Christmas Newsletter

Please click on the newsletter to enlarge it.  We are so thankful for your love, prayers and support in 2012.  God Bless and Merry Christmas from Real 4 Christ Ministries!

Our Christmas Basket

Our Christmas Basket

As I was walking to church this morning, a voice called to me from behind. I turned around to see a lady quickly walking up the hill toward me. She was carrying a large basket on her head, a baby on her back and had the hand of a small child clasped in hers. As she approached, even though she was sweating and obviously tired, she had the biggest smile across her face. When she reached where I was standing, I could see tears in her eyes. She removed the basket from her head and handed it to me saying, “Mr. Chris, please accept this Christmas basket as a token of my love and appreciation for you. It is not much but it is all I have. My husband and I want you to receive a portion of our recent harvest for saving our child’s life”.

Two weeks prior, I received a call @ 7am in the morning from Pastor Erick Chondo, telling me that I needed to come quickly because of an emergency. By God’s grace, I was staying in a town only 20 minutes from his location. Unfortunately, Lisa was 2 hours away, working at our other school clinic. I drove faster than usual that morning, as I did not know what waited me there in the village about 2 miles from Maasai Corner Ministries. As I drove off the road and down the trail, I entered into a group of huts to find a crowd of people crying and screaming. I jumped out of my car and rushed into one of the small dark huts as people inside pointed to something they wanted me to see. Once my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I saw a very sad situation. On a grass mat, on the mud floor, laid two precious little girls. One of them already stiff and cold I recognized as one of our 4 year old Sunday School girls, Mwaka Chimera. Laying next to her was her 7 year old sister, Kanga Chimera, still breathing but unconscious and in critical condition. Their mother was on the ground crying & wailing while the father sat on the floor weeping, with his hands on his two baby girls. I asked Pastor Erick to come outside with me and tell me what had happened.

He told me that both girls had been waiting outside of the local government clinic with their parents for the past 3 days. They both had high fevers, were severely dehydrated, experiencing seizures and refusing to eat. They desperately needed medical attention but all the government clinics in the near villages were closed because of a nursing strike. For 3 days, they were carried to a local clinic early in the morning hours, waiting outside until dark, hoping the nurses would return to work and help them. The parents did not have means to contact us to help them, and it was only when the wailing was heard did Pastor Erick learn of what happened.

I then returned into the hut, picked up the frail, weak body of 7yr old Kanga and asked the grieving family for permission to take her to a private pay clinic in Ukunda before it was too late. Their father’s brother went with me and the pastor to locate help for his niece. As we drove I was praying, pleading to God, that He would spare this little girls life. We reached the clinic in record time.

Within minutes, the doctor examined her, ran some tests and diagnosed her with Cerebral Malaria! Her fever was 103, she was unconscious, her eyes and hands had turned yellow, a result of how Malaria attacks the red blood cells and begins to damage the liver. They immediately injected her with several medications, put cold towels on her body and put an IV in her arm to get fluids into her body. The doctor told me that many children in this region had died over the past three weeks because of the nurse’s strike and that he & his staff were overwhelmed with all the serious cases coming into his clinic. He said he did not know for sure but he felt that Kanga was going to make it. She laid in the hospital bed as we prayed over her for several hours. The doctor told us that unfortunately we needed to take Kanga home because there was no room in his clinic for her to stay. She was awake and able to respond to questions which was prayers that were being answered. Kanga was given 5 different medications to take and she was discharged.
We drove quickly back to the village to find hundreds of people waiting to hear if they were going to bury one or two girls that day. They rejoiced to see us arrive with the young girl alive. Yet, for me, it was a feeling that I had never experienced. I was overjoyed that we had been able to save Kanga’s life but my heart was broken for the loss of her sister, Mwaka. Over the next few hours we held a simple, traditional funeral. When the 1st born child dies, the Duruma tribe bury them in a special way. If the child is over the age of 1, they bury the body right outside the front door, if the child in less than 1, they bury the body under the bed of the parents. Since Mwaka was 4, we prepared her final resting place just outside the door. We wrapped her body with a colorful piece of material and then placed her in the hole on top of a grass mat. We then put sticks across a portion of the hole, laid another grass mat across the sticks and then filled the hole with dirt. Because of time and money, most people who die in the villages do not get buried in a casket. Each man attending the funeral helped shovel the dirt onto the hole, while the women cried and sang sad songs telling the story of this families pain and suffering.

When the ceremony had ended, I asked the family if I could speak to everyone there. With permission and with Erick translating, I told everyone that my heart was broken. I told them that I missed Mwaka very much and wished that she had not left us so soon. I said that for the past two years, I had loved her like I loved my own daughter. I then told them something they were not expecting. I said, “Mwaka is not in this hole!” Her body was there but her soul was in Heaven. I told them that Mwaka was looking down right then, wondering if any of them would join her there one day. As Pastor Erick and I shared the plan of salvation, we explained that if they believed and trusted in Him, they could join Mwaka in Heaven when they died. Erick then asked everyone there to bow their head and pray with us. We asked all those who were not sure about where they would go if they died, to pray a simple prayer. Many prayed with us, too many to count. I’m sure Mwaka smiled down on us that day! I thanked everyone for coming and encouraged them to be a part of our ministry. I then hugged all the family on last time and left them to drive the 2 hours back to my home.

And so, as Lisa and I stood on the steps of the church with tears in our eyes, we opened the Christmas basket that Mwaka’s mom had carried on her head to present to us. Inside I found a large bag of rice still in the hull, 3 papaya fruits, and 2 pieces of squash. It was all she had but it was more than I ever expected. We hugged her and told her we were so thankful that she was at church and that she was able to spend Christmas with her other 3 children. I told her that Lisa & I would continue to pray for her sadness and if she needed anything, to let us know.

This Christmas, hug your children a little tighter, give a little more to someone with a little less, and you will be surprised at what God fills your basket with as you live your life for Him.

With all our love,

Chris & Lisa Moore

His banner over me is love!

Mbewau 2nd grade singing "His banner over me is love."

School is out!

We celebrated the final day of school @ MBEWAU Academy this past Friday.  Over 200 people were present to watch their kids sing songs, perform skits and quote Bible verses.  Our Kindergarten 3 Class "graduated" into the First grade and we surprised them by giving them their very own cap and gown!  What a beautiful site!  Here are all the class photos. 

We are so honored to be here in Kenya working alongside some of the best people in the world.  Thanks for making this possible with your prayers and support. 

Chris & Lisa Moore

Baby Class

KG1

KG2

KG3

Standard 1

Standard 2

Pastor Rasto

For the past 5 months we have been praying for God to send the right man along to love and shepherd the amazing people of MBEWAU.  Those of you that know me, WAITING on the Lord is NOT one of my strengths!! :)  But God is always on time and we are grateful.

On Sunday we called a new pastor for MBEWAU Fellowship.  His name is Pastor Rasto Mwangata and his wife's name is Elizabeth.  They have 6 beautiful kids. The 3 year old (Esther) and 7 year old (Ibrahim), will be joining our school in January. Hendrietta, his 5 year old girl, has cerebral palsy and she needs your prayers. The three oldest (Regina, Trudy & Sospeter) are attending other schools. 

We are excited for "new beginnings" in 2013 for MBEWAU and we are thankful for each of you that are partnering with us in this great ministry!

God Bless,

Chris & Lisa Moore

Mbewau Men's Career Training

The Men's Career Training Ministry @ MBEWAU is finishing it's 2nd month and it is going very well. The program brings in men from the villages and teaches them a trade over a 13 week course.  They meet three nights per week for two hours each night. They train in carpentry, masonry, welding and plumbing.  The program is led by one of our great men, Justin Dida, who has been a part of our ministry from the start.  Each afternoon, before they are dismissed, they hear about Christ and one of our church leaders pray for them. At the end of the course they get a Certificate of Completion and we encourage them to gain employment.  We pray that this "tool" of ministry will have a huge impact on the men of our community.

R4C September Newsletter

New Real 4 Christ Video

“Full as a roach on a biscuit”

Over the last 30 years, I have frequently stolen a phrase from Ginny Hurley, my hilarious friend from our days in Austin. After a nice meal, Ginny would say that she was “full as a roach on a biscuit”. We laughed at the mental picture that would bring to mind but we all understand the concept of total satisfaction that the phrase implied. Of all the things Ginny has said over the years, it seemed that this was the one that stuck with me. Fast forward to an evening in Mombasa, Kenya with the mission team having dinner with Chris and Lisa Moore, the missionaries we worked with in Kenya. At the end of the meal, I glowed in the satisfaction of great food with great friends by stating that I was “as full as a roach on a biscuit”. There were groans from the group as they let their displeasure with that comparison be known. Of course, that just made it

more fun for me to reiterate my insect/happiness equation. If you are wondering how this relates to some meaningful moment, please hold on for just a little longer.
The next morning was spent at Maasai Corner, a relatively new church in a fairly remote area. Church members and visitors from the area came together for a sports evangelism day. Chris took me to where the women were sitting outside a mud/thatch kitchen as they were cooking lunch over an open fire. The women were multi-tasking – cooking, cutting greens to be added to the lunch, washing dishes, talking, laughing, sharing life. We were sitting under the shade of huge mango trees with ocean breezes stirring the air. As I listened to them, I was enchanted by the absolute joy and contentment these women were experiencing. They spoke in Swahili but I could understand enjoying life in English. By American standards, these women had little to laugh about. They had no electricity, they had to tote water every day from a well, they wore old and torn clothes, they wore used shoes, and they ate what they grew in the garden or fruit that fell from the trees. Americans would say they were destitute but Americans would be wrong. While no one can argue the lack of modern conveniences, these women know more about enjoying every moment of their day than most Americans will ever know. They don’t waste time fretting over what might or might not happen but focus on living life to the fullest in the tiniest moments. As I listened and watched and tried to communicate, I sensed a relaxation and joy that I could only describe as being a “roach on a biscuit” – a total peace and pleasure in just living life and loving those around me. The contentment of the moment was exhilarating as I enjoyed God’s creation with people He loves. I pray that everyone gets to know the joy of being a roach on a biscuit at least once in your life. Life just doesn’t get better than that!!!

Jamye Richmond

Visiting APDK

"Yesterday we went to visit and play with the children at APDK which stands for the Association of Physical Disabilities of Kenya. APDK serves children that have disabilities like club foot, polio, or anything else hindering them.  They make special shoes, crutches, braces, and esthetics for them to walk.  The children there are so strong.  They have to endure physical therapy which can cause a lot of pain, but they are still so happy!  Also they are so bold! It doesn't matter that they can't walk "normally". It doesn't stop them from running up to give you a hug or say hello.  There are patients there that have to stay there for 6-8 months, so for the girls, we put together manicure sets for them to keep and we did their nails.  For the boys, we put together toothbrushes and toothpaste with LifeSavers in them.  For all the children there young and old, we did face painting! That was my favorite because it didn't matter how good the picture was or if it looked like what they had asked for, but that they were getting attention and love from people.  I found out that I can draw a scorpion which was cool! A boy named Jack asked for one on his arm like a tattoo.  It was worth the effort to see the smile on his face. It was a great start to the day.   Here is a picture of our awesome team outside of the facility with some of the staff.

Crazy Egg!!!

Thank you to all who give to help us feed the children at Mbewau!!!

Home in America, but Heart Still in Africa

Here is a post from one of our last missions teams. Thank you Jenny Jenkins and your Imani mission interns and team for all you have done for the people of Kenya.  This post from Hannah describes perfectly what its like to come home with such a desire to do more for Christ and the least of these. 

Home in America, but Heart Still in Africa

Well, our team has been home for four days now but my body definitely still thinks it's in Kenya. We made it back home safely with only a minor bump in the road! Our luggage was left in Washington when we made it back to Houston, so they sent it to all of our homes the next morning. I had some intense jet lag the first night; went to sleep at 8:45 PM and woke up bright and early at 4:30 AM! 

It has been hard at times to adjust back to American culture. I'm still use to every person I walk past saying "Jambo!" and five children running up to me at once to be held. The friendliness of the people in Kenya is something I will always miss, and the hospitality they greet you with upon arriving at their homes is something I hope to establish in my own apartment at school. Even though Elyse warned us about the emotional effect of coming home, it still hit me pretty hard. I went through every phase she told us about and even suggested we avoid. (Sorry, Mama Dhahabu). I went through my "send-me-back-to-Africa" depression and cried on the way to Zumba one morning. I've gotten frustrated with the excessiveness of everything we have in America and how much people take for granted here. 

I think the hardest part for me is feeling like I can't do anything to help those children now that I'm back home. But that isn't the case at all. I can share my stories with those here and encourage them to go on mission trips. Above all things, I can pray for those amazing people. I can pray for those who accepted Christ and that they will continue to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ. I can pray that every child I met will always have a meal to eat and will be able to attend school each month. I can only pray, but prayer is my biggest resource. Prayer changes EVERY circumstance. Prayer is what brought me to Africa. I might be thousands of miles from those sweet children, but My God isn't. My God is there now, cradling every child in His loving arms and that is the greatest comfort! How amazing to think about; that God is the same God here in America and there in Africa. He remains the same on every continent! 

My time in Africa was a complete blessing through and through. Each face I saw is still etched into my memory. I can't help but smile as the names of each precious child runs across my mind and connects with a smiling face or an adorable giggle. I will always remember little Sylivia in babies class, who ALWAYS had a huge smile splashed across her face. She LOVED to be held and would get pretty feisty if she didn't get her way! Of course, everyone knows who I will never forget...and that is my little love, Esther from Masai Corner! She was the sweetest little girl! I loved talking with her mom and holding her for practically the entire day. She wouldn't smile in pictures, but if you tickled her she would light up! I could tell a million stories about each child, but that would take way too long. I didn't think I could love so many children the way I love those children in Kenya. They completely changed and I thank God daily for sending me to Kenya. 

I have been so humbled by the people in Africa, and I pray God will continue to bless each and every one of them. I am so thankful for my amazing team that the Lord blessed me with! They are such an amazing group of ladies that absolutely love the Lord and love to serve Him. I am so thankful for Jenny and the amazing organization that is Imani! Imani is an awesome organization, and I am so glad I was able to go to Africa through them! Jenny, thank you for your hard work and dedication to Imani and the people of Africa. You are an incredible example of a woman of God serving the Lord 100%! 

Lastly, thank you to my wonderful sponsors and amazing friends and family! Without your donations, support, and prayers, I wouldn't have been able to go to Africa. You are all such amazing people, and I am so thankful that you served the Lord in the way you did! I hope one day, Lord willing, that I can go back to Africa and serve God there! 

-Maua (Swahili for flower)
*Hannah* 

God has opened my eyes!!!

• Seeing the Father’s Love Through a Safari.... Its safe to say that before I came to Kenya I was expecting to see a whole lot of red dirt and desert and very little vegetation and trees. Boy was I wrong! While Kenya has tons of red dirt, there are so many beautiful things here that God has opened my eyes to seeing. These past two days we went on safari. I had a BLAST seeing all of these animals that were only a reality in zoos and the Lion King in REAL LIFE! I really wish I could have been there when God told Adam “go ahead and name all of the animals I have created!” That would have been a cool job, but that’s besides the point!
• 

        While on safari, God overwhelmed me with the enormity of His creation. He makes the whole world go round, not to mention He created it all. I was reminded of a word of encouragement I got from my friend Hyde. He told me that I was a flower in creation surrounded my lots of other flowers on top of a mountain. I was singing a song to the Lord and my voice was not lost in the midst of all creation. It was super cool to see how detailed God is on safari. From the zebras stripes to the giraffes spots/spotches. And to think, He made me in HIS IMAGE and see me and you as more beautiful than any of the other creatures on this earth. I rest in Psalm 139 today.

  “O Lord you have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thoughts from afar. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways…I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139: 1-3,14.

             God is attentive to my cry and to your cry. Rejoice in the fact that you are known intimately by the creator of the universe. Even when you feel alone, God sees your every move and loves your heart. He hears your thoughts and delights in everything about you. Let Him love you today.

  In awe of God’s creation,

  Kellie “Karembo” (Beautiful-my African name)
• TEXT
  
  

College Station Team

We have 5 interns in from Texas A&M for the summer and 6 more from A&M for 2 weeks on a short term missions trip.  Here is a wonderful post copied from their blog.

PSA: I'm Alive Mom

Jambo! Well, this is my very first blog from Mombasa, so I'm sure my mom is freaking out. To my mother: I am alive and perfectly fine! Internet isn't something we get every single day, so it's precious when we can use it! 

Wow...where do I even begin?! If I even attempted to blog about everything since we've gotten here, I would probably write for hours and end with a complete novel on my hands. So, I'll do a quick summary of last week and focus on the safari, etc. My experiences while on this trip have been completely and utterly amazing! I have never fallen in love so quickly with a place and its people as I have here. Everyone is extremely friendly and so welcoming (even more friendly than College Station, Mom). 

From Thursday to Sunday we stayed at Mbewau (the school) in one of the extra classrooms. I helped in the babies class (3-4 yrs old) and oh my word! They are the CUTEST little kids in the world! Their personalities are all so funny, and I can't help but smile thinking of their precious faces! I definitely attached myself to each and every one of them so it'll be a VERY hard day when we leave. They all love to be held and will fight each other until you pick them up. Holding two at a time is common and if you're really strong, like Jessica, then you hold three at once. Every morning when I walked into the classroom they would shout, "Teacher! Teacher!" and immediately run to be picked up. Words don't even describe how precious these children are, and I can only hope and pray that the Lord used me to shed His love on them. 

Yesterday we left in the morning to head on safari! That was super awesome! We went on three trips through the preserve: one going to the hotel, an evening safari, and a sunrise safari this morning. I felt like a little kid every time we would see an animal, and I definitely had the Lion King soundtrack going through my mind the whole time! During the evening safari, we sat for a solid hour (maybe a little more) watching three female lions and one male lion stalk an entire herd of water buffalo. Needless to say, nothing happened and we were all very disappointed that the lions didn't attack the buffalo. My favorite part was this morning's sunrise safari. I woke up early to watch the sun rise and it was breathtaking. Words can't describe the beauty of an African sun rise and the colors that spread across the sky as the sun slowly ascends. There was a moment during the safari where my entire van was silent (I think at this point Jenny was sleeping), and I just stood staring at everything around me, trying to take as many mental pictures as possible. The silence combined with the surrounding landscape left me in awe of God's amazing creation. From the red dirt to the overwhelming mountains, God created specifically to show off His glory. Once again, I am humbled by the majesty of God!

I have already been so blessed by this experience, and I thank God every day that He allowed me to go on this trip to serve Him. The Lord has humbled me so much and shown me what true joy in Him looks like! From day one, I have made sure to set aside any emotions I may have and allow the Lord to fill me with His overwhelming peace so He may use me 100% each day. I look forward to heading to Southcoast this weekend to serve the Lord even more! 


Kwaheri! 

-Hannah

Mission Mombasa 2012 Video

Mission Mombasa 2012 video by Kim Hayes.

We are Home!

Kenya 2012 was a wonderful experience.  We saw God work when everything else wasn't going the way it was planned.  Eight months of planning and preparing and plans changed almost daily.

Monday, we suprised Mbewau with a final visit!  I asked Joseph the headmaster, to let us spend our last spare hours playing with the kids. All 190 children were released from their classes and the games were on.  There where soccer games being played, kids being pushed in swings and lots of children being loved on.

Little Emanuel walked up to Kim and raised his hands for her to pick him up, he layed his head on her shoulder and sang himself to sleep.  Courtney and Karen had multiple children hanging off them, Medina chatted with a group of kids for a long time and all of the guys played soccer with about 50 little boys. I found Imna, Kelvin and Morgan and carried them around on my back and shoulders for most of the morning. It was so great to just hang out with the kids.

My favorite memory of this trip to Kenya is seeing my Kenyan friends that are faithfully serving Christ every day in a very natural and organic way, no big screens, no stage lights, no sound systems, no padded pews and no air conditioning.  Everyone should experience a worship service in Kenya!

Thank you Chris and Lisa for following God's call on your life.  Because of that faithfullness many Kenyans lives have been forever changed. I am so very thankful that God has allowed me to see His hand at work in Kenya!  After a month or so we will start making plans for Kenya 2013.

God Bless!!!
David

Saying Goodbye.

Today we go to Mbewau to spend a little more time with the children and say our final goodbyes.  Our time here in Kenya has flown bye.  Every day has brought a new adventure and new challenges for the team and Kim and I as team leaders.  I learn to be more flexible every year and adapt to what happens because TIA, this is Africa.  Losing our co-leaders at DFW due to passport issues was a huge shock.  Several flight delays changed our plans in London and by the time we got to Mombasa we were all beat.  It has rained a lot here this year and we have had to adjust our plans for that too.

Going to Maasai Corner for the first time was awesome.  Last year it was the "Church under the mango tree." Now it is a thriving, growing and exciting place worship Christ and serve with fellow believers. As we returned yesterday for our last church service in Kenya much had been accomplished in a week and the place was even more beautiful.  God has great things planned for Maasai Corner and I know that many lives will be changed for Christ there.

Mbewau is a little piece of Heaven here on Earth.  There are several new ministries there that are pointing everything on that campus to Christ.  The sports ministries is 3 nights a week, water ministry is open every day, a small store sells goods to people and helps support the ministry there as a whole and a new mens vocational training program is about to start up in the next few months.  Men will come and learn wood working, welding, etc.

God has really blessed the Moore's ministries here in Kenya.  They face new challenges every day!  Please keep them in your prayers as they serve Christ here in Kenya.  Thank you Hallmark for all of your love, prayers and support for our missions trips to Kenya.  Great things have been accomplished here for Christ and even greater things will come in the future!

If all our flights are on time we will be home at 1:25pm Tuesday!
God Bless!
David Hayes

To sacrifice means it will cost me something to give it.

What a blessing to be in Kenya!  My life will forever be changed.  God is so good to allow me to see and enjoy the beauty of his creation.  I have seen magnificent sunrises and sunsets.  The ocean is so beautiful and has provided such a peaceful place to spend time alone with the Lord.  We have been on Safari and seen many of the wonderful animals here in Africa.  The monkeys have even tried to join us for breakfast each morning at our hotel.  They are very good at stealing food right off your plate.

  The people here are so gracious, kind, and loving.  I have truly been blessed by seeing old friends again and meeting new ones.  It always amazes me when I go on mission trips that I can travel across the world  and speak a different language than many of those I meet and still have an instant bond with them.  That bond that ties us together is our Lord Jesus Christ and our love for Him. One of my favorite times in Kenya is worship.  The people here worship with their whole body and heart.  Their voices blend together to make such a joyful and beautiful sound unto the Lord.  

  The children in Kenya are so precious to me.  Their sweet faces are the first thing that I see when I think of Kenya.  They are forever imprinted in my mind and on my heart.  They have so little and yet they seem so happy.  We in America have much and never seem content.  We always seem to want more.  How I pray that I learn a lesson from the people in Kenya.  I am asking myself as I think of going back home, “What do I give to the Lord and the people that God has put in my path?  Do I give to them from my surplus and what is convenient to give or do I sacrifice to give to them?”  To sacrifice means it will cost me something to give it.  I don’t often give sacrificially.  Lord, help me do that for you and for the people you place in my life.  Please ask yourself too what you have given this past year that cost you something.  The people here in Kenya are in such need.  Will you be willing to sacrifice for them in the coming year?  I pray that I will.

  Three years ago I came to the school at Mbewau when it was first being built.  It is amazing what God has done in that time.  The school and grounds are absolutely beautiful and very well run and cared for.  They even have a flushing potty now!!!!  YEA!  On this past Saturday, we had planned to do hut to hut evangelism and have crafts and games with the kids in the afternoon.  However, it rained all day, so we enjoyed fun and fellowship inside with the adults who were there.  I spent most of the morning with Joyce trying to learn to make chapati which is a favorite food to many of us.  They are similar to tortillas, but are fried and have lots of oil on them which is why they taste so good.  Joyce said she would pray that I will make them well for my husband when I get home, but I think it will take many, many prayers.

  Today we went back to Maasai Corner where Real4Christ has begun another new ministry.  Last year, worship services were held under a mango tree and now a new worship center and medical clinic are almost completed.  We shared a special time of worship today and last Sunday in the new center.  Flushing potties are almost complete at Maasai Corner also.  Another big YEA!!!  The ladies tried to teach Sabine and I to carry a bucket on our heads today without much luck, but the Kenyan ladies got lots of laughs from it.

  God has richly blessed Real4Christ ministries in both places.  Our team will be heading home tomorrow and it seems like we just got here.  We said good-bye to our friends at Mbewau and Maasai with heavy hearts and many tears.  I have been so blessed by knowing and working with the Hallmark team this year.  They are a very special group to me even though they are a little crazy (or a lot crazy) and  I am so thankful they allowed me to join them on this trip.  I only regret that Donald and Stacy were not able to come with us for they have been missed very much.  I also regret not getting Chris Moore back for wanting to fill my 4 days late luggage with trash and hide my clothes.  Thank goodness for Lisa!!!!


Medina Gribble

If you have been involved in mission giving you owe it to yourself to go.

6-24-12 Sunday, our 11th full day in Kenya. Today we arose early with plans to depart for a return trip to Maasai Corner Ministries on the south coast. We made good time getting to the ferry and crossing the river.  We were able to stop at the Tsunami Garden Cafe for a cup of chai and pastries.  Arriving at Maasai Corner we were able to witness all of the work that had taken place since last Sunday, June 17th.  New gates at the entrance, cross steeple on top of the church, handrails on the steps of the church and clinic and read stain on the plastered walls of the church and clinic.

Pastor Chondo preached his message from Genesis 15 and 17.  Two men stood and read the Holy Scriptures when requested, I was so blessed by the boldness of these brothers.  We were blessed in songs by children’s, teenager’s and adult choirs prior to the message. I didn’t understand the their language(swahili) but did get the message at invitation time.  Afterwards we all formed a line and greeted each other developing a line down the wall, across the room to the other wall until we connected with the first person that formed a circle.  Joining hands we had closing prayer.

Following that we spent time fellowshipping and saying our final good byes, picture taking and etc.  On our way back to Mombasa we stopped for lunch at one of Missionary Chris’ approved safe places to eat.  About 5:30 we stopped at Nakumatt(shopping center) for ice cream and shortly afterwards on to Neptune Beach resort(our residence while here in Mombasa).  Even though we sleep at a resort there hasn’t been to relax on or near the beach.  It’s been go-go daily.  We came to share the Good News, to share time with the children in the classrooms and playground and be a blessing to adult brothers and sisters. 

Let me say we have been so blessed to be born in America and enjoying its wealth. If you have been involved in mission giving you owe it to yourself to go see what God’s workers are doing in a distant land.  This is my third journey and I wish to thank each of you my brothers and sisters.  May God richly bless you!

In His Service,

Cliff Williamson

This trip has truly been amazing.

It’s amazing what the Holy Spirit can reveal to you when you allow it to take reign of your heart.  My prayer leading up to this trip was just that; to break down the walls around my heart and let God reveal himself to me in a new way.  This trip has been nothing short of amazing. The fellowship, laughter, traveling, serving, ministering, being ministered to, and so much more have been so fulfilling.  The biggest thing God has revealed to me here is Hope in Him.  In the US, we have so much to put our hope in to such as money, fame, status, materialism, etc.  Most people here around Mombasa are in a constant state of survival.  The only thing they have to put true hope in is Jesus Christ.  I’m ashamed that it took me coming half way across the world to see that.  As soon as I stepped onto Massai Corner, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit just tugging on my heart.  This is where I got to experience my first church service outside of the Americanized services I am used to attending.  From the beginning of the first praise and worship song, tears just began to fall down my face.  The only thing I could do was cry out to God to forgive me for not giving him the praise he deserves.  These people, my brothers and sisters in Christ, praise, sing and cry out to Jesus with their whole hearts.  I felt a supernatural unity with these people singing, praying, shouting, dancing, and crying out to our Lord and Savior.  That service was really a pivotal moment in this trip for me.  Chris Moore asked if we would like to baptize a few folks after service.  WOW!  I felt so unworthy to do this, but I jumped on the opportunity.  What a HUGE blessing to baptize my brothers and sisters in Christ for my first time deep in the heart of Kenya!!!!  I definitely miss my wife and two daughters back home, but before I left, Mabrey agreed to let me give the same love to the school children here as I give to her.  Before leaving, I asked Mabrey if I could give the African children a bunch of hugs.  She replied, “YES! And kisses too Dada!”  She is such a sweetheart like her Mommy!  The first hug I received from a child just melted my heart.  These beautiful children just love to hug you, rub your arms, look and laugh at the pictures you take of them, and just to simply show them love.  Something that will remain vivid in my mind and heart was something I experienced after playing soccer a couple of times with the boys.  I will never forget one in particular boy named Yehfro (I know I am misspelling his name but it is pronounced yeff-row).  He is a very shy boy, but a phenomenal soccer player.  We had tons of fun playing soccer together.  Every time he or I scored, he was the first to come give me a high five and a smile.  It was almost as he was seeking approval from me.  Little does he know that I was on the verge of tears just in amazement at what a blessing this was to me.  He wasn’t sure of my name, so he finally came up and asked me my name.  I told him and he repeated it; “Wheat-ney.”  As we were all packed on the bus ready to leave, the windows were cracked as all the kids were waving and shouting “Bye.”  I was looking forward and heard someone say “Wheat-ney.”  I looked down from my cracked window to see Yehfro standing with his hand reached out as far as he could to touch my hand one last time.  That moment in time was such a huge blessing to my heart.  Through these children I have witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of them and the staff. 

            The dental services we have been able to provide throughout this trip has been a huge learning experience, great success, and again a blessing to me.  We have been able to provide hygiene education and multiple extractions.  I have been so humbled at the serving hearts of my team who really have no dental experience.  Every single person has stepped up and helped in some way.  The kids and adults we treated were unbelievably well behaved and cooperative!!!  I was also impressed at the amount of kids that had healthy teeth and gums.  I KNOW this is because of the work Chris and Lisa have done to provide these children with nutrition and proper medical care.  The dental portion of the trip has really been icing on the cake compared to the other things we have been able to experience. 

            I could write another 20 pages about my experiences, and what else God has shown me so far through this trip, but I will just mention a couple more things.  I was sad that I would experience my birthday away from my family, but I received an unforgettable birthday today.  Having 200 school children from Kenya sing “Happy Birthday” to me was something that I will never forget.  I feel so unworthy of how much I have been blessed on this trip, but so grateful for what God has allowed me to experience here in Kenya with a handful of very special people.

            This trip was a spur of the moment thing for me, but I know things don’t happen by coincidence.  The bible tells us that all good things come from God.  I feel this trip has exposed me to certain things for certain reasons, prepared me for the team I will lead here next year, and placed people in my life that I have learned so much from.  I will leave Kenya with some specific burdens in my heart, focus on what really is important on this side of Heaven, and total amazement of what is outside of the little bubble in which I live.  I pray the Holy Spirit would guide each day of my life, and that I would follow.  The good thing is we still have 3 more days here!!!!! J

Whitney Gomez

Wow!  Where to begin… This trip has truly been amazing.  When I kissed my beautiful wife and 2 sons goodbye, I had no idea what I was getting into.  From the very beginning, God has kicked down the door to my heart and changed my outlook entirely.  What a privilege and an honor to travel to Mombasa, Kenya and to be so loved and accepted.  I had the misconception that I would be a great blessing to the people I encountered.  The exact and total opposite has happened.  From Massai Corner to Mbweau, I have been blown away by the compassion and sincerity pouring from the kids and staff.  These beautiful people have exposed me to the true meaning of selfless love, and unconditional compassion.  Both of these powerful ministries are true pieces of heaven.  Through the humble and serving lives of Chris and Lisa Moore, God has developed and organized a powerful ministry that is growing His Kingdom by leaps and bounds.   Though there is lots going on such as; dental clinics and education, baptism services and unified worship services, crafts and teacher enhancement sessions, fellowship and music, nursing clinics and soccer games, God truly shows his face when we love others like He has loved us.  A simple hug and an “I love you” lights up the faces of these amazing children.  Thank you Father for these children and how they have taught me volumes about your heart.

There are so many people behind the scenes who allow experiences like this to manifest, but quickly I want to thank some key people for making this trip possible.  I want to thank God for calling unworthy people like myself to the greatest work on the planet. I want to thank Whitney Gomez for bringing me along for the ride and making this a possibility, you are such a cool guy and great friend.  Big hugs and kisses go out to my perfect bride of 7 years and our 2 wild and crazy boys for letting me go and holding down the fort while I’m gone.  I’m grateful to Chris and Lisa Moore for their footwork which has made this trip a huge success.  David and Kim have been awesome leaders and for their organization and hearts I’m extremely thankful.  To the gang back home at Fellowship, thank you for doing what you do and for allowing the freedom to experience this trip.

In a nutshell, God is doing wonderful things in Kenya and to be allowed to see it and experience it brings me goosebumps.  This trip has opened my eyes to the need, shattered the veneer of Americanized religion from around my heart, and has given me a fresh and determined burden for those in need.  Yes there is a gigantic need of love, provision, and the truth about Jesus in this country. It is so refreshing and encouraging to see God work through organizations like Real4Christ ministries.  To see this kind of progress is a breath of fresh air.  God you never cease to amaze me. 

 In His Service,  Chris Hopper