Friday was a very busy day. After chapel the team, sans Craig (who stayed behind to try and help organize pharmacy and medication overstock supplies), loaded up for an approximate 1 hr drive to the Methodist Bio Intensive Farm which is in Meru. It was good to see the farm had expanded with addition of fish hatcheries and addition of more livestock. The team toured the farm and were impressed with the staff's knowledge of the operation and plants which were growing. For those not familiar the farm is actually used for intensive training of Kenyans in hopes they can sustain their families with food either on a small plot of land if they are fortunate enough to possess or in a "container" type system. They also focus on vegetables which will provide maximum nutrition and grow rather quickly.
From the farm Jim, our missionary, took the team to a VERY rural location on roads we might consider non-travelable. The village is Nthamiri and Jim commented you could tell by the school uniforms, which are a must in Kenya, that the school does NOT turn down any applicant. While the colors do match the condition, style, and wear may not meet the standards of other schools. Jim's former team had provided funds to build a cook shed which is nearing completion and they have also provided concrete floors for the classroom. At various times students would be bothered by chiggers, termites, or other insects which during warm conditions may "swarm" from the prior dirt floor.
It was the last day of school for this school term, unbeknownst to all. The team was met by the school administration, 200 + students, and many parents from the community. Most secondary schools in Kenya are boarding schools which require funding that many remote villagers cannot afford, and this school currently serves only primary grades. During the tour the team observed ground which has been broken, in faith, for the construction of a secondary school classroom. This would allow these children to further their education in hopes of passing exams and finding opportunity for university or technical training. The students knowing Jim would be visiting that day, but not the team, had prepared some songs, dances, and poems. The team was convinced God had called them to this place and made a contribution to hopefully provide completion of the construction of this classroom. Since you know our arrival flights were complicated, we had funds from our first night stay in Nairobi and meals which were non-used and closely matched their needs.
Our evening ended with a "special" dinner at the hotel in our honor. We provided some gifts to hotel staff, and some locals we have come to know through our prior trips.
Saturday morning we loaded early for the 6 hour trip to Nairobi stopping for photo opportunity at the equator. Arriving just shortly before departure to Masai Mara the team prepared for the short trip via small aircraft. I stayed with our drivers to drop baggage and supplies for the Nairobi work project at the guest house where the team will stay on return from safari Monday evening, and to go on to the "big airport" which since the fire is a lesson in tolerating challenges.
As we pulled into Nairobi traffic with sun shining, a light rain began to fall. The driver told me that Kenyans believe if rain comes during or at the end of a ceremony or other project that God has blessed that event. I thought to myself that we have surely been blessed by God in the ability to raise funds and the generosity of Acton UMC, University UMC, Ronnie's church (sorry don't know the name), and the Granbury community. While we go to bless others and we do see God's work in that, we as usual were the ones who received the biggest blessing.
Please continue to pray for the team as they return to Nairobi on Monday and the work they will do. Also for travelling mercies as they return to the US.
We look forward to sharing the adventures of our trip and the challenges that the Kenyan people continue to face.
In His Name,
Craig
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Your Dollar Cannot Speak
Thursday August 15, 2013
Yesterday, Wednesday August 14, we began our day at chapel with an amazing time of worship as Kennon lead music and Margret shared the message "All You Need is Love", which is the connection I have found here-love and relationship. After chapel a group of us visited Hope Compassion/Zoe Ministries and were blessed by stories of orphans and other vulnerable children who have been empowered to provided for their families by being taught skills to produce income. Never have I seen such love and compassion in a place like this. People who have nothing, sharing all they have with others. Just like in the early church, the people of Kenya value one another as is found in Acts 4:32-37. But they also value us. We are one in heart and soul. After that we visited the staff at the hospital for lunch which brings me to the truth that God shared with me. In this meeting we shared our hearts and time of prayer during the meeting. The hospital Chaplin said "the dollar cannot not speak". The people of Kenya are not destitute. In fact, they have more riches than we do. No amount of money can replace what I have found in Kenya. I have found a people who value the human spirit, the relationship, the love and the witness that I have to offer over any money I could give them.
That afternoon we held VBS. Almost 200 children showed up for "Bible Study". I thought coming here I would share Jesus with all the children and souls would be saved but the truth is I am the one who found Jesus. In the heart and souls of every child and every person I meet. There is little money here and resources are in desperate need but not once has there been a request for my money, only for my relationship. Isn't that a true reflection of who Jesus is. He doesn't want our money or our things. He wants our hearts and a true, authentic relationship. And that is what the Kenyans want.
We are truly one in heart and soul. I am rich from being here. One of the nurses said to us that "we are their treasure". So live out the early church and meet the needs of our precious family and friends here in Kenya who we share our lives and possessions with in the authentic relationships with one another and let our love speak louder than our pocket books. Jesus lives in Kenya and He brought me here to find Him. And my heart will never be the same.
Kim Howard
Yesterday, Wednesday August 14, we began our day at chapel with an amazing time of worship as Kennon lead music and Margret shared the message "All You Need is Love", which is the connection I have found here-love and relationship. After chapel a group of us visited Hope Compassion/Zoe Ministries and were blessed by stories of orphans and other vulnerable children who have been empowered to provided for their families by being taught skills to produce income. Never have I seen such love and compassion in a place like this. People who have nothing, sharing all they have with others. Just like in the early church, the people of Kenya value one another as is found in Acts 4:32-37. But they also value us. We are one in heart and soul. After that we visited the staff at the hospital for lunch which brings me to the truth that God shared with me. In this meeting we shared our hearts and time of prayer during the meeting. The hospital Chaplin said "the dollar cannot not speak". The people of Kenya are not destitute. In fact, they have more riches than we do. No amount of money can replace what I have found in Kenya. I have found a people who value the human spirit, the relationship, the love and the witness that I have to offer over any money I could give them.
That afternoon we held VBS. Almost 200 children showed up for "Bible Study". I thought coming here I would share Jesus with all the children and souls would be saved but the truth is I am the one who found Jesus. In the heart and souls of every child and every person I meet. There is little money here and resources are in desperate need but not once has there been a request for my money, only for my relationship. Isn't that a true reflection of who Jesus is. He doesn't want our money or our things. He wants our hearts and a true, authentic relationship. And that is what the Kenyans want.
We are truly one in heart and soul. I am rich from being here. One of the nurses said to us that "we are their treasure". So live out the early church and meet the needs of our precious family and friends here in Kenya who we share our lives and possessions with in the authentic relationships with one another and let our love speak louder than our pocket books. Jesus lives in Kenya and He brought me here to find Him. And my heart will never be the same.
Kim Howard
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Some Perspective
Anyone who knows me knows that I will be the first person to recognize that there is plenty of need in our immediate area. So why am I in Kenya ? It cost a lot of money and time to get here, plus two weeks off from work ! God has called me here, and I am not about to argue with that.
James 2:5 Listen my dear brothers and sisters! Did not God choose the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him ?
Did not God choose the poor ? Well where are they ? I think that we have found them !
I would first like to sincerely thank everyone, all of the saints, that have helped to support this trip in any way. Without the amazing people of Acton UMC we would not be here representing you. It has always been my nature to be a skeptic , I don't believe I will ever outgrow that one. I have seen all of the pictures and the movies on the problems in Africa, but i needed to see it for myself. Trust me its pretty much all true. There is quit probably more human suffering in 1000 square yards of Maua Kenya than in all of Hood county. Thing that we cant even imagine.
There is a lady here at the hospital that told Margret this morning that they had to take her baby by c- section, the baby was born alive but they took it out of the room and now tell her it has died. Her stomach is swollen and hurts, maybe a problem there, terribly constipated, and she cant leave because she cant pay her bill. She is right now back there laying in a bed alone and confused. Margret, little Margret from America walks up to here bedside, prays with her, cries with her and brings her the comfort of the Love of God ! What a humbling honor to be used by God in this way. We are absolutely not worthy, but he is. And what is crazy is that he has sent us.
We were working on the aids orphan home yesterday. It is way off of the beaten path. When we got there the lady, ( Grandmother maybe) told us that she had 6 children. I counted as many as 19 children at one time? They were coming out of the bushes from everywhere. They are currently living in a shack that none of us would have to put our lawnmower in. Two goats tied up in front, chickens running around, it was unbelievable. A walked up the hill behind the house a ways to look around and saw, peas, and watermelon, greens, etc. So they were doing their best to live on what they could gather. Try that one with 6 children ! All 19 of those children stare at us constantly like a bunch of shiny white angels just popped up out o f the ground. We will change there lives, we already have. They will at least now have a warm dry place to lay thier heads at night. Because we came.
James 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
We must constantly strive to bring the healing power of the love of Jesus christ to everyone that we can. It is what it means to be christian. This trip is not for everyone, but being the hands and feet of God Absolutely is.
I am PROUD to be your representative here,
Thank you for the honor, Ben
James 2:5 Listen my dear brothers and sisters! Did not God choose the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him ?
Did not God choose the poor ? Well where are they ? I think that we have found them !
I would first like to sincerely thank everyone, all of the saints, that have helped to support this trip in any way. Without the amazing people of Acton UMC we would not be here representing you. It has always been my nature to be a skeptic , I don't believe I will ever outgrow that one. I have seen all of the pictures and the movies on the problems in Africa, but i needed to see it for myself. Trust me its pretty much all true. There is quit probably more human suffering in 1000 square yards of Maua Kenya than in all of Hood county. Thing that we cant even imagine.
There is a lady here at the hospital that told Margret this morning that they had to take her baby by c- section, the baby was born alive but they took it out of the room and now tell her it has died. Her stomach is swollen and hurts, maybe a problem there, terribly constipated, and she cant leave because she cant pay her bill. She is right now back there laying in a bed alone and confused. Margret, little Margret from America walks up to here bedside, prays with her, cries with her and brings her the comfort of the Love of God ! What a humbling honor to be used by God in this way. We are absolutely not worthy, but he is. And what is crazy is that he has sent us.
We were working on the aids orphan home yesterday. It is way off of the beaten path. When we got there the lady, ( Grandmother maybe) told us that she had 6 children. I counted as many as 19 children at one time? They were coming out of the bushes from everywhere. They are currently living in a shack that none of us would have to put our lawnmower in. Two goats tied up in front, chickens running around, it was unbelievable. A walked up the hill behind the house a ways to look around and saw, peas, and watermelon, greens, etc. So they were doing their best to live on what they could gather. Try that one with 6 children ! All 19 of those children stare at us constantly like a bunch of shiny white angels just popped up out o f the ground. We will change there lives, we already have. They will at least now have a warm dry place to lay thier heads at night. Because we came.
James 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
We must constantly strive to bring the healing power of the love of Jesus christ to everyone that we can. It is what it means to be christian. This trip is not for everyone, but being the hands and feet of God Absolutely is.
I am PROUD to be your representative here,
Thank you for the honor, Ben
Monday, August 12, 2013
God's Plan - Send Us Angels
We finally made it to Maua! We were re-routed from London to Doha (close to Yemen, Kuwait and Iran). While we certainly could have never predicted that our journey would take us into the Middle East, that was God's plan for us. While at the various airports, our team was blessed to encounter numerous angels that cleared our way to Nairobi. We saw Christ in the friendly cashiers at the counters where we bought our food, in the smiles of airport personnel who made sure that our luggage, filled with medical supplies for the Maua Methodist Hospital, made it safely to Kenya with the team. We even saw Christ as these angels helped us navigate the makeshift customs area at the Nairobi airport, and then for the additional 6 hour drive by van to the Maua hotel into the night. There was even angels waiting us as we FINALLY made it to our room, where there was a hot meal, friendly greetings and a much needed, hot shower.
Our first day involved worshipping with the Methodist congregation in Maua. We enjoyed the Swahili service, and it was a packed house! There were well over 500, standing room only, in worship. We attended Sunday School with the children, and led them in songs, after they led us in some. We met our missionaries, Jim Monroe and Sue Owen, and they are so wonderful! While we were with the kids, I could hear the adult choir singing "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." So, I couldn't help but wonder that way and join them! I made fast friends with the worship director and ended up being invited to sing with them for the morning service! It was a wonderful experience, only I didn't realize that there was going to choreography involved! I also sang an entire song in Swahili! This choir had a ton of energy, and their angelic voices really lifted us after our long journey to get here.
Yesterday, we were able to do a little sightseeing in the area. The Kenyans showed us their water supply. That might seem like an unusual attraction, however it is what they value most here. It is a very rustic, primitive system. Butch, who is on our team and is a certified master plumber said that there weren't even fittings in the mains going into town. Parts of it featured pipes that were simply hammered into the next pipe. The new ways that they are attempting to bring water in are more updated. We also did a little shopping, being intention to spread the shillings around to various merchants. The team was greeted as friends. The hospitality here is incredible.
Today, we began our morning with chapel. We met a REAL Angel. That is her actual name! Angel is patient of the Maua Methodist Hospital. At only four days old, she was involved in a tragic fire that started from the family's gas stove. Her severe burns covered over 85% of her body and left her with only one arm. Her condition was so horrific, that her father, Ezekiel, wanted to euthanize her. By the grace of God, she survived, and the Lord's plan for Angel had her directly cross our Kenya missions team path. Not only did we hear the awesome news that Angel is being transferred to Galveston, Texas (of all places), but we were able to spend considerable time with both Angel and her mother during our tea time and hospital tour. I held this modern-day miracle, a true Angel, in my arms today and gave God thanks for her life. She is bringing out the best in everyone around her. I was able to even hug her dad and encourage him to be strong. I cannot even convey what a blessing it is to see such an incredible story unfold from our vantage point, but it is God's plan to let us be here at this time. My prayer for today and the rest of the week is that we not only see all of the angels around us, but that we might be angels for someone else. As Angel's grandmother said to Angel's mother, Pam - you have to look through God's eyes to see the beauty of the child's mind heart and soul. That is God's wisdom being lived out in a world that needs it desperately. More to come - Thank each one of you for your continued prayers. We love you all and miss you; and, we look forward to sharing our stories with you!
Kennon Pickett
Our first day involved worshipping with the Methodist congregation in Maua. We enjoyed the Swahili service, and it was a packed house! There were well over 500, standing room only, in worship. We attended Sunday School with the children, and led them in songs, after they led us in some. We met our missionaries, Jim Monroe and Sue Owen, and they are so wonderful! While we were with the kids, I could hear the adult choir singing "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." So, I couldn't help but wonder that way and join them! I made fast friends with the worship director and ended up being invited to sing with them for the morning service! It was a wonderful experience, only I didn't realize that there was going to choreography involved! I also sang an entire song in Swahili! This choir had a ton of energy, and their angelic voices really lifted us after our long journey to get here.
Yesterday, we were able to do a little sightseeing in the area. The Kenyans showed us their water supply. That might seem like an unusual attraction, however it is what they value most here. It is a very rustic, primitive system. Butch, who is on our team and is a certified master plumber said that there weren't even fittings in the mains going into town. Parts of it featured pipes that were simply hammered into the next pipe. The new ways that they are attempting to bring water in are more updated. We also did a little shopping, being intention to spread the shillings around to various merchants. The team was greeted as friends. The hospitality here is incredible.
Today, we began our morning with chapel. We met a REAL Angel. That is her actual name! Angel is patient of the Maua Methodist Hospital. At only four days old, she was involved in a tragic fire that started from the family's gas stove. Her severe burns covered over 85% of her body and left her with only one arm. Her condition was so horrific, that her father, Ezekiel, wanted to euthanize her. By the grace of God, she survived, and the Lord's plan for Angel had her directly cross our Kenya missions team path. Not only did we hear the awesome news that Angel is being transferred to Galveston, Texas (of all places), but we were able to spend considerable time with both Angel and her mother during our tea time and hospital tour. I held this modern-day miracle, a true Angel, in my arms today and gave God thanks for her life. She is bringing out the best in everyone around her. I was able to even hug her dad and encourage him to be strong. I cannot even convey what a blessing it is to see such an incredible story unfold from our vantage point, but it is God's plan to let us be here at this time. My prayer for today and the rest of the week is that we not only see all of the angels around us, but that we might be angels for someone else. As Angel's grandmother said to Angel's mother, Pam - you have to look through God's eyes to see the beauty of the child's mind heart and soul. That is God's wisdom being lived out in a world that needs it desperately. More to come - Thank each one of you for your continued prayers. We love you all and miss you; and, we look forward to sharing our stories with you!
Kennon Pickett
Friday, August 9, 2013
The best laid plans....
Our flight to London was uneventful till we arrived. Then our journey became a foot race to catch our flight to Nairobi. Unfortunately our feet didn't win! Our plane left without us. But we maintained our cool and have found ourselves on a little extra and unexpected journey to Doha, Qatar. And then we are on a flight to Nairobi. Life is never a guarantee. The only guarantee we have is God!
Thanks for all your prayers.
Sheryl
Thanks for all your prayers.
Sheryl
Thursday, August 8, 2013
I am saying goodbye because I'm not coming back.
I am on the van headed to the airport. On my way to Kenya. It seemed like we would never get to this day, especially after the events of the last 24 hours. However a little, or not so little, airport fire can keep is away. I'm not sure why I am going. I really don't like flying so I guess I will take an 18 hour flight. I don't like strange foods so I guess I will go somewhere where the food is different and we should try everything to be polite. I'm not good with tools or building things so I will go build an
AIDS orphan home. I'm pretty sure I will be in be way more than helpful. Despite my many anxieties there doesn't seem to be any stopping me from going. I am being pulled to Kenya. Not by any person but by God. The Holy Spitit is pulling me. I don't know what to expect when I get there. I can't imagine what it will be like. I am surprisingly calm about it all. Being the control freak that I am I should be worried about what I will encounter. This process of preparing for this trip has changed me. I have become more prayerful. I have learned to lean on God when the fear and anxiety try to overtake me. I have learned to seek the prayers of others. These things are new for me at this level haven't left the county yet and the trip has already changed me. I can't begin to imagine what will happen to me while I am gone. As I have said my goodbyes the one thing that I have heard over and over is "Just come back". I smile and nod and say thank you. What I don't say is "No, I don't think I can do that". I can't just come back. I've already been changed even before I left so I don't think simply coming back is an option. I have full expectation that I will come back as someone different. My physical self will be back. I do not have plans to move. At least not at this moment. I am praying for a change that others will notice without saying a word. I pray I come back fearless and bold. That the love of Christ shines through me. I want to be bold enough to challenge those around me to see the invisible, hear the stories of the hurting and love the ones forgotten. God is unstoppable and one day I will be too. It starts with this plane...
AIDS orphan home. I'm pretty sure I will be in be way more than helpful. Despite my many anxieties there doesn't seem to be any stopping me from going. I am being pulled to Kenya. Not by any person but by God. The Holy Spitit is pulling me. I don't know what to expect when I get there. I can't imagine what it will be like. I am surprisingly calm about it all. Being the control freak that I am I should be worried about what I will encounter. This process of preparing for this trip has changed me. I have become more prayerful. I have learned to lean on God when the fear and anxiety try to overtake me. I have learned to seek the prayers of others. These things are new for me at this level haven't left the county yet and the trip has already changed me. I can't begin to imagine what will happen to me while I am gone. As I have said my goodbyes the one thing that I have heard over and over is "Just come back". I smile and nod and say thank you. What I don't say is "No, I don't think I can do that". I can't just come back. I've already been changed even before I left so I don't think simply coming back is an option. I have full expectation that I will come back as someone different. My physical self will be back. I do not have plans to move. At least not at this moment. I am praying for a change that others will notice without saying a word. I pray I come back fearless and bold. That the love of Christ shines through me. I want to be bold enough to challenge those around me to see the invisible, hear the stories of the hurting and love the ones forgotten. God is unstoppable and one day I will be too. It starts with this plane...
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Casa
Hogar Children's Home - April 8, 2013
I Really Should Be Here!
When I went to Casa Hogar with Margret last year I kept saying, and still believe that this is not my passion. I went because my wife was afraid to go without me. God has given me many passions for many things; this just wasn't one of them.
On that trip the one thing that really stuck out is how important this home is and that they have no way to tell their story. So I asked my friend Michael Ryan who owns a video production company Four-Thirds creative if he might be willing to go down here with me some time. I felt this was a very, very, long shot, but I did my part and I asked him. See he shoots fancy stuff like for Frito-lay, and Pier One, and I am guessing it would be a $20000 process for him to do this. He has a beautiful and brilliant wife who works with him, and my daughter says that their son Finn is the most beautiful baby in the whole world. Michael has a lot of responsibility and he is not too big on leaving the country, but he said he would go! Isn't that all that God asks from any of us, just to be willing to go? Don't tell Michael and Karen, but I LOVE these people.
So now we need an interpreter, to take a week of their life, go to a foreign country, and help us get this story on film. I have another friend, (hard to believe I know) who was just about as crazy as I was growing up. He was in a bike gang for a long time, but God has gotten ahold of him, so I asked him if he would go, he said yes. He was willing to go. He has never had a passport and we kinda got a late start but the day before we were to leave his passport came in, it was really looking like it might not happen, but God has been on this deal from the beginning. God has some amazing things in store for Phillip and it has been my honor to watch these things unfold! Don't tell Phillip, but I love this guy too.
I have come to understand that in my walk with God when he asks me to go, and I am willing to go there will be opposition, especially if something good is going to come from it. After a while I have come to expect it! It used to really freak me out, but not so much anymore. When we landed in Mexico the Federal police grabbed Phillip before we even got off of the plane ramp and detained him. After fifteen or twenty minutes we started looking up the numbers for the Methodist conference legal council in Mexico, or anyone else we could get to help us, it was pretty nerve racking. JJ Mainard went back over to them, which only a woman, a JJ Mainard woman could get away with, and they released him. In following God there will be trouble, but he laughs at these things.
Then last night I started having cold chills at about 10:30 and I remember seeing 2am and the whole time shaking like crazy. This morning I couldn't get out of bed, with a bad headache and fever. They called a Dr. who came to my room examined me and went back to the clinic to get medicine and came back to my room and gave me two shots and some prescriptions. She charged me $65 total for shots meds and all. There WILL be opposition!
The amazing and wonderful power of God constantly humbles me. I by myself am nothing, but if we didn't say yes and go how can Gods will be done? It is so hard to figure out our part in all of these things. How am I here! What is my part, and when do I shut up and let God do his thing. We are all called into a relationship with God, it manifests in many different ways and we never really know where it might lead. The main thing is that if we truly love God we should always be willing to say yes. Yes I will go. With all of the hurdles of this trip I KNOW that something huge will come from this trip and this video. Casa Hogar is an amazing place with some wonderful brothers in Christ and children of God who suffer like we can't understand. We have been given an opportunity to say yes and find a way to help these people. Let's do that!
The people of Acton United Methodist church are such an inspiration to me. You guys are amazing and wonderful beyond words. I want to thank you all for all that you do and how you love us. You were what made this trip possible. And don't tell anybody but I love every one of y'all too. - Ben Fields
I Really Should Be Here!
When I went to Casa Hogar with Margret last year I kept saying, and still believe that this is not my passion. I went because my wife was afraid to go without me. God has given me many passions for many things; this just wasn't one of them.
On that trip the one thing that really stuck out is how important this home is and that they have no way to tell their story. So I asked my friend Michael Ryan who owns a video production company Four-Thirds creative if he might be willing to go down here with me some time. I felt this was a very, very, long shot, but I did my part and I asked him. See he shoots fancy stuff like for Frito-lay, and Pier One, and I am guessing it would be a $20000 process for him to do this. He has a beautiful and brilliant wife who works with him, and my daughter says that their son Finn is the most beautiful baby in the whole world. Michael has a lot of responsibility and he is not too big on leaving the country, but he said he would go! Isn't that all that God asks from any of us, just to be willing to go? Don't tell Michael and Karen, but I LOVE these people.
So now we need an interpreter, to take a week of their life, go to a foreign country, and help us get this story on film. I have another friend, (hard to believe I know) who was just about as crazy as I was growing up. He was in a bike gang for a long time, but God has gotten ahold of him, so I asked him if he would go, he said yes. He was willing to go. He has never had a passport and we kinda got a late start but the day before we were to leave his passport came in, it was really looking like it might not happen, but God has been on this deal from the beginning. God has some amazing things in store for Phillip and it has been my honor to watch these things unfold! Don't tell Phillip, but I love this guy too.
I have come to understand that in my walk with God when he asks me to go, and I am willing to go there will be opposition, especially if something good is going to come from it. After a while I have come to expect it! It used to really freak me out, but not so much anymore. When we landed in Mexico the Federal police grabbed Phillip before we even got off of the plane ramp and detained him. After fifteen or twenty minutes we started looking up the numbers for the Methodist conference legal council in Mexico, or anyone else we could get to help us, it was pretty nerve racking. JJ Mainard went back over to them, which only a woman, a JJ Mainard woman could get away with, and they released him. In following God there will be trouble, but he laughs at these things.
Then last night I started having cold chills at about 10:30 and I remember seeing 2am and the whole time shaking like crazy. This morning I couldn't get out of bed, with a bad headache and fever. They called a Dr. who came to my room examined me and went back to the clinic to get medicine and came back to my room and gave me two shots and some prescriptions. She charged me $65 total for shots meds and all. There WILL be opposition!
The amazing and wonderful power of God constantly humbles me. I by myself am nothing, but if we didn't say yes and go how can Gods will be done? It is so hard to figure out our part in all of these things. How am I here! What is my part, and when do I shut up and let God do his thing. We are all called into a relationship with God, it manifests in many different ways and we never really know where it might lead. The main thing is that if we truly love God we should always be willing to say yes. Yes I will go. With all of the hurdles of this trip I KNOW that something huge will come from this trip and this video. Casa Hogar is an amazing place with some wonderful brothers in Christ and children of God who suffer like we can't understand. We have been given an opportunity to say yes and find a way to help these people. Let's do that!
The people of Acton United Methodist church are such an inspiration to me. You guys are amazing and wonderful beyond words. I want to thank you all for all that you do and how you love us. You were what made this trip possible. And don't tell anybody but I love every one of y'all too. - Ben Fields
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