Cool Highlights

Hi friends,

We had the great privilege of sharing at Philadelphia Church on Sunday morning about intimacy with Jesus, as well as updating the congregation on my internship in Kenya.  The presence of God was very tangible in the room, like an electricity in the atmosphere, and we saw a couple people healed of physical pain and illness.  God did exactly what we asked—He showed up and He had His way.

At the bottom of this post, you’ll find the slideshow I played during our visit at Philadelphia, but before that, I just want to fill you in on a few more super-awesome things that happened in Kenya this past winter.

Souls and more souls entered the Kingdom of God – Soon before the end of my two months in Kenya, I joined a team from Hope Fest to an all-boys school in a town called Kapsabet.  There, we ministered to 1,100 teenagers, and some 450 gave their lives to the Lord during the two day-crusade.

Our last Sunday at Frontrunnerz, many were touched by the word.  I went into the service unsure whether we should do an altar call, but the Lord met me during worship.  He gave me a vision illustrating that He was prepared to heal those that would respond.  Sure enough, several responded to the message at the first service, and again at the second, as I prayed for those responding, I felt the Lord say, “I’m doing it even now.  I’m healing them.”  After the service, I had multiple conversations with people testifying what the Lord had been speaking to them and doing in them.  C’mon Holy Ghost!

Afterward, I had a great time worshiping Jesus with our Connecting Group at a fellowship/farewell lunch, and I pray that this great group of young people continues to grow in the Lord and with each other.

I don’t have much space to say much about them here, but even now I miss my little brothers: Francis, Felix, Edwin, Paul & Steve (and our friend John on the left).  These brothers taught me about family and how the love of God works when we get out of our comfort zones.  How I miss them!

Thank you for your support in this journey, including my wrapping up at FIRE Chicago this past June.  While I have a vague idea of what it is, the Lord’s plan is already mapped out.  Stay tuned as it unfolds.

Nakupenda

On February 4, I joined the Frontrunners worship team.
This song is called Nakupenda / I Love You.

Nakupenda from Chy Robins on Vimeo.

Birthday Washing...A Kenyan Tradition

In February, I had the fun privilege of witnessing the birthday washing of a lovely young lady from the Frontrunners worship team.
Happy 18th Birthday, Laura!

Updates Coming

On Thursday 22 March, I said goodbye to my friends and family in Nairobi, and in 22 hours, my plane touched down in Chicago.

But still, much happened during my last few weeks in Kenya and I'm planning to post updates throughout this week as I'm back in Chicago but have not yet begun classes at FIRE Chicago.
You have played a big part in these events, and I hope you can share in the joy of reflection with me =)

Thanks, and please stay tuned!
Chy

Sunday at Frontrunners

It's 11pm Saturday night in Nairobi, and I'm finishing up preparations for my message for Frontrunners in the morning.  I'm really excited as the end of my time approaches but includes a climax of sowing the word of God into the lives of about 700 young people.

The message is entitled, "Sexy on the Inside," including but not limited to talks about inner beauty and what it means to be a woman of God (also, the title's not mine lol).  The discussion is different from the original topic I was given, but again, the Lord totally knows what He's doing.  He's set me up for delivering this message more than I could have asked for with my life's experience (this may be too vague to understand; I'll update after tomorrow with a fuller explanation of events leading up to this).

Anyway, I just want to ask you to pray for both 8:30 and 10:30 services, that as the word goes forth like seed, and that the hearts of those hearing would be fertile soil to produce fruit.  Please also pray that many would get set free from lies, bondages, sin and the power of darkness.

Onward.
Chy

p.s. check back soon.  I have much to say about the many, many, many souls that entered the kingdom in the past few weeks, though I must finish preparing my notes.

The Narrow Way

On Wednesday, a team of us joined One Hope in four local schools in Mathare, one of Nairobi’s largest slums.  It was a great experience, and yet also challenging.  We met many boys & girls, shared the Gospel (several young people gave their lives to Jesus in the classroom), and distributed One Hope’s The Hope Book.  I loved seeing my students shine when they were given acting roles in a skit.

The One Hope staff briefed the Master’s Commission students on Tuesday regarding what to expect.  Meanwhile, I was working on other ministry stuff, and missed the session.  So Wednesday, as we walked, I learned about the roads in the slums, which are in the beginning stages of construction.  In order for the concrete to take, they must first ay down large rocks where the roads will eventually be placed.  Otherwise, when it rains, the dirt would become mud and create a mess. 

The day was very long, and we walked on these not-quite-complete roads from one school to another.  Since I was not briefed, I wore sandals with soft soles and could feel every rock I stepped upon, so as my students talked about being tired, I complained of foot pain.  In fact, every chance I got, I complained about my feet.

“I’m hungry.  Are you hungry too?” “No, but my feet hurt.” 
“I’m tired.  How are you doing, Chy?”  “I’m okay, but these rocks are hurting my feet!”

During the Discipleship series of Master’s Commission, I taught my students about the Narrow Gate that Jesus talks about in Matthew 7.  The path to it is difficult and few enter it, but it leads to life.  We then talked about setting expectations for people when giving them the Gospel and walking the life of discipleship with people.  We set others up to fail when we give them an unrealistic (though initially more attractive) gospel that promises a comfortable or “better” life.  Yes, His yoke is easy, but the path is narrow and difficult (so much that few enter it).  As we walked, I wanted to turn back (except that I would have for sure gotten lost!), “if only I’d known, I would have worn the right shoes, or at least braced myself for the pain!”

As disciple-makers, we must prepare our disciples.  The road is not going to be easy, and it’ll likely cause you pain, but be assured that it will lead to eternal life.

“Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.

For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life,
and there are few who find it.” 

                                                                                      – Mt 7:13-14

quote of the day

[background: i'm telling my friends about this thing called trail mix.  meanwhile, i have a ziploc bag with peanuts & raisins that everyone loves].

nash: what else can you put in this "trail mix?"
chy: cashews or any other nuts; cranberries or other dried fruits.  or M&M's.
nash: what are M&M's?
chy: are you kidding?!  you guys don't have M&M's?
ben: have you seen them in the supermarket?
chy: i guess not.

#ThereAreNoM&M'sInNairobi

HopeFest Nyeri

Hi!
There were several highlights from HopeFest Nyeri, but I'll share a few here.

In efforts to promote the event, several of the Master's Commission students and I hit the streets of Nyeri on Saturday morning to invite the people of the community. Our morning mission was just as much about sharing the Gospel as promoting Hope Fest (I'd been itching to go street witnessing, so this felt really, really, really good!). This was the first time for many of my students to go out evangelizing, and some were a bit apprehensive. Once we started out, though, I gave the couple of guys in my team opportunities to take the lead, stopping people on the road, sharing the Gospel, asking if how we could pray for them, and also leading us in praying for people. I was so impressed by how the guys were proactively going after souls, leaving the group as we ministered to one person to catch another passerby. One student led a young lady to the Lord. Man, I love, love, love, love, love, love to see the people I pour into pour into others. Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, “What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory & joy (I Thes 1:19-20)”. I feel the same way about my Master’s Commission students. I’ve loved (and to some degree, grown attached to) them already, but when I watched them minister to the people of Nyeri, I felt what Paul felt. They are my joy.

'

I may have mentioned Kevin & Carrie Thomas. They are missionaries to ICC from Chicago, focusing on ministry with Frontrunners under Pastor Gibson Anduvate. Kevin raps and Carrie sings, but Carrie was sick this weekend and unable to join us in Nyeri. Once the events began Saturday night, Kevin asked me to sing Carrie’s part in a rendition of Hillsong United’s Mighty to Save and I agreed. We had all of five minutes to prepare before we went up, which of course meant a few challenges, but it was super fun. The following morning we were to do it again, this time with the help of my friend Bethuel. I hope to get the video up soon, but here are some photos. 

During the ministry time on Saturday night, I felt like I was supposed to pray for this lady on my left, but I snoozed and she left the event with her children. I was reminded of conversations I’ve had with my missionary friend Freddy about missed opportunities, and never wanting to have to say, “I wish I had prayed for that person.” Later, during dinner, I saw the woman’s daughter (Margaret), and asked where her mom was. That’s when I met Wangoi, a lovely young lady with whom I had a God-appointment. I skipped dinner that night, but was filled up. After meeting the Samaritan woman, Jesus’ disciples urged him to eat. He said, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about. My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” How right you are, Jesus.

Margaret :)

One of the main focuses of our classes on Leadership at Master's Commission last week was empowering servanthood. Spiritual leaders exist to build up people by serving. In John 13 we see that Jesus knew who he was, therefore he could empty himself for his disciples (and the world); and he demonstrated servanthood with a towel and basin. I explained that they would have opportunities to serve in Nyeri, so they should take advantage of them. They did, and they did. 

Becky helping clear the way for the stage with a machete!

Nyeri was great (and beautiful), but it feels really good to be back home (in Nairobi); preparing for another week of teaching Master's Commission. This week, we'll finish our discussion on leadership with project planning and then learn about discipleship.

Not a moment of this experience is possible without your partnership.
Thank you.

Change in Plans

Some of you have asked, and I’ve recently confirmed that I will in fact be doing some work with Zinduka Afrika, during my last week in Nairobi.  It’s funny how God works.  At first it didn’t look like I would spend any time teaching; but that’s what I’ve been spending the bulk of my time doing, and I’ve loved every moment of it!

Last Saturday, I spoke at True Love.  The message was entitled, The Love of God: God is Not Like Your Father.  I shared a testimony of my own life, having grown up without an earthly father, but how the Lord has revealed himself as Father.  We spent the rest of the time looking at attributes of how God is unlike man – He’s holy, faithful, He’s chosen those He calls His children...

This week at Master’s Commission we had three days of class, all talking about spiritual leadership – leadership characterized by the presence of the Holy Spirit.  One of the biggest emphases was servanthood.  We serve now, as we prepare to serve all the more as leaders.  We also talked about how we see Jesus in John 13, who understood his identity, knew he’d come from God and was returning to God, therefore he got up and washed his disciples’ feet (taking the lowest place as servant among them).  Being confident in His identity, Jesus could empty himself for his friends, for the world.  We’d talked about identity a few weeks back, and having that foundation, we can demonstrate leadership by serving others.

Tomorrow we leave for Nyeri for Hope Fest (a 3-day event bringing the message of hope, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to this generation.  The plan is for Hope Fest to tour Kenya in 2012, and go international in the coming years, reaching over 5 million people with the Gospel and winning 500,000 souls by the end of 2016).   This weekend in Nyeri will be the first Hope Fest, and tonight we had two commissioning services with the ministry teams.  It was a beautiful thing, for us to minister to the Lord together before ministering to the people of Nyeri.  After a word from Pastor Gibson, we (the leaders) washed the feet of our team members, and prophesied over each of them.  By the way, prophesying is really, really fun!  Man, I LOVE it when God moves through his people!  

Washing the feet of some of our team members was an honor.  I felt privileged to speak into the individual lives of each person that came to my basin.  Later, as one of the other leaders washed my feet, he said (among other encouragements) that my life isn’t going to be the same after this trip (I receive that!).  It’s amazing what a demonstration of the love and humility of Christ does; the evening was at the same time glorious, stirring and kind of emotional, but God’s presence was tangible.

My expectations for this weekend are high.  Nyeri has been on the news lately: wives are beating their husbands because the men are not taking leadership in the home.  We’re praying for a new identity for the town of Nyeri, that it would be known as a place no longer where the women beat their husbands, but a place where God resides.

We have also secured a website where you’ll likely be able to find live webstreaming: www.hopefest.tv.  Events will kick off at 6pm my time, so 9am Central.

That’s it for now.  Will keep you posted next week about how Hope Fest went.

Onward.

Chy

Some Frontrunners Honoring their Pastor

Master's Commission 2012

This is Life

The romance of “Whoa! I’m in Kenya!” has dissolved, and the mindset that says, “This is life.  I’m on mission to do the will of God and impart His life into the lives of people around me” is at the forefront.

The whole earth is the Lord’s (Ps 24), and I see Him in my midst all the time. 

The next few weeks are going to be hectic, packed with a lot of ministry activity.  This week, I’m scheduled to prepare to teach the teens (ages 14-17) Sunday morning, prepare for two full weeks of teaching at Master’s Commission (the weeks of 2/21 & 2/28), teach at True Love (a Saturday morning adult bible study), and then facilitate a Frontrunners Connecting Group (small group) Sunday afternoon, as well as play guitar for worship Tuesday evening.  One other exciting opportunity is Hope Fest, a series of three-day events, the first of which will be held in nearby Nyeri.  I’ll potentially be helping with the project planning for Hope Fest (which runs 2/24-26).  Details coming soon.

I haven’t yet finalized anything yet with Zinduka Afrika, but as I look at the many, many ministry opportunities at ICC, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed.  Please join me in prayer that I put my hands to exactly what the Lord Jesus has created me to (Eph 2:10), and that the work would produce the maximum possible fruit fort His Kingdom.

Please check back soon.  I’m planning in the next few days to give an update on the events from this past week.

Onward.
Chy

Mwalimu Chy

On Friday, I graded homework for the first time, which officially makes me Mwalimu Chy (Teacher).  The assignment was to quote and describe five of Jesus’ “I am” statements, which He uses to identify himself.  I graded and returned them and asked my students to complete a follow-up assignment over the weekend: to journal about what each of the statements means to them, as a believer in Christ and child of God.  In a couple of weeks, I’ll be teaching two full back-to-back weeks at Master’s Commission, on leadership, as well as a couple more topics yet to be determined, but for an update on how this past Tuesday’s class went, click here.

ICC has a young adults ministry of over 700, called Frontrunners, and they meet on Sunday mornings for corporate worship, which runs parallel to the main church’s services.  Over the weekend, I joined the Frontrunners worship team in singing as well as playing guitar for their two services, and I had an amazing time ministering to the Lord (both in English & Swahili) with this great group of young people, as well as fellowshipping with them afterward.  Check back later - I'll soon upload a video of us singing an English song entitled, “I Love You.”

Yesterday I became aware of just how many ministry opportunities that ICC has, and this week I’ll be diving into new areas.  The week will be spent in helping prepare for teaching the children (young teenagers).  After the second service, I’ll join a Connecting Group (or small group) of young adults that I’ll be meeting with weekly during my time here.  In addition, I’ll begin tomorrow with helping lead worship for ICC’s Tuesday evening prayer meetings.

There are lots of opportunities for good works (more which you’ll read about in the coming weeks), and I’m excited to walk in them.

p.s. it’s summertime in Kenya, so mangos are in season.  fruit salads can be found everywhere, and I couldn't be more delighted :) this was lunch a few days ago.

Follow Up: Big Big Opportunity

In an earlier blog, I asked for prayer to hear God about what to teach my Master’s Commission friends about today.  He spoke and I heard.  Yesterday morning, after much prayer (yours & mine), I felt a strong sense that we needed to discuss identity in Christ before we could get into leadership, or any other topic for that matter.  I submitted it to the program’s leadership, and having been given the green light, I stayed up last night in prayer and preparation.

Some of the topics we covered included the character of God as revealed by His covenant names, the value placed on mankind as seen in Creation, how we see Jesus respond when His identity was attacked (Matt 4), and finally the finished work of the Cross and what that means in the identity of those who place their faith in Jesus.

At the end of the third (last) session, we had a time of ministering to the students.  The hearts of several were touched by the Holy Spirit, and one young man gave his life to Jesus.  As the word went forth, the Spirit's presence filled the room, and even I was getting rocked by the word.  Also, can I just say that I had a blast both teaching, and interacting with the students!  I’ve been in Nairobi for only a week, but if the events from today were the entirety of what the Lord sent me here to do, I would be extremely satisfied…but I praise God because I believe that He has much more to do both in and through me while I’m here.

We're working out my calendar, but right now, I'm scheduled to teach the full week of 2/21 on Leadership (isn’t it cool how things work out?).

In today’s morning session, I mentioned leprosy (from Mark 1), and I somehow used my massive mosquito bites as an illustration.  There was a corporate gasp when they saw my arm.  I guess these don’t look normal, but never fear, I’m told it just looks like that because I have lighter skin (not for long!)

Let me jump back to the beginning of the day.  I was introduced to the pastoral staff during pastoral devotions at ICC, which I'll be joining and whose meetings I'll participating in while interning here.  
You can learn more about these awesome men of God by visiting International Christian Centre's Facebook Page.

At the end of the day, after riding home in a matatu (public transportation), my friend Nash (below) introduced me to a delicious maize snack (a super big boiled corn on the cob with salt).

Quote of the Day:
Nash: What do Americans eat for lunch?
Chy: Like a sandwich and soup.
Nash: That's a snack.  I would need two sandwiches and soup.
Chy: That's a lot.  Some people even just have soup.
Nash: Are they trying to starve themselves?


Anyway, thank you for your continued love, prayer and support.

Forward we go.

Chy

His Glory

This morning, I enjoyed the privilege of worshipping Jesus with the brethren at International Christian Centre.

When I was introduced to the congregation, I was asked to share for a minute, so I shared a revelation I'd just received from God.

"Lord, show me your glory," has been my prayer for a long time.  Today, for the second time (the first time was at the Immersion Retreat in NC last week), He said, "Open your eyes and look at my people.  Men and women that have been transformed and being transformed by the power of the Gospel.  They are my glory."  Then I was reminded of Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica, and how he said that the believers were his glory before God.  The evidence of who God is lies in His people - men and women changed by the love and power of God.  It's a great honor to both work and also worship with the people of International Christian Centre these next two months.  God is good!

School of the Spirit / Big Big Opportunity

I've long ago enrolled into the School of the Holy Spirit (where He is the teacher, and the Bible is the text), but the practicum is now.

Ephesians 4:11-13 lists the offices in church leadership, and I believe that God has created me to be a teacher of His Word in some capacity.  For that reason, the ministry here in Nairobi wants to revolve my internship schedule around teaching opportunities at the church’s Master’s Commission program.  The program serves to train up believers in the faith during a year that is otherwise generally taken as a break between high school and university. 

The program begins this week Tuesday, and I’ll attend a half-day orientation.  The following day is the first day of class, and I’ll be teaching on leadership—all day.  You can see the schedule in the timetable below (yes, a 1.5hr-, and two 2hr-sessions), but I ask for prayer, as I have a lot of preparing to do before then.  I’ve got a toolbox of resources that I can and will use, but I really want to hear God about what this specific group of young people needs to hear.  I want to deliver the exact message God has prepared for them to receive.  I was created for this, but am fighting thoughts that I'm unqualified and inept for this big task.  Let my weakness be a platform for God's power (2 Cor 12:9-10), as I pull down resources from Heaven.

Please join me in prayer for the time on Wednesday, as well as for these young people who have chosen to devote this year to Jesus and the study of His word, rather than spend it on themselves.

Time		Activity
8a-9a	Devotion
9:05-10:30a	Session 1
10:30 - 11a	Tea Break
11a - 1p	Session 2
1p - 2p	Lunch
2p - 4p	Session 3

Thanks friends.

I love & appreciate you!

Chy

Greetings from Nairobi!

Greetings from Nairobi!

Adjustments

As my body is beginning to adjust to the new time (9 hours ahead of Chicago time), I’m consistently waking up briefly at 1a (4p in Chicago) and 4a (8p) but staying up until about 6a.  It makes for a good time of prayer and loving on Jesus, but then my tired body doesn’t wake up again until about 1pm (or today, 10am).  So, please join me in praying for a speedy adjustment, so that I can be alert and effective throughout the day.

breakfast today.  i made my first cup of "good" chai.

New Friends

Yesterday, I met some of the staff at the church (ICC), and they taught me some phrases in Sheng (a commonly used slang), as well as some dance moves.  Today, some of them took me on a picnic and safari walk.  We had a great time.  I also visited downtown and rode the bus (matatu) for the first time.  It was quite a difference from downtown Chicago!

feeding this ostrich was one of the most terrifying things i've ever done. LOL

Young Adults

It seems that all ministries are kicking off this week.  I visited the young adults ministry last night, and it was their first service of the year.  We had an ice-breaker, where we were asked to meet new people and ask questions about them.  With the kickoff of the New Year, the pastor brought a really good message about letting go of how things used to be.  It was a timely message for me.

Quotes of the Day:

Girl (I forgot her name, she was the first person I met):   What do you like to do?

Chy:   Other than be with Jesus?  Talk about Him.

Girl:   Oh, I thought you were going to say dancing.  I saw you during worship.

Ben:     I’m from a Masaai tribe.

Chy:     Have you killed a lion?

Ben:     No. 

Chy:     Oh.

Ben:     Have you ever killed a goat to eat?

Chy:     Have you?

Ben:     Are you kidding?  That’s normal.  Have you?

Chy:     No.

Praying for Chicago

I’m not physically there, but I’m still praying for Revival in Chicago.  Please join me and the brethren praying for a mighty outpouring of God’s Spirit in the city.  If you’re in town, I strongly urge you to join the prayer meeting tonight, Saturday, January 28, at Wells High School at 7pm.

finally arrived

I made it to Nairobi safely!

here i am on the second of two planes, getting ready to take off from Paris.

Sunset:  My first impression of Kenya.  This is the view from the plane, not long before we touched down in Nairobi.

Check out the view from my window (at least for the next week).  i was told that we keep the balcony doors locked when we're not at home because otherwise monkeys will come in and eat the food.

Stay tuned.  I'll post information and photos as I dive into ministry in the next few days.
Chy

thankful

i'm packing my bags and am filled with gratitude.
i cannot believe the amount of support i've received in the last weeks.  so many people have shown me deep love: from hosting going-away events and making my favorite meals, to giving me clothes and accompanying me as i run errands, to giving words of encouragement and completely covering me with prayer.
i am a blessed woman.
thank you friends.  you are appreciated, and you'll be missed.

goodbyes

I said goodbye to my friends this afternoon.  It was more sentimental than expected - the act of saying goodbye while mentally recounting the ways that God has used Frankie & Janelle to walk life with me, even life in the crucible of the Lord.  I'm eternally grateful for covenant brothers and sisters like them.

Part of why this was difficult was the realization that this would be the first of many goodbyes; that I will pone day say goodbye to these two with my bags packed and no intention of returning soon.  But it is good, because it's about God's Kingdom.  Ephesians 2:10 is becoming my life's verse for 2012.  We were created in Christ Jesus for good works which **God prepared beforehand** that we should walk in them.  Wherever each of us is, or despite the plans that we make, as we continue to seek heaven, that which we embark has been laid out by God Himself, a work that He has ordained for us to do.  I was created for this.  Please pray for grace to respond by walking in it.