A Night for Africa, A Night to Remember

October 14th, 2008

We laughed.  We cried.  We sang.  We prayed.  Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people came together on Friday night for an evening to lift up God’s work in Kenya.
We all fought our way through Friday rush hour (which begins at noon in Atlanta.) Entering the parking lot, we were greeted by the red shirted smiling volunteers.  Winding around in our snake like lines we waited for entry, actually seeing and greeting several folks we knew, and enjoying the Kenya market place set up outside the arena.  The wait was short and people streamed in to find their seats.  There were huge screens all around, so if the tallest guy you’ve ever seen sat in front of you, it wasn’t going to be a problem.  There was an air of anticipation as the lights dimmed and Fee took the stage.   Talented, passionate musicians!  My heart was beating along in tempo!  Jeff Foxworthy came out and we were soon in the palm of his hand.  He has a roguish, engaging way of putting things that is hilarious.  I kept wondering if his mother in law actually still speaks to him.

The pictures of Kenya were heart wrenching; but behind it all you see and hear the steady drumbeat of God’s people making their way into the country and into the lives of Kenyans.  Real progress is being made as Kenyans come together to transform their communities.  In 410 Bridge communities water projects bring hope and an opportunity to share about the living water of Jesus, children are being sponsored and barriers to education and healthcare are being torn down, and microenterprise projects bring self- sustainability to people; but most reassuring is the joy on the faces as believers of different cultures come together to work together in His name.  The children have a chance to see that what has been, doesn’t have to be what will be.  They are loved by their Creator, no matter their circumstances; and He has sent people to tell them so.

I had heard about Jack; heard his story and worn the “Hey Jack Radio” shirt.  But, I hadn’t seen Jack’s face.  His shy smile and his powerful story took on new meaning when you actually see the epic struggle that God has brought him through.  At the end of his question/answer time with Lanny, Jack made a whispered request to Lanny.  He turned to the crowd and with a great smile asked us to cry out to God with a mighty voice to bring down the walls of hunger, and lack of education, and illness in Kenya just as the Israelites did with the walls of Jericho.  With a mighty roar, the crowd complied!

Without question, the children of the Daraja Children’s Choir stole our hearts.  They sang and danced with joy and passion about the Mighty One who has saved their lives.  They, who have so little as the world counts possessions, reminded us that we have so much… not the least of which is a God to serve.  What great things might we be privileged to be a part of, if we will heed His call?  Why not Africa?  Why not now?

The sun has set on A Night for Africa, but the Son shines brightly in Kenya.  May we be salt and light to a hurting world.

Linda Calhoun- Kennesaw, GA

16 Days til Hey Jack Radio Day!!

October 1st, 2008

The countdown begins; 16 days and counting til Hey Jack Radio Day!  Have you got your shirt yet?  If not, you better hurry!  Go to heyjackradio.com and order your shirt today.  We need you to help us reach the goal of having thousands of people wearing their Hey Jack Radio shirts to broadcast this very important message to “text JACK to 23000”, so that people everywhere will learn about our friends in Kenya and be ignited to join the movement!

It’s hard to believe that God can use a simple shirt to provide answers to those tough life questions, like:

“How am I going to pay for school?”

“Will I have clean water to drink today?”

“How can I get the medicine to treat my sick child?”

“Will I get the chance to achieve my dreams?”

These are life questions that most of us in America will never have to ask, but for the people in Kenya, they’re asked everyday.  When you purchase and wear a Hey Jack Radio shirt, you not only help provide answers to those questions, but also broadcast the message so others can join us in coming alongside our friends in Kenya.

God wants to use you on October 16, 2008 as we unite to Wear the Shirt.  Broadcast the Message.  Inspire a Nation.

Jeff Foxworthy and Night for Africa on Friday, October 10

September 25th, 2008

For the second year in a row, we are holding Night for Africa.  This year’s event will be even bigger and better than last year.  We are bringing back the hilarious Jeff Foxworthy to host alongside Lanny Donoho, with music from FEE and the Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa.  Watch this video to see that it will be a night of laughter, tears and celebration…

Reflections of Kenya by Sarah McKaig of Trinity Vineyard

September 24th, 2008

At the end of our trip, we visited a national park where we saw water buffalo, gazelle, rhinos, lions, warthogs and zebra. Seeing these exotic animals we had only ever seen on National Geographic was thrilling for most of us. Some Kenyan children were on a school field trip to the park and our groups converged at the top of a large hill that looked out over the entire park. The kids couldn’t stop staring at us and eventually their teacher told us that most of the kids had never seen white people before (that is, a bunch of white people and one black person to whom all the Kenyans spoke in Swahili to until they found out he was an American). The teacher went on to tell us that on the way to the park, the kids were talking about what kinds of animals they would see and one kid asked if they would see any Mzungu (Swahili for white people). Our driver, David, told me that when he was younger, he thought Mzungu were from another planet, so I asked the teacher if these kids thought we were aliens, and to my surprise the teacher responded, “No, they think you’re angels.”

Over the span of the week in Joska, there were so many smells, sights and experiences to think through, but the theme that echoes the most for me is how much value and joy the Kenyan people find in each other. They are kind, considerate, easy-going, compassionate, giving and gracious. They have a strong sense of humor and seem to truly enjoy being together. I watched the kids of CCRC wait patiently in their tattered sneakers or duct-taped sandals to get a new pair of shoes, but most of them were more concerned with helping their friends or the younger kids find a pair. I saw one of the 22 year old boys, Lazarus, watch over one of the little girls – riding her around on a bike, teaching her how to shoot the foam rockets we brought for them and playing with her in the yard. I met a young girl who dropped out of school – her only chance at getting a job – to take care of her orphaned niece (whose mother died in childbirth) and an HIV-positive, orphaned nephew (whose mother died from AIDS) when she barely had enough to survive on her own. Through it all, their genuine, beautiful smiles still stretched across their faces and their worship was authentic and raw.

The impression burned in my mind is how easily we get defeated by circumstances, how often we ask, “why me?”, how affected we are when we don’t get our way and how much we feel is owed to us. We let our problems burden and distract us, but there is no excuse for letting the world rob us of our joy. If the Joskans – who wonder where their next meal will come from or how they will find clean water – can praise Him in the valley, we can, too. The Kenyans were wrong in thinking we were angels. We heard repeated numerous times, “You are my brother from another mother,” but more than being my brothers and sisters, they proved to be the ones who are angels.

Let the drilling begin…

September 17th, 2008

Water will soon be flowing in the community of Joska, because drilling for the borehole has begun!  This is a long-awaited dream for the people of Joska, and they are eager to get moving on the rest of the water project.

The trenches are already dug, and are ready for teams and the community to lay the pipes, once the borehole is completed.  Those pipes will then pump water to a tank at the CCRC, which will also be built in the near future.  Once all this is done, Phase 1 of Joska’s water project will be complete.  The next phase will involve laying water pipes and building three other tanks in strategic locations throughout Joska.

This is the beginning of incredible change for Joska, as this has been the top priority expressed by the leadership council.  With water, they will be able to irrigate fertile land, which will allow them to export crops and bring in income.  It can be used for drinking, cleaning and cooking in the homes.  Water will create a new way of life for the people of Joska, and we are very excited to see the project taking off!

Jack gets his left arm!

September 11th, 2008

The unimaginable has come true for Jack.  After an unexpected surgery and lots of healing, he got his second arm this past Monday.  It’s surreal to believe that this time last year, Jack was spending his days at the CCRC depending on people to help him with every little thing, and now here he is in America with two new functioning arms!

Jack laughs as he shares, “I’m so happy to have two arms now.  It won’t be like my real arms, but something is better than nothing!”

When Jack went to the doctor on Monday to get his arm, he said he was a little nervous, because the doctor warned him that the left arm would be slightly more complicated to maneuver.  His left arm attaches at his shoulder, whereas the right arm attaches at the elbow, so all the movement comes from his shoulder making it more difficult.

He’s already practicing a lot though, and will be going to physical therapy weekly.  Jack will quickly master usage of his new left arm, but he said it’s harder to use his left arm, because he’s not left-handed.

Jack has gotten a lot of practice eating with his new arms, and he loves American restaurants.  The first thing they did after getting his new arm on Monday was go to Krispy Kreme!  His favorite so far has been the Japanese Steakhouse.  He loved getting to watch the chefs cook the food in front of him.

Besides eating, Jack says he’s looking forward to using his arms for everyday things that he hasn’t been able to do in years, like writing and bathing himself.  He’s anxious to learn how to write more.

James Njuki: Story of God’s Provision

September 10th, 2008

Residing in Karogoto, James Njuki is an elderly widower who lost his wife to HIV/AIDS, and is now caring for the family alone.  He has struggled to provide for his family, and was in desperate need of a new home, as it was severely dilapidated.  Jame’s story is common for people living in Kenya, but he still had hope that God would provide.  We serve a God of provision, who tells us in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

God showered hope and provision on James, using the service team from Parker Hill Community Church.  The team, along with members of the Karogoto community quickly rebuilt James’s home.  The following is what Pastor Paul McGuinness had to say about this unique service opportunity:

James was very delighted with the thought of owning a new house and he had this to tell to me, “Sometimes when I look at it, I feel like I am in a dream. I am now sure that God knows me because he’s the one who brought this gift to me. Many people are asking how that happening and they don’t believe I have not paid any penny to own that house. What can I do to make whoever donated and contributed toward the house construction know how I feel” (You can guess what my answer was to this).

Thanks to the service team from Parker Hill and his fellow community members in Karogoto, James has a sturdy roof over his family’s head and restored hope for his family’s future!

Grace Community Church extends grace to Joska by Eddie Omar in Kenya

September 8th, 2008

The team from Grace Community church has left an indelible mark in Joska community, and the hand of God was evident from the onset.
With the drilling of the borehole set to commence anytime this month, the team succeeded in digging and completing the remaining portion of Phase 1 of the trench. Members of Mbokoni women groups, who have donated the parcels of land where the borehole will be placed, joined the team for the second phase.
According to Veronica Wambui, her group is very grateful to God and how he is using 410 Bridge, “this is a challenge to all of us. Our brothers and sisters come all the way from America to help us dig trenches.  God has a special place for Joska community and because we are a part of Joska we are also special”. She pledged to organize her group to come more often and work with the community on the trenches to ensure that they get running water sooner.
The community was treated to a wonderful meal that was prepared partly by the team. Allan, Frank, Jamie and Paul from Grace helped slaughter the goats, clean and remove the innards and chop the meat into small pieces. Every member of the community present was offered a plate of rice, stew and vegetables. Although the sun was blazing hot the team and members of the community managed to cover over 1,400 feet long trench.
The team leader James had this to say: “We had an incredible Journey. God has done so many amazing things, words cannot describe! We were able to host a community celebration of over 100 community people. The relationships formed were incredible and we can’t wait to be back.”
The team visited six churches in the Joska community. Paul, a member from Grace preached in one of the churches, thanking God for giving him a chance to be in such a beautiful country. The pastor of the church was elated, “we are all God’s people and whenever I see visitors coming all the way from America to share the word of God with us, I know God is using them.”
The team made home visits on their last day at Muselele sub-village. Families were presented clothes and bibles and prayed together. A brief visit to the 40 Acre, 410 Bridge was made with the 410 Bridge Leadership Council Chairman Wallace Gitau explaining what the land will be used for.
Imani clinic where children from CCRC and the rest of the community go for treatment benefited from a 3 year medical supply. The nurse had this to say: “God bless you for the medical supplies, we really needed them and we will be praying for you”.

Hey Jack Radio Day October 16, 2008…it’s more than just a shirt

September 4th, 2008

October 16, 2008 is Hey Jack Radio Day where people across the globe will unite to wear their Hey Jack Radio shirts.  But this day is about so much more than a shirt.  It’s about raising awareness of the needs in Kenya.  It’s about bringing, hope, education, water and health care to the nation of Kenya.  And ultimately, it’s about doing something for the Kingdom.

Imagine with me the power of this shirt:

In an average day, you may pass 100 people on the street.  If you’re wearing your Hey Jack Radio shirt and just 2 out of those 100 people read the shirt, text JACK to 23000, visit HeyJackRadio.com, and buy a shirt, those 2 shirts will provide 20 feet of pipe for running water in a community.

Now if 75 people wear their Hey Jack Radio shirts, and 150 people read the shirt, text JACK to 23000, visit the Web site and buy a shirt.  Those 150 shirts will fund a teacher’s salary for an entire year.

If 6,000 people wear their Hey Jack Radio shirts on Hey Jack Radio day, and 12,000 people read the shirt, text JACK to 23000, visit the Web site and buy a shirt, those 12,000 shirts will fund a medical clinic that will provide accessible health care for 4,000-7,000 people in a community.

The population in the U.S. is 300 million people….stay with me for this one.  If just 12,000 out of 300 million people in the U.S. wore Hey Jack Radio shirts, and 24,000 people see the shirt, text JACK to 23000, visit the Web site and buy a shirt, those 24,000 shirts would fund 6 water projects in Kenya, which would provide clean, running water for 15,000 people in Kenya!

Now you see that Hey Jack Radio is so much more than a shirt.  On October 16, 2008, we have a goal of having 100,000 people wearing their Hey Jack Radio shirts in hopes that the national media will pick up the story and further our broadcast.  So join us and Wear the shirt.  Broadcast the message.  Inspire a nation….

The 410 Bridge partners with Kandaria

August 27th, 2008

We are excited to announce a new partnership with the community of Kandaria. This community is located in Western Kenya in the Nyanza Province, and has a population of 3,126.

The newly formed leadership council has a vision that will spur the community towards growth and transformation, and the people are eager to be a part of it. The most immediate need identified by the leadership council is clean water, and this will be our first project with the community. If water is life and sanitation is dignity, then the lack of both bring the harsh reality that faces Kandaria. Women and children walk for hours each day in search of clean drinking water, which reduces the productivity in the community. Cholera, typhoid and other water borne diseases are also prevalent from consuming unclean water.

We look forward to partnering with Kandaria in their efforts to transform their community. Our prayer is that as we work together, God will ignite hope and joy in the hearts of the people.