When it rains in Kenya, it pours! Tonight we stood on the front steps of our accommodations in the dark, watching buckets of water falling from the sky! And then … there were large flashes of lightening, and as always, booming thunder! We were under cover, but that didn’t stop us from getting sprayed by the rain, and the cool breeze was certainly a treat. The storm lasted more than a half hour and was an amazing display of power; we were all in awe. Truly a great reminder of God’s majesty and might! But we couldn’t believe the change in weather in just a few short hours.
Earlier today, we were all melting inside the tin structure of Gospel Power Centre here in Kisumu. It was a small building but by no means were the people small in enthusiasm or exuberance. For most of us, it was our first time experiencing an African service; there was lots of singing and dancing, shouts of praise and Amens! Our time there was a beautiful exchange of blessing. The Shekinah band had the opportunity to sing and play some different (normal for us) worship music, and the entire church erupted with a loud scream when we announced we were giving them some of the instruments that we brought with us! We couldn’t help but smile at their response. We were glad to be able to give something to them that would not only bless them, but that would be used to advance God’s kingdom!
These instruments were also with us last night as the Shekinah band played and sang for a crowd of over 2,000. A dusty lot on the side of a busy street seemed to be the perfect spot for an evangelistic event that that lasted over four hours. We stood in the red dirt listening to the preaching of a vivacious and expressive pastor and even heard our own Pastor Dave preach to all that had gathered.
It has been a busy and packed weekend, full of the unknown and changed plans but also fill of blessing, praise and rejoicing! God is at work in us—changing our hearts—and He is at work through us as we have been obedient to what He has called us to do, often moment by moment!
Thanks for all your continued prayers as we journey on! After tomorrow’s morning of ministry at other church here in town, we have some rest and down-time scheduled. Please pray that we would be rejuvenated for the remainder of our time in Kakamega with Grace and the kids at Mukumu Children’s Home.
How exciting! Its great to see you feeding the hungry on the other side of the world – I’m imagined being with you as i saw the pics. You’re making a huge difference for eternity: don’t hold back! Karen – you look great!
a special hello to Ted and Alf my Crossroads friends! Hope all is going well for you guys and that God is speaking into your hearts and lives as He leads you through new and different experiences there in Kenya! I am praying for you both and have your prayer cards sitting on my kitchen counter to remind me to pray whenever I see them. May God continue to bless you on this journey!!!
Corrina, thanks again for another amazing blog post!! Keep up the great work!!!!
Hey everyone, especially Sarah…so glad to hear things are going so well. To make a cheeseball comment, let me say that hearing about the rain out there makes me “miss the rain in Africa” Stay safe and enjoy!
Love reading about the trip… please keep the posts coming!!
I have your group picture on my desktop and pray for you everytime I sit down at my computer (which is a lot
Be strong and of good courage – The Lord our God is with you, wherever you go!!
Hugs & prayers!!
Wow, it looks like you guys have had an amazing time so far! Lots of pictures of you, Jules…don’t forget to take lots of both of you. What a blessing you are being to the people and children there. We are praying for you for strength, health and continued safety in all you do there!
Love you both, Mel
Dear Corrina,
The Holy Spirit brought tears to my eyes as I read this update. What a blessing to feel the power of a rejoicing group of people, despite their circumstances, over a half a world away. As I sit here and the tears roll down my cheeks I can only dream in jealousy this experience you’ve had.
Love,
Faith
Lorri Grange.
HEY MOM! =) raaee here! i miss you sooooo much, you have no idea!
California was amazing! we had soo much fun!
We did all the rides in Disneyland and California park. The lines where about an hour long , but we fast-passed EVERYTHING!
We did a beach day, a pool day, AND we went to HOLLYWOOD!! I got allot of photos of the cement stars on the Hollywood strip. I also got photos of everything else, witch you’ll see once your HOME! =)
Very good weather , i think Chilliwack was hotter a couple of the days! Got a bit of a tan! The heat there probably isn’t as bad as in Africa, but i hope your pulling through and staying strong!
I pray for you all day, every day!
I love you to the moon and back 10 billion times, and i can’t WAIT to see you!!
Stay strong,and remember.. J.C – he’s got your back!
I LOVE YOUU, MISS YOU, and talk to you soon! <3
p.s, ( i got you a little something in Disneyland )
xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo
Dear Corrina
Your blog is wonderful and the pictures make it seem so real. Also enjoyed your newsletter. Glad you are enjoying this trip as much as you had hoped.
(My last comment went on the wrong blog but I’m learning!)
Hi to Karen, looks like she is enjoying it too.
Praying for you continually.
Love
Mom & Dad
Hi Mom and Dad
Grandpa and Grandma came last night..Lydia says that we are going to Castle Fun Park today..
Jenna says I miss you alot and I love you
Josh and Larissa say I love you..
We are all doing great..having fun times..
OXOXOXO hugs and kisses L,J,L,J..
Looks like you guys are having a great time!!! We are continually praying for you all. Would you say all the planning/fundraising was worth it?! I’m excited to see your pics and hear stories when you get back!
Dear Corrina,
Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are until we see how others live.
Thank you for making a positive experience in the lives of your new friends.
Love, Mickey & Gord
Thanks for more pics and stories! It’s so cool to see the African church service and I’m excited to hear all your stories ’bout it too. I hope the week back in Kakamega goes well.
Kristie – I had to prop one of your plants cause my 1 cup of watering (that you prescribed) evidently was evidently too much for it. I’ve propped it against the pillar in the kitchen with a network wire tied around it holding it up. Oh plants…how tempermental!
Awesome pix from the 2,000 person concert! I am LOVING all these updates. You are not forgotten here, I’ve got two+ hours in the car each day and am using a chunk of that time to pray for the Kakamega team as a whole and specifics as they come to my mind. Keep up the good work and stay strong to the end!
I have such a difficult time looking at the pictures and reading your blogs – It all stirs so much in my spirit! How exciting & unlike North America, people are responding to the call of the Holy Spirit there.
Corrina it was good to get your update, to read about the thunder storm, the woman’s meeting and your having to do some teaching on the spot! Ha, I bet you were up during the night with that one and I am sure you did a great job!
It is wonderful to see the pictures of everyone doing various ministry! Just so Marcus knows, the stack that he is squatting in front of is a stack of bricks – he looked a little confused, they weren’t round, black and made of rubber.
I hope your all well and that you are allowing the Holy Spirit to speak into you lives. These times are are significant as the Spirit transforms you into the image of Jesus Christ – Rom. 8:29
As I read the blog this morning God reminded me of the Scripture I was touched with this morning. It is from the Message version – Romans 8 – it says:
GOD KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. HE DECIDED FROM THE OUTSET TO SHAPE THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM ALONG THE SAME LINES AS THE LIFE OF HIS SON!
May you all be encouraged as you continue to be the hands and feet of Christ to all those whom you are touching. You are being molded and shaped by the Son Himself and God is pleased!
Keep us the good work … praying for you all!!!
So excited for you all! I am with you in my thoughts and prayers.
i mom and dad haw is it going from joshua