Crescent Hill Baptist Church

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Kenya Mission Trip - 2003


The Kenya Bunch


The Kenya Team:

Anita Roper (team leader), Sam Adams, Katherine Buster, Becky Cavalcante, Jenny Goodhue, Brandon Gutwein, Fritz Gutwein, Libby Scott, Mitch Underhill






Itinerary

Wed., Aug. 6..... We leave at 10 AM and drive to Atlanta
Thur., Aug. 7...... We meet the rest of the Passport group
Fri., Aug. 8...... We arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Brackenhurst Conference Center - 40 miles NW of Nairobi in village of Limuru
Sat., Aug. 9..... Orientation to country before Kenyan teens join us
Sun., Aug. 10.... We will be at Brackenhurst for PASSPORT camp with Kenyan teens
Mon., Aug. 11.... "
Tues., Aug. 12.... "
Wed., Aug. 13.... We go into Nairobi to do a day camp with AIDS orphans
Thurs., Aug. 14.... Camp at Brackenhurst
Fri., Aug. 15.... Camp ends; shopping in village market
Sat., Aug. 16.... Safari at Masai Mara
Sun., Aug. 17.... "
Mon., Aug. 18.... "
Tues., Aug. 19.... Back to Nairobi to depart to USA
Wed., Aug. 20.... We arrive in Atlanta in the evening and leave for a long drive back to Louisville
Thurs., Aug. 21.... Back in Louisville about 6 AM

Map of Kenya

Kenya Links and maps

http://www.passportcamps.org/2003/kenya/kenya.html
Brackenhurst Conference Center

E-mail updates from the group:


Some photos of group from the Passport website

You may contact them at the following e-mail address: kenyaupdates@yahoogroups.com

Tuesday, Aug 5, 2003

Hello everyone! We are soon to be on our way to Kenya! We are very grateful for your support, your interest and your prayers! I hope you enjoy our updates and feel present with us in the Spirit of God!

Please note that as of today, replies cannot be posted. The only info that will pass through this will come from Anita Roper, Fritz Gutwein or Janet Cole. Enjoy the ride with us!

We look forward to sharing our stories with you!

Many blessings to each of you!

anita
[Rev. Anita L. Roper
Minister with Students
Crescent Hill Baptist Church]
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Thursday, August 7, 2003
Date: 8/7/2003 12:29:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: anita-r@earthlink.net

Hello everyone! We are in the Atlanta airport getting everything in order to leave for Detroit, then Amsterdam later tonight. Wanted you to know we got a good night's rest and are beginning with both legs under us and in good spirits! Thanks for all your prayers ... keep 'em coming!

Next time you hear from us, we'll be in AFRICA!!!!!

blessings to you all!
anita & the kenya bunch
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Saturday, August 9, 2003
http://www.passportcamps.org/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=212&threadid=1533

Saturday August 9, 2003

From David Burroughs:

We all met in the Atlanta Airport and had a room reserved for a pre-trip meeting. Everyone arrived on time and we got everything organized for the trip over. We lost two tickets and had a big moment of panic until we triple checked the bag and found it! Nick Foster, from the Passport office, led a prayer of blessing, then we took a group picture that is below. It took us almost an hour to get every bag checked (over 80 bags!) and we grabbed lunch and got on our first plane to Detroit.

We had just 30 minutes in Detroit, so we basically walked to the other end of the airport and got on the long flight to Amsterdam. We rode a big 747 and sat 10 across in about 5 rows. Our plane had mechanical trouble so we sat on the runway for about an hour, making us late for our next flight. No worries, though, we made it!

We landed in Amsterdam and were already 45 minutes late for our KLM flight to Nairobi. But since there were 43 of us, they held the plane for us!! We deliriously ran from one flight to the next and then we were up on our way to Africa. On this flight we go to watch Disney's Nemo and laughed our way to Kenya. The food was actually good.

We landed in Nairobi at 8 PM, went through immigrations and gathered our bags. We left the airport at 10 PM with only nine bags missing. We expect the bags to arrive this afternoon and we have some campers waiting patiently for a change of clothes!

We arrived at our camp facility, Brackenhurst Conference Center (http://www.byhisgrace.com/swahili/home.htm). We loaded our bags into our rooms and were in bed by 12 midnight. This morning we awoke to the sounds of unfamiliar birds, and stepped out into a beautiful conference center full of flowers and plants that we are enjoying. Brackenhurst is 7,500 feet above sea level, so we are breathing hard as we climb the hills. It was cold last night! We all get a fire in our rooms this evening and we are happy about it! For breakfast we had fresh papaya, egg casserole, Kenyan chai (tea with hot milk) and big piece of toast with jam. We were all happy about a shower and a hot meal.

Here are our words from this morning to describe our feelings today:

Hungry with anticipation
Excited
Anxious
Homecoming
Rich
Awestruck
Laughing
Open
Cold
Willing
Thankful
Speechless


Thanks for your prayers for safe travel. We are here, safe, and happy.

Passport Kenya Staff


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Sunday, August 10, 2003
http://www.passportcamps.org/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=212&threadid=1540
Sunday August 10, 2003

From Colleen Burroughs:

We woke up to thick blanket of fog on the mountain this morning and walked through the mist to the top of the hill. We had church at Tigoni Baptist, a Swahili speaking congregation. They were very gracious and asked our 43 person group to sing...the service was two hours long. We clapped and smiled right alongside the Kenyans as we worshiped together at 7500 feet.

The weather was clearing by the time church let out. So we shook off the mud, dried off, ate a wonderful Kikuyu lunch and then prepared to meet the Kenyan campers. They arrived around 4:00.

You know, you sort of hold your breath and you wonder how moments like this will actually turn out...will the American campers just stare at the Kenyan ones or what? I have to say that this has been one of those chill bump moment days, one that will be burned into my memory. The introduction of our two groups has been nothing short of beautiful...everyone showed up ready to make a friend from the other side of the world. It is working!!! (see the pictures!)

We are laughing, listening, playing and already understanding a little more about the depth and beauty of the family of God. Thanks for continuing to remember us in your prayers.

Grace and peace,

Colleen Burroughs
Bible Study Leader - PASSPORT Kenya

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Monday, August 11, 2003
http://www.passportcamps.org/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=212&threadid=1542

Monday August 11, 2003

From Melissa Browning

In Kenya, visitors are a sign of blessing. As new people come into your home and into your life, their presence brings a gift that will not soon be forgotten. As we came to camp this week, we were all visitors in one way or another. Visitors in each others lives, sojourners together on this walk for a week. Today was a reminder of that blessing, a reminder of the transformation that can take place as we choose to invest in one another.

Our camp theme for the day was love, and the campers learned to put love into action as they worked together in teams. The Bible study groups spent time in recreation working on trust games, and then headed to the ropes course to think more about working together. By the time the Polaroid scavenger hunt rolled around tonight, the Bible study groups were working as teams to accomplish their goals.

Our entire day could be summed up by re-playing ten minutes of tonight’s worship service. Several Kenyan students volunteered to help in worship by teaching everyone a Swahili song, Baraka za Mungu, (The blessings of God). As the Kenyan students began to sing, the enthusiasm in the song caught on and the entire camp began to dance. Even though half of the campers couldn’t translate what they were singing, the message was clear – God had chosen to bless us through this experience. We began to see God through each other’s eyes, and we will never be the same.


Date: 8/11/2003 10:15:34 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: anita-r@earthlink.net

Hello everyone!  We're having a wonderful time in Kenya!  Unfortunately our internet access is very limited and this may be the only update I am able to send personally until we start home.  But please visit the PASSPORT forum for pictures & updates as much as you can!

The Kenyan students arrived yesterday and it is beautiful how the students are all integrating!  I'm so very proud of our kids and the very positive way they have been hosts of Kenyans for PASSPORT. 

We are all just one big camp family now and eating it all up!  Well, and we're eating a lot, too ... along with tea time twice a day!  Know we are safe, we are having a blast, and God is doing amazing things!!!

We love you all and thank you for your prayers!  I'll post again when I can! 

blessings,
anita
p.s. Mom's you are very missed!


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Tuesday August 12, 2003
http://www.passportcamps.org/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=212&threadid=1548

From Valerie Burton:

Pancakes, bacon, and the usual array of fruits, along with a fire in the dining hall’s fireplace all warmed us on this foggy, wet morning. The sun finally burned the fog away and we had a great afternoon in our Bible study groups on the low-ropes course. The Brackenhurst Recreation staff led us in several group-building activities. We had to communicate, work together, hold on tight to each other, trust each other, and listen to one another in order to be successful in the initiatives. The youth are amazing! Their spirit-filled cheers and chants at the conclusion of the afternoon let us know that they have bonded through this process. The five Bible study groups have become their own “tribes” with names like: Matata, Moja, Chui, and Cavaliers (no doubt a Virginia influence in that group!)

Today’s theme was PEACE. The students have shared with each other their experiences of longing for peace, finding peace, and making peace. They have been encouraged to find inner peace through a relationship with Christ like the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. They read about Abigail (1 Sam. 25 – read it!) who was a courageous peacemaker and King David who put his pride aside in order to preserve peace. In worship, they were reminded that Jesus brings peace to the storms of our lives. Teenagers, no matter what side of globe they come from, all talk about desiring inner peace when they feel unsettled and insecure; and the struggle to make outer peace with parents, siblings, and school friends. They share openly and listen carefully to understand through the accents. The US contingent is finding out that their Kenyan brothers and sisters are exactly that!

The Kenyans pray beautifully, sing beautifully, and man, can they dance!! Wow, tonight, we had one of the best PASSPORT dance parties I’ve ever experienced. It was so much fun teaching each other some of the latest moves and grooves. The Hokey Pokey even made the play-list!

Let me conclude by saying, so far, so fantastic!
May the peace of Christ be with you.
Valerie Burton, Bible study leader



Tuesday, August 12, 2003

Hello all!  I got a chance to drop a few lines and thought I’d give you a quick rundown.  Today has been amazing!  I was in a Bible study group today that got into the discussion of presumptions that Americans had about Kenyans and vice versa.  One Kenyan young man told us about a friend of his who is in the states and doesn’t want to come back because he feels safer there. Then he asked "Why would you get on a plane and come over here?"  It was an astounding moment.

God is here and working wonders.  In worship the last two nights a young Kenyan student has been teaching us Swahili praise songs. WOW is the only word I have!

Now from the kids. I gave them the opportunity to share a little with you all.  I must say that they are very into the week, but here goes.  

--From Brandon: Hey.  What is up!!  I love you all!!  But I want to say to my mom and Caitlin, I love you both.

--From Jenny & Becky:  Hi family. Jambo, I love you very much and miss you but not enough to come home right now!  :)  I’m having a really great time and have learned SO much.  Love you lots.  P.s.  Caitlin, Jenny misses you and loves you very much.

--From Mitch: Someone still likes monkeys!

--From Sam:  Hi mom & dad!  Tell Laura hi, too.

--From Katherine: Hi mom, dad, Sarah & Liz! Everything here is great except for the bathroom.

--From Libby:  She is actually not interested in communicating outside of Kenya.  :)

Tomorrow we head to the Kenyan orphanage and expect to be broken and filled!  Pray for us as we love on a bunch of God’s children.

Much love to you all and thanks for your prayers!

anita

God is waiting for us to redeem the world.  We should not spend our life hunting for
trivial satisfactions while God is waiting.
- Abraham Joshua Heschel

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Wednesday, August 13, 2003

8/13/03 11:04:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: anita-r@earthlink.net

Hi all! I got lucky with a chance to get online today and thought I'd tell you about our experience today. We went to the Baptist Children's Center, an orphanage that has an array of ministries, including medical, agricultural, providing water for the surrounding slums, foster care, schooling, etc. It is an amazing place in the middle of some desolate slums. Those things you see on tv where they show the horrible housing and conditions in Africa - we were there today! We ran a daycamp for the orphanage and surrounding community, expecting about 60 kids. 130 showed up! We truly experienced the loaves and fishes story today in offering them lunch. After lunch we gave them health kits from PASSPORT churches. Things were donated to the dental clinic. Our kids, as well as all of the campers, did a beautiful job loving their neighbor today! We have lots of pictures and can't wait to share our stories with you!

Providentially, our Bible study for tonight is on HOPE ... I'm anticipating some pretty heavy discussion this evening.

God is doing wonderful works through Sam & Melody Harrell, our host missionaries (2nd generation) and those caring for the children of Africa!

For those who were concerned about how this experience would work, let me tell you, it is a total S_C_O_R_E!!!!!

Thank you for your prayers, they are working!

Much love to you all!
anita


Wednesday August 13, 2003

From Cherri Stone:

It has been foggy and rainy almost every morning since our arrival. Not today! The Lord planned a beautiful day for us as we drove in one trooper and three buses through millions of shanties scattered on the hills, down roads where some had signs that said, "road closed". Not today! Sam Harrell, our host and CBF missionary, led us to the Baptist Children Center (BCC) in Dandora, outside of the Milesaba slum, home to 700,000 Kenyans (one choo [toilet] for every 10,000 people).

The BCC is an oasis for a hurting world. Some of the buildings on this compound included a bathhouse and dorms for the orphanage, a church, a clinic and the Technology Education Center. Sam walked us through this amazing building filled with sewing machines, computers, woodworking tools and a wind and solar power system all paid for with the Passport camp offering two years ago. To see where our Passport camper's money went and the good it is doing was both humbling and exciting.

At the conclusion of the tour, Bible school began. There were Kenyan and US teens working together to share the message of God's love to children with tattered clothing and runny noses. We were expecting 50 children to join us for the Bible school. Not today! 190 children came to the Bible school and they came hungry. Each camper offered up their time, their lives and even their lunch so that all the children could eat.

The lunch for 75 Passport campers and the snacks for 50 children became a midday feast for 190 children with some left over. Does this sound familiar? We may have given our lunch, but they gave us much more. Pray for the staff and orphans who live at BCC. Pray for Sam and Melody Harrell and the important work Africa Exchange is doing to support ministries like the BCC.


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Thursday, August 14, 2003

http://www.passportcamps.org/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=212&threadid=1565
From Kym Mitchell:

We began the day singing, "I've got joy down in my heart, deep, deep down in my heart. Spell It!" Today was the last day of Bible study together. It was a beautiful sunny day - all about Joy. We had curry chicken for lunch complete with mango chutney. The afternoon free time was full of options like soccer, Frisbee, rock climbing, bracelet making and a Kenyan environmental awareness walk.

Our last worship was full of music we have taught one another as we sang in Swahili and English. The sermon reminded us of joy as the outward expression of what is internal-bringing color and light into the dark places of our lives.

To end the day, we had one of the most successful variety shows in Passport history. From Ghanan music to choreographed dance, hilarious skits and soul-moving solos. Kambua sang "It Is Well With My Soul-closing with, Is It Well With Your Soul?"

What a way to end a week of camp. As campers left the room the hugs of friendship and the knowledge of tomorrow's parting were evident.

Tomorrow we celebrate and head to Nairobi for a day of shopping in the Village Market.

Kym Mitchell
Bible Study Leader



Annette Ellard found the following article by the Harrells [Kenya missionaries mentioned in above notes] in a recent CBF publication:

Reflections From Kenya -- Part I by Melody and Sam Harrell
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship  - www.cbfonline.org
August 13, 2003
Click to view article on the web:
http://www.cbfonline.org/mission/journal.cfm?forumid=2995

Thought I'd reflect a little with you about some of our experiences.  Some days are better than others.

Feeling the need to get out of the city, I -- together with Wes Browning -- joined a partner of ours who heads an organization called, "Bridging the Gap."  The work is quite literally to build bridges (suspension foot bridges) over rivers and ravines in the West Pokot region of Kenya, an area characterized by an extremely rural Pokot population who are a mixed pastoralist and agriculturalist people living in this rather severe but ruggedly beautiful area of northwestern Kenya, bordering Uganda.

We camped at Merich pass, which is as far as we can go without armed escort due to a combination of general banditry and ongoing cattle raiding between the Turkana, Pokot and Karamajong (Uganda).  The week before our trip, one community had been wiped out by AK-47 toting cattle raiders.  Our site was somewhat removed from this activity, further into the mountain area.

Those of you who have traveled here with me are aware of the state of our roads and the need for 4-wheel drive.  This trip was no exception.  Heavy rains had pounded the region the day before our arrival with 60 mm (3 inches) falling within three hours.  Even the paved road was boulder-strewn with several washouts.  Thankfully,  all of the main bridges were intact. This was not the case on the roads we had to take to get to our first bridge site.  It took one hour to cover a 2km section -- crossing one stream and one swollen river, trailer laden with bridge parts, etc. -- switching trailers when stuck, finding alternative routes, etc. as our two vehicles finally made it across one river to the sight that had been previously chosen and prepared by the community.  The night before, an entire community had been forced to seek shelter in Ortum, a nearby village, due to their inability to cross the swollen river after market day to get back to their respective huts.

Anchor posts had already been put in place on a previous trip and now we were left to string the 1/2" steel cables across the river, install the hangers and the boards that are suspended from the main cables and anchored on each side about 30 feet above the swollen river.  I will spare you the details of the various river crossings necessary to be on both sides of the river with supplies.

By lunchtime, we were well on our way assembling the hangers and the footboards. I decided to take a break and went to sit on a rock a bit away from the action. During the course of the morning, I had heard the characteristic call of the Hartlaub's Turaco in the adjacent trees. Now, as I looked for that brilliant, crimson flash of under wing, I caught site of the Eurasian bee-eater and the rare Carmine bee-eater. You all know that I love watching birds. This was a holy moment as the Creator graced me with a feast. Suddenly the Pygmy Kingfisher and the Cliff Chat darted by in quick succession, followed by the white phase Paradise flycatcher, a bird I had never before seen. The thought occurred to me that while I was building a bridge across a void to the community on the other side, God was building a bridge to me through creation as I sat expectantly on a rock, listening and watching.

-- Melody and Sam Harrell are CBF global missions field personnel in Nairobi, Kenya.  This is the first of a two-part journal sharing their experiences and everyday struggles while ministering in the area.

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Friday, August 15, 2003

http://www.passportcamps.org/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=212&threadid=1566

The last day of camp is always sad. When the Atlantic Ocean is going to separate new friends, it is very sad. We have all been changed by this experience. As we shared our declarations in the Closing Celebration, we realized that we will never be the same.

Camp ended about 10 AM after a fabulous closing video that Wes Browning stayed up all night to edit for us. Wes and Melissa are GSC missionaries working in Nairobi with Sam and Melody Harrell. We could not have done the camp without their tireless work.

We loaded our buses together for the last time and drove to the Village Market to do some shopping and then some goodbye hugging. The parents of the Kenyans picked their youth up after lunch. Even as the US campers drove back to Brackenhurst with our hands full of treasures, we realized that they were reminders the priceless friendships we have made this week.

Tonight we are packing for the Masai Mara for a three-day safari sleeping in tents. We are not sure if we will be able to send more messages while we are there. We are tired, but full, and excited about phase two of our African journey - the Mara.

David Burroughs


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Saturday, August 16, 2003

http://www.passportcamps.org/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=212&threadid=1575

08/20/2003 10:13 AM

On Saturday morning, we left early to drive to the Masai Mara. We drove to the edge of the Rift Valley - the largest fault in the world. Looking over the edge, you can see deep into the valley to the mountains on the far side. Before we knew it, we were in the valley headed to Masai country.

It was a four-hour ride on a very bumpy road, but it was beautiful! We drove into the park after paying our park fees, and about 500 yards into the park we happened upon two beautiful cheetahs, resting under a tree - great start for a safari! We arrived at our lodge in time for a big lunch, then off for our first game drive. You can see from the pictures that we had an amazing adventure.

After a nice dinner, we were all tired, so the church groups gathered for a quick devotion time, and then we headed to our tent for a night under the African sky.

David Burroughs

Safari in the Masai-Mara
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Sunday, August 17, 2003

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Monday, August 18, 2003

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Tuesday, August 19, 2003

I just hung up the phone from talking to Anita -- she was calling from the Simba Saloon area of the Carnivore Restaurant where they had been eating crocodile, warthog and ostrich meat. (No comment!) I could hear birds chirping in the background.

She talked about the giraffe park where they fed giraffes out of their hands -- and some, but not Anita, fed them from their mouths (she called it giraffe kisses) -- apparently giraffes are really clean animals. Colleen and David were letting four-year old Walker do it, so it must not be TOO bad?!?!?

They are all doing great -- have had a great time -- no one is sick. They are heading from the restaurant for the airport to begin the trip home.

Plans are still to arrive at Crescent Hill on Thursday morning at 4:00 AM.

Please continue to be in prayer for them as they return and for Darrell Adams and Eddie Jones as they travel to Atlanta to pick them up and bring them on the last leg home.

Janet Cole


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Wednesday, August 20, 2003

Date: 8/20/03 6:22:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: anita-r@earthlink.net

Hi all! This is my first chance to get to a computer! Our safari was wonderful ... we have great stories and lots of wonderful pictures!

Today we spent the morning in Amsterdam. We took a boat canal tour but were too tired to enjoy it. We're wiped ... well, I am anyway! Our kids have done wonderfully and it was great to see the majority of them selected as honor campers AND to hear the staff brag about them!

We're soon on our second LONG leg from Amsterdam to Memphis! We're all well and ready to climb in our beds! Good things have happened and good things will continue!!!

Thanks for your love and prayers! Our God is a great God!

blessings,
anita


Date: 8/20/03 10:18:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time

From: janet-c@earthlink.net

Good evening, everyone!

First of all, everyone is OK.

I just got off the phone with Karen Scott, who shared the following news: The flight from Amsterdam to Memphis was diverted to Nashville because of weather. Then, by the time they got to Memphis, the flight to Atlanta had left. SOOOOO, they have gotten another flight which will arrive in Atlanta around midnight.

Karen's and my guess is that 8 AM is the EARLIEST they will return to Louisville. She and I will talk again early tomorrow morning (6-ish), and if I have better arrival estimates, I will post a message then.

Janet Cole

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Thursday, August 21, 2003

Date: 8/21/2003 7:04:17 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: janet-c@earthlink.net

For any early birds who may be up and checking messages, I just heard from Karen Scott. The group is about 10 minutes this side of Elizabethtown and should be arriving at the church in about 30 minutes or so (7:00 AM).

Janet


The group arrived back at the church safely shortly after 7 AM.
(mission accomplished!)


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Text of Dr. Hendrix' homily on footwashing during the Commissioning Ceremony, Aug 3.



This page revised Aug 21, 2003


CRESCENT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH
2800 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40206
(502) 896-4425

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