Singing and Dancing, Kenya Style

One of Jonathan and my memories of Kenya is how much song and dance is important to the culture. We wanted to give you an idea of the spirit of Kenya and fall in love with the people and culture as we have. We found this video on youtube and thought it captured the spirit of the Kenyan people. Hope you enjoy the video!



Adrienne

Thanks for praying!

We are so happy to find out that we will be attending the F.I.T. training with Shepherd's Staff! Hooray! Jonathan got the approval for the time off and we are so glad. We truly feel like this training will help prepare our family as we venture off into the next chapter of our life. We are so excited about what lies ahead and what God's plan is for our family.

Lately Jonathan and I have been reading the autobiography of Hudson Taylor, missionary to China in the 1800's. We wanted to share a bit of the chapter we read that just humbled and spoke to our hearts:

"Having now the twofold object in view of accustoming myself to endure hardness, and of economizing in order to be able more largely to assist those among whom I spent a good deal of time laboring in the Gospel, I soon found that I could live upon very much less than I had previously thought possible. Butter, milk, and other such luxuries I soon ceased to use;and I found that by living mainly on oatmeal and rice, with occasional variations, a very small sum was sufficient for my needs. In this way I had more than two-thirds of my income available for those purposes; and my experience was that the less I spent on myself and the more I gave away, the fuller of happiness and blessing did my soul become. Unspeakable joy all the day long, and every day, was my happy experience. God, even my God, was a living, bright reality; and all I had to do was joyful service.

It was to me a grave matter, however, to contemplate going out to China, far away from all human aid, there to depend upon the living God alone for protection, supplies, and help of every kind. I felt that one's spiritual muscles required strengthening for such an undertaking. There was no doubt that if faith did not fail; God would not fail; but, then, what if one's faith should prove insufficient? I had not at that time learned that even, "If we believe not, he abideth faithful, he cannot deny himself"; and it was consequentially a very serious question to my mind, not whether He was faithful, but whether I had strong enough faith to warrant my embarking in the enterprise set before me."-(Hudson Taylor, pg. 21-22)

As Jonathan and I read this chapter last night (this is just a small part of the rest of the chapter) we were blown away and humbled by the candidness of Hudson Taylor and the similar feelings I (Adrienne) had about this venture. Even though we can outwardly say, "I believe and trust God for all things," I am realizing I can put my trust in other things like the "promises" and "securities" of mine and Jonathan's job (Benefits, 401K plans and such). In reality, those things in themselves don't provide the security we need. To take this step in faith is challenging whether we trust God to do what He said He was going to do. He promised to take care of us for all things.

Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, that you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 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?Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to this life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Amen!!!)

Bless you guys,

Adrienne for the "Ferg4"

F.I.T.

Wow, I can hardly believe it is the middle of March. We are starting to feel like our move is coming faster and faster. 

About a week ago Pat Kenney (our Shepherd's Staff rep) approached Jonathan and asked if we would be attending F.I.T. (Field-environment Intensive Training). The two week course in Tijuana, MX is designed to equip missionaries with skills they will need on the mission field such as:

1. Relational skills

2. Administrative skills

3. Practical ministry skills

4. Family relationships

5. Leadership skills

6. Personal Health

7. Cross-cultural skills

8. Church relationships

Pat had informed us that our whole family would be able to attend at no cost since we were missionaries with Shepherd's Staff. Wow! That's huge since our family of four would have paid $2,000 for those weeks. As we looked over the time frame (May 30th-June 13th) we didn't think it would be possible to go. Vacation time at Jonathan's work had already been requested and someone else already had that time reserved. Plus, Jonathan needed a week of vacation time for Jr. high summer camp. So we said, "Well, we can't do it unless God opens the doors." I got a call from Jonathan on Wed. night and he said, "You won't believe it, the reserved time for those weeks had been canceled. Those dates are open!" Jonathan also looked over his vacation time and found that he had enough for the total three weeks we needed. What an answer to prayer! So, Jonathan put in for the time and is now waiting for approval. Please pray that if the Lord wants us to go that this next door would open up. Also, I need to request the time off from my PT job at Starbucks. May is just around the corner and we are so excited at this possibility. 

Oh! And our kids say, "Happy St. Patrick's Day!"

Bless you guys,

Adrienne for the Ferg4

There are some folks we'd like you to meet....

3 John 1:5-8 "Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do them well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth."

We would like you to meet some of the members of our care team (believe it or not all of the members of our team are not in these photos!). Our family is so blessed that these group of individuals are here to pray and encourage us as we transition out. Our team meets every other Monday to help our family get out to Kenya. What do we do? Pray, plan, encourage and toss around ideas. Our team has a wealth of wisdom, gifts and SUCH a heart to serve God. We are so encouraged and blessed that God would send us such a wonderful group of people to accomplish what lies ahead. 

These pictures are from this last weekend. We all met on Saturday and assembled breakfast burritos to sell at church the next day to raise some of the funds needed to start up in Kenya. It was so great to see our team get together on a Saturday and just have joy in the Lord and all work together. We are so humbled and blessed by our group. 

Support

Friends and family, 

We thank you for your continued prayers and support as our family makes this exciting transition to Nairobi, Kenya. There are ways you can help and partake in the Lord's work as our family serves Living Water Christian Fellowship. As our family prepares to move we ask that you consider supporting our family prayerfully and financially. Missionaries rely on God as the provider but God uses His people to partake in the support of missionaries. What does this mean? Missionaries receive their funding from people like you! I know that it is often times assumed that the church cuts a check to the missionaries to keep them out on the field. Although the church may provide some sort of financial assistance, missionaries stay on the field by individual givers. We ask that you would pray and see if God would impress on your heart to pledge monthly support for our family. It is important that we have pledged support coming in before we leave to assure we will have enough once we get out there and to stay out there. If you are not in a position to give financially, we ask that you would consider keeping our family in LOTS and LOTS of prayer. As we move forward in this process the enemy is throwing lots of opposition our way. 

Ways you can pray:

Peace for our children, they haven't been sleeping well at night, causing lots of spiritual warfare my way. When I'm really tired at night, it's always a sure way the enemy attacks.

Rest for Jonathan and I, again needing sleep...

That we would trust and rely on the Lord in all things and spend time with Him daily

For a new Jr. High pastor to replace Jonathan.

For God to give us continued peace about our move and that our plans would be His.

Also, I (Adrienne) have picked up my guitar again and am taking guitar lessons. Please pray that I would be diligent and focused on finally getting this instrument down and using it for the glory of God!

Financial End:

Of the $4,030/mo. we need in Kenya, we currently have 5% committed. Our goal is 160 supporters who can give $25/mo.

We currently have 2% donated of the $35,069 needed to start up. Here is the breakdown for our start up costs:

Plane tickets: $7,000 (for our family of four)

Language School: $3,275 (6 months preparation in Kenya for language and culture)

Entrance Visas: $200

Vaccinations for the kids: $550

Car: $10,000-20,000 depending on many factors. Unfortunately cars are all imported and so there is a high tax on the vehicles there. We need something with good suspension as the roads in Kenya are very rough.  

Rent deposit, (first, last and one month): $2,658

Cooker: $570 (This is for a basic range and oven)

Fridge: $570 (Medium size)

Hot Pot: $38

Water Filter: $127

Pans: $127

Dishes: $127

Linens (Towels, sheets, blankets and such): $304

Basic Household Supplies: $228 (Mops, brooms and cleaners)

Water Storage Tanks: $51 (200 liters for when the water is off)

Mobile phones: $254 (A higher end phone with GPS navigation and an inexpensive phone)

Furniture: $1,140

Drapes: $444 (Most homes do not come with them and these will be needed for security)

Voltage Regulator: $228 (Needed to maintain appliances. This is for three)

Small Generator: $127 (This is for a 1kv generator to run lights, computer and maybe a television. It is not enough for the whole house but will allow for some sanity in prolonged power outages to study, communicate and cook.)

Kerosene Lanterns: $51 (Needed for power outages. This will supply three)

We know that these numbers can seem daunting, but we know that our God moves mountains. 

Please send financial support to the following address:

Shepherd's Staff

P.O. Box 53640

Albuquerque, NM 87153

PLEASE MARK ACCT. #5509 ON THE MEMO SECTION OF YOUR CHECK

To give online and/or automatic debit, please visit the website: 

www.shepsstaff.org/give.aspx

Bless you as you serve Him, 

Jonathan, Adrienne, Josiah (2 yrs.)and Christopher (1 year in April)

Living Water Christian Fellowship

We are excited to announce that our family has had a change of plans concerning ministry in Kenya. Our family will be working with a church in Nairobi known as Living Water Christian Fellowship. We are so thrilled to come alongside Robbie and Elizabeth Gorden (Senior pastor) to serve at this precious church.

How did this happen? 

A dear friend of ours, Rick Deam, passed away in December here in the states while he was on furlough (picture above). Rick was an amazing man of God and served in a wide capacity at the church. As we grieved the loss of our friend, a need presented itself. We prayed and sought counsel as we desired to do whatever God wanted us to do. As we proceeded in this direction, doors just flew wide open. There's an overwhelming peace and comfort from our Lord for this new direction.  We are making a three-year (verbal) commitment to the church. 

We are also still looking forward to visiting Disciple Support Ministries while in Kenya. Which, comes to mind, please be in prayer for the Coopman Family (Bill, Brooke, little Ruby and Jonathan out of Calvary Chapel Beachside in HB) who will be moving to Nairobi, Kenya May 31st. 

So when's the big day? 

We had planned a short trip to Nairobi in June which is now not going to happen. Our move to Kenya will come at the end of August. Please pray as we are raising financial support and as we get our young boys ready for shots, passports and everything else.

History:

When Jonathan and I went to Nairobi on our first trip back in 2005 we met Robbie and Elizabeth Gorden. Back then, Robbie had a radio show that featured teachings through the Bible by Chuck Smith. It was amazing to see the message go out and hear the response from the people. We also got the chance to visit Living Water and meet the people. Elizabeth teaches the Bible to a group of Maasai Ladies and help with their crafts. 

In 2006 Robbie and Elizabeth welcomed Jonathan and I into their home for two weeks as we took our "vision tour". Our hearts were knit to the Gordens as we saw their daily lives and how they loved each other as well as the people of Kenya.  On this second trip, Jonathan again got to visit the radio show Robbie was hosting, and help answer some of the questions people called and texted in. Jonathan also had an opportunity to teach at Living Water.

We are so thrilled at this new direction and we ask that you stand and pray with us as we have many things to do between now and August. Please pray for Ruth Deam as she moves forward in ministry and life without her beloved Rick. We love you guys and thanks for praying!

Jonathan and Adrienne

More to come....

Last night I was reading in Mark Ch. 2 where these men come and bring their friend to Jesus to heal him: 

" A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was laying on. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.' "

What faith! They didn't bring their friend all the way there, get there and turn around and go home. They could've walked away thinking, "I guess it wasn't God's will to heal our friend." But they knew their God. They had faith that Jesus was willing to heal him. It's so encouraging that my God honors the faith of a few and doesn't "zap" them. Why do we think God does that? We can be so afraid to step out of the will of God at times because we don't want God to forsake us or be angry. That's not God! He honors the faith of the men and forgives them. How does this tie in to our leaving? More to come....tune in next week for the "big announcement". 

Adrienne for the Ferg Four