My Friend JD arrived safely home from Africa this week and I had a chance to visit with him. Things are truly as bad as we see on TV. He told me that he could not believe the brutality of racism that breeds from hate and the sad part is it is hate from the same color. It is not the racism that we experience here in the states. The men of one tribe (Kikuyu) are told to abandon their wives of another tribe (Luhya). This was the situation that arose for George a pastor of the church we work with. I love this man's faith and I love his heart. He told the haters "I married a woman not a tribe!" go George! Another friend of ours (Diammus)is beginning a new work in another low impoverished area. One of the reasons for JD's visit was to help get this new work started. The person they were going to rent from was of the Kikuyu tribe and Diammus is Luhya. JD told me that the renter was requiring 6 months rent in advance for the place for the group to meet at. JD had the money ready to give the money to the man when he had a change of heart. The man opened up and let them know he was planning on taking the money for rent and go buy weapons and when they came to meet, he was going to kill them. I do know that God is still at work, but I ask that you still pray for the people of Kenya. They are talking peace now but the repercussions from what has already happened is still very much in play.
Just thoughts from a sinner on his way home,
peace, byron
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
My Friend!
There is a a lot going on in Kenya and a lot of the things that are happening that is an uncertainty for their future. My friend JD Ballinger is headed there this month (Feb) to check on a couple of churches and orphanages we work with. The main reason he is going is because of our concern for our brothers and sisters there, and because God is leading him to go. I am asking that you lift him up in your prayers and that you continue to pray for the people of Kenya. God has called us to be salt and light to this world and to focus first on the Kingdom of God. There are many spiritual battles that are taking place all around us and we have the calling to be the change agent for God. JD is very passionate about the Kingdom work he does around the world and should be an example to us all. He is making a difference here and abroad. Ask yourself this week have I made a difference even in the community I live in? I hope the answer is "Yes"
Just thoughts from a sinner on his way home,
Peace, byron
Just thoughts from a sinner on his way home,
Peace, byron
Monday, February 4, 2008
Information from Kenya, Please pray!
This is a letter from my mentor (Bob Roberts) blog site. It comes from a pastor that is in the middle of what is going on in Kenya. As you read this you will get a greater understand of the violence that is taking place in Kenya and why.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
As you read this letter please pray for our brothers and sisters to be strong in the spiritual battle they are facing!
“Hi. I had promised to write and let you know how you can help us in these difficult days. On Thursday last week, a number of pastor’s met asking – “What more can the men & women of God do in our present crisis? What more can the church do? After much discussion they agreed to do 5 important things within the next 1 – 3 month.
1. Mobilize the church to spiritually cleanse this nation. Before the election several politicians engaged the help of a well-known witchdoctor from Tanzania, to come and pray over the towns and provinces they were claiming victory over. The witchcraft was conducted in Kisumu, Eldoret, Nairobi and Mombasa – the very epi-centers of the violence we have experienced. What demonic influence did that act unleash upon this nation? How do we close the floodgate or portal that he opened up? And what of the floodgates that have been opened out by the bloodletting, the killing and the burning of churches?
Our politicians will broker for peace; the business community to restart business, but only the church can cleanse this nation spiritually. If we do not do so – people will turn back to the old ways, charms and witchcraft for spiritual protection against the evil that has been unleashed.
In preparation for the spiritual cleansing, Christians will be called to a concerted, unified time of fasting and prayer.
2. Mobilize churches to take in Internally Displaced People. Nakuru is full, and cholera is a real risk. Tigoni got 7,000 new IDP’s last week because of new threats to certain tribes. It is the same all around the country. We need to open up our church doors, and allow these houses of God to be ‘shelters’ in this hour of need. Let people associate the Church with mercy and help. If we play safe with our buildings, or do not want the inconvenience – God may well declare ‘Icabod’.
But what if a church is not an ideal set-up for IDP? Compared with where they are staying right now, almost all our churches are much better places. Karura Community Church shared their story. They are in a tent, with prefab Sunday School buildings, but they still took in 250 people. God has blessed them in amazing ways as a result.
1. A borehole has now been installed for them since they did not have enough water for the IDP’s.
2. Someone has erected a fence around their property to help define the grounds for the IDP’s.
3. They are not well known in Runda and had intended to reach out to the community and increase their visiobility this year; but because they took in the IDP’s, the Runda Welfare Association wrote to all the homes in Runda asking them to visit Karura and help the IDP’s. In one fell stroke they are now known in all the homes in Runda in very positive light.
4. The rural villages along Limuru/Banana road used to say Karura is for ‘rich folks’. But because they took in the IDP’s, many residents in the area have reviewed their perception of the church, and have been visiting to help.
5. KP&L also installed a 3-phase electrical connection to help them have more power.
We can all try and do more for the internally displaced people. Many do not even want to “stay” in a camp, they just want help to go home squared. Many others are pleading for a little help and capital to rent a room for 3 months, and to restart up their business ventures asap. What can each church do?
3. Use the Media to speak a message of hope to the nation. There are far too many negative stories in the paper, and not enough stories of Christians helping others; stories of grace, etc. We will use the media (even if it means purchasing space) to tell positive stories, give pastoral letters, mobilize the churches to act as one, etc. We shall also work to have a voice in the local community FM stations, especially in the rural areas.
4. Mobilize the church to Community Networking. one church told how, when pamphlets started going around threatening people of a certain community, how it had called together all the church leaders in the community and agreed they would not allow the community to be ruled by fear. So the leaders went out into the community and started encouraging people on the streets, meeting places, etc to reject division, embrace tolerance, and actively reach out to one another . . . and it worked. They then teamed up with the DO, Chief, etc and have instituted a community program to make people positively aware on what their community will stand for. We can network other churches and interested parties for peace.
5. Mobilize the church for a Caravan of Hope. The pastor’s agreed to mobilize 200 – 500 pastors from all over Kenya to conduct a Caravan of hope march from Mombasa to Nairobi to Nakuru to Eldoret to Kisumu, visiting all the hot-spots, conducting cleansing services, counseling the traumatized, bringing food and supplies and hope to the displaced, comforting the bereaved, healing the sick.
Because this is a statement by the church, on a national scale, hopefully ministering to the whole nation, the desire will be to mobilize as many pastors as possible, to dress in collars, and to minister together as a sign of unity, doing that which only the church can do. 500 ministers together would speak to this nation.
The caravan will take a week from Mombasa to Kisumu. This is not a physical march, but a caravan of vehicles. The caravan will mobilize the local pastors of these places, and as the church of Kenya, commission them to go after the cleansing, and cleanse other areas in their province, hence covering a much wider area.
We are also suggesting that the “Caravan of Hope” mobilize funds and rebuild the AOG church that was burnt down in the Rift Valley, plus build a memorial for the many who died there as they sought shelter in the house of God.
Secretariat - To make all this possible, it was suggested that a secretariat be set up with the sole purpose of mobilizing the church and planning logistics. The secretariat will be led by those pastors who are willingly give up their usual church work and focus on this single task alone (because they cannot ably fulfill their church responsibilities AND ALSO run the secretariat, without burning out).
The purpose of the secretariat will not be to highlight any particular church or denomination, but to mobilize the goodwill and participation of as many churches and ministers as possible, so we can act together as the church in Kenya. Once this work is done, the secretariat will disband. Work will begin immediately with those already available.
I will serve as a point person at the secretariat as my co-pastors have graciously freed me to mobilize others. Already 30 members of Chapel have also volunteered to serve full-time at the secretariat. Several computers and office equipment/desks have also been donated. We are presently looking for offices to set up this week.
Can I plead with you to be help us with this effort? Our biggest need will be funds to mobilize the whole church, and funds to care for and feed the displaced people we take in or minister to. We also need you to pray – mobilizing the church without falling into the battle of disunity & personal agenda’s will take the Lord . . . but we must try, and we must believe that the church of Christ can rise above that for the sake of the nation. Pls help if you can.
Sincerely,
Pastor Oscar Muriu
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
As you read this letter please pray for our brothers and sisters to be strong in the spiritual battle they are facing!
“Hi. I had promised to write and let you know how you can help us in these difficult days. On Thursday last week, a number of pastor’s met asking – “What more can the men & women of God do in our present crisis? What more can the church do? After much discussion they agreed to do 5 important things within the next 1 – 3 month.
1. Mobilize the church to spiritually cleanse this nation. Before the election several politicians engaged the help of a well-known witchdoctor from Tanzania, to come and pray over the towns and provinces they were claiming victory over. The witchcraft was conducted in Kisumu, Eldoret, Nairobi and Mombasa – the very epi-centers of the violence we have experienced. What demonic influence did that act unleash upon this nation? How do we close the floodgate or portal that he opened up? And what of the floodgates that have been opened out by the bloodletting, the killing and the burning of churches?
Our politicians will broker for peace; the business community to restart business, but only the church can cleanse this nation spiritually. If we do not do so – people will turn back to the old ways, charms and witchcraft for spiritual protection against the evil that has been unleashed.
In preparation for the spiritual cleansing, Christians will be called to a concerted, unified time of fasting and prayer.
2. Mobilize churches to take in Internally Displaced People. Nakuru is full, and cholera is a real risk. Tigoni got 7,000 new IDP’s last week because of new threats to certain tribes. It is the same all around the country. We need to open up our church doors, and allow these houses of God to be ‘shelters’ in this hour of need. Let people associate the Church with mercy and help. If we play safe with our buildings, or do not want the inconvenience – God may well declare ‘Icabod’.
But what if a church is not an ideal set-up for IDP? Compared with where they are staying right now, almost all our churches are much better places. Karura Community Church shared their story. They are in a tent, with prefab Sunday School buildings, but they still took in 250 people. God has blessed them in amazing ways as a result.
1. A borehole has now been installed for them since they did not have enough water for the IDP’s.
2. Someone has erected a fence around their property to help define the grounds for the IDP’s.
3. They are not well known in Runda and had intended to reach out to the community and increase their visiobility this year; but because they took in the IDP’s, the Runda Welfare Association wrote to all the homes in Runda asking them to visit Karura and help the IDP’s. In one fell stroke they are now known in all the homes in Runda in very positive light.
4. The rural villages along Limuru/Banana road used to say Karura is for ‘rich folks’. But because they took in the IDP’s, many residents in the area have reviewed their perception of the church, and have been visiting to help.
5. KP&L also installed a 3-phase electrical connection to help them have more power.
We can all try and do more for the internally displaced people. Many do not even want to “stay” in a camp, they just want help to go home squared. Many others are pleading for a little help and capital to rent a room for 3 months, and to restart up their business ventures asap. What can each church do?
3. Use the Media to speak a message of hope to the nation. There are far too many negative stories in the paper, and not enough stories of Christians helping others; stories of grace, etc. We will use the media (even if it means purchasing space) to tell positive stories, give pastoral letters, mobilize the churches to act as one, etc. We shall also work to have a voice in the local community FM stations, especially in the rural areas.
4. Mobilize the church to Community Networking. one church told how, when pamphlets started going around threatening people of a certain community, how it had called together all the church leaders in the community and agreed they would not allow the community to be ruled by fear. So the leaders went out into the community and started encouraging people on the streets, meeting places, etc to reject division, embrace tolerance, and actively reach out to one another . . . and it worked. They then teamed up with the DO, Chief, etc and have instituted a community program to make people positively aware on what their community will stand for. We can network other churches and interested parties for peace.
5. Mobilize the church for a Caravan of Hope. The pastor’s agreed to mobilize 200 – 500 pastors from all over Kenya to conduct a Caravan of hope march from Mombasa to Nairobi to Nakuru to Eldoret to Kisumu, visiting all the hot-spots, conducting cleansing services, counseling the traumatized, bringing food and supplies and hope to the displaced, comforting the bereaved, healing the sick.
Because this is a statement by the church, on a national scale, hopefully ministering to the whole nation, the desire will be to mobilize as many pastors as possible, to dress in collars, and to minister together as a sign of unity, doing that which only the church can do. 500 ministers together would speak to this nation.
The caravan will take a week from Mombasa to Kisumu. This is not a physical march, but a caravan of vehicles. The caravan will mobilize the local pastors of these places, and as the church of Kenya, commission them to go after the cleansing, and cleanse other areas in their province, hence covering a much wider area.
We are also suggesting that the “Caravan of Hope” mobilize funds and rebuild the AOG church that was burnt down in the Rift Valley, plus build a memorial for the many who died there as they sought shelter in the house of God.
Secretariat - To make all this possible, it was suggested that a secretariat be set up with the sole purpose of mobilizing the church and planning logistics. The secretariat will be led by those pastors who are willingly give up their usual church work and focus on this single task alone (because they cannot ably fulfill their church responsibilities AND ALSO run the secretariat, without burning out).
The purpose of the secretariat will not be to highlight any particular church or denomination, but to mobilize the goodwill and participation of as many churches and ministers as possible, so we can act together as the church in Kenya. Once this work is done, the secretariat will disband. Work will begin immediately with those already available.
I will serve as a point person at the secretariat as my co-pastors have graciously freed me to mobilize others. Already 30 members of Chapel have also volunteered to serve full-time at the secretariat. Several computers and office equipment/desks have also been donated. We are presently looking for offices to set up this week.
Can I plead with you to be help us with this effort? Our biggest need will be funds to mobilize the whole church, and funds to care for and feed the displaced people we take in or minister to. We also need you to pray – mobilizing the church without falling into the battle of disunity & personal agenda’s will take the Lord . . . but we must try, and we must believe that the church of Christ can rise above that for the sake of the nation. Pls help if you can.
Sincerely,
Pastor Oscar Muriu
Friday, February 1, 2008
When your race is finished!
My mother called me last night to let me know a family friend had finished his race. She said that while he laid in the hospital bed that he told his wife that he was seeing a beautiful light pointing toward the wall. She looked that way and said "I don't see any light." He said it is right there, point toward the wall, "It is the same light I saw 13 years ago" he said, that is when he trusted Christ. He then started singing Amazing Grace, and for the next few hours he continued singing Amazing Grace till he slipped from this life to the next. Each nurse that came in to check on him asked "Is he singing Amazing Grace?" A testimony as he passed away.
This morning while Cindy and I was getting ready and talking we looked at a blog that Dorothy Newman had sent us (http://www.cold-water-news.blogspot.com/). A close friend of hers daughter had finished her race last week at the age of 28. She was a strong Christan lady with a husband that has the character and attitude that can only come from a close and intimate walk with Jesus. Reading and hearing the words he spoke at her funeral reveals his close walk with God. As my friend that passed away their words, weather sung or spoken, are a true testimony to us all. This life is only temporary, but what is to come is eternal.
This has got me to really thinking about my own race and really having a strong desire to finish my race well. And the only way I can finish well is to be the example of the love that God demonstrated on the cross, agape love! Thinking of others more then I do myself, letting Jesus love those that are around me through me. Loving the unlovely! Opening my life up in such a way that when the voice of God is spoken to me, I act immediately. I don't know if you have given this much thought, but as I walk through this life I see sooooooo many people that are living for this time and moment and I think they are really missing what is most important, "Life" Because their so wrapped up in this life they are missing true life.
My prayer this morning as I begin my day is God share your Love to someone through me today. God make Hope Community Church the church that always reaches out to the unlovely and to the down and out and keeps loving people our main focus. God walk with me so that I may truly experience life!
That is my prayer for you as well!
Just thoughts from a sinner on his way home,
peace, byron
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