First Day of JOY

Teachers and board members with our team!

It was smooth sailing from JFK to London, London to Nairobi. Thank the LORD! Easy peasy flowing through immigration, customs, and  baggage retrieval. No lost luggage was a miracle. Ten bags arrived safely - all our donations in tact. Thank the LORD! A quick scenic ride in the dark to Grace House proved to be a sweet traveling relief to these weary travelers. We woke up ready to greet Pastor Geoffrey & Jane,  the Lunga Lunga slums and see the children. However, it was impossible to actually prepare our hearts for the encounter we had with these sweet children! All we had to offer was a tender smile, a friendly embrace, and the presence of being. Conversely, they sang beautifully for us. They danced rhythmically for us. They befriended us. SO INTENSELY HUMBLING to meet them.

Josh: hand in hand

As Melanie served the morning porridge, we found our concept of joyful contentment challenged. We saw deep contentment in the Wells of Joy students as they energetically engaged and reached out for our hands, our hair, and our attention. Ultimately, they grabbed our hearts. Such an emotional experience is difficult to describe adequately using words. Since a picture is worth a thousand words....we will let them tell a small part of our story.

Matt was nearly overcome with emotions as children welcomed him. On the ride over he carefully and thoughtfully considered how he would interact with the little ones. Amazingly, he lived in the moment instead, drinking in all their  sweet Swahili chatter and enthusiasm. Language was no barrier to their hearts connecting. 

Look  a bit closer at  this photo. See how she holds Matt's hand and the cultural miles between them disappears while friendship is born!

Can you see the happiness on their faces? If you didn't know they were in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya would you be able to spy out their contentment? Impactful day of JOY!

Phillippians 4:11-12

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Hearts full of HOPE, Wells full of JOY....Going (back) to Africa

Does this foreign landscape look familiar to you? Does its god-given beauty stir your heart? Does the background of snowy Mt. Kenya's peak and the iconic acacia tree in the foreground beckon you? My heart joyfully answers each question with a resounding, "Yes! Yes! And yes!" Today we return to Africa.

For many months Josh and I have prepared for this day. In January, we initially presenting the idea of taking a team to Kenya on a mission trip to our New England pastor and his wife, Landon and Cristy Reesor of Encounter Church in Darien, CT. Not quite sure of how they would respond to our inquiry - after all, our family was brand new to this congregation; strangers from Texas - Josh and I held our breath for a few seconds in anticipation like a hopeful suitor awaiting an answer to his proposal of marriage. THEY SAID 'YES'! And from there this trip began. It was birthed in hope, pursued in love, and supported with great joy. Three new souls responded to the call to Kenya and today Fiona, Melania, and Matt join Josh and I as we leave New England bound for Nairobi. Since January, these three have gathered regularly with our family to bond as a team, preparing our hearts spiritually for this journey. Our three musketeers have submitted to many vaccinations, written support letters, and gathered donations of school supplies, clothing, vitamins, diapers, etc. over recent months. Excitedly, we have packed 10 checked bags loaded down with all those donations. All of us have promoted the "Concert for Kenya" fundraiser (graciously provided by the band Counted) and sold countless Wells of Joy t-shirts. For each of them and the families they leave behind, this will be their first mission trip to Africa. Likewise, leaving our three sons behind for the first time feels hard and heavy this morning even though Josh and I have prepared for this day.

With mixed emotions our team of 5 will hug and kiss our loved ones, those who have supported us, and those who have prayed for and over us. With mixed emotions our team of 5 will board a plane and travel 14 hours, touching three continents. With mixed emotions our team of 5 will share the gospel of Christ with the poor, the orphan, and the hurting of Kenya. With hearts full of HOPE and wells full of JOY, we are going (back) to Africa!

Brooke Fraser summed it up.

 

These words shine brightly on the walls of Wells of Joy Church, which doubles as Brilliant Sharpening School in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. They are profound. They hit my heart like huge boulders, creating sinkholes of emotion as they hold me captive. This very building is a standing testimony to God's goodness to the poorest of the poor in Kenya. It towers over all the neighboring buildings, offering hope and being a "city on a hill", a becon of light in a very dark place.

 

At Brillant Sharpening Community School, tuition is ten cents per month for families that can afford it. Children are dropped off each morning at 6AM so their parents can look for work. Many come unfed or underfed. The children are picked up 12-13 hours later. During the day, the teachers care for the children, educate them, and keep them safe. All children are welcome - even the babies whose moms wrap cords around their bellies to ward off evil spirits. The "baby room" had 20 kiddos sitting in and laying in plastic picnic chairs.

 

Pastor Geoffrey has faithfully served this empoverished community for 5 years. He has sacrificed his own life AND months with his own family, for the sake of the gospel going out in order to bring hope to this destitute area.  He has entered into their suffering and want. We had a taste of that want, though it is less than it was last June when Charelle visited. Our team had a small glimpse of their daily life's suffering. And then, we got to rejoice in the LORD our God for the mighty things He had done for His church. We got to rejoice in His miraculous provision for His children. As we toured the building that God built, as Ryan and John served the children morning chai, and Katie and Jessica served them their lunch, we were humbled. We marveled at the beauty and pure joy we heard and saw in these little, round faces. The 178 children - 50% more than last year - swarmed Marri, Catherine, Emily and Will Mendonza. Then, they rolled out the red carpet and the children sang and danced for our pleasure. Delightful sounds and sights to behold.

 

 

 

 

RED, LONG, BEAUTIFUL HAIR BEGS TO BE TOUCHED!

 

 

 

 

 

 A GLIMPSE of SNACK TIME!

 

 

 

 

 

^{Matthew 25:34} “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

 

 

 

 Geniune Love!

The Raybucks and Pastor Geoffrey

 

 

The Raybuck Team with Pastor Geoffrey in the slums.

 

 

 

Carry you with me.....

 

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Isaiah 52:7

Sunday afternoon gathering of the saints and seekers in Maai Mahiu was our second church service. Sunday morning our team led worship for the Naomi’s Village children and staff but that afternoon we visited Rift Valley Fellowship – a new church planted by Isaac and Esther K. with the support of The Village Church. During the service we sang and prayed in both Swahili and English. The sermon was also delivered in both tongues for the benefit of all in the audience. It was an inspiring gathering because none were turned away. No shoes, No shirt, No problem! All were welcomed no matter your social status or lack thereof, no matter your ethnic tribe, no matter your gender or age. It reminded us, in real terms, of how Revelation 7:9-10 records a heavenly worship scene. The many ministries of RVF include “Women of Courage”, “Street Boys” and “Y.E.S.” which keeps kids in school so they avoid entering the unhealthy lifestyles represented by Women of Courage and the Street Boys.
 

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

Revelation 5:9-10

 

The Lost Street Boys.

In the streets of Maai Mahiu, population of nearly 1,000, according to Elisha our driver, there are boys who are 11-19 yrs. old and are commonly known as “street boys”. They are young boys who are either orphaned or living with relatives who are unable to send them to school. With nothing to do during the day, no money and no hope of a future, the lost boys spend their time idol, under-utilized and trying to survive. Many of them, out of desperation and direction, take on the job of connecting potential customers to the town’s 600 prostitutes. Each day they go without food, and for some, a place to call home. Sleeping on the streets without shelter is not uncommon for them most nights. Over time, as this lifestyle takes the youth out of them, they start to look to drinking and get into all sorts of trouble. Drunk driving and crime is the next step to life – and death - on the streets. Two youth were killed in drunk-driving accidents just last week. With no education, no jobs available, no parents to guide them, and what seems like no way out, this life is inevitable for most. Many of the churches around do not welcome them as they are seen as outsiders and sinners.

 

Riff Valley Fellowship (RVF) has become a beacon of light to these lost boys. The church welcomes in and seeks out these street boys. As our team worshipped with the saints and seekers, we were able to see the makings of a room where these outcasts, who have nowhere to sleep, will now have a bed. We met an 18 year old in the church that goes out to the streets and starts street dancing as a way to start talking to the street boys.  Pastor Isaac and the people of Riff Valley Fellowship have a heart to show these boys the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “For the son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 Through RVF the Lord is seeking out and pursuing these lost boys.

 

 “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the LORD, because they have called you an outcast….for whom no one cares.” Jeremiah 30:17

Women of Courage.

About 15 former Maai Mahui prostitutes, currently living with HIV, gathered to testify to God’s goodness in their lives currently. Such sweet sisterly community, loving one another and bearing one another’s burdens as we all lifted up prayers to God in English and Swahili. What an emotional setting to hear such groans and cries for God’s provision and help drip from these women’s hearts and lips. Praising God for healing from weeks of being sick with pneumonia in both lungs, Esther challenged all of us with a short word from Genesis 4:9 “Then the LORD said to Cain, ‘Where is Able your brother?’” Presenting us with the same question…..where is your sister? Now that the women of our team have seen and know – the cares of these women of courage; the cares of our neighbors back home; the cares of members of our community - what will we do about it? Marri closed the gathering in prayer and with words of encouragement. The Holy Spirit spoke to the hearts in the crowd through her letting them know we will not forget them, for we are traveling through the same narrow gate. This gate leads to a way that is hard  and often times difficult but there is life at the end. (Matthew 7:14)

 

Nearly half the W.O.C. brought their handmade wares for our team to consider. Many of us felt moved to support these sisters by buying their beautiful handbags. What a sweet way to carry these women with us back home.

When we leave we will miss....

The beauty of the sky, clouds and bright sun mixed with Mt. Longonot.  Cool evenings at 50 degrees and cool days at 78 degrees - if that, make for spectacular weather that has aided in the enjoyment of this trip!

The utter beauty of this backyard and the peace & quiet that can be found there. Knowing that just through those two wooden doors a hot meal awaits all who walk through them.

The front yard's full view is a site to behold! From it you can enjoy your morning chai as the birds chirp and a mild breeze whisks through...or watch the children play basketball.... or see visitors approaching down the private dirt road...all behind the safe gates.

A sign of hope, of love, of laughter and of faith!

 

Our home-away-from-home! Our nightly retreat area to regroup, recap, pray and worship in. Our gathering place.

Our eat-in kitchen area....A table large enough to hold all 11 of us comfortably at breakfast time simultaneously! All the ladies want a table this size in their homes. Today, it served as a wrapping station and held 40 packages given to the 40 older children as gifts from their sponsors. It was Christmas in July!

Maai Mahiu......home to NV, Rift Valley Fellowship church (RVF), CTC (Comfort the Children), the IDP Camp currently called Vumillia  (by its elders) aka Mwangaza (by its youth) and the Trans-African highway that runs through it. Can you believe we visited them all?

The bumpy road that leads from the highway to Naomi's Village is super fun to travel down via a taxi motorcycle called a Piki. LOVDED riding with this " motorcycle gang" from Texas.

A village where hope is rising, faith in Jesus is increasing; where real community is happening while amazing Perseverance (Vumillia) and bright Light (Mwangaza) co-exist.

A very strong, humble, godly man - an elder in Vumillia/Mwangza - Joseph, who allows us into his home which Habitat for Humanity built. Grateful to know him, his story and his love for the word & God.

 

 

A wonderful IDP Camp tour guide, historian, story-teller and comedian! Joseph!!

 

Grandma Jen! That 88 year old lady of Vumillia Village has the strongest grip and handshake I've ever experienced. A man! What a wonderful smile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND LAST but not LEAST.........

 

 

 

When we leave we will miss the little smiles, tears, hands, feet, faces and personalities of all the children who captured our hearts at Naomi's Village.