Church Planting

The Wisdom of the Aged

Posted on January 19, 2016 by KDM Admin

[Note: this post was written by Cindy Carrier, with approval by her husband, Marc.]

Here in Kenya, unlike in the West, “youth” are identified as those under 35 years of age, whereas wazee (older men) are 40 and over. (As far as I know, there is no name for those in the nebulous 35-40 year-old age range.) The wazee are often leaders in the community, functioning as local/village elders. They are sought for advice and are patriarchs of their families. I love our wazee and am incredibly thankful to have so many in our network of house churches! They meet together on a weekly basis to fellowship, share teachings on the Scriptures, pray, discuss current community or church happenings, and sing. There is nothing like hearing a room full of wazee praising God!

Don’t get me wrong, the wazee are…old…and have their cantankerous moments. They are often frail in health and in need of medical assistance. But they are also awesome sources of wisdom and encouragement and they take seriously their role in the church. A large number of wazee tends to be an anomaly in Kenyan churches, as in many areas (such as the slums) there is a strikingly disproportionate number of women, particularly widows. As well, here in the village, it is the women who tend to go to church regularly (often for social reasons more so than religious), and the men don’t seem to be as involved. Thus, we are blessed to have them among us.

In this part of the world (unlike the West—according to our observations, at least), there is a healthy respect and honor for the wisdom and life experience of the elderly in all areas of life. An African proverb states the reason quite succinctly: An old man sitting down sees farther than a young man standing in a tree. The Bible is not silent about the value of the aged and the necessity of listening to their wisdom: “’You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:32, as just one example).

Even the Early Church (Ante-Nicene) writings speak of the honor that is due to those in positions of leadership who serve well. To our modern ears, Ignatius’ teachings sound a bit over-the-top, but he says, “I exhort you to study to do all things with a divine harmony, while your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles, along with your deacons.”

This wisdom and life experience of the wazee should be leveraged and respected in the Church. The Scriptures identify overseers [or bishops], elders [or presbyters], and deacons, all of whom are expected to be proven in their maturity, with older children and households in proper order. (It is important to note that these terms identify roles rather than titles, as they are commonly used today.) A proven elder is both honorable and worthy of honor, as no accusation against an elder is to be entertained unless it is brought by two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19). Elders not in positions of church leadership are still influential in the life of the church and should be valued for their contribution. In no area is this quite as important as that of church discipline (per Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 18). We have seen first-hand the power of a meeting of wazee as they listen intently, ask thoughtful questions, and come to a wise consensus in matters pertaining to the life and health of the Church body. It is the role of such elders to be a persuasive influence on the congregation.

Happy wazee, having reached a consensus after a challenging, 8-hour church discipline meeting. — Happy wazee, having reached a consensus after a challenging, 8-hour church discipline meeting (some present for photo shared testimony during the meeting)

Though the Apostle Paul admonished his protégé Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity,” (1 Timothy 4:12), he also warns him “not to rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father” ( Timothy 5:1). First Peter 5:5 says, “you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders,” and Hebrews 13:17 echoes that sentiment: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” First Thessalonians 5:12-13 says,

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.

Unfortunately, the role of elders and the respect due them, particularly in the realm of Church leadership, has largely fallen into disrepute in many of our modern churches. This seems to follow the general trend of young people being in rebellion in many areas of life over recent decades. Youth have dishonored and even usurped the authority and influence of the elders. At the same time, there have been some recognized as elders who have not met Biblical qualifications or who have abused the honor of their Biblically-sanctioned roles. This has often led to the general disdain for Church leadership in general. Even the valued wisdom of the older men of the Church has been disregarded. The advancement of youth and the degradation of the aged have worked together to bring a host of negative consequences to the called-out people of God as they assemble and serve in local congregations, often without the valuable leadership and influence of wazee.

Of course, our observations and opinions cannot swing the pendulum back into a healthy balance, but we hope to offer some constructive criticism for growing churches; as they seek to honor God and His Word, may they also value the wisdom and experience of their wazee.

A Man You Might Never Notice…

Posted on August 6, 2015 by KDM Admin

I spent a long time looking through folders of poorly categorized and labeled ministry photos on our laptop, hoping to find one of Mzee Timothy. (Mzee is a term for a respected elder.) I wasn’t particularly surprised to not see him in any of the snapshots, because he’s a man who often fades into the background. He wouldn’t try to find his way into a group shot with the other wazee at the weddings or funerals. He isn’t a gifted teacher, so you won’t see him leading a group discussion. He’s not ordained to baptize. He misses out on a lot of events because he spends much of his time working, just struggling to eat each day. This is the best I could do–our only photo of Mzee Timothy–one not really representative of his quiet and pleasant demeanor, but one taken during a time of severe illness just before he was admitted to our local district hospital:

I wanted to introduce you to Mzee Timothy, not because of his notable accomplishments or his superior giftings, but because he is representative of so many in our local fellowships: quiet, unassuming, hard-working…and not out there on the front lines of Kingdom expansion, leading Discovery Bible studies or evangelizing any one of many small groups of men who hang out together here in the village. Instead, he is busy each day caring for his family (which now includes many grandchildren), and perhaps visiting with his neighbors. He rarely misses a Sunday fellowship, and although he doesn’t have a gift for exegesis of the Scriptures, he believes in God’s Word and takes it for what it teaches. Marc has encouraged him, as one of the few wazee in our local fellowship, to share something during our interactive services, and Timothy has taken that responsibility seriously. He is one of the first to stand up and speak; not with the force of personality but with the quiet authority of the Word. Most of the time, he simply shares a Scripture from the New Testament that has been meaningful to him during his week. It is enough.

Now that you know a little about Timothy, and can imagine what a sweet old man he is, you can also perhaps share in my joy as I see and relate the fruit of the Kingdom message in his life. This past Sunday, Alexander, a friend and neighbor of Timothy’s, accompanied him to our fellowship gathering. Alexander shared that he has quietly been watching Timothy’s life since he surrendered to Christ. Marc noted that Alexander usually attends the weekly wazee meeting if Timothy is the host. Alexander shared of his lifelong church attendance and his desire to find the “real thing,” but not really being satisfied with denominations. Instead, he has seen something in Timothy and wants to know more. He expressed a desire to hear the same teaching that changed Timothy, and said that he believes he will need to be baptized into new life. From here, I’m sure one of our gifted teachers will be sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom with Alexander eventually, but this would not have happened without the quiet witness of Timothy’s life. So praise God with us for the fruit that is being born for the Kingdom of God, not in the preaching to hundreds, but in the day-to-day example that so many disciples here live out before their families, friends, and neighbors. And pray with us for a continued harvest here on the mission field in Kenya.

A MONTH IN REVIEW: FEBRUARY

Posted on March 7, 2015 by Charlton

We are thankful everyday that the Lord lets us continue working in the mission field of Kenya. Praise and glory to the King of Kings!

This past month certainly started with a BANG! We experienced our second emergency snake bite case. A sixteen month-old was rushed to our compound one evening because she was bitten by a snake. She had a fang mark on her leg that was starting to swell, and she was drifting in and out of consciousness. After assessing the patient, Tim, Charlton, and Wanda jumped in the van and rushed the child and her family to a hospital in Eldoret, about two hours away. We are happy to report that she is doing well, and returned home several days later.

Not long after the little girl was brought to us, a two month-old little boy was brought to us as well. His name was Primus, and he was malnourished. We (the Sweazys) had the beautiful opportunity to take him in and nurse him back to health. Through the generous donations of the body of Christ we were able buy him ample formula, take him to the doctor, and buy him clothes, blankets, and other needed supplies. He is now back home with his grandmother who has been his primary caregiver since birth. She has been trained on how to feed him, but will need further training. Please keep grandma, and baby in your prayers.

During this two week period of caring for Primus, we had an intense four day Swahili language class scheduled as well. Our brother Glenn came up for the week, as well as our language teacher Jim. Jim has been living in Kenya for 22 years, and is fluent in several local languages. Charlton actually met Jim in Kisumu through mutual brothers and sisters in Christ. He arranged for Jim to make a trip to see us, and the timing could not have been more perfect. The Nafziger family had just arrived, and were able to get a jump start on the language!

Charlton also made a trip to Uganda with Nashon to assist a brother named Joseph, who is doing work with a group of physically handicapped people. They made several repairs to the building in which everyone lives and works. They also replaced and repaired equipment that they use to make a living. Later on in the month Joseph came to stay with us for a weekend to further his discipleship. He also had to opportunity to see how we do home fellowship and communion.

Literally, the day that Joseph left to return to Uganda, Tim and Charlton drove down to Kisumu to visit one of our home fellowships. They both did some teachings and spent some good time with the people.

Unfortunately, this month has had some challenging times as well. Our neighbor’s relative died at a very young age, which brought much sadness to the village. Marc, Cindy, and Tim were able to attend the funeral, and it opened up a door for Marc to teach about the Kingdom.

Marc has also been dealing with some church discipline issues in Saboti and Naitiri. We are happy to report that the Naitiri church has completely confessed and repented. We have also had major breakthroughs in the Saboti church. God is doing amazing things!

Thank you for the continued prayers and support. We are excited to see what God is going to do next.

A GREAT START TO 2015

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Charlton

“He, therefore, is the devout man who lives no longer to his own will, or the way and spirit of the world, but to the sole will of God; who considers God in everything, who serves God in everything, who makes all the parts of his common life parts of piety, by doing everything in the Name of God and under such rules as are conformable to His glory.” -William Law

We strive daily to work for the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Doing everything in the Name of Jesus, desperately trying to conform to His image. Glory to God in the Highest. What an honor and privilege it is, to be the ambassadors of Christ.

This new year has certainly started out with a bang. Since the beginning of the year, ten people have surrendered, repented, and have been baptized! Six out of those ten people live in Saboti, where a new home fellowship has been established. Last week alone, this brand new home fellowship had 23 people in attendance, with several people who wanted to know more about the Kingdom of God, and are receiving further teachings. The home fellowship in Bidii baptized three people, and our last baptism was a newly converted Imam (http://kingdomdriven.org/every-tongue-will-confess) who we are now working on relocating.

After people are baptized, they are strongly encouraged to walk closely with the brethren. One-on-one discipleship is key, but we also have various mid-week meetings: the mama’s meeting, youth meeting, and wazee (Wa-zay) meeting. Let’s start with the wazee meeting. You may be asking yourself, what is a wazee!? Basically, a wazee is just an elderly man. But around here, age is relative; once you hit your forties you can be a part of the wazees. The wazee meeting is like a very interactive home fellowship. They come together to pray, sing, and encourage one another. Currently, the wazees have been keeping busy with various livestock ministries. With the money received from an outside charity, cows, chickens, and a pig have been purchased. The livestock have been a tool in teaching the wazee about kingdom finances, through what we would call a “merry-go-round.” Basically, its a way of everyone chipping in some money so when there is a need or issue with one of the animals, the funds are there to lend a helping hand to anyone that may need it.

On average the youth meeting has about 15-20 people, ranging in age from 15 years old to about 35 years old. These guys are hard workers, and a number of them are employed by KDM. Recently they have been working on building the KDM discipleship housing. One of our youth named Sam, his wife Sarah, and their three month old son just moved into this building this past week. Sam just started translating books for us, and he is also a gifted teacher. Another project the youth are working on is a fish pond. They are hoping to use the fish pond to generate some income to not only assist one another, but the needy.

Last but not least, the mamas in our fellowship have been growing not just in numbers, but in spiritual maturity. We are hoping to get another mamas meeting started in Maroki, where another one of our home fellowships is located, in the near future.

Not only have we been teaching and discipling people locally, but we recently had a Women’s Conference where 52 mamas came together from various home fellowships and were taught about biblical womanhood. Also, a group of four men from Nabiswa, Kiungani, Toll Station, and Saboti are being trained as field evangelists.

In other news, we have some updates on the various Great Commandment work that is going on. The jigger clinic has been a huge success. To date we have treated roughly 700 people, and handed out over 500 pairs of shoes to people who have desperately needed them. This past month we have really been trying to get these shoes moving, sometimes going out several times per week. We’ve also been distributing SAW (Support A Widow) parcels. These parcels are a one-time gift that contain food and household supplies, as well as a little money. This is a CAM (Christian Aid Ministries) program that is administered through some of our dear brothers and sisters in Kisumu. This year we have already distributed about 40 parcels. Here is a short testimony from one of the recent recipients:

“I had been without food, caring for a few of my grandchildren. I woke up one morning, not having any idea how we would feed ourselves. I prayed to God, and that same day you came with the SAW parcel. I was so happy, and I continuously thank God for this help.”

Some of you may be familiar with the story of our local brother named Victor. He has received various cancer treatments, but we are sad to report that treatment has not helped his condition. He is a very sick man, and only God knows how much time he has left. For quite some time, Victor has been wanting to get his driver’s license. Because of his cancer, he is limited on job options. So, we have put him through driving school, and he has joyously received his driver’s license. But, just because someone goes through driving school, does not mean that they know how to drive. So, we will be giving him one-on-one driving lessons starting this weekend. Please remember to keep Victor in your prayers.

In January, our fellowship also hosted a marriage ceremony. A disciple named Patrice got married to Joan. Patrice had been previously baptized but was re-baptized into the Kingdom along with Joan about a month before their wedding. Thanks to everyone who financially supported Patrice and Joan in making this joyous day happen!

We are very happy to announce that Tim and Rebekah Nafziger and their three (plus one on the way) children have finally joined us here on the ground in Kenya. Karibu!

Looking ahead, we have some great missions planned for February. Next week we will be hosting a week-long Swahili language class. A man who has lived in Kenya for 30 years has made it his mission to help missionaries learn the local language. Glenn Roseberry will also be joining us from Tanzania for this event.

Charlton and Nashon (a local disciple) will be making a trip to Uganda to do some follow-up discipleship, as well as following up with a Christian disabled group, who they have taught the Gospel of the Kingdom to. They plan on assisting with equipment repair, such as paraplegic cycles and sewing machines. They will also be working on the building that they meet in, since it is falling apart around them.

I will close by sharing some photos of a recent Carrier/Sweazy Family Day trip to Mount Elgon. Thank you for all the love and support. Enjoy!

Intentional church split

Posted on January 4, 2015 by KDM Admin

A major PRAISE GOD! We have many dozens of churches in our mission now. But today was a major milestone for the mission. A successful intentional church split!

A couple weeks back we had 98 people in attendance in the fellowship that meets in our home; 22 people had to sit outside on planks, motorbikes or the grass and listen in. That prompted immediate action. I discussed the situation with key leaders and we agreed to split the fellowship into three immediately, announcing it the following Sunday and implementing it the next which was today. Done. Well—this report is how it went.

The most disctant disciples from three villages (Kiungani, Toll Station, and Kiminini) met at Sam’s in Kiminini. For this one time I gave Nashon a motobike and he collected the brethren. They had the smallest fellowship of only seven but said it went very perfect.
The second fellowship was in Matunda and included saints from Milele. They had 19 in attendance and said it likewise went excellent. Then the fellowship that meets in our home still had at least 55 to 60 people and was quite awesome.

Now I know for many this all seems foreign to most married to traditional institutional church. Taking a vibrant growing church and instead of encouraging additional growth and simply constructing a building or adding services, we are splitting the church up into manageable “home-sized” chunks and dispersing our gifted leaders among the groups. Yup, organic kingdom expansion is different.

What are the benefits? By so doing, we are setting beacons of light into two additional communities. The Matunda fellowship boasted three visitors whom we will soon teach and add to our numbers who would not have attended had we met in Mwananchi (our home) this week. We are planting the kingdom within communities rather than extracting people from communities to trek to our “church.”

Also, in Mwananchi this week Geoffrey and Ben took a lead role. Patrick in Matunda. They did excellent. These are second tier disciples. You see, under normal circumstances the first tier teachers and leaders facilitate the meetings and provide most of the teaching. By splitting up the gifted leaders it allows the Holy Spirit to go deeper into the discipleship and expand our talent pool. Amazing and encouraging to watch.

Praise the Lord!

Annual Meeting –Year in review and future plans

Posted on April 28, 2013 by KDM Admin

We held our annual meeting for Kingdom Driven Ministries with the Board last night and wanted to share with you some of our discussions. It has certainly been an extraordinary year and we are looking forward to even more fruit as we continue to grow. We thank you all so very much for making it all possible through your financial and prayer support!

Here are some highlights from the past year on the ground in Africa:

Dozens of pastoral training missions having trained between 200 and 300 pastors and leaders in the Kingdom Gospel, Kingdom expansion (Evangelism), discipleship and house church. Luke 10-style community evangelism resulted in many baptisms and follow-up discipleship.
Hosted multiple short-term missions (visitors from US)
Trained and launched Glenn Roseberry to Tanzania. He is doing great–be sure to follow reports on his blog or Facebook.
Revised literature to reduce expenses
Issued 28 microloans (some individual, some group) in total 551,500 KSH for numerous small businesses. Average loan amount approximately 19,700 KSH or $240. Partial repayment of all but five loans. Just two loans paid in full.
Orphan care: several one-time gifts given. First “Forever Family” launched recently. This has been slow going because our program is based on placing orphans in the homes of Kingdom Christians. This first year has been focused on evangelism and discipleship to make those hosts.
Medical assistance: numerous emergency and routine medical expenses funded through the mission.
Academic training on an individual basis: English training, Horticulture, Computer Skills, farming techniques, and small business
Two board members attended a Farming God’s Way (www.farming-gods-way.org) seminar and the Carriers have launched a “case study” for the community using their small shamba.
Local book lending library established; many Kingdom-oriented books as well as practical resources have been lent out.
Local medicine cabinet and medical care facilitation has been implemented to meet a very real need in the community.

Plans for 2013-14

Continued multi-day pastoral training/evangelistic missions
Continued evangelism, discipleship, and home fellowships (planting and mentoring)
College-level training for pastors and ministry leaders (20-week course, 5 hours every Saturday. Launching June 1.)
Business/Small farming training seminar(s)
Family/marriage/parenting seminar(s)
More assistance for poor and needy: specifically medical expenses and empowerment gifts rather than just business loans
Microloan program evaluation; recommendation is to give gifts rather than loans where possible, also to focus on agricultural loans and loans to existing business (i.e., for expansion), which seem to be more successful. Also, possibly gifts of livestock where recipients can “re-gift” to others in need once livestock has reproduced.
Expansion of orphan care program expected as pool of candidates (Kingdom Christians willing to take in non-related children) grows.
Charlton, Natasha, and Wanda Sweazy moving to Kenya, 2014.They will be involved in orphan care and medical assistance programs.

More facebook posts May 25 thru July 21

Posted on July 21, 2012 by KDM Admin

More facebook posts May 25 thru July 21.

May 26

Met w Silas and Gilbert today. Have a plan for continued discipleship. English a problem for Silas and Gilbert a good translator. Plan is to meet together as a group and also with Henry going forward. Should allow setting a good foundation here in Kiminini. Cindy taught about 20 women at a women’s mtg today. She shared a brief testimony and then went through the entire Gosp of Kingdom and left them with tracts.

May 27

great day of ministry. met w local doctor for hours over dinner. shared gosp of kingdom. excellent reception. jane asked for copies of tract to share w others. very encouraging. message is proliferating here in kiminini. her brother samuel read kes and asked for a swahili bible which i provided.

May 28

Went to Kachibora to share the Gosp of Kingdom w Davids family. Well received. Isaiah went out with Silas and Silas provided tracts to three of his disciples to go out preaching. Very happy with Silas. He gets it.

May 29

for u all following my posts about preaching the gospel of the kingdom, or wondering why we are kingdom driven ministries, watch the presentation posted on my wall entitles the gospel of the kingdom. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7z4i_LuDs0&feature=share

May 29 cont

follow up on yesterdays mtg. davids family held a long family mtg to go opver what i shared. they all agreed it is the truth and asked we return for two or three days to guide them on next steps–which are repentence and baptism. their neighbors also attended their mtg and also want in. the neighbors are now sharing the message w their family. i see a house church is conceived and will soon be born here. glory to God.

May 29 cont

In Nairobi now. Work permit approval notification letter in my hand. Going to immigration tomorrow morning to finally secure this permit.

May 30

The work permit is signed, sealed, and in my possession. praise God.

May 31

In eldoret. almost home. looking forward. enoch turns one tomorrow.

June 1

boys are in their element. just purchased them an old suzuki ds80.

June 2

met w tonny in kitale today. organized for home fellowship starting in our home tomorrow. really it is a fellowship w the objective of birthing new fellowships by discipling the attendees.

June 3

getting ready for fellowship. invited just a few folks. curious how many will come. will update later. very much look forward to it. miss our old church family in indiana a lot. hard starting over.

June 4

met w three men this morn. all three surrendered (lk 14, blank piece of paper). next week spiritual inventory. Cindy and i now in kitale waiting for lunch. children rule the roost today.

June 5

Met with John O. Peter, Dawson Mudenyo, and another brother this morning for teaching and fellowship. Great time. Love these guys. Tonny and David Wanjala coming from Maridadi and Nairobi in prep for the Mumius mission thurs thru Saturday. Pls pray the the mission.

June 6

two more disciples baptized in nairobi yesterday. message of kingdom shared w leader from tanzania. david sent him w tracts and KES. He requested I visit. As typical, he testified he had never heard this message before.

June 6 cont

Here is a link to a single detailed mission report for the first 90 days in Kenya. http://valuesdrivenfamily.com/june-2012-africa-missions-update/

June 6 cont

cindy ministered to two women today. one, rose, is on fire. i spent hours w tonny. good stuff.

June 7

Mumius mission with team: David, Henry, Tonny w me. first day of teaching done. overwhelming reception. taught gospel of kingdom and discipleship. went thru cost msg and inventory. tomorrow home fellowship, lk 10 evangelism, and muslim evangelism for a couple hrs. then lk 10 2x2s in field.

June 8

awesome mission. many saved. will baptize several sunday. visited 34 households. at least 8 muslims. only two muslims rejected the message. one mute child who had gone insane openned the bible and read “Jesus had entered the village and was healing all kinds of diseases.” mom was amazed and received Christ. no rain during entire mission. first time no rain in months at peak of rainy season. went to hospital and prayed for healing for many sick children. incredible reception to message. people ae amazed, trained, and mobilized. i love my job. entire team doing great, henry, david, and tonny. lead teams in villages.

June 9

mumius mission done. heading home. six baptized today after surrendering, repenting, and completing spiritual inventory. one slain by the spirit when list burnt. certainly got everyones attention.

June 10

Here is the most recent mission report with photos–a must read! http://kingdomdriven.org/mumius-mission-report-a-case-study-for-the-kdm-model

June 10 cont

Great fellowsip tonight. Folks asking good questions. Disciples doing great. Six received Gospel of Kingdom message today here in Kiminini area.

June 11

“From the little I have learned from others and through experience, I wonder if the current Church-Planting Movements have not taught international Christianity the viability of non-clergy movements, that everything Christ commanded can be accomplished without money, clergy, chapels and power structures. Put positively, the biblical patterns remain both viable and perhaps more effective, over time, than privileged, ecclesial power structures.” Mission Frontiers, May-June 2012, p 24.

June 12

Today is going to be my first “tourist” day in Kenya. I am taking Jonah to Mt. Elgon National Park for his birthday. Yesterday, I was coordinating meetings for Kimilili, Nairobi, and Kakamega. Got my driver’s license. Met with a couple of my disciples (Silas, Henry, and Tonny). Silas presented the Gospel to six folks on Sunday and they all received. He wants me to help him bring them to repentance and baptize them. Cindy met with Rose. She is on fire. She has presented the Gospel of the Kingdom to five people in the last week. Cindy is meeting with them today for next steps. Tonny has a couple new disciples. David is being challenged. He has been evicted due to renovations for his house. His permit for his new business (a KDM gift) has issues again. He is down, homeless, broke, and no business prospects. Please pray for him and his family. I gave out two copies of KES and several tracts. Lots of positive movement, bit also pushback from the enemy on the David front.

June 12 cont

jonah and i had a great time at mt elgon. saw many monkeys, buffalo, gazelles, water bucks, zebras and baboons. cindy met w 7 women, all women her new disciple Rose, our neighbor, presented the Kingdom gospel. These women now evangelizing the entire community. they love the kingdom gospel and want all to believe it. I am working a neighbor. he wants breakthru for alcoholism. working w him.

June 13

Microloan for grain resale given today. solar battery recharge, bicycle taxi, and an inventory loan for a shop near closure. all loans that will allow kingdom Christians freedom to minister while providing for their families. very rewarding work.

June 14

shared gosp of kingdom w group of 22 widows. all received. tomorrow teaching discipleship and house church.

June 15

follow up in mumius, two new house churches and three more disciples. all 22 widows trained, surrendered. henry doing spiritual inventories as i write this. back in kiminini, rose, cindys disciple, taking the kingdom to the people like a wild fire. she does community health ministry as a volunteer. all heart. love her.

June 17

Just finished up fellowship. There were about a dozen standing or sitting on the floor with about 25 seated. It is more of a seminar than a home fellowship. Today taught on freedom from sin and the spiritual inventory. Lots of new faces. These are not churchy folks. Nighborhood drunk here asking great questions. Glory to God!

June 18

Erastus from Mumius called David today and told him he has baptized six more disciples and gone thru spiritual inventory. Festus, the man whose wife had demons cast out, has baptized two new disciples. I an in Nairobi now prepped for a training meeting tomorrow. Picked up 100 more KES, 300 kingdom gospel tracts/booklets, and a couple dozen Bibles, in preparation for the next mission. God is great!

June 19

After Nairobi mission: Waiting to board my bus back to Kitale. Should be home by 7 am. Another nights sleep in a bouncy bus. Mtg went excellent. Bout 60 in attendance, 50 pastors. Entire message received. Incredible response. These guys are fired up. They will immediately start preaching the kingdom and making disciples and establishing home fellowships. Teaching on freedom from sin and inventory powerfully received. Testimony: “teachings are practicable and biblical.” followed by applause of agreement. Praise God.

June 19 cont

i am certainly adjusting to africa. i’M now putting on a winter jacket when temp drops to 60 F. praising God for my awesome jacket given me by my former employer Acuity Environmental Solutions right before I moved here. It costs more than i could ever justify spending on a jacket, but sure is perfect for out here doing what i do.

June 20

Home safely. rested well on bus. was still tired from night trip to nairobi and full day of training, so i slept great. great to be home w family. lots of accounting and administrative stuff to catch up w now.

June 22

Last wk stated neighborhood drunk at fellowship. Found out yesterday that he has been dry since the mtg. He is really a great guy–smart, talented, and personable when sober. Pray for him. Silas is doing great. The boys gave him a microloan and his business is thriving. Pray David succeeds in finding a new place for home and business. Two other personal loans given out since returned from Nairobi. Widows asked fro return visit. Ten Nairobi pastors asked for Shepherds Storybook which is a pastoral training guide for new house churches. I am supposed to get my motorbike today. If you intended on helping fund, please do so soon, as it is underfunded. We raised $700 and have $1400 to go to meet the need. I have three missions in the next couple weeks that will utilize it. Really excited about wheels! Water well near completion and parcel from the US that we shipped in February supposed to come soon. Things finally coming together. Excited. Schedule is filling up–objective is a mission per week. Tough on family me traveling so much, but I try to focus on family best I can when I am home.

June 22

Pls pray for Aniga, alcoholic who was dry for five days. He called me late tonite drunk, begging for prayer. pray also for Henry who i discern is at a crossroad. (turns out he was not drunk!)

June 23

Here is my new Yamaha YBR125G. Rode the children around and went shopping in town on it today. Isaiah and I rode together, he on his Suzuki DS80 and me on my bike, down the rural roads. — in Kitale.

June 23

Rose and Rose, Cindy’s disciples, shared the Gospel of the Kingdom with over 25 people today, with excellent reception. Amazing. She is doing multilevel marketing approach. Tells people if they were impacted by the message, organize their friends and family and she will share with them. Unstoppable! We are still working through setting a stronger foundation of discipleship with her and she (they) are receptive.

June 24

Awesome fellowship. Widdled down to the elite from a crowd. 15 today. Awesome stuff. Wk 1 was Gosp of Kingdom, wk 2 surrender, wk 3 freedom from sin, this wk bearing fruit, lots of kingdom parables, and the mission of making disciples. Great response. Lots of personal discipleship. Village drunk still sober. He told Isaiah that I disciplined him about drinking so he totally quit. God is awesome.

June 25

Met w 3 disciples today. Two did spiritual inventory. Cindy met with 6 women. Aniga still dry and doing good. New disciple George following church this Sunday. Lots of great progress. Festus baptized five today. New Yamaha a real blessing. Well set in borehole today. Can’t wait for pipes running water! Cindy has two training meetings tomorrow–follow ups w folks Rose shared with. I have a meeting Wed and a 3-day mission with the entire team in Kimilili Thurs thru Sat. Crazy week. Pls pray it all comes together.

June 26

Cindy taught gospel of kingdom to two groups today, one about 40 and one 10. !any follow ups planned, including full missions w the entire team. Anita, a solid disciple who works w youth, envisions Isaiah discipling her youth groups. People very receptive to message and hungering for more. We need prayers on how to quench this thirst. We need more laborers, Bibles, booklets, manuals, and time.

June 27

Met with two prospective disciples today. Presented gospel of the kingdom and NT practice to one w very good response. Foresee mission and fruitful relationship. Other even more promising yet. Planning seminar right here in Kiminini. Team now assembling for Kimilili mission which begins tomorrow.

June 27 cont

Email report from Festus:

“Thanks very much brother Marc,I received the Bibles Yesterday and the two house churches are on fire for Christ.My wife preached today to 3 ladies and insisted much especially on what happened to her when David was preaching to us and all of them surrendered.Have to baptize them before leaving for Nairobi.I have to meet David for more instructions.He promised me shepherds story books.

Festus.”

June 28

Grt mtg in Kimilili. Taught Gosp of Kingdom, discipleship, and spiritual inventory. Very well received. Nairobi house church disciples baptized three more today. Glory to God.

June 29

New report from Nairobi. Woman David baptized during shotterm trip led to another family being saved. That family moved to another location and just led three muslim mosque leaders who surrendered to the kingdom and asked David to return soon and baptize them. They are now sharing the kingdom with their coleaders at all three mosques they lead. huge stuff.

June 29 cont

First day of lk10 field ops. Four teams. About 20 received gospel of kingdom, four muslims–two i shared w personally. These guys are trained and mobilized. Amazing fruit. Gave them pep talk hard work ahead. Spiritual inventories and baptisms planned. One house church officially starting next Wed. Amazing stuff. God is amazing.

June 29 cont

Guys. I am just a bit overwhelmed and humbled by the amazing fruit of our mission model. The reports just keep pouring in, and they just keep getting bigger and better. And this is just the beginning. I am training the mission team to lead teams of their own. David will be ready in weeks to lead his own team. So pray with us that we are able to handle the demands of preparing/printing/shipping literature, organizing transport of the team, scheduling meetings, and obtaining sufficient funding. This and the orphan care and microloan/business training program. Also, the bible shortage is crazy. SIX OF THE PASTORS AT THIS MEETING HAD NO BIBLE.

June 30

Terrible sick all night w fever and severe aches and pains. Will visit lab today to see if I have malaria again. Appreciate prayers. Hoping just something else as I have a lot planned over the next couple days.

June 30 cont

Keep Cindy and family in prayer. Cindy teaching a large group of ladies today at a local church. Couple children sick and both parents on mission. I should return when her mtg is wrapping up.

July 1

David completed spiritual inventories w three Muslim leaders today and baptized them publicly in the presence of their Muslim friends. David was invited to present the Gospel of the Kingdom to a group of Muslims who were present This Thursday. Pray for the Lord to work wonders. This is some incredible stuff!

July 21, 2012Follow up on the three Imams. Full confirmation. These are bonafide imams of three mosques who publicly repented and were baptized. Many muslims in attendance asked David to share this message w them thurs. David is meeting w the new disciples today. I honestly have to belive this is an unprecedented historic event. Three in one day! Pray for all the members of these three mosques. This has caused quite a stir of confusion for these precious people. The mosques are in disarray. Pray for God’s wisdom, love, truth, and protection as He continues to reveal HImself to the people of Kenya.

July 3

STILL SICK. Consulting another doctor this afternoon. This week’s mission already delayed a day. The show must go on tomorrow. Pray for speedy recovery. Very weak and drained. Fever gone. Still gastrointestinal issues and sore lymph nodes in abdomen. Diagnosis seems right, but recovery slow.

July 4

Prepping for Mroki mission today. Appreciate prayers.

July 4 cont

Sooo busy. Feeling somewhat better. Or too busy to think bout how I feel. Did Mroki mission. Small crowd–bout 25. Came home and did another quick sharing at a group of 30 of gosp of kingdom. Doing inventory with Aniga tonite. Cindy taught kingdom at a church today, bout 15 folks. Silas on Mroki mission. Preached kingdom to 30 women w Aniga. Cindy went out and taught w Rose and Rose. All our disciples getting trained. Festus got a microloan and started his business today. Another close to securing a loan. Pray for Aniga, he has repented and abandoned an illegal profession and now desperate for alternative income. Another microloan this week launched three bicycle taxis today. That is one loan, three incomes. Another disciple struggling to find alternative income–a loan he has(from a bank) had a payment due today. Pray for him.

July 5

One of my disciples meeting with five muslims interested in learning about the kingdom this morning. pray for him.

July 5

Nairobi disciple met with 8 muslims today and presented the Gospel of the Kingdom, and 5 surrendered to the Kingdom, did spiritual inventory, repented, and were baptized.

In Mroki, I led 6 to the Kingdom at one location. We gathered a bunch of neighbors into one home. They all surrendered. Went through next steps and they are ready to repent and be baptized. I then coached a young pastor to go thru inventory w them, bring to repentance, and baptize them. Then I coached him on organizing them as a home fellowship and shepherding them from behind the scenes. I gave him KES and highlighted what we had just discussed and Shepherds Storybook for the brand new house church. Praise God for so much fruit in one day!

Oh, Cindy had a great day too. Met w two disciples with awesome progress. Kiminini is a rocking place for the Kingdom. We now have eight Kingdom Christians within a stone’s throw here–I mean almost all our neighbors. Really cool stuff. You go to the local market/shop on our street, and there are always a few Kingdom Christians there fellowshipping. Everyone notes how this place is totally transforming since we arrived. I praise God for this. It really makes the sacrifices and hard moments worth it.

July 8

Been sooo busy, no time to post. Cindy had mtg w about 20 yesterday. Great response. Coached Silas to go back to Mroki to prep nine folks ready for baptism scheduled for tomorrow. Finally received our shipment from US. Big blessing. Lots of visitors. Aniga and Silas, Rose and Rose, and Annette doing great. Kdmk annual mtg yesterday. Fellowship imminent here.God is awesome.

July 9

Taught head of a large ministry and group of about 15-20 gospel of kingdom. Wow, what a response. One pastor had a vision of heaven opennong up and this message coming down while I taught. Several surrendered including a muslim.He did in a great way. He got up and said he had never heard such a gospel and for the first time in his life he can say “praise the Lord.” I am beginning discipleship tomorrow. He said he wants to share this message with everyone he knows. Well, this organization shares much of our mission but has a 10 yr head start. They are mapped and organized regionally and will be instrumental for developing my itinerary. Praise God.

July 10

Spent afternoon with new disciple Yusef. He surrendered everything for the Kingdom. His wife is also on board. He totally understands the Kingdom and has so much faith. He lost his job as instructor at the local madrassa school and will also lose his apartment which is paid for by the muslim school. This couple makes ideal disciples. They embraced the Kingdom better than anyone I have every ministered to before. They already intend on starting a house church, preaching the kingdom to all, and making disciples. Did spiritual inventory today and gave them reading assignments prior to their baptism next week. You will here of this man again and again. I have extreme clarity that this man will be powerfully used for the Kingdom.

July 11

Cindy taught large group of women today, about 30, with weak response. Late start and all they cared about was wrapping up. I taught same group last week w same response. We are done with that group. We will let those who are serious come to us.

July 12

cindy did spiritual inventory w couple disciples today. i shared kingdom w 17. so far 2 surrendered. many believe but fear surrendering due to regional religious stronghold. praying to baptize several saturday. two who surrendered are married couple ready to start house church. festus baptized 8 today. glory to God!

July 13

Four surrendered and completed spiritual inventory today. Cindy has one disciple prepped for baptism. Festus planted two new home fellowships. Another fruitful day. God is great!

July 14

Several spiritual inventories and repentence today. One a feared witch. Two baptisms and one new house church. We praise God.

July 14 cont

Give to those who ask. What a clear command. Poses a challenge when folks ask all the time and the more you say yes, the more they ask. Trying to strike a balance between needs and wants, and filtering out manipulation and abuse. Pls pray for Cindy and I to be discerning and exercise wisdom. There is an assumption we are rich cuz we r white Americans, but in actuality have very limited resources.

July 15 cont

Finally home from the mission to Eastern Kenya. Training a new team from Nairobi: David on lead, Joseph, Noah, and Godfrey for Lk 10 teams. This mission not as anticipated. TOld to expect 50 pastors; found 15 widows instead. We did see many repent, including a witch, and started one new fellowship after baptizing a couple Justus and Elizabeth.

July 16

Just baptized three folks: a muslim leader and his wife (Yusef and Florence) and Rose’s son Georgie. Doing spiritual inventory with two folks as I write this. Also included are photos from the baptism of Justus and Elizabeth in Eastern Kenya.

July 17

The power of multiplication! I have a week off due to a scheduling mistake by the coordinator of the mission I had on the calendar for this week. But the work continues. David Wanjala was called to Kisii by Festus, his prize disciple who baptized 8 last week and planted two new home fellowships. The traditional (institutional) pastors in the area were in awe as to the enormous success of Festus’s ministry and asked me and David to go to Kisii and teach them. Well, since I had a mission scheduled and had several baptisms planned this week, we sent David solo. Below is the report from David.

“The Nairobi team spared the money you gave them and gave to me for bus fare to meet and teach in Kisii. Instead of 20, there were 23 pastors. I have successfully taught two kingdoms, freedom from sin, spiritual inventory, discipleship, and church planting. AMAZING! No one rejects. Went through inventory with 13 pastors. All promise to start house churches. They shall all be going out two-by-twos (Luke 10 style) tomorrow and Wednesday with Festus’s team. I am on my way back to prepare for Machacos mission. The 23 pastors in Kisii need Shepherd’s Storybook and 200 tracts. I have given them Kingdom Expansion Series.”

The consensus of followers of my facebook posts is that the amazing DAILY fruit of this mission is unprecedented and frankly, hard to believe. Well, we have done nothing in secret. Our mission message, model, and method is published and available for free for all. It is simply New Testament practice and early church doctrine applied in the most practical of methods. Low budget, no formal education, no institutional controls; just a movement launched multi-generationally and organically.

If you would like to see such fruit in your location, go to www.kingdomdriven.org and read and apply the materials found there. We are literally just applying the field-proven resources we have published. Or if you want hands-on training, schedule a two or three week visit with us here in Kenya, and we will train you. You are very welcomed!

July 18

Many microloans going out. These are another tool used to keep our mission low budget and get a good team for a workforce. For example, you may wonder who supports David and Festus, or even Silas, Henry, Tonny and Erastus. These men are all KDM teammembers who receive not-a-penny of support. But they ALL have received one-time microloans or gifts to support their families which allows them to commit undivided attention to Kingdom expansion. Employees with no salaries: folks laboring for God’s glory, not a paycheck. Love it!

July 19

Here is a report from the front lines: from Festus, David Wanjala’s disciple, a man whom I have never personally met.

“David, the pastors and leaders appreciate much of what they heard you teach here. We have gone out with them in twos and today we have just baptized 5 people. The 13 pastors you went through inventory with them have started house churches already. The baptized 5 had no bibles and therefore I gave one each. They come from another village a bout 3km away and therefore I gave them the shepherds story books to start house churches.

By the way, did you realize that amongst those pastors you taught there was one visitor who is a senior man in Kenya Department of Defense? Immediately you left he came to me and said he had never heard of what you taught though he was in church for so long. I went through inventory with him and he told me to tell you that he is organizing for a meeting in Lanet barracks for you to teach a bout 120 soldiers for 3 days, then move to Eastleigh for other group of a bout 50 soldiers.He says he is doing it in one week from now. He asked me for your email and telephone number. This is awesome brother. You still have much to do. I will be in Nairobi shortly to see you and the progress of my business then back in the field.

The pastors liked the books especially KES and TWO KINGDOMS.

See you brother,
Festus.”

July 19 cont

Here is a great report emailed to me today! Some info concealed for security reasons.

“Hi Marc! I don’t know how to call you but from my point of view you must be an apostle. Well,i am one of the former 3 Imams if at all you heard of it,who surrendered to the Kingdom message which was preached to us by beloved David in ???????.We were baptized publicly and it brought rough time on us. We received threats to be killed by the rowdy Muslims so,we ran away with no intention of turning away from Christ whom we proclaim as now the Lord. David gave us bibles and Shepherds Story books.We started a house church in ???????? in one of our friends house who also accepted and surrendered and baptized him. We are living in a rental house, my house was burned immediately i ran away from ?????????.They stopped paying me even for the work I was doing. I called David and he sent me some of his clothes for us and our children.This doesn’t shock us, Jesus says it is blessings to be poor, I just read it Yesterday.
We have been secretly teaching this message to our Muslim families here and now we have 17 Muslims converted by the Gospel of the Kingdom. We are baptizing them tomorrow about 5 kilometers away from Muslim community.The strategy is that after baptism we send them to our extended families far apart to ensure that all our families have received this message. we are doing this immediately. I will be back to ??????? ?????? evening to collect my documents i left with one of my friends.I will look for David and be back by ????????. Now, though this is happening, the challenge is that we have no resources until we get on our feet again.This dear ones need bibles, Kingdom Expansion Series,tracts and shepherds books. If KDM can be able to support us for the time being at least 25 English bibles, 15 swahili bibles and as many Kingdom Expansion Series and Shepherds storybooks as possible just for once because we are organizing to start buying ours with the funds that we are expecting. Please help us if this email reaches the head of this missions. Otherwise, blessings.

?????????, ?????????”

July 20

Text from David at Machakos mission following full day of teaching, Day 2 of mission:

“Went out just 3hrs, 40 people were reached with the kingdom message, 18 surrendered, taking them through spiritual inv this afternoon as pastors watch, baptizing 8 tomorrow morn. The msg on the tracts and Luke 10 amazes ppl. bro, you brought revival here.”

July 21 (this morning)

Taught gosp of kingdom to 18 yesterday. well received. 4 pastors present. encouraging testimonies after. highlight was a woman who attended teaching two weeks back who was very sick, likely malaria, testified that she was healed when i had prayed for her. an observation. seen miraculous healings in the US, but pray for 10 and see only one. here, pray for two and see one healed. i think it is their God-RELIANCE, FAITH, AND SPIRITUAL WORLDVIEW. They have no money for alternative care, and deal with curses and witchdoctors as common fare. so a disproportionate number of healings here. in west, you reach for advil when you have a headache. they pray. annoyance is they want me to pray as if i have the power, and not the God i serve. funny story. woman had bad headache and asked for prayer. prayed for her and then offered her advil. she refused meds cuz headache was instantly gone. we had several healings at the eastern mission. one elderly widow had tingling in her left arm, sign of possible heart condition. immediately healed.

The Mission Front of America!

Posted on June 16, 2012 by KDM Admin

Well many of you have heard the awesome things going on in Kenya, and praise God for the amazing work that is being done there!
This post is to give you all an update on what is taking place on the western frontier.

In Matthew 9:37-38 Jesus says to His disciples, “ The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
Even though Jesus made this statement we as Christians sometimes tend to walk into the world ready to be a laborer and shortly after become discouraged thinking the harvest doesn’t seem to be plentiful where I’m at?
I can relate to this feeling because I too have had the same question at times, especially in America, in a society that is so self dependant, and driven by success, it seems everywhere you turn people prefer to pursue the god of this world along with the pleasures, comforts, and securities the world has to offer.

Though this may seem to be the case, don’t be discouraged because it’s not. Jesus’ words are still true the harvest really is plentiful. People are seeking and asking questions. I think the question we really need to be asking ourselves is, are we truly laboring in the harvest? Are we going out with the most amazing message that has ever been taught, and telling people? Think about it Jesus Christ the Son of the living God came to this earth proclaiming THE KINGDOM OF GOD. A kingdom that is like no other kingdom, one that is and will reign supreme, and we are given the opportunity to not only become citizens of this kingdom, but we can be a servant of the King and not just servants, but sons and daughters. Jesus tells us that if we obey his word the Father will love us and They will come and make Their home in us!!! Is that not powerful and amazing? It doesn’t stop there Jesus willingly laid down His life as a ransom to free us from the clutches of our captor (satan) making a way for us to be freed so we can be reconciled to the Father. What more do we need to inspire us to not only labor, but serve, and die! We shouldn’t fear what people will think, or fear what they might do to us, because Christians don’t fear death we embrace it. Scripture tells us to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within you! How could we but not be beaming with JOY as followers of Christ. So I will ask again are we truly laboring in the harvest, are we living for a kingdom that is not of this world, are we teaching the Gospel Jesus taught, are we in an obedient love faith relationship with Jesus Christ?

Here are some updates on the mission front here in America.
Many brothers and sisters are discipling new followers of Christ. The message of the kingdom has been shared in multiple different circles now, some feed back that we have received is “the cost is high and I don’t know if I’m ready to make that kind of commitment.” Though that may seem discouraging in many ways it is an encouragement, because the call of the Gospel is a call to come and die, the cost is high, but it is so worth it!

I was contacted the other day from my brother Michael in Nevada who has been talking a lot with a brother named Joe, I spoke with Joe and this guys is on fire for Jesus and wants to serve anyway possible to quote him he said, “If serving Jesus means digging holes in the middle of nowhere I’ll do it.” That’s the kind of approach we need to take when we seek God; Here am I, Lord send me! He feels the Lord leading him to make a visit out here to Kentucky for a few days Lord willing we will be fellowshipping soon, He has also made mention of joining the Carriers for a short-term trip sometime this fall, he and his wife have a passion for widows and orphans!

There have been some occasions to share with a few Jehovah Witnesses with good reception!

Our house fellowship has made a great connection with a local Mennonite church that is all about the kingdomof God! I have had many wonderful opportunities to speak with the pastor. To see his love for God and his congregation is inspiring. He recognizes we are on the same mission to expand the kingdom by making obedient followers of Christ and has allowed our family to spur others on in his congregation to seek first the kingdom. He has also afford a portion of land to use for a vision we will call “the harvest ministry” for know, this vision is driven by the passages we see in Acts chapters 2 and 4 as well as many other verses and principles laid out in scripture. (more to come on this in a future post)
Lord willing we will be attending a Mennonite conference inIndiana during the month of August, the goal is not only to go learn and fellowship. But to ignite passion in others and start fires for the kingdom that can’t be put out. We are still waiting for approval to set up a booth at the conference. Currently leaders of the Mennonite conference are reviewing KDM’s material, this is exciting because of the ripple affect that could take place if the leaders catch the vision!

Please keep these things in your prayers most of all pray earnestly for the Father to send out more laborers into the field. God bless and may the peace of Christ rest upon you.

Short-term mission in Kenya

Posted on May 9, 2012 by KDM Admin

First and foremost all glory, and praise to God for all the amazing things that happened during this two week mission. Many objectives were accomplished; if you have been following Marc’s post on FB then you have read about the fruitfulness of this trip. It was awesome to see God’s hand at work in the lives of those we came in contact with as well as members of the mission team! One purpose for this trip was to disciple and motivate locals in Kenya, as well as the brothers from Uganda and American. We desire to become laborers in the harvest by planting Jesus into the hearts of men.

The main focus of this trip was to further God’s kingdom. We did this by coupling Jesus’ purpose for being sent, found in Luke 4:43. Along with the great commission, which is to make disciples, (obedient followers of Christ) found in Matt. 28:19-20. If Jesus was sent to do the will of the Father and speak the very words the Father told Him to speak, John 12:49-50, then we must do the the same. Jesus said his purpose was to preach the gospel of the kingdom; not only did Jesus make disciples but he rose from the grave and commanded us to make disciples. As we walked through the slums of Nairobi and the villages of western Kenya, we put Luke 10 principles into practice by letting God direct us as we looked for the man of peace (the person the Lord has been working on that is ready to receive the message and take it forward).

The message we shared is the same message Jesus taught, “the gospel of the kingdom.” It is a call to commitment, a call to surrender, and it is a message that describes a total change of allegiance from the kingdom of this world to the kingdom of God! Yes that allegiance happens now while we are still on earth, while we are still breathing oxygen. We are called as Christians not only to be citizens of God’s kingdom, but to live for God’s kingdom. The very laws of heaven are firmly established today and meant to be obeyed.

It was amazing to see people making a choice to change their allegiance from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light! A prostitute was delivered and surrendered her life to follow Christ, a child was healed, and village/family leaders told friends and family to come and listen to the message we shared because they knew it was the truth. The Spirit was truly preparing the way for the message and convicting the hearts of those seeking.

In John 15:1-10 Jesus gives a great example of citizenship in the kingdom, we see two aspects in this passage: 1) gaining citizenship/getting on the vine 2) remaining a citizen/staying on the vine. We also see in James 4:4 that we can make ourselves an enemy of God by aligning ourselves with the world. In Luke 17:21 Jesus says, “the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Therefore we seek to plant the seed of the kingdom into the hearts of men and we pray that it will take route. We seek to identify disciples and as we do we invest in that person just a Jesus did.

With short-term missions, discipleship is a tough thing to do. Jesus said “teach them to obey everything I have commanded.” That is why it is important to have followers of Christ left behind that will continue the work. That is a part of what made this short mission a success; there are committed saints left in Kenya that will, and are, continuing to labor for the kingdom. They are following up and discipling individuals, physical needs are being met, and home fellowships are forming. As people repent and follow Jesus, more ground will be taken for the kingdom.

the short-term mission trip to Kenya has ended, but the mission itself has not!