Final thoughts in Kitale and heading back to Nairobi…

With. Open. Eyes.

On our last morning in Kitale, prior to getting on our flight back to Nairobi, Jason led a beautiful devotion on the definitions and scriptural references on the words WITH, OPEN and EYES. After reflecting on this devotion for a while, the Lord reminded us that we are:

WITH: among a body of, part of a group of people…

OPEN:  with willing hearts, ready and open to receive and be obedient to.

EYES: a God-given vision that is beyond our own sight.

How awesome!  Next, we visited Shekinah Glory Missions’ office in Kitale. It was great seeing and meeting Ben’s staff and best of all, we were ALL presented with custom – made African garments – smocks/shirts for the guys and an entire 2-pier garment me – Monica! The fabrics are all different, rich colors with metallic accents. Look out USA, we will be looking really sharp when we get back!

Next, we boarded our final plane ride back to Nairobi, which was bittersweet. Sweet – because we were able to fly Pastor Simon’s 3 mobile messengers who traveled to Kitale with us. It was the first time they had ever been on an airplane, ever.  They kept saying it was a miracle and that they never in their lives ever thought they would ride on an airplane.  They said it was a huge, huge deal for an African man to fly and that it would highly raise their level of respect within their villages. It was bittersweet because along this entire journey we met and traveled with two very special friends who we just clicked with – our amazing, faithful pilots, John McNeely and Preston Hunting!  We were so glad to have met them and weren’t ready to say goodbye, so we joined them for dinner along with their beautiful families when we returned to Nairobi.  After HOT showers (finally), we were off to a good night’s rest before The Upper Hill Business Leader’s Breakfast, where Frank was invited to be the keynote speaker.  We were prayerful as local representatives confirmed a full house of over 200 business leaders in Nairobi would be in attendance to hear Frank deliver a powerful message on purpose and lasting legacies in their personal and professional lives as well as their marketplace. Praise the Lord!

Our Time in Katale, Kenya

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A Day of Many Confirmations!

Our first full day in Kitale began with a devotion led by Dr. Jones. The message he shared was rooted in Mark 1:40-45, where Jesus healed the Leper. His devotion confirmed that the “heart” of With Open Eyes is made up by the two hearts of our co-founders, one heart for compassion of others and the other heart to proclaim the Gospel.

Next we headed to meet our partner Ben and his mobile messengers.
We met at one of Ben’s church plants, a thriving church now with an orphanage.  We were so touched at those children! Mostly little ones were there and some of the high school kids were there for the special service they planned for us. Pastor Simon and three of his Mobile Messengers blessed Ben’s team as they shared personal testimonies and practical feedback on serving as a mobile messenger.   Next, Dr. Jones delivered the 4 Biblical marks of a mobile messenger:

^“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”   Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”  So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.”        Mark 1:35-39 (NIV) (NIV)                                                                                  

1.) We Preach The Message Of The Gospel .(v.38-39)

2.) We Are Men Of Prayer. (v. 35)

3.) We Are Men Of Vision.  (v. 38-39)

4.) We Must Develop Other Leaders.  (v. 36)

They recognized that there are two giftings – some have the gift of a pastor and some have the gift of apostles. The “mobiles” apostle and committed to “wear their marks on their hearts”!

One of these “apostles” hosted our field trip to one of his three new church plants since receiving his motorbike.  Pastor Protus took us to Soi Mining in the Endebess region of Kitale.  Approx 38 new believers welcomed us, chanting and singing, under their new church, covered by two sheets held up by 4 thin tree trunks.  Their new podium was made of remnant 2×4 scraps.  It was so humble yet so precious.  On this day, 11 new members were receiving water baptisms.  After we prayed and shared words of encouragement, our Mobile Messenger, Protus, introduced the young man from their church that he was training to nurture the church and one day serve as pastor, and the new mobile messenger that will assist him in discipling them.  Then we all marched to the river and watched these new 11 young brothers and sisters  profess their commitment to Christ publicly.  I think we were all speechless as we realized the significance of what God began through this ministry.  The Kingdom won and He worked through all of us to carry the gospel and claim this community for His glory.

Radio Interview with Dr. Bill Jones

A telephone interview with Dr. Bill Jones, President of Columbia International University, aired this morning on the “Eric and Erica Morning Show” broadcast on  New Life 91.9 in Charlotte, NC and WMHK 89.7 in Columbia, SC.   Dr. Jones is part of our team from With Open Eyes that traveled to Sudan and had the amazing opportunity to witness the birth of a new nation, “The Republic of Southern Sudan” on Saturday, July 9th.

Click below to listen to the interview:

Leaving Southern Sudan and heading to Kitale, Kenya

We awoke to our final breakfast in Yei. Pastor Simon led our morning devotion – a strong message about being called to serve. As we finished, a local Sudanese pastor approached our table and asked if he could pray for us. The moment he started to speak, an anointing covered his voice.  He praised the Lord for the opportunity to worship him freely in South Sudan and he prayed for all the people and tribes in their new country. Then he praised God for the dining hall at the guest compound where we were all gathered in prayer because he always meets different brothers and sisters from his tribe there. The tribe of Jesus. He thanked God that we come from all over world -  to share His love. It was so powerful and as we left Yei, seeing various peoples, we felt confirmed  as members of our own tribe – the tribe of Jesus!

We arrived in Kitale and were greeted by our partner Benjamin and several mobile messengers. After settling in, it was time to meet with Benjamin’s mobile messengers. We arrived at a restaurant in the town. We weren’t sure where we would meet in a place like that but we were led up a staircase and arrived to an upstairs room – a big room with tables aligned in a big square. It looked like a set up for the President and United Nations.  Behind more than half of that square sat 20 men, in suits, hands gathered in front of them. Mobile messengers. Humble light bearers, full of hope and determination to serve their people and carry the message of Christ to the farthest areas in their country. We were overwhelmed with emotion as they shared their hearts and desire to multiply souls for the Kingdom. They are church planters and among them, pastors of churches they planted. There was multiplication of disciples among us and it was such a blessing!! We ended united in prayer and I realized we were with the President – God and we were the united nations. People from different places in the world, united in Him. The tribe of Jesus, gathered in our very own upper room. What a way to start our time in Kitale!

The Launching of a New Partnership in Yei, Southern Sudan

After an amazing Independence Day celebration, we said goodbye to our Mobile Messengers in Lui and departed for Yei to launch a new partnership with African Leadership And Reconciliation Ministries. We were met by Meredith Wheeler, ALARM’s International Director, Rev. Manasseh Kenyi, Director for Yei and Margaret Loburi. As we drove to their training facility, thousands of Southern Sudanese were gathered at Freedom Square, chanting, singing and dancing. Flags waved high in the air as a sea of people jumped up and down in celebration. It was such a sight!  We went to ALARM’s training facility and I believe we were all so warmed by the students and the facility itself. They are doing an amazing job training future pastors and evangelists and soon, the first class of Mobile Messengers will enter their new church planting and evangelism program. After meeting and interacting with the current student class, we shared a traditional meal went back to prepare for the next day.

This morning, we awoke to the sounds of worship music coming in the windows from a church down the road. Our morning devotion led by Aaron encouraged us with a message of God’s strength through our struggles. Aaron is one of our board members and he has such a strong testimony. He shared  a powerful story with us reminding us that we are never above our leader and through difficult struggles, it is His strength that gets us through.  The dedication service was more than we ever expected! Dignitaries and representatives from all the churches in Yei were present. ALARM’s team including founder Celestin Musekara and our new Mobile Messenger Leader, James Baak attended. We were given such special attention, With Open Eyes being the honored ministry was very touching. We showed our video to the entire audience and received the official seal of approval and support from all the church leaders in Yei who came together for this ceremony. Our new partner, James Baak was presented with th official mobile messenger gear – a motorbike, helmet, backpack, etc. Then, Frank placed the With Open Eyes icon on the motorbike and the church leaders dedicated it to the glory of God, reminding everyone that it was covered with the blood of Jesus.  Tribal dancers concluded the event which was so impactful to all of us!

This afternoon we had a little down time so we decided to go to town, visit the market and see Yei culture. We saw a local ‘futbol’ game where hundreds and hundreds gathered around a dirt field all afternoon in the middle of town. It was quite a sight! Tonight we shared  a team meal and we recapped, shared from our hearts and I believe we are still in awe at this amazing work that the Lord began. We are here on official business – our Father’s business and it’s much bigger than we will ever be. After launching our partnership with ALARM today, i realized we are deploying, sending out messengers, carriers of Christ and aid out into the world to win souls for His kingdom and we’re equipping and resourcing them with what they’ll need to be victorious in their efforts! That’s a huge task but I know the Lord knows this and why He’s calling us to remain in Him and He will guide and provide. He’s a Big God and He’s more than enough to get the job done! Tomorrow – Kitale, Kenya!

Celebrating the Independence of the Republic of Southern Sudan!

Today, Saturday, July 9th, our hearts are full and we are blessed beyond our expectations to have been right here with these Sudanese people as they celebrate their freedom and Independence.  As many have said, today is their birthday.  Frank started us off with a devotion of being free from fear.  Then, we had time to video Sosthen and he shared so much history with us.  We made our way to the Lui Cathedral grounds, where the famous Laro Tree is.  The tree where their forefathers were sold as slaves, the tree where the Christian church began in the South of Sudan by Dr. Frazier in the 1920′s.  He brought them their first Bible and taught them from it.  Today, the tree is dedicated as the Salvation Tree as they celebrate their Independence as the Republic of Southern Sudan.  We got lots of interviews with locals, it was awesome and then we attended the morning worship service as they praised the Lord for their freedom. The Word was Deuteronomy 28:1 and the Blessings of Obedience, as they begin their first day as a new nation. The cathedral was full and I was so emotional as hundreds and hundreds of children entered from the schools, each school in a different color, they marched in chanting ‘Welcome to South Sudan!’  They sat us in the front and treated us as honored guests. Frank gave a strong message and Dr. Jones blessed the entire cathedral with an amazing prayer. They told us that only love could have brought us back to see them. Our hearts are full as I send you this because we are seated under that tree with hundreds and hundreds of people at the public rally. The village chief is speaking now, they have had special performances by youth and children, public addresses by representatives from Parliament in Juba and the Bishop of the church. The gov. In Juba sent them 2 bulls to slaughter and eat for their celebration. Futbol, food and dancing is yet to come. They are so, so happy, have waited for this day for a very long time. Only God could have brought us here for this. It’s amazing.  More to come later….

Arriving in Sudan Part 2 – In their own words

We landed in Sudan safely yesterday. The airstrip was a hoot! Sosthen and the MM’s met us and we drove about 30 minutes, stopped to visit a church with over 40 young pastors that he is training. Sosthen had James’ memorial card and Frank spoke to all of them, giving a greeting of welcome and telling them how special it was to return to Lui where we began. Then we drove into Lui, settled into the compound and had a wonderful dinner with our Mobile Messengers. The Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Lui joined us and I foresee him being a huge help for us. We all talked well into the evening, it was a blessing. Sudan is so different than Kenya. The land is so pure and beautiful. Very, very rural, only one main road from the landing strip all the way to Juba. The rest is bush. Sudanese people also have their own distinct characteristics. My favorites are their huge smiles and beautiful eyes!

Arriving in South Sudan

After arriving safely in Nairobi late last night and meeting up with our Ministry Partner, Pastor Simon Kariuki and three Mobile Messengers from Kenya, the team checked out of their hotel early this morning and headed for Lui, Sudan. It was especially fulfilling to meet up with Pastor Sosthen Amin, who was unable to travel to the U.S. with our other Ministry Partners back in April due to visa challenges. When the team arrived, they were met with great jubilation by the Mobile Messengers and members of the community. We hope to post some pictures of our team and their visit to Lui very soon.

Take Flight

Hearts warmed and passports in hand, our mission team left Charlotte yesterday afternoon, stopped over in New York City, hopped a plane to Amsterdam, and then departed for Nairobi with an anticipated arrival around 8:15 p.m. Undoubtedly, they are anxiously awaiting their reunion with Pastor Simon Kariuki and will then be whisked away by Patrick Wachira, for check-in at the Fairview Hotel. We’re tracking their progress across the globe, praying for complete and safe travels and for the fleet of ministry bags to arrive together with them.

. . . “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.” Joshua 24.24

With Open Eyes team ready for departure!

Team Travel dates – July 6th through Friday, July 15th

Ministry bags are packed and our partners are ready for our arrival!  What an exciting day as we prepare to leave this morning, eagerly awaiting and expecting the Lord to speak to us in many ways.  In addition to visiting our partners in Kenya, this trip will take us back to where it all began – Lui, South Sudan.

This week, we united together as a nation to celebrate our Independence Day, which was declared official in 1776.  This week in 2011, we will join our brothers and sisters in South Sudan, as they also celebrate their first day of independence from the north, freedom and the birth of their new nation.  Pray for us and together, let’s lift their nation up to the Lord, that He will pour blessings into their country.

More updates from the field coming as we make our way.  In the meantime, please lift our team in prayer and also our beautiful families who await our return!

Our travelers:
Frank Harrison
Aaron Polsgrove
Dr. Bill Jones
Jason & Monica Guffey