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.