Dear Faithful Friends and Ministry Partners,
We want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for praying for us, and making it possible for us to go to Kenya this past December 2009. You may not realize just how powerful prayer is, but as we moved from country to country, and place to place, we felt the impact of your prayers; as funds were used in every place, we realized your obedience and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit of God to give, to meet the necessity of the saints in Kenya. They all greet you with great love and admiration.
Our friend and brother in the Lord, Audie Martin, one of the Directors of Word & Spirit Ministry Center, accompanied us. He and his wife Karen were in Israel in November, so he wasn’t sure he would be going to Kenya, but just before we embarked on the journey, arrangements were made for him to go.
Through prayer, divine appointments and connections, we were able to see, hear and encounter things like never before; advancing to the next level of anointing, by the Spirit of God.
We departed the U.S. on Monday, December 7, and arrived in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday December 8, 2009. We were welcomed by a host of people. Bishop Franklin Ragwa, his wife Edith, children Nancy, and Tony; Pastor Steve Muriithi, his wife Rose, Pastor Carol and her husband Pastor Peter, Pastor Eric Kaburia, his wife Lillian, & Bishop Joseph Methu.
Before going to Kenya, we were informed that we would be staying in a very nice hotel. In the past we have stayed with the people, but they felt this would be an honor for us, and truly, it was.
Once there, we learned that where we would stay was on the other side of the City, quite a distance from Bishop Franklin, and Pastor Steve, in a place called New Lavington, near the Westland’s. It was a very secure place called CHAK Guest House and Conference Center. CHAK= Christian Health Association of Kenya.
The Guest House officially opened in April, 2009, so it is quite new. The prices were very affordable, with continental breakfast included in the room rates. Never have we had continental breakfast like this before. We had a self serve full course meal. Chefs Richard and Julius were very kind to us, as were all of the staff.
On Wednesday, the day after our arrival, Bishop Franklin insisted we rest, though we went to the exchange bureau to cash our American money into Kenya Shillings. The rates were around 74 to our dollar. So to exchange $100 equaled 7400 ksh, more or less, depending on which bureau had the best rates.
That evening, Larry stayed at the guest house to rest, while Edith, Janet and Audie went to Pastor Peter & Carol Munderu’s church, Word Explosion, which was another direction from where we were staying. It is between East Leigh and Mathare slums. East Leigh is a Muslim dominated neighborhood while Mathare is the second largest slum in Nairobi. We were placed in the hands of a driver, Ben, who would be taking us where we would go, as Bishop Franklin was organizing events for the weekend in Meru district.
We had a wonderful time at Word Explosion and were warmly received by all. There were three ladies from Tanzania who were worshippers, through song and dance, that were quite powerful. The lead Worshipper is Ann Annie, who trains others in this style of worship that brings deliverance and breaks off bondages.
Little did we know, until we were leaving the church that evening that the Matatu’s, (vans for public transport) had gone on strike that day, to defy the police, who they say are harassing them for bribes. When we got out on the street, we encountered the worst traffic jam ever!! People were walking, many great distances; busses were pushing their way through the traffic, cars were more than bumper to bumper, running close beside us, almost into our doors, and every angle imaginable. Others who were trying to cross at intersections were coming at us from every direction and those going the opposite direction would be right in front of us. We were praying, and believed our partners were interceding on our behalf. At one point, we looked over to see cars backing up, going in the same direction as we were. It took us two hours to get out of the jam, but Ben handled the car well.
Once we arrived back at the guest house, Bishop Frank was waiting for us. He said we would be going to a church, Rehoboth Evangel Tabernacle Church, with Pastor Cyrus Mugendi, on Thursday, and all of us were expected to speak.
The next morning, we left CHAK around 11:30. We went to see Bishop Franklin’s sister Emmy, at her place of business. She took us to her new house, to see her children, and bless them. From there we went to the church, where services were in full progress and the facility was packed. At the conclusion of Worship, Ann Annie and her team led the congregation in one last number, which charged the people with expectancy to receive. Preaching was not hard there, or any other place in Kenya. After we all ministered, the whole multitude was fed; what a blessing! It amazes us how a big pot of rice, another pot of chicken or goat broth, potatoes and other vegetables combined can feed than many people, and they receive it with gladness.
Friday, we launched for Chuka Town, now three hours from Nairobi, though the roads have improved, for the weekend festivities. On the way out of Nairobi, we first passed through the City Center, where we always encountered long traffic jams. It was 4:00 before we actually left the city, so we arrived in Chuka after dark. There were three cars of us, one transported folks from South Africa. We arrived at Christ for Kenya Center first, to greet the people, then to the Hotel. We got settled in our rooms and then to the dining hall where a huge dinner was prepared. We loved the pineapple, watermelon and fresh juice.
Saturday morning, Breakfast would be served between 8:30-9:30. By 11:30, we all loaded in cars and headed for Franklin’s home place, but not before stopping at the market in Chuka. The women from South Africa were scheduled to speak at Pole Pole Church, in Chogoria, in the afternoon, so one of them stayed behind to pray and prepare. We were to come for her later. Needless to say, it was 4:00 in the afternoon before we arrived to pick her up, the very time she was to speak, though the other ladies were taken there to begin the service. From that meeting, we went to CFK for the next service, which began at 6:00 p.m. though we arrived at 7:00. NO HURRY IN AFRICA!!
By the time we arrived back at the hotel, all the Bishops who would be presiding over the consecration service were coming in. Everyone gathered in the dining hall for another big meal, and an overview of Sunday’s program before retiring for the night. It was very late when we called it a day.
Sunday, after breakfast, we departed for CFK, arriving before the designated time of 10:00, though we were a little late getting started. Christ for Kenya soon became packed, with many distinguished guests and the youth standing in the rear of the church.
The Ordination service was pomp and ceremonial. All of the Pastors, visiting pastors, Apostles, Elders, and Bishops lined up outside under a tent, and marched in singing “Oh when the saints go marching in”. Each one was seated in the appropriate place, and the service began. It lasted for 5 hours total, with lengthy messages as well as brief ones. Though the Word of God teaches about the Consecration and Ordaining Bishops, there was much to learn; and discern. God had us walking in places we’ve never walked before, witnessing things we’ve not seen before. When Franklin and Edith were prayed for, a flask of anointing oil was poured upon each of them. A greater responsibility and authority had been placed upon them. As each piece of the garment was put upon Franklin, explanation was given as to its significance, though not in the hearing of the congregation, but to Franklin alone. After the charge was given, Franklin & Edith were presented before the people, and Franklin gave his acceptance speech.
Once the ceremony was over, there was a big dinner on the grounds, feeding the multitudes.
While there, we met the Pastors of the 18 churches planted, and made many divine connections, from Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda and who knows where, but it is God who gives the increase; He is multiplying!!
Pastor Steve Muriithi took Audie, Janet and Larry back to the Hotel a little early, and we were able to rest a while. In the evening, Bishop Franklin knocked on our door, announcing dinner was ready; and we fellowshipped until very late in the evening.
Monday morning before breakfast, we were out taking pictures of the area we were staying. The only camera we had quit working so we weren’t able to take pictures for the rest of the journey.
After breakfast, we went to Pole (Poley) Pole (Poley) in Chogoria, for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Health Clinic there; Healing House and Pole Pole Church launched the clinic in 2008. Word and Spirit Ministry Center, Audie and Karen Martin purchased at least 6 microscopes, and other medical supplies, through the help of a local doctor, in the past two years, and sent them over.
Pole Pole was celebrating the One Year Anniversary of the clinic, and the opening of the new facility for people to come. Audie was in charge of the ribbon cutting, where many gathered. Once inside, introduction and presentation by the new Staff was made, and three young men prayed to receive Jesus into their hearts, to God be the Glory!
After that event, we were taken to an upper room, where a large display of food was prepared. (Potluck style). Cakes were presented and cut, in celebration of the anniversary and the opening of the new clinic. After the meal, each of us (Larry, Janet, Audie) were called to come forth, one at a time, to receive gifts, in appreciation for hosting the Kenyan Brethren when they come to the U.S. It was such an honor and a blessing.
We left Chogoria much later than expected, with Franklin accompanying us this time. He drove for a while, but was quite exhausted, so Ben took over driving. We had a few close calls on the way back, at Embu, where we thought we were going to be in the back end of a large truck, but the Angels of the Lord were encamped round about us. From there, Franklin resumed driving, until we reached Nairobi in the evening. We stopped along the way at the Del Monte Pineapple plantation where Audie bought several fresh pineapples for us all.
When we left for Chuka, we were able to keep some of our belongings at CHAK, and we returned there for the evening. Everyone was happy to have us back, and prepared a good, light dinner. (our choice was chips (French fries) and a coke.
Franklin said we would leave for Tanzania Tuesday afternoon, that it was a six hour drive. Audie was not up for the trip, and as discussed previously, had decided he would not be going, but would stay at another guest house near Franklin’s and be with Pastor Steve Muriithi while we were away. Pastor Carol had already made arrangements for us to come to her church on Tuesday, and pass through the slums just across the street from their church, and visit her home and children, who were home on holiday. We were concerned that we had not spent any time with Pastor Steve, Rose and their family so far.
We really weren’t looking forward to a six hour trip one way on Tuesday, six hours back on Wednesday, and at least 25 hours flight time on Thursday, so we prayed. At 4:00 a.m. the Lord awakened us, and we were all praying the will of the Lord be done, though we had packed everything according to plans for Tanzania, and then to board the plane.
When Franklin arrived on Tuesday, he told us we would not be going to Pastor Carol’s church because we would need to leave early for Tanzania, so as not be traveling after dark. We told him we didn’t have to go, and that we knew he was tired, but he insisted we go; we were to open a new VAEM, Inc. office there. We packed our things into the car, bid our friends of the guest house goodbye, and then sat down in the lobby to wait for someone to join us. Bishop Franklin called Pastor Carol and told her we wouldn’t be coming. She told him he must come, that he was disorganizing her. While we were waiting, Audie told Franklin, I am not going to Tanzania, and these folks don’t want to tell you, but they don’t want to go either. Franklin quietly asked, “Is this a consensus?” We ended up saying yes and again that we knew he was exhausted. At that point, he said, “well, if this is a consensus, it sure takes a load off of my shoulders; I am exhausted, and couldn’t find another driver to go with me, so we will not go. We thanked the Lord for His divine intervention, and at that point, asked the desk clerk if we could stay, have our same rooms back, to which she agreed. We hurriedly got our luggage from the car, took them to our rooms, and went to Pastor Carol’s church. She had been waiting since early morning for us.
She took us across the very busy street to Mathare Slums. As we walked down the rock filled, dirt trail, into the heart of the slums, she showed us the area where they have very powerful open air crusades, with many people turning out for them. We were on one level, but farther below, on another level was, as Pastor Carol described it, “the worst part of the slums.” We couldn’t imagine it being worse than what we were seeing. We took a turn down where families live in shanty houses, not as big as most of our closets, with the children sitting out front greeting us with, “how are you, how are you”. Soon several children began following along, taking hold of Blair’s fingers, then the others with us. We did well going down hill, but coming back up was not easy, all of our senses were stirred, with the breeze stirring, not to mention the wave of emotion that hit at the same time, though we had to contain it. As we came back near the entrance to the slums, Franklin said he wanted us to see where these people get their water. Just below the street was a big sewer pipe, with kids standing in muddy water, swirling all around their feet. Children had all kinds of dirty containers. One little boy had a water hose in his hand, filling all the containers he could fill. We stepped up to the street, and walked along, looking down at them filling the containers. We then crossed the busy street back to the church. Once inside Pastor Carol’s office a great wave of emotion gave way.
Shortly after, we were escorted into the service, where we all ministered. Afterward, we were presented gifts, to honor us, again for hosting the men and women of God from Kenya. It was a time of great refreshing! After the service at Pastor Carol’s we were taken to Pastor Steve Muriithi’s church, to greet the people there.
Wednesday, we were able to rest for a bit at the guest house, until Pastor Steve Muriithi came for us. We were able to spend the day with him, going for lunch, a very little bit of shopping, then visiting his home and family. We attended church that evening, Audie ministered, and we visited with old friends afterward in the office.
Thursday, the day of our flight home in the evening, Franklin and Pastor Carol came for us in time to check out of the guest house. There were errands to run; we went downtown Nairobi, to visit Acacia Safaris, Limited, who is in charge of organizing the 10 Day Holy Land Tour, beginning in Cairo, Egypt in March 2010. Afterward, Pastor Carol treated us to Kenyan Pizza, which was very good, and then we had ice cream to top it off. We went to Bishop Franklin’s home to visit before taking Audie to the airport for his earlier flight. Once at the airport, he encountered a problem, since he was routed through Nigeria, then to Atlanta. We didn’t know he would be required a visa if he was in transit. We couldn’t obtain one on short notice, as the Embassy was already closed. Finally, he was able to change his ticket, which was quite costly, but we would all be on the same flight as far as Amsterdam. From there, he was to fly a different route home.
The rest of the afternoon was not the most relaxing, but we dared not get caught in traffic, so we stopped at a convenient store, had a soda at an outside table, and visited with our friends while we waited for time to return to the airport. Regretfully, we didn’t get to visit Pastor Peter & Carol’s home and meet their children, but Pastor Carol stayed with us the whole day.
Our time in Kenya was a short, busy, but pleasant trip. It was a time of releasing, healing, refreshing, renewal. It seemed strange being there in December, during the Christmas Season. This is their summer, with temperatures range from 70 – 100 degrees; very few people decorate for Christmas, though they were buying what they could for their families. Since 2007/08 post election violence, many things have changed. The current President is in his second and last term, so improvements are taking place everywhere, though some of the work is still a bit primitive, but not as in times past when we’ve gone. The landscape is cleaner, as environmentalists have stepped in to organize the cleanup of litter that was once all over. There is major road construction taking place, which really is quite impressive, since Kenya has no by-passes, but is likened to some of our big cities in America. Also because of the past violence, many cars were destroyed, so there are many more new vehicles, which add to greater traffic jams in every place. With newer vehicles, comes higher interest rates for loans, with interest rates at 16% and higher. With all of this in mind, in many places, there is seemingly renewed hope, strong will and determination. Kenya is rising up!
The churches that have been planted and/or built are packed; we were able to see the fruit of our labor, “our” meaning you who are ministry partners, prayer and financial supporters. You are the support, the pillars that hold up the work that is going forth. The foundation was laid, Bishop Franklin forged ahead, doing what he calls “the donkey work”, though he has faced much opposition, criticism, and misunderstanding, as with all of us, he has learned much; God’s grace and mercy have overshadowed him and His favor is upon him. He and others have diligently plowed the fields, broken up the fallow ground, sowed seed that is bringing forth much fruit that will remain.
Let’s remember to pray for and bless one another. We thank each of you from the very depth of our hearts.
May God bless you everyone, in Jesus Mighty, Precious Name!!
Sincerely,
Larry & Janet Blair
Vision Africa Evangel Ministries, Inc.
