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

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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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