Pavan (not pictured) was a student back in 2000 when DOVE’s school, in his village, was meeting under a tree. Today the school comprises 3 well-built classrooms, an office, kitchen, and colorful playground. “He remembers the things we taught him 12 years ago. He remembers that we took him to a barber when his parents could not afford it. He has been thinking about this decision very seriously. This is a genuine conversion,” our missionary narrated. By that time I was in tears. Converting from Islam never comes easy. But after years of selfless, sacrificial service in this ‘dry’ land, this moment apparently made it all worthwhile.

I contrasted this with my own experience this Saturday. I met Florence at 4:03 p.m. just outside our church compound. By 4:15, she was praying to ask Jesus into her heart. She was receptive from the moment we started our conversation, and thrilled after getting saved. In appreciation, she freely shared mangoes with us that she was supposed to be selling.

Sometimes the rewards take a long time in coming. Other times, they are almost immediate. But seeds that are planted in love and watered with prayer WILL grow. It is a law of nature. It is a law of the Kingdom. Whether it is 12 years of hard sowing or 12 minutes of free-flowing conversation, the angels rejoice all the same. And so do we!

What seeds are you watering with prayer today? What harvest are you waiting for? Whatever it is, be encouraged that your labor is not in vain. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

~ Diane

*name has been changed

Giving relief food in northeastern Kenya. It is not enough -- but helps (?)

Poverty. Injustice. Contrasts and contradictions. These are a painful part of everyday life here. Sometimes, you slide into a complacent lull. Then something happens that brings the horror of it all back into focus. That was my experience on Tuesday morning. During my usual 3-mile walk around our neighborhood, I noticed that it was garbage collection day. There were trash bags at almost every gate. But there was something more.

Children and women from a low income area nearby were also carrying bags. They had ravaged through the trash in search of food, used clothes, shoes, books, strings, old electrical equipment – just anything. Some of their finds could be used and others could be fixed and resold. This got me thinking.

How could the neighborhood like the one I live in reach out to low- income residents? Must they be left to search in the trash? Can we provide employment? Help in some other way?

The next day, Diane and I were invited to a scholarship award ceremony where President Kibaki was the chief guest.  This was a partnership between Equity Bank, MasterCard Foundation, US-AID and other major donors. The 2,140 very needy scholars were receiving awards that would cater for their costs through high school and university: a 6-billion-shilling project.

Listening to the stories of hardship and suffering brought many of us, including the President of Kenya, to tears. When a boy who had lived on the streets for 6 years narrated his story, almost everyone in the packed gymnasium was crying. A young girl from a nomadic tribe described escaping from 7 forced marriage attempts in order to stay in primary school. Now she was fully sponsored — her search for hope in life had been realized.

It is encouraging that this year, over 70% of Kenya’s students who completed primary school will be able to go on to high school, up from around 40% just a few years ago. Education is seen as the only hope for many – the answer to a vicious cycle of poverty and despair. But is education all it will take? I don’t think so.

After the ceremony, a select 150-or-so ‘special guests’, including Diane and I, went for lunch ‘with the President’ at an exclusive hotel. The food was extravagant and delicious . . . but could there have been another way to celebrate? Contrasts and contradictions. The cost of that lunch alone could probably have sponsored at least 10 more desperate students through high school.  Why did we have to go and “eat” what could have been a life-changing opportunity for even that number of children? Yes, 2,140 sponsorships were great. But the needs are still astronomical. What can possibly get us out of this extreme poverty?

Are we directly responsible for the suffering of others? How do we respond when many believe that they lack precisely because I have in abundance. Or more bluntly, in the words of our oldest son, when “You and I are using a cell phone today because a child in the Congo has been underground in a mine for hours or days at a time. There is a direct correlation.”

 “What does God require of you, o man? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

How would Christ want us to respond? Please help me search and pray.

~ Ibrahim

• Wondering whether the team that traveled ‘aaaaall this way’ will actually be able to get into the refugee camp as they wish;
• Worrying about Debbi navigating her summer plans all alone;
• Trying to figure out where money will come from to pay bills;
• Fretting that there’s no way we will finish the current meeting and still be on time for the next.

Last Saturday was particularly not good. We were having a DOVE leader’s retreat here at our guest house. Short on staff, the day’s schedule packed, the car not starting. . . it is usually the little things. The “straw” that snapped my anxiety string was realizing at 11 a.m. that I had forgotten to buy the beef needed for lunch. I just started to cry.

Now that I’m over 50 (smile) I find myself forgetting things much more often. So I try to analyze. For example: “WHY did I forget to buy beef? Ooh, I was concentrating on the meeting.” Or, “WHY did I forget my phone? Oooh, I was thinking about my shopping list.” In other words, one thought replaced the other. There’s only room for so much in my active brain function at any one time.

Similarly, Apostle Paul doesn’t stop at telling the Philippians not to be anxious. He continues: “But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God.” Prayer, then, becomes the real solution for beating anxiety. Staying occupied with “But in everything by prayer and supplication” is the very thing that will drive anxiety away. There will be no room for it in my mind or heart.

What are you anxious about today? Every time the worries come, switch gears to prayer. Focus on the “But…” God will handle things much better than you or I ever could!

~ Diane

Apart from reveling in the majesty of the mighty ocean that day, I realized afresh that the irritating ‘white-people-always-have-a-lot-of-money’ mentality is an attitude that Kenyans have come by quite fairly. Consider that the largest industry in Kenya is tourism. Largest industry. In other words, Kenya is defined by and dependent on wazungu (white people) who come with money! It is basic to the economic and cultural fiber of this nation.

Back in Nairobi, at a rather upscale coffee shop, I couldn’t help but notice that probably 90% of the diners were wazungu. It is a scenario that is repeated over and over.

I continually feel frustrated when, because of being white, I am viewed as rich. It is draining to be bombarded with needs – that you are expected to meet – just because you are a mzungu. It is embarrassing when teams that come for missions are inevitably met with request after request for financial help. Dependency is debilitating. Dependence on the “white” West is a mindset we are trying to break.

But all I am saying in this little speel is that I really should not blame Kenyans for this mode of thinking. It is not without reason. Based on most of the evidence, and on the facts of global inequality / injustice, it is a very fair assumption. In our struggle to overcome this ungodly thinking pattern, we probably need to extend more grace. That is, “in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding” (Eph 1:8).

Grace to you!

~ Diane

“This is a very young nation. We need to develop,” said the Provincial Commissioner of Morobo County. “We invite you to set up an agricultural college and a church in any place that is suitable to you.”

Definitely Southern Sudan is experiencing a new dawn. As we toured some of Sudan’s virgin and fertile land last week, the elders made a proposal. “We are ready to give you 1,000 acres,” they offered. “You can do any project you want to. All we ask is that you give local people jobs in your project. We also are in need of a school or home for the war orphans, a health center and fresh drinking water.”

A Morobo businessman-cum-driver-cum-interpreter who went everywhere with us summed it up: “We need a clear understanding of Christianity. We need to learn how to forgive.” This husband of two, whose first wife had attended an inner healing seminar taught by DOVE Nairobi members, went on to ask, “But must a man really have only one wife?”

Southern Sudan will indeed be our next frontier in 2012 and beyond. The challenges are many but so are the opportunities for sharing the gospel among people who are just beginning to recover from the trauma and losses of over 20 years of war. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring healing and lay a foundation of godliness and sustainable development in newborn nation. I, for one, do not want to miss it!

~ Ibrahim

This armor is not intended to be put on and paraded in a fashion show. It is intended for using in action.  And I noticed today a word in the mix that is often overlooked: readiness. (In the NIV translation, the subject noun in verse 15 is ‘readiness’; ‘the gospel of peace’ is a modifier). God expects us to be ready to move – ready to obey – ready to ‘fight the good fight’ – on a daily basis.

The opposite of readiness could be reluctance. We see what needs to be done, but procrastinate and delay. We hear God’s instructions, but are still waiting for more clarity or for the perfect timing. Sometimes that is valid – but sometimes it is just our own un-readiness taking the upper hand.

We probably have all had experience with people who sound good and look good, but are very hard to move. That is not readiness.

I want to BE READY for whatever God asks of me this year! Ready? Set? Let’s GO!

~ Diane

Zechariah had a vision about the exiled children of Israel who had been waiting 70 years for God to do something on their behalf besides being angry and withholding mercy. In that turmoil, “the Lord spoke kind and comforting words”. The promise was that God would return with mercy, rebuild, bring prosperity, choose, and comfort his people (Zech 1:12-17)

I don’t know about your 2011, but ours started off with Michael in prison (civil disobedience; see “Getting Started”) and proceeded with threats to health (“Twelve Needles”), apparent setbacks in ministry, a crippling drought in the Horn of Africa (“Fighting Famine”), crazy inflation, financial pressure, sending Debbi off to college (“When Least Expected”). . . all quite challenging. But it has also been a good year. God has blessed us in so many ways, not least of them bringing Michael to Kenya for Christmas, and many more. On this last day of 2011, the promises of God for restoration are resonating in my heart. That is very comforting.

I believe that many things will turn around in 2012. I believe that churches will grow, finances will be more than enough, and we will walk in good health. Though tired of waiting, I’m deeply comforted by the faithful promises of our loving heavenly Father.

This comfort is not complacency. It’s not about having a life full of modern-day conveniences. It is the comfort of knowing that all things are possible with God, that His timing is perfect, and that waiting is part of His plan for us – His plan to strengthen, refine and renew.

May you hear the voice of God’s comfort and know the restoration – the renewal of youth and strength called for by Isaiah – that waiting on God brings.

WE BOTH WISH YOU MANY BLESSINGS IN 2012!

~ Diane

“Where are you?” I asked from the other end of the line.

“At the airport. We are starting to board,” she replied.

“And why didn’t you tell me about this?” I queried.

“It’s just something I have to do. My children need to go to school.” But her voice was wavering.

I was too shocked to say more, so I gave the phone to Ibrahim. He was almost shouting: “Your children need you here. You won’t be able to talk to them, even on the phone. You will not see the money they are promising you. You will be a slave.”

Dorcas was convinced. She exited the boarding area, retrieved her luggage (with the miraculous intervention of an airline agent), and brought a bus to our house.

“I have heard the stories. I know I was going to work as a slave. But I still believed they would pay me,” she reported later. “I want to be sure my children go to school. I didn’t see any other options for their future.”

Dorcas had not come to this point of desperation easily. Her husband passed away in 2005, leaving her with 5 children, including Emmanuel* who was severely disabled. Jealousies in her in-law’s polygamous home and traditional tribal customs meant that she was totally on her own. Over the next several years, the family moved from one house to another – each subsequent move representing a step down the socio-economic ladder. Her children, who had known a middle-class lifestyle, found themselves living in the Kibera slums.

Despite the challenges, Dorcas’ faith was very strong. Her life focus was caring for Emmanuel, and because of his condition, she was able to source financial assistance for his upkeep and medical expenses. When Emmanuel passed away in 2009, all the assistance to the family stopped abruptly. Dorcas had concluded that the only way to see her children through school was to sell herself as a slave. She had convinced her oldest daughter to take over the role of mother as she would be out of the country for at least two years.

Now, after exiting from that fateful flight, Dorcas showed us a copy of her ‘contract’ for domestic work in this Middle-Eastern nation. The ‘letterhead’ had neither an address nor phone number. She had surrendered her identification documents, including birth certificate, to this incognito ‘company’ already. Another friend of ours, Jane*, met with her to narrate how she, too, had been lured into a similar contract several years before. She told about the 20-hour-a-day working conditions, the abuse, repeated rape, lack of communication with family, her doubts about every getting back to Kenya again, and her miraculous escape.

We praise God that Dorcas is now safe and united with her children. But the challenges that drove her to this drastic step are still very real. As a family, we are committed to helping her find a job and make sure that her children get their needed education (tuition of approximately $1,200 next year). If you wish to help, you can earmark donations as “Captives Free” at www.springsofafrica.com

The battle against modern-day slavery www.stopthetraffick.com is one that we fight one life at a time. As we celebrate Christmas, I am reminded that Jesus came to bring peace on earth, to set captives free, and to provide life in abundance.

May we be His channels for peace, freedom and abundance for the world into which He came!

Peace and joy to you this Christmas!

~ Diane

*All names have been changed.

Each needle removes a tiny piece of tissue that will eventually be examined for cancer. Since you are awake and fully alert, you take in the shots one by one as pain runs up your spine and through every nerve. After the full count of 12, you go to the bathroom and realize how much blood is coming out. I really think there should be an easier and less painful way to determine whether or not there is cancer in one’s prostate!

Well, I thank God that when I went for the results two weeks later, the verdict was: “Good news; no trace of cancer!” Honestly, I didn’t know how to respond because I was still reliving the needle-gun experience that almost landed me in the ER. I must admit, however, that I am so thankful to God for protecting me from what could have been a very serious operation. And certainly we are VERY thankful for the “no cancer” diagnosis.

Ephesians 5:20 exhorts: “In everything give thanks.” I guess the walk of faith does not necessarily mean things will be easy. Heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:36-38 apparently had experiences much more trying and painful than my “twelve needles.”

So, YES, I thank Him – for each one!

~ Ibrahim

Watermelon on a tree? It's 'jack fruit' in Western Uganda. Very delicious!

The last few days have been highly stressful – even depressing. It is all too easy for ‘cup-half-empty’ people (like me) to see negatives in almost every situation.

Also in the last few days, many friends have sent out messages about being thankful. It is Thanksgiving, after all. I agreed with whatever I was reading, but still felt the strain of struggle rather than the victory that comes with a thankful heart.

Then I noticed one particular line in Steve Propkopchak’s blog Thankful : “Thankfulness is less stressful.” That caught my attention. “I definitely need less stress,” I thought.

Many times, gratitude is actually a discipline. So this morning I disciplined myself to use my entire prayer time for thanksgiving. No cries of “God, Help! God, see this problem. God, do something about this situation.” Only giving thanks.

You know, being thankful really IS all that it’s “cracked up” to be.  I’m feeling better already. And I’m sure the people around me will feel better, too.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Today and every day!

~ Diane