A Final Word from Pastor Haley

Mission Mombasa 2011

The thoughts of our trip to Kenya are still running through my mind as I review  the pictures and review the two videos that were made.  We met so many wonderful people and we were able to share the love of the Lord Jesus to children and parents.  Even during our travel to and from Kenya we met Christians and were able to share the good news with others who were only curious about what we were doing. 

The testimonies at Hallmark last Sunday only re-enforced the belief that going on a short term missions trip forever changes us.  We all feel challenged to share Christ with those that surround us every day.  However, there is a special joy in sharing the love of Jesus in a distant land in a different culture and witness the joy they experience when they pray and receive God’s gift of forgiveness and everlasting life. 

As I review this trip I know that God’s Hand was truly on us.  Our team leaders,  David and Kim Hayes prepared us well.  They led us to prepare, to pray, to anticipate God working in us and through us.  God bless you David and Kim.   We set a goal to encourage and strengthen our missionaries, to minister to the children of our feeding centers, and to our Kenyan brothers and sisters in the churches, and to witness to the lost.  I believe that Mission Mombasa 2011 accomplished all of these goals.  To God be the glory!  He brought us full circle.  We are home safe and sound and we are praying and thinking about next year, God willing. 

Thank you to all our team members.  You are a very special group.   I learned to appreciate each one of you.   Thanks to all our prayer partners and financial partners we could not have gone without you.  We must work together, for the harvest truly is great, and demands many laborers to bring it in.  God Bless you all!   Mission Accomplished!

Pastor Mike Haley

Mission Mombasa 2011

It is 5:30PM in Texas right now.  Here in Africa it is 1:30AM the next day.  I am sitting in my room thinking about the trip and trying to process exactly what God has revealed to me this year.  I have had the opportunity to come to Kenya three times.  I am amazed every time I come.  I have met some amazing missionaries and amazing national pastors.  This year has been no different.  

In March of 2009 I preached for Mbewau church in a small village outside of Mombasa.  The small little building was packed, hot, and lively.  The worship was amazing.  The people were excited, genuine, and free in their worship of their Savior.  The music stopped and it was time for me to preach.  The kids all left to go to Kids Church and the once full church building was now empty.  The crowd now consisted of about 25 adults, of who were mostly women.  Chris Moore, after I preached, challenged the few men that were there to step up and lead.

My return trip to Kenya was in 2010.  I arrived on the campus of Mbewau and was amazed at what God had done.  The once meager campus was now a beautiful vibrant campus.  The worship was again filled with passion for a loving Savior.  However, this time there were over 50 adults in attendance.  God had been moving in this ministry and the fruit was evident.  I left that trip thanking God for allowing me to see what He was accomplishing through our missionaries and our brothers in Christ in Kenya.

This year I again arrived on Campus with the same amazement.  The campus was even bigger, brighter, and more beautiful than the last time.  The kids looked healthy, happy, and most importantly hopeful.  They are not only receiving daily bread, but THE DAILY BREAD.  I was blessed to be able to preach for the second time at this amazing Church.  They currently meet in the feeding center, which is much bigger, and it was packed.  The kids once again left after a very energetic worship service.  150 adults were filing the seats of this beautiful building.  I once again got to preach with my good friend, Pastor Nzaro, interpreting for me.  What an experience.  

As I think about flying home tomorrow, I pray that God will give me an opportunity to come back next year to see what God has done with the great people of Mbewau.

-John Haley

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MBE - WOW!!! The Carnival day:)

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for reading our blog... I enjoy being able to connect with you all the way from Kenya, Africa... from half way around the world we can feel your love and support through your comments and prayers.

We had a wonderful day! We knew that God was planning something BIG for our trip and today was The Day. We arrived at MBEWAU church and school at 10am and were greated with friendly smiles of our translators (mostly staff from the school).

Everyone divided into groups and went out to witness (hut to hut) and invite the people of the surrounding villages to the carnival that would be held at 3pm. Two hours later, we all came back to the school with excited stories of people accepting Christ into their hearts.  56 people were welcomed into the kingdom of God today and we rejoyced at being able to have a part in it,  as I know the angels in heaven are!

I loved hearing the different stories... Pastor Haley said that it was just like "the old days" when the people were hungry for God. There's nothing better than knowing that you have had a postive impact in someone's eternity and you will see them again in heaven someday. Anyone that helped our team go to Kenya will one day see one of these that were saved.  I know they will thank you for sending us. We all thank you for sending us.

The carnival started at 3pm. We had bounce houses (this is Africa and none of these kids had ever jumped on one before), camel rides, acrobats, face painters, balloon animals, a fishing booth, bucket toss, musical chairs, and several races. The kids came from everywhere and it was amazing. We also gave out over 100 pounds of candy, all donated from the generous people of our church!!!

I am about to go to bed, very happy with all that has happened today. Please be praying for the team and I as tomorrow will be our last day at MBEWAU. It's always hard to leave people that are so dear to my heart.

Thanks again for helping to give us the opportunity to be here right now.
Kim Hayes

If you would like to see photos go to:

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Reflections and Safari!

Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

When I reflect on my time in Kenya thus far, after only a week, my heart breaks and rejoices for these people at the same time. I think about the precious kids at Injili and Mbewau that we have gotten to love on, and the twinkle in their eyes when they receive something as simple as a high five. The sheer sight of our bus on the dirt road prompts smiles, shouts, and waves. These children, living at a poverty level that no one in American can claim, are joyful. Many children do not have both parents, and know of many people that have died, yet they are joyful. They are joyful because they know that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. Say the phrase as many times as you want, but until you have experienced trials and tribulations, you will not have to truly put that belief into practice.

Not only are the children precious here, but the adults have such open and hospitable hearts. Their souls are so earnest to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. We have had the privilege thus far to be here when 26 people chose to become followers of Christ. Any and every sacrifice, small or large, that has gone into this trip has been more than worth it for those men, women, and children that we will be reunited with someday, if not here than in Heaven.

The harvest of souls here in Kenya is plentiful, but the workers are few. Although the number of Christ followers grows daily, more workers and resources are needed. God is doing great things here and I am glad to have an opportunity to be a part of it in a small way.
~Karen Sandifer

To See Safari pics go to:

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Safari!!!

We will be on Safari Thursday and most of Friday.  The time off will allow us to get some much needed rest.  Thanks for all of your encouraging words over the last week!

Witnessing at Massai Corner

This is my second time to come to Mombasa. The first time: witnessing to someone was a scary thought, but I committed to the Lord that I would evangelize to anyone he puts in my path, and he has certainly done that. On this trip, I managed to witness to 2 individuals before we reached London. Also, the Lord used me to lead 3 muslim high school boys to faith in Christ. But the one that has stuck in my head, was a muslim man that had 2 wives. He was an elderly man that had been a muslim his enire life. Earlier in the day, Pastor Haley and Cliff had talked to him at his home. When he came to the school for the carnival, I was the first one to see him and it was like the Lord set him up on a silver platter for me. He walked over to an area that only had three chairs...one for me, one for him and one for the translator. We talked for quite a while and he told the translator that he did not want to trust in Jesus, but for the first time, he questioned the accuracy of the Qur'an. While this wasn't a success, I do feel that the seed was planted. However, I told his grandaughter the gospel that morning and she chose to trust in the Lord. Since then, we have managed to evangelize to hundreds of people.. I look forward to seeing these people again next year.

Keith Matthews

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MBEWAU School Day!

In March of 2009 I made my first stop at Mbewau. My life has not been the same since. I am honored to know the men and women who minister in the remote village of Mtpeni.

In June of 2010 I was able to take my second trip to see this amazing place. I was also able to bring my Father back to see what God is doing through Chris and Lisa Moore at Mbewau.

This year I was blessed to come with my Father and also my son. I was blown away to see what God has done. They now have 173 kids that they feed and educate.

I walked across the campus and couldn't believe how much the place had changed. They now have a feeding center, church, two story education wing, and medical center.

I am so glad that Hallmark has invested so much and is able to see what God is doing through their gifts. I am excited to introduce Northside to this amazing place.

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A great day at Injili!

My name is Josh Hayes and this is my first mission trip.  What an amazing place Kenya is! Today was a good day, but a hard day at the same time.  We said goodbye to the children at Injili.  We spent three days with them, so it was hard to say good bye.  But praise be to God for the 8 souls that accepted Christ, 6 were Muslims. God is working wonders in this place!

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This is the day that the Lord has made!

“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24). When I reflect on what has transpired today, an old childhood church song comes to mind, “They will know that we are Christian by our Love.” That is actually what happened as we witnessed God’s love being expressed to a community of village people who many have never heard the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our day started with an exuberant, high-spirited worship service at the church in Injilli, where several choirs sung praises to the Lord and Pastor Haley brought forth a powerful sermon about the lame man being healed. Oh, how wonderful it was to be in a service where people were shouting sincere praises to God free from worrying about what their neighbors thought of them. Also, the pure devotion of the children choir brought tears to many of us who witness their true authentic worship. People of many nationalities stood shoulder to shoulder praising and worshipping together. I truly believed God was pleased with us today to see a glimpse on earth of what it shall be in Heaven.

The day continued with a processional from the primary school to the property of the new Valarye McMillan Hope Community High School.  It seemed as though every villager in a 2 mile radius attended the ceremony, many of whom are Muslim. National and local government officials were also in attendance. They too have witnessed the significant impact the ministry at Injili is making in this community. As the ceremony went on, we witnessed how God used the growing Christian community to boldly and unapologetically proclaim the name of Jesus Christ before the masses.  Again, I believe the Lord was pleased with this bold witness, as it reflects His desire for all to know Him.

Another highlight of the ceremony was when some shared the faith of Valarye McMillan, who had a deep desire for Kenyan people of this community. She prayed for many years that this community would be transformed by the love of Jesus Christ. Many who knew her spoke about her vision for the children to be educated and afforded opportunities that did not exist. The inaugural class of high school students was given the charge to not only to do well academically but also to embrace Valarye’s faith in Jesus Christ for their own lives. Valarye’s life is personal testament of a life lived well for the honor of God that is significantly changing the lives of others across the world.

-Stacy Burrell

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Carnival Day at Injili

Wow! It is awesome to be here in Mombasa, Kenya! Today we met up with Bobby and Lisa Bechtel, missionaries serving here in Mombasa, and we headed to Injili Academy. When we first arrived there was a parent meeting being held by the government, so we were treated to some beautiful songs by some of the children in the Academy. I was overwhelmed with joy as the children sang "Ancient of Days". It amazes me that we are here, halfway across the world and we worship the same amazing God and can all praise Him in one universal language, singing!

After the singing we went into the villages and invited people to come to the carnival that we were having that afternoon and also shared the gospel with those who would listen! Two people gave their lives to Christ today!


Once back at the school we fed the children lunch then started the carnival activities. We had balloon animals, a ball toss, bounce houses, camel rides, a fishing game, and much more! We gave prizes and candy (or sweets as they call it here) to all of the children!
Then everyone gathered around for an acrobat/magic show and Brother Donald presented the gospel! It was a wonderful day and I am again overwhelmed at how welcoming and loving all of the Kenyan people are! God is already doing mighty things and I know He has much more in store for the days to come!! I can't wait!!

- Courtney Shwadlenak

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London and Nairobi Pics

Blogger uploader is VERY SLOW here.  Please check out pics from London and Nairobi at the link below.

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We have made it!

Dear friends and family,

We have made it to Mombasa!!! It has been a long journey and we are very tired!  It is great to see old friends and make new ones.  ALL of our bags made it.  God has been with us and we have already had a couple of divine appointments.  Pics and stories will be coming soon.  Tonight its dinner and bed for all of us.

God Bless
David Hayes

Mission Mombasa 2011

On Friday night we had our last Hallmark team gathering before leaving for Kenya on Wednesday evening.  It was a wonderful time with our friends and family.  We had plenty of wonderful food and great testimonies of how God has proven himself faithful to every team member.  Ministry bags are packed, weighed and tagged.  God has done some amazing things preparing this team and I know that this will be amazing trip!!!

Our team will be hosting two carnival days, have two very special Sunday Celebrations and visit the new property at Massai Corner.  We hope to present the gospel to over 1,000 people.  Please pray that all of our flights are on time and that all of our bags make it to Mombasa with us, good health, safety, divine appointments and that everything is well with those we leave behind.

Kenya Team Members and Family. Christy in green. Paula in khaki. Cliff in blue and Rachel in center. 

David and Kim Hayes, Courtney Schwadelnak, Josh Hayes, Karen Sandifer and guest Missions Pastor Tomas from Connect Church.

9 bags and some other donations for the trip.  We have 19 50lb bags full of donated items !

Christmas in June

Dear MANNA Team,

Lisa and I are so grateful for the generous gift you sent us for Christmas.  I realize it has been 6 months since Christmas but let me explain.  We received the funds in January.  We tried to order backpacks but after 6 weeks of trying, we realized that was an impossible task! :)  We then decided that all our kids DESPERATELY needed new black uniform shoes.  We found a guy who "hand made" 100% leather ones and contracted him to do them.  Nearly 9 weeks later we got all them done.

Today, we loaded 172 beautiful black shoes into the back of my truck and hauled them out to the school.  We snuck them into the conference room & clinic and then had a HUGE "Merry Christmas" surprise as the kids walked into the room!  Every MBEWAU child believes there is a MANNA SANTA somewhere out there!! :)  Christmas REALLY DOES come in June!! We then spent the next 5 hours fitting every child with their new shoes.  We only have a few to return for bigger sizes as the kids feet have already outgrown what we originally ordered.

I know that you send out Christmas funds all around the world and I am sure that you get lots of thanks from those places.  But, Lisa & I want you to know that your REALLY made 172 kids the happiest they have been in a long time with such a wonderful gift.  Every month we give thanks to God for bringing the MANNA team into our lives as we minister together here in Mombasa, Kenya!!

Since you could not be here to personally put the shoes on, we thought we would send you "love" through pics of the awesome kids @ MBEWAU!!!

All our love,

Chris & Lisa Moore