The Slingluff's Nairobi Call

Welcome to Kenya Woodlands UMC

2009-06-25T04:39:00.000-07:00

A team from Houston Texas came to do ministry in Kibera for a week. They set up a “laypeople’s eye clinic,” without the aid of a doctor, but with some training and good equipment, were able to give out 100’s of prescription glasses to needy folks in Kibera who can’t afford an eye doctor or glasses. They were an inspiration to the Slingluff’s and a gentle loving presence in the Kibera slums. Our partners in the slums were very encouraged to have them. Here they are in our front yard, preparing their suitcases for the journey home.

Watch your step

2009-06-25T04:36:00.000-07:00

The Woodlands UMC team, 12 senior high students or recent graduates and 5 adults, visited schools and churches in Kibera. Along with the eye exam ministry, they did VBS activities with children and visited some homes and businesses in the slums. As one who moves through the slums regularly, I was struck by how they brightened people’s day by simply greeting them sincerely as they passed. A big part of ministry is just BEING THERE!

Where’s the wild animals?

2009-06-25T04:34:00.000-07:00

The team from Texas treated the whole Slingluff family to a 3 day and 2 night safari in the Masaai Mara game reserve. We stayed next to a hippo pool. At night the grunting and snorting of hippos and the barking of wild baboons made for light sleep, so it wasn’t too difficult getting up before the sun for the early morning game drives. I think the boys really enjoyed just being tourists.

Whispering with Horses

2009-06-25T04:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to some super missionary friends that share home school activities with our children, Bethany participates in a ministry of providing horse rides to disabled children in Nairobi. Bethany loves working with horses.

When there's too many goats

2009-06-25T04:29:00.001-07:00

Our neighbor Gwen recently found herself with what most Kenyans would call a “good problem,” what to do with an excess supply of goats. They were munching her garden to a nub. Kenyans love goat (nyama ya buzi) that is the meat, especially roasted. Hense few of them would ask what you do when you have a few goats too many!

New Friend in the family and ministry

2009-06-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

Pastor Kurea, an intern with Nairobi Chapel has recently been assigned by Nairibi Chapel to work with me in Kibera. With a quiet and gentle spirit, Kurea has been a blessing to our family and our ministry in Kibera. Here he’s posing beside a traditional hut like his ancestors the Meru people used (before Kurea’s time). Kurea chose the “Marriage Hut” because he will be married in early September of this year.

Joining the Over 50 club

2009-06-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

Kenya is a young country. The average life expectancy here is 47. So when they say that I’m now over the hill, what can I say. The fact that all the old age jokes sound more like reality than fiction just make them all the more funnier. As Paul Simon sang, “Still crazy after all these years.”

Growing Good Things in the Slums

2009-05-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

Gardens are springing up all over the slums largely inside these large grain sacks. There may not be much room to grow a significant amount of food in the slums, but I think such projects are good for the soul and every little bit helps.

Bearing one another's burdens

2009-05-08T01:27:00.000-07:00

I met Enoch about 6 months ago and was amazed at his courage, raising 4 children on his own with little help from the community after his wife died. Enoch succumbed to AIDS just a week ago. He was a gentle and humble pastor in Kibera. AIDS is claiming the lives of some very precious people and leaving many homeless children in its wake.

Bling Bling Jesus

2009-05-08T01:21:00.000-07:00

These are the young men from a church we effectionately call “Bling Bling” a name given to one of the businesses run by one of these young men. Bling Bling is a popular slang phrase that desribes people who where big flashy jewelry. Bling Bling is a moving business that transports all sorts of things about the slums and backroads of the city by hand pulled carts. Bolo Job, second from the left has no parents and has essentially raised himself. His brothers in this emerging church are his only real family and they are real family.

Ni Barka Church -- "The Church is a blessing"

2009-05-08T01:16:00.000-07:00

When this bike passed me in the slum, I had to run behind until I could get this picture. When was the last time you saw a bumper sticker saying so much in so few words? “God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.” Ephesians 1:22-23

When there is no doctor

2009-05-08T01:10:00.000-07:00

We were required to read “Where there is no doctor” as we prepared for mission service. Actually we could have taken Josiah over the mountain to a doctor to have his cast removed. But as we considered the difficult journey and the huge crowds with whom we’d have to wait to see a doctor. How eager Josiah was to be free. Well, one thing led to another and we just took it off. He’s doing fine and we are comforted to see him much more careful these days – at least for now!

Children of Abraham

2009-05-08T00:53:00.000-07:00

Many of the faithful in Nairobi, gather beneath tents, all over the city each Sunday. True children of Abraham! Our family has been blessed in many unexpected ways through the ministries of Nairobi Chapel. Timothy will be going through a “Rite of Passage” called “ROPES” as he enters his 13 year. Debra and the children are engaged weekly by the effective relevant teaching. Pastor Oscar has been a great strength to Rick, guiding him and helping him to organize for greater effectiveness in ministry as he participates with the staff and works with Oscar to develop outreach strategies to Kibera.

Africn engineering says "Never Die"

2009-02-22T03:45:00.000-08:00

how's

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milage?

Family Retreat Refuge

2009-02-22T03:42:00.000-08:00

We found a cottage near Lake Naivasha that charges about $15 a day. Run by a kindly retired MD, a Kenyan of British decent. We visit here often – it’s our retreat home away from the city. We talk to the animals, Flamingos, giraffe, zebra, hippo, gazelle, monkeys, antelope, storks, vultures… yes its Noah’s back yard!

The peep found a peep

2009-02-22T03:41:00.000-08:00

Bethany’s gone native. But not for long. She found braided hair a bit painful. Women the world over suffer for beauty’s sake!

Blessings from a Rock

2009-02-22T03:38:00.000-08:00

On the edge of Kibera is a small very toxic stream because it receives the sewage from the slums. Yet out of such a stream comes a prayer of profound blessing! Kibera is often like that.

Acrobats in Kibera

2009-02-22T03:36:00.000-08:00

These boys can flip and twist and flip into a hard clay pit. I was amazed at their agility, courage, and vitality. The children of Kibera are as talented and diverse as you’d find in any city of one million people.

Wilson Onyango - Our partner in Kibera

2009-02-22T03:34:00.000-08:00

Wilson visited The Family Church in Gainesville Florida recently, representing our ministry in Kibera. He’s the pastor on the left in this picture. Wilson grew up in the slums, has returned with his German born wife, Karen, to work in mission in the slums. He is proving to be a valuable partner to us.

Where has the basement gone?

2009-02-22T03:31:00.000-08:00

A member of Pastor Frank’s church (our partners) in Kibera lost the floor of his bedroom one night as flood waters washed the ground out from underneath his home. Fortunately no one fell through and the family moved into the living room. Most homes in kibera have only one room.

Kibera Pastor's Fellowship

2009-02-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

These pastors who work in some of the poorest parts of Kibera have become dear friends to me. We have helped establish about half a dozen cell groups that help pastors who have little or no denominational support. These pastors call me "teacher" – but I believe they are my teacher.

Busy Youth Baptism

2009-02-22T03:23:00.000-08:00

We baptized 16 ex gangsters recently. One of these young men is helping me baptize a boy from our partner’s church Nairobi Believer’s Mission pastored by Frank Nyemeche. The “Busy Youth” as they call themselves are becoming a church. We meet Sunday and Thursday afternoons. They range in age from 15 to 35 – all young men.

Night of the Meat Eaters

2008-12-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the most infamous resteraunt in all of East Africa is a place called “The Carnivore” not 3 miles from our home. But after nearly 6 years in Kenya, Rick has never eaten there. Mike Mozely, the Mission Society’s African director felt he had to correct that oversight and so treated us all to ostrich, crocodile (nearly as good as fresh lobster!), along with the tame stuff. Needless to say – the lions didn’t go to sleep hungry that night.

Still Young at Heart

2008-12-22T06:05:00.000-08:00

The Mission Society sent an angel (our African Director Michael Mozely) to remind us that "missionary care" begins at home. And to make sure we got the point, he treated us to a night at a very lovely Ole English style hotel in the middle of Nairobi called "Fairview," including a romantic gormet meal that lasted until 11:30!

Thank you Michael!
Thank you Mission Society!

Nothing Like Togetherness

2008-12-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

Pamoja is the Swahili word for ‘together,’ but it carries much more significant meaning than that English word. Pamoja literally means “for one.” and is also used to translate the word unity. We finally went to Nairobi Game Park recently and caught these two female lions enjoying a moment together in the morning sun.

A Christmas message is never complete without a baby!

2008-12-22T05:55:00.000-08:00

I recently went near Kakamega with our partner Michael Kutswa to help him with a pastor’s conference there. Michael (left) planted 3 churches that are doing well among the unreached people group of Turkana. As we get close to sending out missionaries from the Kibera slums to slums in other countries, Michael will likely be one of our trainers. He currently pastors a church in Kenya’s largest hospital, Kenyatta.

African Missionary in India

2008-12-22T05:52:00.000-08:00

While studying in India under a government program, Charles Radinga led one of his teachers and some students to faith in Christ. These new Christians went home and won their families and neighbors to Christ. Now there are 3 churches in Delhi led by Pastor Venu and a church in Udaipur, Rajasthan pastured by his old lecturer Dr Lalit Latta now known as Pastor Joshua. Altogether, Charles is functioning bishop of 180 members in these four churches in India. Without any intentional planning, the Pentecostal Revival Church of Kibera Nairobi has become the mother of a multi-continental denomination. Here we see Pastor Charles being greeted by some of the members of their Indian churches while conducting a conference there in . Charles recently finished a course of study at a local bible college and has been a bi-vocational pastor in the slums for over 20 years. He has been a blessing to me since my earliest days in Kibera.

Hippo Bate

2008-12-22T05:43:00.000-08:00

Hippos don’t use their teeth for eating – just their gums. Their teeth are a defensive weapon. They rarely eat meat and only after its very rotten. I guess I'm safe?

Our Partners with fuzzy face

2008-09-23T02:29:00.000-07:00

Karen and Wilson Oyango on my right. Wilson grew up in Kibera and has returned, a gifted pastor and evangelist to serve with his wife, Karen. Karen studies at a local theological school and together with Wilson pastors a children’s church in Kibera. Karen is a cross cultural witness from Germany.
Linda and Frank Nyamache on my left. Frank also grew up in a Kenyan slum, trained for ministry in Australia and together with Linda planted Nairobi Beliver’s Mission in Kibera. Linda is a gifted children’s minister and her and Frank’s vision for family life is the driving force behind their church. 150 children are attending their Saturday and Sunday ministries. Recently, Wilson led 24 ex-gangsters to the Lord and we are discipling them through the ministries of Nairobi Believer’s Mission.
Together we are developing an equipping ministry for youth and children’s ministers in the slums as well as micro finance ministry for these ex-gangsters and other young people in the slums.

One of our Partner Churches

2008-09-23T02:26:00.000-07:00

Pastor Frank on the far left, his wife Linda peering above the heads of just a few of their little ones in their church in Kibera.

Cell Groups for Kibera Pastors

2008-09-23T02:23:00.000-07:00

Kenyans are very good at organizing groups to meet community needs. To help encourage more extensive use of cell groups in the local churches in the slums, we are trying to enrich the existing pastor cell groups like this one and organize new ones. Developing savings plans, encouraging the sharing of pulpits and ministry resources, we hope to help the pastors strengthen their churches as they learn to help one another in very personal and tangible ways.

Capturing the Moment at Lake Bagoria

2008-09-23T02:19:00.000-07:00

Bethany’s our photographer. Most of the really good pictures on our blog are hers. While camping at Lake Bagoria, we encountered a 3 foot snake, a spider whose legs could easily span a large man’s hand and a metropolis of Baboons. With hot gasses bubbling up from the geothermic activity beneath the Lake and the equatorial sun, we spent every afternoon in the mountain spring that ran near our campsite. And when small black faced monkeys weren’t pelting us with figs from above, we managed to take in some very incredible views that prompt the soul to rest and say, “It is GOOD!”

2008-09-23T02:16:00.000-07:00

Cooling off at a mountain spring waterfall feeding Lake Bagoria

A Dead Lake with Abundant Life

2008-09-23T02:12:00.000-07:00

While Bagoria is a dead lake, no fish, nothing but algae beneath it's waters, there’s no shortage of life on and around it’s water. The white specks are Flamingos. See the grant’s gazelles?

Josiah going Masai

2008-09-23T02:07:00.000-07:00

Josiah happened to be wearing red the day he met these Masai youth – so he blended right in? While many of them wear traditional clothes for tourists, others simply prefer their traditional clothes to Western wear.

Welcome to Kenya friends

2008-06-12T01:36:00.000-07:00

We’re glad Pastor Lauren, his wife Joanne, and Janice from the Mission Society came to visit us from America. They loved us, prayed for us, spoiled us with prezzies from the States, and caught this precious picture of Timothy and his Mum.

Residence of Kibera Slums

2008-06-12T01:32:00.000-07:00

No one knows how many children live in Kibera, but the casual observer walking through the slums at various times of the day and week will notice that they certainly outnumber the adults. What is their world like? What are their hopes and dreams? How do they understand God? I have much to learn from them.

Bring home the water

2008-06-12T01:30:00.000-07:00

Whose carrying the water this time? Everyone in Kibera contributes. Children as young as three carry water in these old cooking oil bottles. And of course they have time on the way to visit with friends and pose for pictures from a friendly Mazungu (White guy).

Household Chores

2008-06-12T01:28:00.000-07:00

These young fellows are bringing home some firewood. Charcoal and wood are still common cooking fuels because oil and gas are too pricey for the slums. Where do they get it? I don’t think its polite to ask.

Frying Mandazi (donuts)

2008-06-12T01:25:00.000-07:00

The Kenyan form of donut – not quite as sweet but certainly every bit as popular. This young man has a job and appears happy to be doing it. The vast majority of people his age have no work and no prospects for work. This is a major problem all over Kenya.

Children Everywhere

2008-06-12T01:23:00.001-07:00

You can’t go 10 feet in Kibera without seeing little children. This tool and knife sharpeners isn’t distracted by them. With his mobile wheel, he can travel about – especially to all the butcher shops, putting the edge back.

Mudders

2008-06-12T01:21:00.000-07:00

Most walls in Kibera are made from mud packed in and supported by small poles nailed to the wall studs. When this mud dries, its amazingly resistant to erosion, but they do need maintenance. Most mud walls in Kibera need this man’s help – but alas, there’s little money to pay for his skills. He may earn 2 dollars a day.

Beer Haulers

2008-06-12T01:17:00.000-07:00

We really hate to see this. One bottle of Kenya “Tuskers” costs about $ 1.25 -- a days wage for many people in Kibera. Yet this stuff is consumed regularly in the many bars in Kibera. Illegal alcohol is brewed and sold publically without any resistence from the police. People without hope find what little resources they do have slipping through their fingers.

Mountain climbing in the neighborhood

2008-06-12T01:12:00.000-07:00

Much of the Katwikera village in Kibera has these steep slopes that make life a bit challenging. This is the way to the only Baptist Church in the Kibera slums. I’m glad I’ve never had to traverse it in the dark!

The daily dilemma of sewage

2008-06-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

Everyday someone has to take a shovel along the many open sewers of Kibera and pick the garbage up out of the drains onto the pathways or the fluids will back up into homes. The smells vary from place to place and time to time. Hot sunny weather helps the smell. Lots of rain helps move solids downhill. Life goes on.

Mud Sledding

2008-06-12T01:06:00.000-07:00

Kibera children can find fun anywhere. A little rain. A little mud. A steep slope. You can have a good time on a Sunday afternoon with a little help from some friends.

Islamic Evangelism

2008-06-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

There are not many Muslims in Kibera, but they have lots of money. Recently they bribed government officials then evicted a church in Kibera that had been on that location for 17 years. Kibera Christrians fear them too much to evangelize among them. And they keep acquiring land in Nairobi legally and by other means to build more Mosques.

Pastor Charles Onyang

2008-06-12T00:51:00.000-07:00

Charles is a dear friend and partner in our ministry in Kibera. He has lived there for 20 years, working in civil service to support his family while pastoring in one of the toughest parish in Nairobi. Revival Pentacostal Church in Katwikera, Kibera has become the mother of many churches all over Kenya, in the Congo, Tanzania, and yes even India! He has recently graduated from Bible college. Celebrate with me God’s calling on His life. And may God multiply such leaders throughout the slums of the world!!!

The Face of Kibera

2008-04-23T01:26:00.001-07:00

Mud walls and paths, rusty, perforated metal roofs, open sewers, mounds of garbage, and smoke from cooking fires, we could confuse these things for the face of Kibera. But for me, this little girl is the true face of Kibera – her people. On this blog site, I hope to introduce you to the many faces of Kibera. There are drunkards and loafers and many many industrious men and women, shop keepers, from countless ethnic, language, racial and national groups. But mostly there are 1000's of children. Some well cared for and others desperately neglected. We all need to look intently into the face of Kibera.

In my next blog update, I hope to feature some of the many occupations of Kibera’s residents.

On the Edge of the Slums

2008-04-23T01:23:00.000-07:00

Looking past “Kianda,” (one of 13 villages in Kibera) we see green fields and forests. This is government land. The slums are also on “government land.” Very little, perhaps none of the land in this picture is permanently titled to any individual. Even the land lords lease from the government and charge rent to residents. Issues of land ownership and utilization of land is one of the major factors that led up to the recent political crisis in Kenya. There are literally 100,000’s of children in these slums who have no green space near their home where they can play. People live on top of each other surrounded by open sewers while only a few hundred meters away are many acres of good unused land. Why? This is the pressing question in Kenya today.

Outdoor worship in Kibera

2008-04-23T01:20:00.001-07:00

Perhaps the largest church denomination in Kibera is “Church of Israel.” Most other Christians in the slums consider them a cult. Yet they make use of the Bible. I have much to learn about this old testament church. Do they have a witness of Jesus Christ in their community? What is their vision for ministry? What is their mission? They dress in white and worship outdoors. They are mostly one tribe – Luo. I am suspicious that they are widely misunderstood by mainline denominations, but they have a huge following in Kibera – many churches, thousands of worshippers gathering in various locations around the slum every Sunday.

Islam in Kibera

2008-04-23T01:09:00.000-07:00

Over 50 years ago, Sudanese Nubians were imported by British colonizers to strengthen their military and labor pool. This colonial labor camp was the beginning of Kibera. More recently many Muslims from other tribes and nations have immigrated to Kenya and live in Kibera. Most Mosques in Nairobi, like this one, have been built in the last 10 years. Generally, Muslims and Christians live at peace in Kibera, but separately -- and because of this segregation they tend to be distrustful of one another. After 60 years, Kibera remains a labor camp of sorts. Tens of thousands of laborers working all over the city make Kibera their home since the cost of living is so low, saving most of their hard earned money to send home to their families in rural areas.

Worship the African Way

2008-04-23T01:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning, these boys were outside their church playing what appeared to be a call to worship along one of the major pathways of Kibera. They played together very well, smiling and dancing and having a good time. They invited me to join them, but I had to hurry on to another meeting I had promised to attend (Kibera is over 3 miles East to West).

The Train Track Freeway

2008-04-23T00:59:00.001-07:00

The major pathway across Kibera is the rail road line. You can walk from one end of the slum to the other in about an hour by just following the tracks. People sweep their compounds, the pathways, their business, and homes, keeping them very neat and tidy. Kibera is not a dirty place because of neglect and laziness -- there is no garbage collection. What amazed me is how nearly a million people can live viturally on top of each other -- schools, clinics, churches, shops, bars, restaurants, and homes and not collect more garbage than they do.

Every Inch Counts

2008-04-23T00:52:00.000-07:00

To the residents of Kibera, every inch matters. This shop keeper is selling pottery, cookers, cups, and a used baby walker along side Kibera’s super highway. Unfortunately, occassionally the train uses it too. In Nairobi and all over Kenya, one must be careful in crowded areas not to kick peddler’s goods along the sidewalks and byways. These informal businesses provide financial support for countless people who would otherwise be hungry and jobless.

Welcome to Lake Bagoria

2008-04-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

Most tourists never come here – it doesn’t have elephants, giraffes, lions, cape buffalo, or hippos – but it has one of the largest flamingo populations in Kenya and many many critters hang out here and it is one of the few places in Kenya untouched by humanity – it’s wonderfully wild! The Slingluff’s scouted the place for a day to see if we might like to camp here for 4 or 5 days on another retreat. It was unanimous. We’ll be back!

Life on a "Dead Lake"

2008-04-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

The water of Lake Bagoria is putrid with soda ash, boiling up through geysers from crevices deep in the earth. One of many lakes in the great Rift Valley, including the Dead Sea and Galilee formed by a geological bulge in the Earth’s crust running from Israel down through the horn of East Africa. Even though no fish can live in Bagoria, algae grows and supports tens of thousands of flamingos. We saw many Greater Kudu – the largest antelope in the world, Zebra, Spring buck, Dic Dic, and other critters all making this majestic lake their “home.”

Back to the Future Campsite

2008-04-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

It took over 30 minutes to cover less than 5 miles – the roads were rough! And on our way back, we discovered why most bush vehicles in Africa have 2 spares – we got a flat and so prayed fervently all the way back to the main highway (a journey of some 30 miles). Under these huge fig trees, Debra and I camped several months into our marriage (December 1992). The children enjoyed this visit and hope to return here to camp in the future.

Stirring Flamingos

2008-04-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

At take off, flamingos ski across the water as they flap their large floppy wings. Then they run over the waters, using their feet to increase their forward speed. At the proper velocity, they begin to glide across the glassy water surface. It is one of the many reasons there's no place like Africa. Timothy had more fun than a dog in a chicken coup!

Lake Baringo from on top

2008-04-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

At 8,000 feet, this equatorial land is never hot (as Floridians would call hot), and never cold. Lots of trees and mostly unspoiled by man, you can’t help but envy the people who live here. Beyond the cloud shadow is another Rift Valley Lake, Baringo, noted for some of the greatest diversity of birds in Kenya, you can see the major island in the middle.

God's Shamba

2008-04-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Shamba is Swahili for farm. Most of Kenya looks like this – hot, dry, and yet thriving with life. When you think of the big open spaces of the American West, multiply it by a factor of 4 and you have Africa.

Our House Guest

2008-04-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Debra found this little fellow while she .was at the library. Chameleons move slow, change color to match their surroundings, have eyes that move like telescopes independent of each other, and catch insects with an astoundingly quick tongue. We hoped he’d take up residence in our yard, but alas, he moved.

Msafara (Caravan) Wheels of Hope

2008-03-19T04:13:00.000-07:00

Six buses carrying over 300 warriors for Jesus and at least that many large trucks with over 65 tons of aid for the many homeless people living in camps all over Kenya went on a 5 city, 10 day tour of Kenya. We left Nairobi on March 7 bound for Mombasa. We were an army of pastors, intercessors, counselors, and other ministers obeying the Lord of Heavens Army to do spiritual battle in the strife torn areas of Kenya most affected by the post election violence. It was 10 days of intensive spiritual warfare, moments of agony as intercessors confessed the nation’s sin and pleaded to God for mercy, repenting on behalf of the nation. Moments of triumph and celebration as church leaders from all denominations united to declare Jesus as Lord of Kenya and renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness. On behalf of their tribes, church leaders reconciled their tribal differences, and committed to serve together in obedience to Christ’s commission. It was 10 days of Phillipians 2 fellowship in the Holy Spirit, unselfishly serving one another, tender hearted compassion for one another. It was a Caravan of hope and miracles….

Claiming Mombasa For Jesus Christ

2008-03-19T04:09:00.000-07:00

The first place in Kenya to receive the Gospel was Mombasa by the Portugese nearly 500 years ago. It was rejected and the coast has been a Muslim stronghold ever since. Msafara marched the streets of Mombasa, renouncing the forces of darkness that have successfully hindered the Gospel in these areas and declared through bold witness that Mombasa belonged to Jesus! We joined dozens of pastors and churches in Mombasa encouraging them in their witnesses and outreach.

Bearing one another's burdens

2008-03-19T04:07:00.000-07:00

You may have heard about the people who were burned alive while seeking refuge in a church. We visited that sight near Eldoret and spoke with several people who shared their eye witness account of this atrocity. While this sight has been abandoned as a crime scene, the people in the area continue to preserve it as a memorial. The story it tells is heart wrenching, but must not be forgotten. May this place compel many who come after us to do likewise – pray for God’s mercy on the land of Kenya.

Interceding for the Tribes of Kenya

2008-03-19T04:04:00.000-07:00

Pastors among the Kalajen tribe interceded for the many young men who committed genocide in their communities. Along with their public confession of this guilt, they asked Kikuyu pastors specifically for their forgiveness. At the close of this service, Kikuyu and Kalajen pastors celebrated, embracing one another. It was a tearful joyous moment. They Body of Christ IS a miracle!

Victims of Tribal Clashes

2008-03-19T04:02:00.000-07:00

Along with 350,000 other people from many tribes across Kenya, this little girl has been made homeless by illegal militias that looted and destroyed most of their homes. Many of these refugees have lost or injured family members as well. As I met some of these people, I prayed that God would give them back more than they lost and that they would find in Him the strength to forgive their enemies.

Widespread Destruction

2008-03-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

All over Rift Valley, we saw homes looted and destroyed alongside many other homes that were not disturbed. This selective violence was fueled by “negative tribalism,” whereby neighbors tragically turned against neighbor based on their ethnic origins. All effected tribes retaliated and so this “cleansing of foreigners” has happened all over Kenya, leaving 100,000’s homeless.

Rich in Friends

2008-03-19T03:54:00.001-07:00

I have a proverb for you… “He who serves Jesus in Africa will become rich in friends.” The fellowship on Msafara was God breathed and yet down to earth human. We were many tribes, races, and nations, but one brother/sisterhood. Like soldiers in war, we bonded together and received a treasury of goodness and grace from one another. These pastors are the salt of Christ. Many of their testimonies left me speechless with awe (yea me, speechless!)

Welcome to the Slingluff's of Nairobi

2008-03-07T01:35:00.000-08:00

The children are on a balcony outside Josiah’s little room. Debra’s at the front door. We have about 25% more space with 2 bathrooms – No Waiting! The bunnies are let out of the hutch to run about in the yard. The water tanks are larger so we don’t fret about water supplies during the 3 days each week the city turns off the taps. We hosted 6 refugees for 4 days the day we moved in and so we’ve room for visitors. Wecome.

Kibera From Our Balacony Window

2008-03-07T01:33:00.000-08:00

We moved just down the street from our last location in the same Estate. The yellow circle shows the tin roofs of some houses in Laina Saba, one of five villages of Kibera. One Sunday Rick walked into the slum to preach at a church there and then walked to the far side of the slum to visit some other churches there. Kibera is roughly 3 miles east and west, ½ mile North and south with something like a million inhabitants.

Msafara Wheels of Hope

2008-03-07T01:27:00.001-08:00

Msafara means caravan in Swahili. These pastors were praying fervently for this peace initiative and spiritual cleansing mission to the nation of Kenya. 100 pastors from all over the country will travel to Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisumu, praying and mobilizing hundreds of local pastors in each community to join them in prayer for the nation. We are uniting to bring down demonic strongholds that have been unleashed in this land. Aid, counsel, and comfort will also be extended to thousands of refugees still in camps across the country. “When the Kofi Annan team has finished their work, it will not have dealt with the demonic forces. Only the church can do that.” Please pray for Msafara wheels of hope. March 7 to 17. When Rick gets home he will update the blog site with news of Msafara Wheels of Hope.

Unataka Matunda

2008-03-07T01:23:00.000-08:00

We love the kitchen in our new home. The bananas were a gift from a Mission Conference Rick did in a rural community near Mount Kenya. So was the “hat” Josiah’s wearing. Meru pineapples are delicious. We’ll have to wait for the bananas to ripen to see about them. Would you like some fruit?

Our Kenyan Connection

2008-03-07T01:19:00.000-08:00

No one is more responsible for our Kenyan connection than Hannah Wanjiku. She visited St. Paul UMC in Gulf Breeze when she was a frail little girl of 4 years. She not only captured Rick’s heart, but in her eyes, he saw Jesus calling him to Africa. Hannah was 8 years old by the time Rick arrived in the orphanage in 1989. Now she herself is an English teacher, but dreams of becoming a journalist. We are very proud of this young lady. She told Rick that when she finds a suitable husband, she’s bringing him to ask for his approval. She sure knows how to get us in her prayer corner!

Thank You God for a Bigger Home

2008-02-04T00:42:00.000-08:00

A house came available on the same street with a good deal more living space so we moved on February 1 (Yes we moved again!) On the same day, Nereah (center row far right) and her family were forcefully evicted from her home of 20 years in Ruiru by mobs of tribal thugs. There are perhaps over 300,000 refugees in Kenya due to the post election crisis. Nereah and her family will be moving back near Kisumu, where she has family. We don’t know what will become of her furniture and business that she had to abandon. Yet in the midst of the insecurity and uncertainties, it’s amazing how God unites us as family. Nereah worked with Debra and I at the Spirit of Faith Orphanage and is the Aunt of Michael Agwanda, another missionary with the Mission Society.

Long Food Lines as the Crisis Deepens

2008-02-04T00:38:00.000-08:00

The clergy network Rick’s been working with helped organize food distribution with the United Nations and Red Cross. All these people came by invitation only through local churches in the Kibera slums. 2,000 people waited under a hot tropical sun for up to 9 hours to get food. Water had to be carried around the lines because no one wanted to loose their place in line. We moved among them assuring them to lesson the threat of panic. It was a loooong day for all involved.

2000 allotments of Grain and Other Food distributed by Hand

2008-02-04T00:32:00.000-08:00

Pastor Eric, a Kibera pastor with the clergy network, with the other aid workers went non stop from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm loading sacks with grain, peas, cooking oil, and flour. They worked furiously hard because the threat of panic, tired, hungry people in long lines wondering if they would get a share. These aid workers had nothing but a cup of water the whole day. Some like Eric didn’t even receive an allotment of food because we ran so low towards the end of the distribution.

"Heading" the groceries back to Kibera

2008-02-04T00:25:00.000-08:00

Each allotment given on this day was roughly enough to feed a family of 6 for a week. All during this day, we had huge crowds of people gathering at the gates pleading for food. After the post election violence most of the stores and shops in Kibera were destroyed. The threat of violence caused many people to be too afraid to leave the slums or even their homes for many days. Consequently, their were hundreds of thousands of hungry people. Distribution to the most vulnerable -- women, children, and disabled became a grave concern. Fortunately things are beginning to rebound.

Political Crisis in Kenya

2008-01-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

The political crisis in Kenya is a direct result of a spiritual and social conflict rooted in tribal tensions and decades of unresolved issues. The American Ambassador reminded me on the local news that we Americans went through a similar crisis when Martin Luther King was assassinated in the late 60’s. As we learned through the unresolved social issues of the 60’s, societies are deeply injured by ethnic tensions and avoidance only compounds the issues. Kenya's church leaders believe that the current social political conflict is rooted in spiritual problems. They believe Kenya is in need of reconciliation to end tribal tensions, restore confidence and peace in communities that are shared by many tribal groups..

Ruins of Toi Market, largets in Kibera,

2008-01-10T22:22:00.000-08:00

Once covering several acres of densely packed shops and market stands. This place looks like a WW I battle zone. Hundreds of thousands of people used this market daily and thousands of people depended on Toi for their income. Market places are the heartbeat of African community. How long will it take to get it back? Today it's completely desolate.

Kibera Road

2008-01-10T22:18:00.000-08:00

This road is the main artery by which public transport, food, and all supplies make their way into Kibera where 1.2 million people live. It was blocked by burned out vehicles, large tanks, and debris from torn down shops. Now commerce to Kibera has been drastically interupted. Although a few buses are circulating with a few passengers, few consumer goods are coming in accept carried on the shoulders of hungry residents of the slums trying to get their small businesses going again.

Churches Targeted in Riots

2008-01-10T22:16:00.000-08:00

Many church structures have been destroyed by Muslim youth taking advantage of the widespread anarchy and violence throughout Kibera. The debris in the background of this picture were the homes of Pastor Pius Kidinga and Mama Milicent with her son Alvin. Five families living here lost their homes and all their earthly goods in the riots. Mama Milicent lost her husband to AIDS and is HIV positive. Her and Alvin and several other families are living in Sunday school rooms at a nearby church. People like them are all over Kibera, living without blankets, cooking utensils, and food. Most food aid getting into Kibera is maize flour, rice, and other dried food products that require cooking.

Dickering for a Sheepskin and jewlry

2008-01-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

Josiah has learned that when “Wazungu” (westerners) ask “How much is it?” We’re going to get a very high price. And so now he wrinkles his nose at them and show his displeasure before he tells him what he believes is the 'real' price. Notice his wool had and flip flops. When we left home that day, it was very warm. By the time we reached the top of the Abadere, it was very chilly.

Where We Live

2007-12-13T21:44:00.000-08:00

You might remember this aerial of the Kibera slums from past posts – we didn’t know when we used it that we’d actually be living in this area of Nairobi! Our home is inside the pink circle. When I built the children’s rabbit hutch, I bought the lumber in Kibera and we carried it home on foot. The security is ok where we are, the very poor are not a major threat – organized thugs with cars and guns focus on other neighborhoods. Kibera is proving to be far less dangerous than was reported to me. I shouldn’t have been surprised by the relative security within the slums, misinformation is part of the barrier between rich and poor.

Those Who Come After Us

2007-12-12T22:20:00.000-08:00

Veronica grew up at Spirit of Faith. Debra taught her music. Today Veronica has produced a gospel CD with all her own music. She teaches children in another orphanage to sing. She came to our house for a few days and blessed us so much. I wished you all could have heard her and Debra singing all the songs they shared together at Spirit of Faith when Veronica was a little girl.

Equator? Where's the Line?

2007-12-12T22:14:00.000-08:00

We crossed the equator on our recent trip to Kitale to visit Mwangi, one of the graduates from Spirit of Faith Center. We visited International Christian Ministry’s campus (A seminary near the Ugandan boarder) where Rick was invited to teach sometime next year for a few weeks.

Time Capsule Tea Chests

2007-12-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

When we left Kenya nearly 14 years ago, we left behind several tea chests filled with such things as Debra’s wedding dress, pictures, cards, curtains, kitchen things. We were surprised to find everything in good condition stored in a container at ICM’s seminary in Kitale! God answered our prayers with help from faithful friends! Thank you Bill & Teresia, Mwangi, and the good folks at ICM! Thank you Lord!

Back Yard Retreat

2007-12-12T21:46:00.000-08:00

Slowly our garden is taking shape – if we can keep the rabbits from eating it! Anyone who comes to visit us will enjoy lovely afternoon English teas under our shade tree. Welcome (Karibuni)

God's Promise in the Neighborhood

2007-11-13T23:11:00.000-08:00

“And the Streets of the City will be filled with boys and girls at play.”
Zechariah 8:5

Bethany caught this rainbow on film in front of our home with Josiah and Timothy in the background. Recently at a meeting with pastors in the Kibera slums, I shared this promise (Zec. 8:5) and we all agreed that this was God’s promise for them in the streets of Kibera.

Domestic Education

2007-11-13T23:07:00.001-08:00

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval.”
2 Timothy 2:15

Debra is thankful for the Sonlight curriculum and the children are thankful for a patient, compassionate teacher. What stories will they tell their children about a “one room school in Africa?” Time will tell.

Every Sunday is a ‘Tent Meeting’ at Nairobi Chapel

2007-11-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

“And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” Exodus 40:34
Timothy’s on his way to children’s church at Nairobi Chapel. Nairobi Chapel has three praise bands that lead worship simultaneously in an adult, youth, and children’s service.

A fellow sojourner

2007-11-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

“Encourage one another and build each other up”

1 Thes. 5:11

We met Leslie at Missionary Training Institute in Colorado Springs. We were the only folks there from Alabama. Debra met her again in the airport Lavatory at Heathrow in London. We flew together to Nairobi and chanced to meet up on several occasions before Leslie went on to her field assignment. God has amazing ways to remind us we are not alone when we answer His call.

Backyard Restoration

2007-11-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

Who knew that our ministry of restoration would begin in the backyard? Well it is. Here Bethany caught Daddy in his morning devotions. It all begins with prayer doesn't it?

And this green space is a part of it all. To survive in a big dirty city like Nairobi, a little green space in your living space is essential. here you see the garden after the pruning and before the planting. Next blog will give you an update on this space -- (hint: there's a few critters to be added as well!)

Are You New to Kenya?

2007-10-19T00:32:00.000-07:00

Girraffe Park -- these stately creatures will eat from the palm of your hands.

Welcome to our Home

2007-10-19T00:24:00.000-07:00

Karibu numbani wako. Welcome to our home. Two stories, but only a little over 1,000 square feet, the kitchen and bed rooms are very small – so if you come to visit us, you won’t get lonely! Kathryn, a local college student lives in the servant quarters. Kibera is a short walk from our home, we’re near the airport, the church offices, and a Mosque that broadcasts the call to pray about 5:30 am -- I'm thankful for the help getting me up to my morning devotions!

Welcome to the Slingluff's "Numbani"

Nairobi Limo Serivce

2007-10-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

Our Kenyan car – a 1992 Pajero, we purchased from a member of Nairobi Chapel. This faithful old vehicle can carry 9 passengers and will serve our family and ministry well on the very broken brutal roads around the city (some of the game parks have better roads than Nairobi!). We asked God to help us find an affordable road warrior – taxi tested tough. Cars are expensive in Africa because the roads punish them and taxes are high. We believe this vehicle is an answer to that prayer, but it will need an engine overhaul soon – please consider helping us with these costs ($5,500. for the vehicle; $2,000 for the engine overhaul).You can contribute to our ministry account on line; themissionsociety.org/missionaries/slingluff

Homecoming Spirit of Faith Children's Centre

2007-10-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

Last week, we visited Spirit of Faith Orphanage where Debra and Rick met and married. Most of the children we knew have graduated from the center, but it was a joy to be there, to meet the children living there and see how faithful God has been to them since our leaving in 1994.

A New Friend in the Neighborhood

2007-10-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

As Bethany befriends other girls in the neighborhood, she's getting "free" Swahili lessons and learning lots of new games. Bethany's been teaching them how to crochet.

Playing out of suitcases

2007-10-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

All our luggage arrived with us safely. The boys are “playing out of suitcases while we wait for drawers and cabinets to be made for the toys that accompanied them to Kenya.

Welcome to Nairobi

2007-09-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

Nairobi Chapel treated us to 5 days at this comfy guest house until we got our legs back under us. We've since left this home and moved to Ngummo Estates, into a town house. While we don't expect to be at this residence long -- we expect to live in this neighborhood. Rents are affordable, good access to the airport, good access to Kibera and to Nairobi Chapel's tents, where most our ministry will occur. God is Good.