, and put everything into it for 9 terrific days.

Last night, a few of us shopped at a village stand for soap stone carvings, and a few of us enjoyed dinner at the Musyoka family’s house. It was a laid back evening of great food, guitar jamming with Baba Musyoka and Kevin and LOTS of games with the two little Musyoka girls, who made sure we were treated to several performances of Sparks songs. (Unconditional Perfect Love “sightings” abound throughout Tenwek...we’re seeing construction workers, kids and adults singing that song and clapping the beat. Greg and Rebecca have a village full of back-up singers whenever they need it.)

We leave this morning for a 2-day safari in the Masai Mara (northern part of Serengeti). It will be a great way to enjoy God’s creation and relax/recover from a very intense work schedule. Amy Bemm and her daughter Lydia are joining us for the safari, and we’ll meet Chuck in Narok as we drive to Nairobi. We’re in Nairobi all day Friday and should be home late Saturday night.

Thanks for the prayers and e-mails while we’ve been in Kenya. The team has been in constant motion, and we’ve learned a lot about Kenya, Christianity in this part of the world, ourselves, one another and are very grateful for what the Lord has done with this ministry. We hope we’ve been a blessing to the Mosop orphans – they have certainly touched each one of us as we talked and prayed with them and heard their amazing stories of trials, faith and optimism. We will never forget the Chibole (new Judea) church service where, in the simplest of rural settings, we were privileged to see a mighty blessing. Kenyans heard the Gospel, accepted Jesus Christ and now a village known for rampant alcoholism and brewing has Christians in its midst. Praise Him.

Our bellies hurt from so much laughing, our hearts are full from the love we were shown by those in Tenwek and Mosop, and our minds will start to process everything that has occurred these past two weeks. God is good…everybody has remained healthy during the trip, our team fellowship and support of the Bemms’ ministry is strong, and we don’t see God’s work in Kenya as “short” in terms of missions, but rather a strong start to a long-term ministry. We can’t wait to return to the ‘Burgh and share the stories, photos and footage.

In Him….
Kenya Missions Team


Chuck & Amy Bemm
Serving at Tenwek Hospital with World Gospel Mission

PO Box 39
Bomet, Kenya 20400
East Africa

Land line: 254-52-22495/22496 Ext. 259
Mobile: 254-734-510708(C)/735-120293(A)
chuckbemm@tenwek.com chuck.bemm@wgm.org

Kenya Mission- Sunday August 26

Well,well,well…it’s the end of arguably the most glorious Sunday I’ve ever experienced…and I’ve experienced some pretty awesome Sundays!!
The team was invited to join the children of Mosop at an outdoor church service in a small village. It sounded like a great cultural time…and oh boy, were we in for a treat. The service was in a small field with a few trees. As we arrived, we heard the beautiful voices of the Kenyans already praising the Lord. There were no chairs except for the few that Elijah had brought in his truck…they were for us to sit in, and we quickly found that we were the guests of honor for this very special service. We were not aware until the welcome, that this village had been ravaged by “brewing”…which pretty much parallels the western version of organized crime fueled by preying on the weakness of men for the abuse of and addiction to alchohol. This Sunday’s service was the FIRST in this village. The believers there were prepared to do battle for the ground and reclaim the whole village for the glory of God! The service continued with much singing…we could even sing along to “come thou fount”…and we learned to sing along with the new languages attached to the heavenly singing. After the congregational singing, the song leader proceeded to invite first the smaller children to share a song, then the older children to share a song, then the “choir” to share a song…it soon became evident that we were probably the only group left who hadn’t shared a song! :)
Sure enough, we were invited to share! So up went the entire team, we led the children in a jubilant version of “unconditional perfect love”…thanks to our dear new friend and interpreter, Rose Bates, we were able to explain the sweet and lifesaving message of God’s perfect love for all of us. We also sang “shout to the Lord”…enough of the people there knew the song well enough to sing it in their native language…that’s always a foretaste of glory divine. A few testimonies were offered by our team…Greg, Andy, and Chuck…then Pastor Joseph got up to speak. Now the whole service to this point had already been a total delight, but what followed was as if it came out of the pages of the new testament. Pastor Joseph started with 2 Chronicles 7:14&15…
“ If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to prayer made in this place.”
…now as we like to say at home….” THAT will preach!!”
And my goodness, did it ever preach. This precious brother was so filled with the holy spirit of God!! Every single word that came out of his mouth was blessed and useful. Not one word was wasted. It was amazing how he would switch back and forth from the language of the villagers to English…God blessed the dear young man who was interpreting…he never missed a beat…just kept switching back and forth to accommodate!! Pastor Joseph taught and preached and exhorted and rebuked with LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. It was a blast to be in the “amen corner” with my Kenyan sisters….at the end of the sermon, a challenge was offered to the people to repent, and turn to be followers of Jesus. Pastor Joseph called Greg forward to pray for the people…and I knew what was coming next. We had been told that the Kenyans won’t respond to come forward invitations because they culturally don’t do things as individuals…but this had been weighing on some of us, because we know that the road of the Cross is filled with moments and days where we must choose to walk it alone…”though none go with me”. God started to speak through Greg…which was a moment that I will never forget because he happened to be wearing a pair of my cat-eye sunglasses!!! ( he had broken three pair on the worksite)…apparently God is not concerned with our eye fashion ( or lack thereof…)…as Greg spoke to the people on the issue of courage and standing for Christ even if you are alone…Joseph heartily interpreted…and as Wesley started to sing a beautiful chorus “only Jesus”…Greg started to pray for the people…and they started to stand one by one and WALK FORWARD to pray to receive Jesus!! Hallelujah! “..and many were added to their number that day”.
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your love and support. As I write, the room outside is filled with very loud laughter….this day has been filled with joy. On the other side of the world, God showed His face today. In beautiful dark skin….in shining smiles…in bright fabric and loud singing with the MOST angelic voices….God showed up and proved once again that He IS.

Anita, Greg and I leave tomorrow morning for Nairobi. It will be good to get home…but a chunk of our hearts will remain here in Kenya with the Kenyan roofers, the Mosop children, the cooks at the orphanage who taught me how to cook some truly fabulous dishes, and our newest brothers and sisters by the Sisiel River.

Glory to God,

Rebecca
Kenyan Missions Team





PO Box 39
Bomet, Kenya 20400
East Africa

Land line: 254-52-22495/22496 Ext. 259
Mobile: 254-734-510708(C)/735-120293(A)
chuckbemm@tenwek.com chuck.bemm@wgm.org

Kenya Mission- August 24, 2007

Hello Marafiki!

It’s been a LONG day…we woke up to another gorgeous Kenyan day and drove out to the work site to install the perlins on the roof. This is an important final step and we HAD to complete it today in order to keep on schedule. There have been a few curve balls this week, but the team has really put forth an amazing effort. We’re in a good groove with our Kenyan friends. Chai time (2x a day) is a great opportunity to learn more about them…show photos of our families…and exchange interesting cultural insights about sports, food, language and our respective neighborhoods.

Today, half the team mixed and transported concrete (for the floor of the school building) and the other half was up on the roof. You haven’t seen concrete mixed until you’ve seen a donkey deliver the water in milk canisters in a wagon. The construction site punda (donkey) makes trips to the local pond for the water used in mixing concrete. Wild. It was really gratifying to look back on our day. We really were in lock-step with the Kenyans and have such a respect for their energy and work ethic. (Belly laughing with them for at least 4 hours a day doesn’t hurt either.) Tomorrow we’ll start putting up the actual metal sheets on the roof.

We left the work site a few hours early today because tonight was a big youth really at the local Africa Gospel Church. Amazing. We weren’t sure what to expect. Last night’s concert at the Tenwek Church was familiar to us in terms of a worship style. Yet, just down the street, the worship style was completely different. The prelude to the concert was some amazing African music with the audience dancing in the pews, dancing in the aisle, and dancing in their seats. Kenyans love to worship. Everyone on the team agrees, Kenyans sing louder than anything we’ve heard. Loud as in shaking the walls. What a wonderful experience to share in worship and to see how a love for God is celebrated among different people’s. Suffice to say, we were happy to join in the celebration. When you worship with Kenyans, you cannot help but do so joyfully….with tons of clapping, jumping, shouting, singing and dancing.

Greg and Rebecca worshipped to a packed sanctuary. Their music and song was amazing. Plus, Greg and Rebecca sang part of their encore in Swahili!! And it was such a blessing to see all these beautiful people tightly packed in the church. The church held hundreds of people among the balcony and main floor, and it was standing room only. For those who miss pews, you’d love the Africa Gospel Church. Folks pretty much sit in each other’s laps. The concept of personal space remains a Western one.

These people wear their love for Christ on their sleeve. You hear it in the greetings (Hello, my name is Geoffrey, and I love Jesus). You see it in their churches (gratitude is transparent and honest). You feel it in the easy friendships that are made (our arrival at the work site each day now has many new Kenyan friends who come to greet us and check on us before the day begins.)

Kenyan Missions Team








Chuck & Amy Bemm
Serving at Tenwek Hospital with World Gospel Mission

PO Box 39
Bomet, Kenya 20400
East Africa

Land line: 254-52-22495/22496 Ext. 259
Mobile: 254-734-510708(C)/735-120293(A)chuckbemm@tenwek.com chuck.bemm@wgm.org

Kenya Mission Team- Thurs Aug 23

By Jessica Turnbull
As the days have progressed, the sunshine has stayed, the temperature has risen and the blessings God is giving us have increased. The physical labor at the work site reached its highest today as concrete was poured in two other classrooms as a side project for the people not up on the roof still working the trusses. It is intensely difficult work since I doubt any Kenyan has even a cement truck. Along with some Kenyan helpers, the men wheelbarrowed and mixed the concrete as the women shoveled the sand, gravel and rocks. Since the Sparks lead worship at the evening weekday service, we left the site on the earlier side, a much-welcomed break after an exhausting but rewarding day. We will certainly sleep well tonight.
As the work continued outside, I lead the third day of VBS inside. Since the goal is to educate about stories of the Bible, we acted out the story of Joseph. It went over extremely well, although when the 11 brothers were told to “attack” Joseph and sell him into slavery, the boys were a little too eager to mob the poor boy who volunteered to play Joseph. Young boys don’t need any encouragement to wrestle. However, most of the time was spent having the children write letters for ACAC kids. Before we left, we did a drive to encourage kids to give $10 to buy school supplies along with a letter and picture for a Kenyan child. We asked the children to write a letter back and then we took their picture. I had an inkling that it was going to be complete madness but it was quite a process of matching children’s names, letters and pictures with an American kid’s letter and picture, taking their picture and giving them a bag of supplies and blanket. Unfortunately, I was so busy jotting down names and handing out bags that I was not able to witness the children receiving their gifts that they had been eyeing all morning. Several team members have said that it was the highlight of the trip and brought tears to their eyes to see the huge smiles light across the children’s faces when they received their blanket. Praise God, we had just the right number of gifts and letters for each child and we will be bringing back 95 letters for ACAC kids. Elijah, the orphanage director, said the children will sleep well tonight.
Since this is my first time blogging, I thought I would share some random observations from my time here in Kenya:
All Kenyans wave at the van full of white people. And it’s important to wave back with an open palm and not wave with the fingers like most of us do because that means “come here.” We were confused why so many kids came running to us and stood there confused after we waved.
The bathroom is called the “choo” and is essentially an outhouse with a hole. You pack your own toilet paper and bring plenty of antibacterial hand soap.
In the States, we pay $4 a cup for authentic Kenyan coffee at Starbucks. In Kenya, all of the good coffee is shipped to the States and everyone who is really from Kenya drinks instant coffee like Nescafe. But few drink coffee. Chai or tea is the staple drink of choice.
My favorite Kenyan song is sung by the orphans…”We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord. For the Lord is good, I will lift Him up higher.”

Chuck & Amy Bemm
Serving at Tenwek Hospital with World Gospel Mission

PO Box 39
Bomet, Kenya 20400
East Africa

Land line: 254-52-22495/22496 Ext. 259
Mobile: 254-734-510708(C)/735-120293(A)chuckbemm@tenwek.com chuck.bemm@wgm.org

Kenya Mission Team- Wed Aug 22

By Greg Sparks

Today was a beautiful day out at Mosop. We started a little earlier because Chuck had to come back in to Tenwek to pick up Jessica and Anita and take them to visit two other orphanages. From what they said, they were even less facilitated as Mosop Orphanage.
The rest of us started working on the new building. There was more painting to do. There was the Bible school time with the kids, which I heard went really well. Deb Magness and John Lantz did the Bible story time. I think they used the story of Esther, in which the kids played out the roles, except for Haman, which I heard that John was forced to play so that the kids could all tie him up and watch him swing from a rope.
The roof project is going great. We are still putting up the trusses, which are three sided pieces of medal, that are welded into place. Some come pre-fabricated, others are bulk pieces that we have to make. Today the big job was to build the trusses where the building makes an 90 degree turn. The Kenyan workers, (Charles the foreman, Edwin the best welder, Eric is great at everything) are letting me work closely with them. So as we started making the plans, which must be all in some ones head, not on paper, we were able to build the truss structure to make the turn. This was a lot of thinking and then some working. The cool thing was when they needed to level two trusses at opposite ends of the build, so they brought out a water level. ??? A long clear hose that had water in it, and as they brought each end up to the top of the truss, they could tell if it was level or not. A simple and seemingly non-tech way to get a very accurate reading. They were short of a little truss material to make it the way we would in the states, but it doesn’t have to hold the weight load, i.e., snow!
A big highlight in they day was hearing Peter’s testimony, another Kenyan worker while we stopped for chai. (Tea). He shared how he ended up in jail because of debt. While he was there a women came to see him and asked him if he was saved. She lead him to the Lord in the jail cell. Shortly after that he got out. He shared ho His older brother is HIV positive and is fighting aids. He is very sick. After he spoke I prayed for him, and Andy prayed for his brother.
It is an amazing thing to see such need and know that we in the states have really too much. I can’t get a picture out of my head of the Lord wanting to get the resources, financially, spiritually and educationally to people in such need, and there we sit in the US wondering how we can make our lives and churches bigger and better. It doesn’t take that much, and the ramifications are huge for both us and those who are needing the help. Today the hospital is without the pump that make clean oxygen for the third day. A simple thing in the states, but a big problem to solve in Kenya. We could Fed-ex it quicker.
Thank you for your prayers. God is protecting and strengthening us each day. God is so Good!!!

Gods Peace,
I Love you Justina, Eddy, Sofia, and Alia. And Mom Sparks

Chuck & Amy Bemm
Serving at Tenwek Hospital with World Gospel Mission

PO Box 39
Bomet, Kenya 20400
East Africa

Land line: 254-52-22495/22496 Ext. 259
Mobile: 254-734-510708(C)/735-120293(A)chuckbemm@tenwek.com chuck.bemm@wgm.org

Kenya Mission- Wednesday Aug 22

(note- image of ACAC full-time Gospel Messengers in Kenya, Chuck and Amy Bemm, and their 3 children)

Hello Friends & Family,

What a great day! First – Kenya is THE place to visit in the winter. What a wonderful environment in which to serve: jet blue skies, huge white clouds, constant breeze and mid-70s. It was a really physical day today, so we were appreciative of the environment. We got a late start today and were worried about what needed to be accomplished: trusses had to go up on the school; a TON of painting and hammering; and 14, looooong perlins had to be completed. We not only completed the tasks, but we are right on schedule according to the project manager, Charles. We hope to see the roof finished by Saturday. J

Some highlights from the work site: who knew Rebecca Sparks could hammer like a construction pro?! Actually worked with nails in her mouth. Jessica Turnbull was bent over most of the day painting what seemed like a football field of perlins. Good thing she’s young. ;) Amy Bemm picked up a blow torch and was actually welding huge pieces of metal.

Jessica Turnbull spearheaded vacation bible school for the orphans today. Praise God for planning and preparation as she meshed Scripture and fun. Two more days of VBS amidst lots of eager Kenyan children. Tomorrow, Jessica heads out with Anita Harnish to orphanages in the area as well as Tenwek Hospital to learn more about the needs in the local villages.

Here’s a special story for Children’s Ministry: remember the special Kenya school supplies baggies that included your important $10 contribution for the orphans at Mosop? Here’s the list of items that we purchased today with YOUR $10 CONTRIBUTION for 95 orphans: Vaseline (to keep their skin from cracking from the heat); shoe polish; toothpaste; writing tablet; bowl; cup; spoon; washing soap; laundry soap; pens; pencils; and a large blanket. Imagine! All this for $9.16 per orphan. Thank you for what you have done. Your contribution also helped a small business in nearby Bomet. On Thursday, we’ll begin distributing all these items to the children. (and we’ll look forward to bringing home a letter and photo to YOU from the Mosop orphans.)

Chuck & Amy and their kids are wonderful missions hosts. Special servants, indeed. We are having a wonderful time sharing stories of faith and life. It’s unanimous that we’re spending most of our down-time laughing. Our bellies hurt from all the laughter each night as we reflect on the day. Truly a work hard/play hard missions experience.

Today, during our afternoon chai break, we heard the testimony from a young woman named Agnetta. A beautiful story. We commented tonight on how the Kenyans wear their faith on their sleeve. From their greetings to their thanksgivings, every Kenyan we’ve met consistently features gratitude to God for every element of their life. Even the “littlest” of occurrences credits God for the outcome.

Culturally, we seem to be a fit with the Kenyans: they also love to talk, joke and move quickly into friendships. We’ve had no shortage of observers who – within minutes – become tour guides and then friends. Our conversations are as enlightening as they are enjoyable. From family to faith and marriage to work, they are quick to ask questions and share points of view. It’s refreshing and endearing.

We would appreciate your prayers for rest for the Bemms and the team (we’re getting about 6 hours of sleep and still have some jet lag); for continued productivity and wonderful relationships at the work site (the Kenyan construction crew are a highly respectful, professional crew); and that we bring love and encouragement to the orphans (who are ever-present and always willing to hold our hands, sing a song for us, invite us to play with them, and give us the widest smile you’ve ever seen).

Love, Kenya Missions Team


Chuck & Amy Bemm
Serving at Tenwek Hospital with World Gospel Mission

PO Box 39
Bomet, Kenya 20400
East Africa

Land line: 254-52-22495/22496 Ext. 259
Mobile: 254-734-510708(C)/735-120293(A)
chuckbemm@tenwek.com chuck.bemm@wgm.org

Kenya Team Update- Monday Aug 20

By Anita Harnish
Monday Aug. 20

“My name is Anita, and I love Jesus.” I learned last night in Bible study with the Kenyans that that is the way you introduce yourself here if you are a Christian. Reminds me of the New Testament greetings by Paul. And why shouldn’t I introduce myself in that manner? It is a part of who I am.

The joy and faith of the Kenyans is amazing and overwhelming. Our worship time with them during Bible study at the Bemm’s was a wonderful way to end the day after a sobering tour of the Tenwek Hospital – a whole story in and of itself. We spent the evening singing many songs – in English and Swahili.

I finally managed to stay up until 11pm Kenyan time – prior to this I was convinced I had a mysterious ‘sleeping disease,’ only to realize it was a severe case of jag lag. The same went for everyone else. At any given point – during Bible study, a meal, down time – someone from the group would be nodding off in a corner. I think we are all on track now.

Today we got up bright and early and spent our first workday at MOSOP orphanage. We started preliminary work on assembling the pieces for the roof. We ran out of wood in the afternoon so we were able to take a tour of the compound – see the kitchen, dorm rooms, gathering rooms and spend some time with the orphans. So sweet, shy (especially the girls) and funny. We had a serious session of jump rope with some of the little ones. As we were waiting to load up the van for the ride home at the end of the day, Deb asked one of the orphan girls who she met last year to sing a song for us. All the children joined in. That led to and impromptu teaching of ‘Unconditional Love’ by Greg and Rebecca.

Two thoughts have stuck with me so far in this trip. The first is a result of Deb’s awesome testimony during church yesterday. So told the congregation how she came to know Christ and about her initial trip here last year. Last year she originally came to Kenya to go on a safari and had learned about the Bemm’s from ACAC. She thought ‘I’ll be in the neighborhood (so to speak) and should stop by.’ She told us that she had great apprehension as she got closer to Tenwek. The anxiety was so profound that she literally got to the intersection to make the right turn into Tenwek and had the driver stop and stated she wanted to turn around (mind you, this is after driving 5 hours). The driver in his wisdom suggested that they stop and get out of the car and just rest for a moment. Well, she did end up making that right turn and coming to visit the Bemms. And I thought ‘what a difference that right turn made.’ It made all the difference in the world to her and to our church because look where we are today.

The second thought is a result of the prayer Kevin made yesterday as we began our tour of the hospital. We had learned earlier in the day that the hospital was running out of oxygen due to a malfunctioning part. Doctors has gathered after church having the hard discussion of who should get the remaining oxygen, knowing repairs would not happen until Monday. Should it go to critical care? What about the premmies? What about emergency surgeries? As we got ready to step foot into the hospital Kevin stated in his prayer, “That no one would die for lack of this (oxygen) valuable resource.” What a statement that also has profound spiritual significance.

We are anxious to get back to the orphans tomorrow and learn more about them. We are so grateful for all the financial resources that got us here and all the prayer support that surrounds us.

Peace
Anita Harnish

Chuck & Amy Bemm
Serving at Tenwek Hospital with World Gospel Mission

PO Box 39
Bomet, Kenya 20400
East Africa

Land line: 254-52-22495/22496 Ext. 259
Mobile: 254-734-510708(C)/735-120293(A)
chuckbemm@tenwek.com chuck.bemm@wgm.org

Kenya- Update from Sunday Aug 19

Sunday – Aug. 19
By Heather Birch
Today was a wonderful experience worshipping with other believers at the Sunday morning service at the hospital. The Sparks led worship and Deb gave her wonderful testimony about how she came to Christ and ended up visiting Tenwek last year. After church, the team was taken on a hike around the Tenwek compound. The tour included seeing the dam that was built by Samaritan’s Purse. It powers all of the electricity for the hospital. Then the team took a tour of the hospital. It was an eye-opener because we saw suffering of the infants but the blessing was the care they were receiving. We had a wonderful Bible study with several Kenyan staff members. We had a great time of worship with songs in Swahili and heard testimonies from two Kenyans.
The thing about today that struck me the most was the feeling of the love of Christ for all of the patients at the hospital. The hospital had a crisis today because all of the oxygen wasn’t working and there was a risk of patients’ dying. However, the little premie babies all had little oxygen tubes flowing to them. They were taken care and it was a blessing to see how God’s hand was everyone, even the little ones. They can grow up to grow up to great examples of Christ because of what Tenwek hospital did for them.
Tomorrow will be our first day at the worksite at Mosop Orphanage. We will be interacting with the kids and getting an idea about the roof project we will be doing with a team of Kenyans. Please pray for health, especially as the team continues to recover from jetlag. Tomorrow will be our first day of actual work, and we will likely be wiped out by the end. Also pray for the relationships we continue to build with people at the hospital and now the children and staff at the orphanage. Pray that our unity and love for each other will continue to grow as we spend the next two weeks in Kenya.

Chuck & Amy Bemm
Serving at Tenwek Hospital with World Gospel Mission

PO Box 39
Bomet, Kenya 20400
East Africa

Land line: 254-52-22495/22496 Ext. 259
Mobile: 254-734-510708(C)/735-120293(A)
chuckbemm@tenwek.com chuck.bemm@wgm.org

Kenya Team has Arrived Safely

Hello from Kenya
We made it safe and sound; the flights ( all three ) went well and had plenty of time between each leg. Amy Bemm was waiting to greet as we arrived at the airport and after collecting our luggage we went to a missionary compound to spend the night. We awoke this morning and after breakfast hit the road ( and a bumpy one it was ). The trip from Nairobi was way rougher than all the flights combined but we had a great time of fellowship with Amy and her daughter Lydia. Today started rainy as we loaded our luggage but the sun gradually gave way to a beautiful Kenyan sky. We saw several Thompson Gazelle (tommies), some zebra and 1 Giraffe. We finally arrived at our destination after 4 this afternoon had a short time to lounge and are now just finishing dinner with the Bemms. Already we have met many wonderful people and we have not even begun. We thank you all for your support and prayers
In Christ
Andy Gabig

Chuck & Amy Bemm
Serving at Tenwek Hospital with World Gospel Mission

PO Box 39
Bomet, Kenya 20400
East Africa

Land line: 254-52-22495/22496 Ext. 259
Mobile: 254-734-510708(C)/735-120293(A)
chuckbemm@tenwek.com chuck.bemm@wgm.org

Kenya- The Day Before Departure

(the ACAC Kenya Missions Ministry Servant Team-
of which 9 are preparing to leave for Kenya tomorrow- 8/16/07)

SASA TUENDE! (that's Swahili for "now, let's go!") It was about a year ago that the first visit to Tenwek to serve with Gospel Messengers Chuck & Amy Bemm was made...and from that visit the interest in serving in Christ's name has seen a lot of interest and activity throughout ACAC. On August 16, nine members of the Kenya team will be traveling to Kenya for a two-week missions trip. Andy Gabig, Kevin Parker, Greg Sparks, John Lantz, Heather Birch, Rebecca Sparks, Anita Harnish, Jessica Turnbull and Deb Magness will be serving with Chuck, Amy and many Kenyan friends.

Two projects are on the docket: the construction of a roof at the Mosop Orphanage for a new classroom building and two village worship rallies featuring the Sparks. The ralllies are part of the country's "Spiritual Emphasis Week," a national holiday throughout the school system that celebrates Christianity. The team takes off August 16 from the 'Burgh > Chicago > London > Nairobi. A 21-hour flight and 30+ hours of travel! It's been five months of praying, planning and fundraising. Thanks to the many, many family, friends, ACAC congregation members and colleagues who have given of their time and resources to support this outreach of the Mosop orphans. To lend a tangible perspective of what the Lord has done through this ministry:

- More than $14,000 was raised for the new roof...which means the orphans now have a new school! Thanks ACAC and family and friends!
- More than 15 orphans will have their school fees taken care of for one-year of school study.
- More than 80 American children have sent over letters, drawings and photographs to the - Mosop orphans...and will receive a letter back from their Kenyan pen pal upon our return. Thanks Children's Ministry!
- We'll be carrying nearly 200 blankets for the babies at Tenwek Hospital. Thanks Heaven's Blankies and ladies bible study teams!
- The medical professionals in our congregation collected nearly 200 pounds of medical supplies that will be delivered to Tenwek Hospital.
- The ladies bible study group collected a long list of items for the Bemms to provide supplies over the coming year. Thanks ladies!

ACAC Kenya Mission Team- Prayer Battleplan

A KENYA MISSIONS MINISTRY BATTLE PLAN
Week One:

August 16:
Depart Pittsburgh for Nairobi (Kenya is 7 hours ahead EST)
August 17:
Arrive in Kenya
August 18 - 19:
Meetings with Bemms and Tenwek missionaries. Worship and share testimonies at
Tenwek Church. Sunday bible study with Bemms and Tenwek residents.
August 20 – 23: Roof project at Mosop Orphanage. Construction and painting of trusses.
Dinner in a Kenyan home with local family.
August 24 25: Half-day at work-site on Friday. Two Kenya Rallies with the Sparks as part of
national holiday, “Spiritual Emphasis Week.” Worship and evangelism. Rebecca Sparks
to preach from Romans 12.

Please pray that…
- We serve as humble ambassadors for Christ to all those we meet in Kenya. We pray mightily that we maintain a servant’s heart throughout the trip.
- For health, safety and strength for all those at the orphanage work site.
- That we learn from those we serve…the orphans, the missionaries, the local residents.
- For testimonies and worship that reflect the kingdom of Kenyan and American brothers and sisters. That our acts and words wholly reflect Christ’s love and sacrifice.
- The Holy Spirit’s Anointing on Greg & Rebecca Sparks and for all who attend the rallies to yield to the Spirit. For Rebecca as she ministers through His Word (Romans 9).

Week Two:

August 26: Worship and share testimonies at Mosop Church. Sunday bible study with Bemms
and Tenwek residents.
August 27 - 28: Construction continues on roof at Mosop Orphanage work-site. Dinner with
local missionaries; Tenwek Hospital tour. Vacation Bible School conducted at Mosop
Orphanage.
August 28 – 30: Wrap-up, celebration and fellowship with Bemm family on the Masai Mara.
August 31: Depart Nairobi for Pittsburgh
September 1: Arrive in Pittsburgh

Please pray that….
- We would be an encouragement to the Bemm family and Tenwek missionaries.
- That the team is well-rested and disciplined in our devotions, prayer and fellowship.
- For continued strength & energy for the team as the roof project concludes.
- That we could be an encouragement to the church in Mosop. For the Holy Spirit to fill His Church as we worship together.
- That our fellowship in Kenyan homes create cross-cultural friendships grounded in Christ.
- For safe travels home to Pittsburgh.