Catching Up.

Every month or so (as things happen) Scott, Annelle and I gather together to review what has been accomplished in Unga, what steps I need to take, what things I still need to discover from research, etc. Some might call it strategic planning, we like to call it a lunch meeting.

Today God gave us a special gift, my new teammate Kendra could finally attend one of these meetings! The urban portion of our team doubled in size over the last week! In celebration of Kendra being there, and because she has little clue of what has taken place over the last several months, Scott pulled out all the notes, hung them on the wall (they are on butcher paper) and I got to walk Kendra down the Unga path, the path that doesn't get your feet all muddy.

As I walked her down the road this journey has taken Me, Katie, Delia, Elsa, Jackie, Hillary, Amber, Scott, Annelle, Todd, Tami, and so many others on, I stood amazed. In March of 2007 I met with Scott and Annelle alone, as we brainstormed how to enter Unga. Since that time, God has done so much, SO MUCH, he has brought people in to walk and pray with me, He has provided entry points, He has answered questions.... See for yourself:

Early March 2007
We created a list of all the things we could think of pertaining to urban poor, poverty, Unga, Ministry, CHE...you name it. The list was overwhelming. We came out of it with a vision from Isaiah 58 and Ezekiel 36 to allow God to reveal His glory and holyness through rebuilding, repairing and restoring the community of Unga Limited. But we didn't know how. We didn't know who, we didn't know where to begin. We left with more questions than answers, and as I left, Scott in his most encouraging voice said, "Pam you do know this might take 6-9 months to accomplish." I wasn't so encouraged. Katie and I started praying the truths of the passages as we walked through Unga. And God started showing us some pretty cool stuff. Would you pray these passages for Unga?

May 7, 2007 (Monthy meetings eh?) Life happens.
We pulled out the old list. WOW! Katie and I were both surprised! We added to the last list, but also took note of things we had seen since March, gardens that were flourishing, as well as the porn shops right across the way. We took note of the oppression, of the lack of men working, the number of children running around in the streets, and we also took note of the mud, the poor sanitation, and just the general feeling of hopelessness and despair. We left the meeting, a little encouraged, as well with some more definate direction for our walks and our research. Would you keep praying as the vision unfolds?


August 8, 2007
My oh MY! The discoveries! Some demographics have been gathered, although the survey we keep trying to put out there goes unfilled. We know that in Sokoke I there are about 55,000 people trying to live. We have met Mama Diwani and discovered the 600 women already meeting in small groups who are an excellent possibility for CHE. We met Mama Jackson, you know all about Mama Jackson! We have continued to meet Mary and Msuya the local pastors. We have developed stronger relationships with the Compassion Project based at Mary and Msuyas church. We have been blown away by what God has done! He helped us to be patient, he lead us beside still waters (did I mention that there is a river running right by Mama Jacksons place...fun little tidbit there). He has proven Himself faithful (as if he really needed to). We have met many other mamas who want to hear about CHE and we have a Vision Seminar to share with the hope of CHE next week!

Vision Seminar Details:
August 15, 2007
9 AM-1PMish

Attendees:
Mama Jackson
Mama Ibram
Mama Fatuma
Mama Mbona
Mama Miriamu (a landlord who owns much property in the area)
Mary (pastors wife)
Mama Diwani (Counselor's Wife)
Diwani (Counselor himself)
7 women from the HIV/AIDS small groups.

WOW! Look at that! Amazing! We have women passionate for the gospel as well as small group leaders and not only that, but powerful community players as well!

WOW! I stand amazed.

Will you consider praying, or even fasting for this upcoming vision seminar?