“The Kenya we Want”

Today a conference  opened in Nairobi,  Kenya.   A delegation from Kenya’s elite,  diplomats who interact with the Kenyan government and representatives of business  interests are meeting together for the purpose of vision casting with a goal of moving forward into an ambitious plan of economic and social reform.  The theme for the conference is “The Kenya we Want”. 

Media televised the morning proceedings, opening speeches and local entertainment to launch the conference.  This effort got me thinking — What is the church we want, then — what is the Church God wants?  I came to a sobering conclusion that too often we are in need of vision casting to move forward into a plan of spiritual and personal reform!  A month ago God spoke to me in a very clear and profound way — “I don’t know how, but there is power when I am on my knees” and that the way forward is God’s way and that we need to be praying that hearts to be transformed by the Holy Spirit and that lives reflect this heart transformation in their everyday situations.    I know from the reports coming back from  the Burundi General Conference that God is working in his leaders and in his people.  Let us consider the church that God wants — one empowered by the Holy Spirit, a church characterized by love and unity and one that desires more than anything that souls come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and an ever-growing relationship with Him.   A church whose priorities include  bringing people to Christ and providing the means by which all people will develop and grow in their personal and practical faith.  A church under the guidance and direction of spirit-filled leaders who are motivated by a love for Jesus and and a desire that their lives and his church exemply His character.  This is my prayer for Kenya.

Enlisting Prayer Warriors

This time last year I was sending e-mails concerning the political crisis and violence that struck Kenya at the end of 2007. After many attempts at bringing the country to a peaceful resolution, finally the (now) president and the leader of the (then) supposed opposition agreed to meet and a coalition government was put in place. Not all the issues that brought the country to chaos have been resolved but the government continues to hammer out a new constitution and make some efforts to keep peace.

I would like to put out another request for prayer.
The Kenyan church is, I believe, fighting a spiritual war. Last Friday I had my 2nd car accident in 6 weeks — Just before Annual Conference on Nov. 24 I was hit by a matatu (mini-van taxi). I was not injured. The driver sped away, however, a policeman (along with many others) witnessed the accident and the policeman followed (in a taxi) and found the matatu driver and brought him back to the police station where I now sat waiting. (the accident happened in front of the police station). The owner was called and agreed to pay all the damages.
The 2nd accident happened this past Friday. This time my car was hit by a lorry whose driver had decided that he wanted to be where I was. My car was side-swiped and the driver left me. My car is now at the garage for repair and I am working with the insurance company to get it fixed. Again I was not hurt.

So this brings me to the wonderful time that I had with the Lord on Sunday. I was not able to get to church on Sunday because of my “crippled” car. I decided to listen to the music on my ipod and almost the first song that came on was “On my Knees” by Nicole C. Mullen — It struck me like never before and I listened to it several times and allowed the words to sink in. One line is particularly compelling, “I don’t know how, but there’s power — when I’m on my knees”.
Then the Lord drew my attention to a conversation that I had had with a pastor just the week before about the need for transformed Christian lives in his church. Two days before the accident I had received an e-mail about a man ( a journalist) who had grown up in Malawi and had recently made a return trip to Malawi. He is a proclaimed atheist but as he worked with an aid organization digging wells in Malawi he made a profound observation — “As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God … I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.” (from timesonline.co.uk/matthew parris).

I have been concerned lately for the lack of purpose and desire to work together in the ministry of the Lord. Being a Christian seems to have become “institutionalized” — and being a leader in the church is cherished for the position itself, not as a responsibility to move the church ahead, but as an opportunity to exert authority over others and by assumption, to attain whatever benefit there might be, imagined or otherwise. In this I see that we are fighting a spiritual battle.
So, I was yet again struck by the idea of transformation and the Lord made 2 things clear to me 1) there is power when I am on my knees 2) there must be transformation in the hearts and lives of Kenyan Christians (not to mention myself).

I have set for myself to be the missionary described in the article by Matthew Parris that speaks forth a gospel that transforms and I want not only to proclaim this message but to live it. I have yet to learn what all this means, but I am willing and ready.
The Lord also made it clear to me that an army of prayer warriors needs to be raised up to pray that the church be transformed and mobilized to meet the challenge of God’s purpose for it here in Kenya.

I would like to have you join this army of prayer warriors and to enlist others to pray for the transformation of hearts and lives in the Kenya Free Methodist Church. I think it would be encouraging to know just how many will participate. I ask that these prayer warriors pray 15 minutes every day until mid-March (I don’t have a date yet) when the FMCK will be restructuring into 2 Annual conferences and a Provisional General Conference.

Feel free to contact me at dhogeboom@yahoo.com to enlist yourself as a prayer warrior or to ask questions.

And thanks so much.
Debbie

Springs of Hope College

The name for the proposed Bible College to be located at the property (Leberio) near Eldoret, Kenya was approved at the Kenya Annual Conference held at the end of November.  Springs of Hope College will be affiliated with Hope Africa University in Burundi.  SoH College will service Kenyans in training for church ministry at the certificate and diploma levels.  Students who do not qualify for diploma  will be able to complete a certificate level through the modular program which will be redesigned from a 2-week 3 times a year program to a 3-week  – 2 times a year program over a period of 5 years.  This new design will allow for more “meat”.   Also,  students who qualify will be able to enter the 3 year diploma program in an upgrade as they prepare for ministry in the church and community.    As well students having attained at least a high school leaving certificate students will be eligible for direct entry into the  dipoma program.  Studetns who  complete the diploma program and who qualify may attend Hope Africa University in Burundi to earn a bachelor’s degree. 

The name “Springs of Hope College” is derived fromthe many springs on the property and the “mother school”, Hope Africa University in Burundi.  Bringing hope for the future. 

We are looking  for interested persons and churches who will partner with us.

Digging Rocks

A team of 10 men and 2 women came to Eldoret to dig rocks at the Bible School property — well, not quite — the women carried water from the river and prepared chai (tea) and lunch for the men.  There are LOTS of ROCKS which are being broken into gravel by hand to provide balast when it is time to dig the foundation for the buildings.  This helps to cut the cost.  Realizing that the Kenyans would not have the resources to build the school complex but wanting them to take ownership, 2 Kenyan initiatives were put in place so that the Kenyans have an integral role in  developing the property — and they have been eager to do so.  Kenyans are participating in Kenyan workteams and Buy a Brick for the Bible School.  As one pastor said, “we may not have financial resources but we have the ability to work and the time.  Praise God!

Last weekend a Saturday kid’s club was started with 7 children in attendance and on Sunday we had an “old grandmother” – Gogo.  She left after the service eager to report to her neighbours about the new church in the community and to invite them for next Sunday.

SETTLING IN

One week ago I arrived in Nairobi and today I travelled to Eldoret.  It is good to be “back home”, yet there is much to do to get back into the swing of things.   Tomorrow I have to get new tires on my car and then finish unpacking and getting my house in order.   Yesterday I got set up with Internet capability so it is good to be able to get back in touch.  Check out the prayer request page for updated requests.

Plans to Return to Kenya

Encouraging the Samburu church

I have confirmed my flight for September 30 and am now making preparations to be on that flight.  I have had a busy 6 months and look forward to the opportunities that present themselves in Kenya.  I know it will be a busy time as Annual Conference will be at the end of November.  I have had a great time visiting churches throughout Ontario and would have liked to have gone further but time would not permit this time.  Thank you to all the churches where I had opportunity to share what God is doing in Kenya.  Thank you to those who I have not had the opportunity to visist but who continue to be faithful in prayer and financial support.  Thank you for your prayers while home and when I was in Kenya and as I return.  I invite you to continue your partnership with me.  The development of Bible School property in Eldoret is the ”big project” that is on the burner and your support for this has already been shown and I trust will continue as we move ahead.  God has great plans for the training of men and women in Kenya at Living Waters Training Centre (named for the natural springs on the property).

At the first opportunity I hope to visit our Samburu churches.  I will keep you posted so that you will be able to pray as we visit these Christians in a difficult remote area.  There are 3 churches with about 20 people each in an area that is unreached.

The day after …

Yesterday I had the surgery on my right eye.  I was utterly exhausted after I got back home so after a light supper, went to bed.  Today I am “more myself” and am already reveling at how much I am able to see out of the operative eye.  The surgeon said that the surgery went well in spite of a little difficulty getting the cataract to “break up”.  Pray for continued healing.  I am planning to drive to Peterborough on Sunday.

Modular Bible School

This month the Kenya Free Methodist Modular Bible School will resume. The April session was cancelled due to the post-election violence that rocked the country in January and the uncertainly of security for students and staff.  The modular sessions, under the direction of Neddy Dingili , meet for 2 weeks each in school break months (April, August & December).  It had been hoped that this session would have been at the new property in Eldoret, but facilities were not yet adequate.  We hope to be able to report that in December, our first session was held there.

Currently, the Bible School is the main means of training pastors and church leaders.  Plans are being made to upgrade the modular system into a certificate program that would lengthen the sessions and extend the number of years required.  In addition, a 3 year diploma programme will be introduced with students who qualify being able to attend a 4th year to earn their degree at Hope Africa University in Burundi.  The facilities at the Eldoret property will serve a number of purposes.

Cataract Surgery Update

A date for cataract surgery has been set for August 19.  There are a number of pre-surgery appointments beginning today with a visit to my family doctor, and tomorrow, to have my eyes measured at the hospital for the lenses that will be implanted.  I need to report to the hospital the day of the surgery at 7a.m so am trying to work out the best way to be in downtown Toronto at that time.    The nurse receptionist assured me that I would be able to return to Kenya on September 30.  Praise the Lord that only one change needed to be made to my ticket.  Thank you for continued encouragement from many who have already had this surgery and continue to pray for the working out of necessary travel logistics.

Cathy’s Wedding

 

On Saturday, July 12 my youngest sister was married to Rob Armstrong.  Kira (Cathy’s daughter) who was the flower girl, was a sweetheart in her dress and knew how to draw “just enough attention” and Tracy, my niece who was the maid of honour was beautiful.  Cathy was stunning. 

sisters & sisters-in-law of the bride

The members of the Hogeboom family are emotional by nature and it didn’t help when Dad had a ”hard time giving the bride away”.  That started us all crying — many were the tears of joy!!  It was really a big family celebration from start to finish, even during the picture taking since we have so few opportuties for us all to be together.

Rob did a great job picking the menu for the reception dinner.  Craig brought humour as he told some “interesting stories” and Marilyn’s rendition of “For all the Rob’s I’ve Known Before” brought laughter and helped us to appreciate the Rob that Cathy has found to be her life partner.  Kira welcomed Rob into the family as her “new dad” while, Linda, Rob’s sister spoke for the Armstrong family in welcoming Cathy to the family. 

 When it came time for the tossing of the bouquet, my brother Paul attempted to stand behind me so that if he caught the bouquet, it would by default go to me — alas the bouquet went to the other side of the group of future bride hopefuls — my brother insists that the whole affair was rigged. 

When we came out of the reception hall, it was pouring rain — Rain on the wedding day is a sign of blessing.  May it be so!  Congratulations Rob and Cate Armstrong.