fellowship north speaks

a place to talk about what's going on at FN

September 14, 2010 • 6:09 pm 6

Michael and Sandy – and Kenya

In just a few days, Michael and Sandy Boultinghouse will be headed back to Migori, Kenya to work at Kenya Relief’s orphanage, farm, and clinic for a 6-month stint. They lived there for a year in 2008. We thought we’d catch up with them before they leave to find out what’s on their hearts and minds. Here’s what they had to say.

When do you leave, and how long will you stay?

Michael: We’ll be leaving Thursday, September 23, and returning in mid-March, which is about 6 months.

What do you plan to do while you’re there?

Michael: There is always much to do there. I will be working with several of the farm projects such as the dairy, apiary (beekeeping), and agricultural expansion (with the added land that Kenya Relief bought last year). We currently grow corn, cassava (for porridge), pineapples, bananas, watermelons, rice and napier grass (for the dairy cows). I also oversee the construction projects when I am there. We hope to finish building the wall around the orphanage this trip. The District Children’s Officer has requested an updated one be built for the orphanage. We’ll also oversee the money from KR sponsors and supporters in how it is used and accounted for.

Sandy: I will be working on the start of a school for KR children and other needy children in the community. I retired after 35 years of teaching; the passion I have for education is still much alive and so I will be involved with this endeavor, as well as working closely with the social worker on many aspects of children’s affairs. Lately I have also sensed a need to encourage the Kenyan staff working for Kenya Relief at the orphanage, farm and clinic. There have been many changes in the last year that impacted the staff and knowing most of them personally, I feel Michael and I can be used to bring consistency and support.

What brought you to the decision of going back to Migori?

Sandy: The decision to go back was confirmed by God’s provision through our friends and church family to help us financially make the trip happen. We have never lost the love for the Kenyan people and we want to be proactive in acting this out. I read a great quote the other day from a dear friend:

God does not always call the qualified, but HE will qualify the called.

What are you most looking forward to?

Michael: I look forward to seeing our Kenyan family: the children and staff, and our friends in the community. One of my favorite things is the Thursday morning staff devotional. It is not my nature to enjoy devotionals with other people. I prefer private times of devotion, but they just wander in over a 30-minute period and when enough of them are there, someone just starts singing. It is pure worship. The songs are simple and moving. Then, whoever is in charge asks for anyone to share a burden or a thanksgiving. The next part is when someone (they all rotate every week) shares a scripture and what God is saying through it. We have Pentecostals, Baptists, Seventh Day Adventists, Catholics, Roho (a mixture of Christianity and early African practice) and every time it is always a good message. There is a time at the end to discuss what is going on with the children and then we pray.

Sandy: I look forward to the simplicity of what makes the people and children happy.

What is the hardest thing about living there?

Sandy: Aside from missing my children and their spouses, the hardest thing for me is discerning whether people love you for yourself or for what you can “do” for them. It is also difficult for me to be without apples. I have eaten one everyday since coming back in 2009 — they don’t have apples locally.

Michael: There is nothing really hard that comes to mind. It is a matter of tradeoffs. We don’t get the strawberries and peaches that are so great here, but the little sweeeet bananas, fresh pineapples and mangoes there are so good that you don’t miss the things you only get here. It is the same with our friends and family. Nothing can replace what we have here, but God has added new ones to our life over there that fill our hearts.

How do you think your experiences in Kenya so far have impacted your life?

Michael: When the children have eaten all of their food at a meal and they want more, they come back and say “addition” or “can you add me”. God has given me “addition” that I never expected and I am beginning to get a better sense of what He can do to us (that’s how a Kenyan would phrase it).

Sandy: It definitely has broadened my relationship with our Lord. Taking me out of my comfort zone has caused me to have faith and dependence on God in such a way that I would have never known otherwise.

How can we be a help to you while you’re there?

Michael: It sounds simple but we could really feel your prayers the first two trips over there – and emails are the second thing that blesses us.

Sandy: It may sound redundant, but your prayers sustained us through some very difficult times before and they will be our source of help again, so we ask for you not to forget us.

If you had to sum up your thoughts about Migori in one word, what would it be?

Sandy: Reality.

Michael: Second home (that might be two words).

On a light note, what’s your favorite Kenyan food?

Sandy: sweet baby bananas.

Michael: aloru, which is a very small quail that they trap in the cornfields.

Least favorite?

Michael: goat intestines (chittlins).

Sandy: ugali (a mushy cornbread) Uuukkkk!

Have you adopted any customs/habits/traditions from the people in Migori?

Michael: I sure hope so!

Sandy: Oh, by all means. If you know me you know that submissiveness does not come naturally for me, but I have learned to lean on Michael so much more; I think he is very wise. We are learning the language and I surely hope I am learning to be happy and content with very little.

Very soon, you will be able to sign up for an email list to receive updates from Michael and Sandy – and you will also be able to encourage them with emails in return. Watch this space for more information!

Related: Kenya Relief recently sent a thank you to Fellowship North for all the work that has taken place in Migori. You can view their kind words here.

Filed under: Kenya Relief, missions, Kenya, Kenya Relief, Michael Boultinghouse, Migori, Sandy Boultinghouse

July 8, 2010 • 11:21 am 0

new notes from Kenya

We’ve gotten some more emails from the team; here’s what Matt Miller had to say:

Hi once again,

Today was hands-down the best day yet. I hope to briefly convey to you the miracles we witnessed with my completely inadequate words. Today we were visiting a few schools out in the “bush,” and so though we were preparing to see some of the worst conditions, we saw a clear picture of progress and hope in many of the schools and we were encouraged so much. We saw schools without resources of any kind. Classrooms were not much more than hot dirt rooms filled with too many children with minimal means to be instructed. When we arrived at these schools the children ran to great us, running and cheering alongside the vans. The teachers literally ran out to greet us. They were more genuine than even the best schools we had seen in days prior. It was amazing to see these teachers welcome us into their schools, and they were so honest about the successes and their failures. They did not try to hide their poor conditions. Most also had a clear set of goals and methods to achieve improvement in the school. In addition, there were parents of children that served on a sort of PTO that came to greet us. The efforts at the schools we visited were so immense with such little resources. The sacrifices these people made for the improvement of their children was sensational. The teachers and children all hung on our every word as we shared encouragement and advice. They welcomed us with dancing and gifts, without any expectation of gifts in return. It is humbling to see these people go out of their way and give of their limited resources just to welcome our mere presence. One teacher had remarked that his school hardly had any curriculum books and that in future years they were hoping to be helped in acquiring these resources. It was truly an honor when the team gave each of these schools a curriculum set (grades 1-8) to assist the teachers in their instruction. In this way, I hope this day was a miracle for them. The principle of one of the schools had to try her hardest to keep her composure. She had no expectation of anything else from us; she said, “the words have been taken from me.” I could see the happiness in her eyes, and I think she was envisioning a better future for the children she cared for.

On the fun side of things, the dancing was fun to watch and at the second school we visited a Green Mamba snake interrupted the proceedings as end caused a momentary panic. A few of us danced with the kids…and while it was fun, I really hope it doesn’t make it on You Tube. Another couple fun facts are that we met a child named Barack Obama and some of the children said I look like President Obama…it made me laugh….they are too funny sometimes. This is getting long so I will leave you with this and write more tomorrow. We want you to know that we all appreciate the prayers and support.

In God’s Service, Matt

And Diane Heffington, one of the team leaders, had this to share:

As we visit each school we are going to encourage our students and encourage the administration and teachers. We are also presenting them with teacher editions for their school as a help in teaching their students. We are also taking teacher bags for the teachers with teaching supplies. The greatest joy the last few days has been seeing the teacher’s eyes light up with gratefulness when we presented them with these gifts. And it is because of you, your prayer and donations that we are able to represent you and provide these wonderful aids for them. Thank you. Each day God is providing abundantly more than we could ask or imagine. Everyone is doing well physically, mentally and spiritually.

We love and miss you all, Diane

Filed under: Kenya Relief, missions, Diane Heffington, Matt Miller

July 6, 2010 • 1:56 pm 0

news from Kenya (and a few pics)

When I got to work this morning I noticed a new post on Jessica Soule’s blog and I wanted to point you toward it if you haven’t read her entries yet. She begins:

asante sana is a little swahili i’ve picked up since i’ve been here. it means thank you very much. i feel like that’s all i can really say. God has shown himself to me in so many ways since i have been here. saying thank you to Him in swahili reminds me that he is the God of ALL people. He is here with me, He is here with these children, and He loves them in ways that i could never even imagine. even when i feel like there is no way that anyone could ever love them more than i do now.

I think you’ll enjoy reading the rest of her post here. Also, there was an email in my inbox with some pictures from Pastor Fred; thought you’d like to see them. The first two are of the team having dinner, and the third shows them in front of the new church building in Migori. Bricks for the walls are in stacks behind them covered with grass.

I’m sure this team will have many tales to tell once they return on the 12th. We’ll get to hear some of those at our next New Community service on July 21; put it on your calendar now!

Sarabeth

Filed under: Kenya Relief, missions, Jessica Soule, Migori, Pastor Fred, Swahili

July 5, 2010 • 5:30 pm 0

Kenya update – some statistics

Another email from our Kenya team – this time from team member Matt Miller:

Hello again,

Today was a super amazing day…here are some numbers:

Schools visited: 7
Children Visited: 1287
Smiling Children: 1287 (of course)
Kenya Style handshakes: 638
Hugs: 821
High 5s: 483
Pictures Taken: over 2000 (we are ridiculous)
Dodgeball games played: 31
Hop scotch: 2 (I’m not good)
Kids pushed on swing: 31

Tired Team Members: EVERYONE!

Of course these numbers are exact
As you can see…the day was amazing!!

Goodnight and God bless
matt

Filed under: Kenya Relief, missions, Matt Miller

July 4, 2010 • 3:38 pm 0

Kenya update – July 4

We received a couple of emails today from our team currently serving in Kenya, here they are:

from Gail Richard: Woke up at the sound of a rooster crowing, then took turns with the bathroom, ate breakfast, and rushed to church to lead the children with songs. The children were then divided into groups according to their ages. Our team divided up into smaller groups to teach the children. The preschoolers were taught the parable of the Lost Sheep and the elementary children were taught the parable of the Lost coin. The parable of the Lost son was taught to the high school students. The children were a joy to teach and loved the parables. The teams had a great time teaching.

Womens’ fellowship followed and Jeannie Williams shared; all were blessed. There was a program and church followed. The Kenyans worship passionately without restraint. all hands are raised and there is dancing as they worship with their whole being.

from Matt Miller: Today was a very special day here at the orphanage. Our team was very graciously invited to the church worship service. it was truly empowering to see the passion in which all the boys and girls sang and danced. It was hands down one of the most touching experiences of my life and I’m sure there are more of those to come. For the afternoon we had time to spend playing the the children here. I would tell you my favorite part, but everything was so great. It is amazing how engaging and loving the children are. They swarm you all the time just looking for love, and a new friend….it’s great.

We built them a new rope swing from a tree which turned out to be a hit (I’ll send pictures tomorrow). We also got to play soccer and Frisbee….and one of my favorite things was climbing in the fort and reading a book with a boy named Job. The evening ended perfectly when a few of the girls gathered under a gazebo and started singing songs. As they continued to sing more boys and girls joined in and they kept singing song after song without stopping. They were carefree and were truly having fun with everyone. They also love taking pictures (and I don’t mean just being in the pictures…I mean taking our cameras and being the photographers).

The orphanage is truly a haven for these children to be protected from the harsh conditions that face most of the community, Kenya, and this world. You can feel God’s presence here and I feel ever so blessed to be His servant.

__________________________

Also, a couple of team members are blogging about their experiences – Jessica Soule is writing at Jambo from Jessica, and Andrew Calaway at My World. Check in and see what they have to say!

Filed under: Kenya Relief, missions, Andrew Calaway, Gail Richard, Jessica Soule, Kenya, Matt Miller, Migori

March 12, 2010 • 1:02 pm 0

This weekend @ Fellowship North

This Sunday Pastor Fred Otieno will be here from Migori, Kenya. Don’t miss this chance to hear him share the Word with us. We’ll be singing these songs together:

Oh give thanks

Freedom [Eddie James]

Trading my sorrows [Israel & New Breed]

Your grace is enough [Darwin Hobbs]

You are God alone [Marcus Cole]

Filed under: Kenya Relief, sunday mornings

January 18, 2010 • 5:24 pm 0

Craig in Kenya

One of our pastors, Craig Loibner, is in Migori, Kenya. This email was received on Sunday. He will be returning to Arkansas at the end of this week.

Yesterday was a full day. Since it was Saturday, all the children were out of school and hanging around the compound. It also was a good day to visit widows since they were more likely to be home with their children. We went by both Pamela’s house and Florence’s house. They are two widows that are new to our widow’s program. We were able to cut Felicia and Consolada loose after giving them two years support. They are now able to make their own way since they have been able to repair their homes with our help. We are hoping it only takes one year for Pamela and Florence to become self-sufficient so we can use that money to help other families. There is no shortage of need.

After that, Fred and I went all around learning about many different situations. I saw Maurine’s place of business. Maurine has about 10 other women that she employs and they take the fish carcasses from the local canning company and have developed a cottage industry. They render some of the fish remains into oil and prepare some of the remains for local consumption. There are about a hundred large scavenger birds that hang around hoping to get in on the action. From there we visited Romanus’ extended family who have homes on the company grounds. Romanus is a gifted preacher that FN helped go to seminary. He has recently graduated and is doing wonderful work. We then drove several miles to get to an outdoor crusade where Gordon was preaching. Fred wanted me to hear Gordon because he aspires to go to seminary someday and Fred wanted me to have a chance to access his potential. We are currently supporting Robert and John by paying their seminary school fees but they will be through at the time Gordon is ready to begin. I already knew Gordon from his help in the clinic. He served as Julie’s translator and they became good friends. Julie, in fact, had recommended Gordon to Pastor Fred as someone with leadership potential for the Lord two years ago.

Did I mention that Fred had secured a small motorcycle for me to ride so that we could be the “easy rider” pastors for the day?

Last night as Fred was reminding me that I had told him I would preach this morning, I told him that I was ready and I felt like I had a word from the Lord for his church. Fred told me to “just be Craig” as I preached this morning. My style is a bit different from these Pentecostal preachers and Fred might have thought I might see the need to bump it up a notch. I appreciated that he wanted me to just be who God had made me.

We met in the new worship space this morning and we had quite a service. There were at least 5 different choirs and we had been meeting for an hour and 45 minutes before I finally got the microphone. No one seemed to be in any hurry. It was a privilege to teach and I felt like it went good, but it is hard to tell. Then we all went to Fred’s house for a lunch and a meet and greet. John, Robert, Romanus, Gordon and their wives were all there. Fred and Maurine and Fred’s mother and some teachers and children for a brief program. It was a great opportunity for all these old friends to meet Cary and Robin Nail and their two children, Josh (16) and Katy (14). I have spent a lot of time with the Nails and I am very encouraged with how competent they all seem in every way. I think there are good things in store for Kenya Relief.

I finally got over to Irine’s this afternoon. I have seen her many times but have not seen her children. So I got to see Faith and Diane and Beatrice and Samuel and Craig. (The two older children were away.) It was fun to see how much all the children have grown and to have a brief time with them.

Tomorrow, Michael and Sandy and I are leaving early in the morning to drive the three hours to the Masaai Mara. I will spend one night at a lodge before catching a small plane to Nairobi. Michael and Sandy will stay one more night before returning to Migori for their final three weeks. A brief time away will help the Nails see what things they still need to learn. The three of us are looking forward to being on our own for a brief time. It is amazing how much their responsibilities involve seeing and helping someone hundreds of times every day. We seldom are able to complete conversations. They will miss Michael and Sandy here. It is a privilege for me to see them at work. The Nails have gotten a good look at the challenges that are in front of them, but they are also responsible and spiritually mature people and I believe their children will also be an asset here. But they will need our prayer support.

Hope things went well in church today at FN. I’ll be back in church next Sunday, God willing. I have surely missed it. When I am away, God reminds me of how blessed I am to be in such a church.

Together in Christ,

Craig

Filed under: Craig Loibner, Kenya Relief, missions

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