While Going and Doing

Is there really a gender gap?

2012-02-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

What have we done . . . I don’t want to sound alarmist or seen as in an attack mode especially when I am speaking gender specific. BUT . . . where are the guys. I understand that in many individual situations pressures of one kind or another affect the outcome of any dynamic, whatever the purpose. BUT . . . where are the guys.

I am trying to get my mind around the simple fact that, with a few notable exceptions, the ratio of male to female travelers who accompany GADL to the rural village of Rionchogu Kenya is almost 4 to 1 females to males. I am trying to put this into some understandable context that allows us guys to retain some sort of positive image concerning risk, compassion and interest for others outside our immediate comfort zone, but it is increasingly difficult. It just can’t be that men are more apt to be the central identity of their life and therefore see ‘just helping’ or ‘taking a risk’ that may not have any self promoting efficacy a waste of time.

I know there are probably at least as many men as women who are public figures involved in some benevolent activity, but then there well may be many more men who have the resource or time to go outside their comfort zone yet chose not to. Maybe I will ask a sociologist or an anthropologist but . . . where are the men. I promise, I promise I promise, I am not a feminist or writing under an assumed gender. I really don’t have a conscious agenda I am tracking. I just have spent a few years taking this journey and find there seems to be a missing link in our male gender DNA or maybe an added link that allows us to see differently . . . yes differently; that helps me think better of us. We are just different.

During our visits to the village in Kenya we stop at a Christian guest house for a night stay over. We meet many very interesting couples there and many have children, all ages. We also meet a number of solo travelers involved in some sort of mission. I am trying to think if any of these solo persons have ever been guys. Guys traveling out on their own, just doing their thing to help others, involved in the risky, maybe, business of being in a foreign country, alone, impassioned to make a difference somehow.

Guys, I am getting some negative vibes here.

I can remember a number of times during travel in airports, on the plane or in some public place or transportation, and you do have a lot of that, where I have met fellow travelers and as conversation develops you identify individuals who are traveling alone to a foreign place on a purpose to help people. I cannot remember one situation where that solo person has been a guy. Now maybe I find it easier to talk to women or maybe other guys are not very public about personal passions, but then maybe guys are not too often included in this grouping, then I come back to the May trip.

We probably started out with over 20 young people, guys and girls who were interested in this journey. Even in the beginning though the ratio was maybe 2 to 1 or 3 to 2 female to male.

Here then is the item by which my attention has been drawn to this subject: In May we will depart to Kenya with a group of very motivated and focused young people. They understand there is risk and yet their attitudes and priorities have stayed the course. They have and will, I believe and have confidence, complete the requirements and the preparations and embark on what I think is in reality a journey of a life time. The group will consist of 9 people, me, Pastor Jon from ULC in Austin TX and 7 young women of great passion. See it? Does it stand out to you? SEVEN (7) young women; I have met quite a few people involved in International activity to help others and I would say by far the greatest percentage are women.

So to a few people; Eaar, Chris, Terry, Brent, Don and now Pastor Jon and Brandon ( an April traveler), I say, you are standouts among men.

If I take out Eaar who is my traveling regular, Chris who is our Kenyan super media man and Terry who helped start this whole thing it leaves 4 guys who have decided to make the journey.

To Chanel, Anastasia (twice), Julie (twice this April), Kristen, Suzanne (twice), Wanjugu, Joyce, Anne and the seven new faces in May I say praise God for women of strength, passion, courage and vision. In this group are 15 women who have decided to make the journey. Well done, your strength and sense of adventure and concern for others leads the way. And . . . as women you are members of an almost 4 to 1 gender majority of very special people of courage and compassion for the village of Rionchogu, Kenya.

Thank you for all you do

Remembering How to Hear

2011-12-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

Electric Riverboat Angela Louise

Go and Do Likewise Hosts the Crittenton Kids

Once again the Holiday Season brought our annual party on Newport Bay with the young residents of Florence Crittenton Services in Fullerton. Our 14th year, and like most, the best so far. Music from our Music Man Sam Parsons, some stories, good food provided by Captain Rick and his crew. Smiles, laughs and fun was the theme and the girls enjoyed the evening. Captain Rick Garcia donates his boat, time and that of his crew for this special evening for our young guests. It is easy in our comfort to forget that life is not easy nor fun for many youth who have experienced abuse of some form in their lives.

This evening is our attempt to change that, at least for a day.

Blessed most of all were those aboard who sang along with and interacted

Above is a piece of our most recent newsletter. In times of reflection, the event and it's origin come to my mind as a remembrance of how easy it can be to miss the voice of the Lord. The story though is, I think, a thought to let sift through us. Life is busy and the time of the year during the Christmas season can be the most busy. My own understanding is that it is easier to miss the voice of the Spirit, that is the voice calling me, you , us out of the wilderness, when we are busy, frustrated or self absorbed in the many ways which manifest in us; all of these take my focus from time to time so the beginning of the Riverboat Night on the bay for the Kids in residence at Crittenton was exceptional in that I heard.

We first became involved with the KIDS through the 'help your neighbor' efforts of Go and Do Likewise. The circumstances of the Crittenton involvement is a story in itself. First though, how the party, how is it that this all began? I think it must have been in late November or early December of 1997 that we were painting a mobile home in Santa Ana. As was the usual case the girls of Crittenton showed up to 'help'. They certainly were as they did get some paint on the home but as was usual they got more on themselves. Even with water based paint it could be difficult to get out of clothes but they had great fun and laughed and worked to help others all of these were . . . good.

As with kids everywhere everyday is not necessarily a good or fun day. So it was with one young (about 11) yr old. She was sitting on the side porch step next to the carport of the home and was in tears, standing next to her was one of the Crittenton staff, who were always present and the most amazing collection of caring people imaginable. As she sat and cried, just as I walked by, I say this because I did not slow down, and did not want to interfere with the counseling going on, just as I was at the closest point of my path, I heard . . . . .from the counselor . . .what would you want if you were going to get something for Christmas? That is all I heard, that is what I could not get out of my mind. A simple statement from a counselor trying to find a way to comfort.

The following Friday our small prayer group met and consistent with our regular practice we prayed and talked and shared the week before. During this time I shared with the others, some of whom had been there the previous Saturday, what I had heard. More than that, I shared that I could not get this out of my mind. The tears, sobbing is maybe more accurate, the compassion of the counselor, the timing . . . .it was all too convenient . . .it would not go away. So one of the others said, "why don't we throw a party for them." Short story, we did; because of the short time of our interaction we had to bring it on campus to them. Even that took a bit of lobbying on the part of the lead staff. But, have a party we did. It was fun and the kids who could attend were singing and had gifts from us, it was a joyful event.

I guess this would be a good story if this was the end, but it is not. A year went by. We worked monthly and most of the time the girls helped out, but we did not even mention the issue or talk about it. Another prayer Friday, much the same group, a year later, as we sat the thought came, what about the girls and the party.

Some miracles may be more earth shattering, but miracle this was. Within about 10 days or so we had all the ingredients of a great party, including permission for the girls to leave the campus (a miracle in itself) donated clothes, and . . .most miraculously a special venue that we could not have imagined. Through a personal connection of one of the prayer regulars Capt Jack of the Electric Riverboat Angela Louise donated the use of his boat for a Saturday afternoon cruise on Newport bay. A highlight was watching the girls walk down the ramp to board the boat and hear so many comments that they had never been on the water let alone a boat such as this. The party went on with few if any hitches and was a huge success. So Started the Christmas Party on Newport Bay for the KIDS of Crittenton.

Two years we sailed on Saturday afternoon and then the Captain said, why don't we do this at night so they can see the lights. Frankly this was a huge step for the staff as the girls are all in secure facility and to get permission for a 'party at night' seemed too daunting, but it happened and so it began, night time on the Bay for the KIDS. It was only a couple, 2 or 3 years after that when we received a note from Captain Jack that he had sold the Angela Louise. He told the new owner about the party but we would have to talk to Captain Rick directly. So we did, and he said wonderful, and so we continue. Fourteen years of parties, fourteen years of watching young girls take an evening off from their difficult circumstance and laugh, sing and play.

Sometime I find this place and peace within that just flows, my eyes are widened that I might see and my ears are opened that I might hear. I know there have times when I missed the voice or the opportunity to hear. But, when i do hear and it is His voice and I am obedient to step out to 'just do it'; then the time, space and place are ripe for the miracle of real Joy to have its time. So for the last fourteen years; thank you Terry for never saying no, Captains Jack and Rick, thank you Angela Louise, thank you gift givers, thank you Sam and all the music makers, thank you Santa and helpers. Thank you staff and residents of the Crittenton campus but most of all, thank you Holy Spirit of God for your love and patience and great heart for these kids.

You have taught a great lesson on the potential of listening as we go through life. Listening as we go about our daily efforts and activities, listening even as we get so busy. I know it is listening that we have to learn, He speaks in many ways. It is not that we are not spoken to that the miracles elude us, it is that we are not listening.

The war is not over!

2011-04-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

I am somewhat behind in the sharing of the warfare which I suggested in an earlier blog. My apologies, it is probably less edgy with the time in between, but this is not meant to be ‘edgy’, rather, a sharing of events which when looked at as a whole help, at least for me, to express or explain why we have such a difficult time making the transition from religious believers to committed disciples of One who was, is and is to be. I suggest it is the same for most of us, the challenge of worshiping our traditions, theologies and our doctrines; after all they explain the unexplainable and bring into focus that which cannot be seen. However I also suggest our God is none of these and all of these and more. Such is the sadness of religion; such is the majesty of Faith.

The beginning was and remains an attempt to share the arena of conflict within which this ‘battle’ took place. The second offering was to try and set some history of events which were directly related, in my opinion, to the actual events of overcoming darkness through God’s planned events which, I can assure you, were totally hid from my eyes and even experience, except as allowed for the time at hand. I can say that as the time to our departure grew near I did have a certain sense that in the events of the visit there were opportunities for new relationships of faith with in the already established church and called servants who had been a part of the landscape for some time. Admittedly I had no idea how this would take place; so even when Pastor Don Boger was added at a late time with a variety of unanswered questions as to any reality of his inclusion with this group, late passport, late seating and other distractions, which centered around an established relationship he had with a Pastor in Nairobi and his own certainty to meet his friend he had never met. The reality of what was being put in place was not evident to any of us.

It is a usual practice for the visiting group to participate in the worship of the church on the Sunday following our arrival. It was not however a regular situation for Pastor Kiefa to single out one individual, one whom he had not met except for a one hour conversation, to hold the pulpit for the entire service. I have complete confidence that Pastor Moseti Kiefa Ontiri is a man of God’s own calling and is sensitive in his own Spirit to the hand of greater authority in matters of Faith; that is he hears the Lords voice and is determined to follow. I was then more eager than surprised to see what the worship would hold as we prepared for our time together in the church.

It was evident as we began to pray the evening before Sunday worship that there was something about, there was a heightened sense of the Spirit, an awareness of a Purpose and a need for the Pastors to be set apart in prayer for this, even more than most times as we gather the night before worship. So Sunday morning, as is the regular practice, we are off to the church and the 2 to 3 hours we will spend in teaching, prayer, celebration, Word and worship. There are two times of bringing the word, one as a teaching and one as preaching the Word. Pastor Don had been asked to do both, this was very unusual. I can only say the teaching was anointed and the teacher, Pastor Don Boger carried a high visibility of that anointing. The word of teaching was powerful and at the end of the 45 minute session 30 people or more gathered to come forward and have prayer extended for their further dedication of Faith. This was quite extraordinary. After worship in song and prayer the Word was preached and another 45 min or so and another 30 to 40 people came forward to rededicate themselves to a life a faith. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that this was a very special day and one of great blessing. But the war had just begun.

Later that night we had calmed down and were sitting discussing the events planned for the next day, we reviewed some of the issues which had led to the events of the coming Monday; the many years during which the relationship with the local clinic had struggled, the issues of threats and lies being spread throughout the area with the church in the center. The times of great difficulty as the past clashed with a new vision and the issues of greed; economy, and jealousy; congregational impact, raised up in very real and tangible ways the difficulties facing cultural and traditional change. We prayed.

As the group centered more and more in prayer there seemed to be direction and the issues were brought up and petitions were raised for the concerns, the people involved and for the presence of the Holy Spirit of God to be directing the events. Prayer went up for the presence of the Heavenly warriors and for the safety and hedging of those involved. The gathering of the Pastors was lifted up, favor for the Pastors with us and the laying on of hands for Pastor Kiefa. It was in any respect a powerful time of calling upon the heavenly for the day ahead.

First evidence of the day was an invitation for Pastor Kiefa, Eaar Oden and myself to visit the clinic, the Pastor and his wife. These two were very gracious to us and welcomed us and for over an hour and a half conversation took place to clear up misunderstandings and to share perspectives as the talks continues there came a real peace and a definite acceptance and finally an agreement that each in the way God had called was indeed serving the Lord with the gifts and purpose of God alone. We left in such high spirits and with such thankfulness for what we had experienced and the witness given to us during this time of healing of these two ministries.

The day was not over yet, because of the length of our stay at the clinic we were an hour late for the Pastors conference. While here in America that would be the end of any gathering, in Africa it is part of the normal, they call it Africa time. Things happen in their own good time. As we arrived more came and shortly there were over 30 Pastors many of them very young, some seasoned and some recognized as local leaders. Introductions took place and a frank introduction of some of the difficulties which faced the church from within was spoken to as way of clearing the slate for the issue of the day. Then with about a 5 minute warning, Pastor Don Boger was asked to bring a word to the group and the word was unity.

What followed was the most, if I can use the word, electrifying sermon on the unity of the church and the purpose of the Body of the Risen Christ I could imagine. For an hour, more, less, time was not a real factor Pastor Don, went through Old Testament, New Testament, Gospel, Prophets, from every part of scripture the Word was preached on the unity of the church. It was anointed, it was purposed and it was powerful. The aftermath was equally wondrous. As each Pastor wishing to speak stood and expressed his sense for the day and the message given there was confirmation, confession, requests for help, open declaration of desire for this kind of unity and expressions of dedication, new dedication, for the church to be of one mind, lifting and upholding each brother called to the purpose of bringing the word. The differences of theology and doctrine were laid aside and the singular purpose of follow2ing the headship of Jesus of Nazareth as Lord was raised time and time again.

I was stunned by all this and then to top it off, one of the leaders, and you could tell he was a leader, stood and talked for some time, he related what they all knew and the need for the changes spoken to and then he added what was to me a most amazing anecdote. He reminded the gathered Pastors that this word had been brought to them in 2005; he said ‘do you remember my brothers, in 2005, at a gathering in Kisii town, we were brought this exact same word and we have not been obedient to that call’. He confirmed the Word Don had spoken as coming from the Lord a second time.

Pastor Don, who had his own agenda for going, who almost missed the trip altogether and who was not in the least given time to do research and preparations, let alone hours or days, brought a word of Unity to the churches in the area that they had earlier been given and had not followed; and they recognized their error and there was a repentance of agreement among them.

I should not be surprised, or intrigued, or at all amazed. From the early days of Go and Do Likewise we have continually been exposed to the simple fact that we do not know what our God is purposed to do with us today or through us today or tomorrow. We have not only no idea but no right to place upon His path or purpose our own agenda or plan. It is for Him and Him alone to guide the events of His people.

I tell you truthfully, the best seat on the bike for us is the one in the back.

History helps clarify, I hope

2011-04-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

For you who have read the previous entry concerning Spiritual warfare, I must apologize in advance; this is another piece of history. Not because I want to drag this out, although the thought has occurred to me and I find it somewhat appealing. Perhaps someone will read three of these discourses, but, not, I admit because I am clever, rather because there is in us an understanding that God does not always ‘just show up’ on the spur of the moment as if He has nothing better to do at that time and is wandering about looking for ‘action’.

The reason to take the time to share the history and the events which define the miraculous is just the opposite. Our God is not an accidental God happening upon a situation and serving up helpings of urgent mercy, although He certainly can do that, all the time. Rather, I think, God is about laying out a purpose and a plan for the life experience of His own and the end is never in our sight. We are allowed to see today and today alone, even though one of our greatest delights is implanting our idea of the future affect of God’s presence, we are hardly ever even close to what is the fullness of life He has in store for our path. So I ask you to relax and allow for the history to become the important part of the outcome that it, in truth, is.

In the Book of Acts there is an issue, type, context of conflict which challenges the church over and over. One the one hand we have the religious authority, and the other the economic interest of the location wherein Paul finds himself. Neither one has much use for this upstart and somewhat fringe ‘cult’ leader who is turning the heads of the people, challenging the comfortable means by which the community has found to co-exist and in general, disturbing the peace. It is a plight which has been and may well be forever in the daily process of the church being “One Body”. If you look close, you can see it today, in every community and every theological expression of God as doctrine or tradition.

What in the world has this to do with anything I have said to this point?

In 2008, shortly after returning to the U.S.A., I received my first, of what has been many, contacts declaring the un-mistaken trickery and fraud of the people of the village and the leadership specifically. I can, or will, not expound on each but to say they have all had certain aspects of similarity. The first of anything seems to be the most memorable so I will share some of the detail. Because of the addition of one of the other Pastors in the area on our web site a certain individual from the NE section of the US contacted me and expounded on the personal failures of both men involved, even to declaring they were one and the same man and the facilities and people involved in their ministry were, in fact, the same people. I had independently met each of these two men and their respective locations are not conducive to close interchange of people and in fact this was, in itself, an untruth. As I dug a bit further I found that the Pastor in Kenya had accepted money for his church and ministry from this man even though the man had demanded strict adherence to a “truth” that they were alone the true remnant of the church and they alone held the certainty of eternal life and any teaching otherwise was heresy. The motive for the contact with me was not one of peace and working in concert for a greater good but rather a warning against these men and their scheme, upon viewing the web site of this man I discovered that the certainty of eternal life rested in this man and his doctrine alone. Ooops!

It was true that the Pastor had accepted money for the ongoing work of the church; he repented, asked for forgiveness, and rededicated himself to Jesus Christ as Lord of all. Since that time I have received many email notes, all complaining, until confronted with known facts and then pleading mercy or just disappearing. Africa sees a white face as one having money and any tactic is fare game to get some of it. It is a reality and we should not be naive nor reluctant to work within this fact of the outcome of aide. (in my opinion). This idea was best identified by the village elders who wanted the blessing for themselves and said “remember charity begins at home”, which was a nice way to say ‘we want our portion first’. Some were not so subtle, I received one complaining of the fact the children were being helped with school and doing community projects, the women were receiving training on better farming and micro businesses, yet the men had received nothing. This person asked, what are you going to do for the men? Not important to this person was the fact that the men had yet to embrace their part as equal participants in the effort.

During the time of email notes, as we worked to find the sources, it became more and more apparent that the church in the local community was not an innocent bystander in the determination to discredit. Names, persons, connections and associations with real persons brought to light that the attempts to discredit were not only economically motivated but also in some instances were motivated by jealousy over congregational growth and community actions. Even doctrine reared it separatist head. Possibly most notable of this ilk, other than the fore mentioned man who alone had the true doctrine, was the ongoing difficulty of interaction between a clinic established by a European mission and the local community. 2010 was a year that saw this conflict reach such an intensity that Go and Do Likewise was drawn into the interaction, or lack of it, as more allegations and misleading information was spread. So as we headed into the final months of 2010 and neared the spring visit to the village conversation grew concerning the need to interact on a face to face basis. During this time tentative invitations were presented to the clinic leadership and to the greater group of Pastors. Even in the days immediately preceding the arrival of the travelers on April 2, 2011 in the village, even though we had confirmation of a "Pastors Conference" to be held and high hope for a meeting with the European Pastor we had no clear view of what lay ahead. In retrospect the late addition and the difficulties of the inclusion of Pastor Don plead clear evidence that something was up, but until the issue on departure day, no insight into the level of Spiritual significance was forth coming from any of us.

There now, in short form, is some relevant history. There is more, some too personal and specific to other persons, which might deepen the view of a war in progress. Personally, I am not surprised or amazed that this was war and am also not naïve enough to think that it is over. The events of the days of our stay and the times, subject and power of the prayer given up as the group prepared for each day is the testimony to the significance of those events and the importance of the days and months ahead.

This is not the end, more to come

We are children of the Most High God and He will and has conquered,

Be blessed

Was it really Spiritual Warfare

2011-04-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what Spiritual warfare looks like in the natural? We speak of it and use some reference of understanding but how many times can we describe it in real terms and real times in specific ways other than wars or calamities of personal degradation. I think we sometimes have the opportunity to witness a battle and see also what the war was about, seldom, perhaps, but never the less, it does happen.

If we say as Christians that very little or nothing is pure circumstance then as circumstance grows into epic proportions we have to allow for there to be connection and some purpose. Otherwise we are trying but cannot hold ‘both and’ or ‘choice by perception’ perspectives. In this understanding I present to you a story of our most recent trip to Kenya and the greater village area of Sengera location. You decide what you believe.

Without a doubt my view is somewhat filtered by my involvement so there is an awareness in me of situations which certainly exacerbated the confusion leading up to the initial realization that “something was wrong”. Too much time on these may change the focus to the errors of any individual failure, but, it is necessary to allow that even in times of our personal failure, God, who knows all and is timeless in His plan, is ‘more than able’ and is above all.

It is part of the nature of a group traveling that there will be change. So not unusual is the need to be flexible and work within that change. This trip however there was more than the usual amount. Persons who were going, decided they could not, early on and later on, so the information zipping around is or was confusing. Add to this late or last minute additions, complicated by the need for documentation not yet available, and the potential grows for mistakes.

Having gone through all this change the day finally came for departure. The late addition was a Pastor, he had believed he was to go yet the funding came in late as did his passport, adding to the potential for problem. Never the less we arrived at the International terminal in Los Angeles in high spirits and ready for our African adventure. It was the Pastor who was the last to arrive, for reasons beyond his control and he arrived late but still in time for a late check in and off to the gate through security. I met him on the street and hurried him to the check in where all seemed good . . .until . . . until the gate attendant told us he had missed his flight and all his itinerary was cancelled and we would have to get new ticketing through our travel agent, who, by the way, was in NY. This was absolutely unbelievable, unacceptable, inconceivable yet unfortunately the fact. Somehow in the urgency of last minute change the booking agent had changed the flight assignment for this Pastor, I stood there facing the Pastor and apologized for the situation and told him he would stay behind, the plane was loading with less than an hour to departure. Horrifying!! Embarrassing!! Humiliating!! Heart Breaking!!!

But God was in charge and He had already cleared a path which by faith and obedience, if followed, would accomplish His plan.

I arrived in the gate area and notified the other travelers, who are friends of the Pastor, of the terrible news. After just a minute of upset one traveler, I will call him the producer, brought his new hand held computer and began looking up other flight options. Three things here need to be noticed: First we were looking at a final destination which was half way around the world, second our arrival at the final destination had to be close in time proximity because of further travel time by vehicle to the final location of the village, third the Pastor had never traveled outside the country, let alone to a far place which he would be shown (even though he had some information).

Maybe most significantly is the manner in which the producer even had the hand held computer in the first place. The story here is that during the week before our departure the producer had tried to secure one of these but found it impossible due to the high demand. However during a conversation with a colleague, who happened to know someone who knew someone, you have heard this kind of concept before, at the last minute such a device came into his hands and he made an ‘11^th hour’ decision to take it along.

Back to our time in the gate area.

During the previous week the producer had tried to find a way to lengthen his stay and during this process looked at alternative carriers and flight potential to our ultimate destination. So with this in mind he went on line, checked the carrier web site and found that seats were available the next day, which, without a layover such as we had, would get the Pastor to our destination 1 hour in advance of our arrival. To shorten the story I will just say we were able to contact the Pastor and he went on line or called the carrier, made the flight arrangements and the next morning was on his way. Alone, through a different carrier than we normally use, connecting through a foreign city in the Middle East, traveling on faith alone. He made it to our destination, Nairobi, Kenya. We were able to connect with our destination contacts that were also able to move their travel time to pick up our Pastor friend prior to our arrival.

WOW, if this alone was the story it would still be a great one, but this is not the end.

Do you think there is warfare if nothing is at stake? Could this be just dumb bad luck overcome by plain old good luck assisted by technology? I mean stuff happens and without knowing an outcome of the intervention which seems to have taken place, warfare hardly seems an appropriate word.

Yes, in Kenya, we were reunited with our traveling companion and very glad for that. Things planned were back on track. (besides this time frame opened the door for our traveling Pastor to have significant conversation with our host Pastor, an affinity developed which led to a greater degree of involvement in the days ahead for the traveling Pastor, which is the testimony to why this was warfare.)

More on the warfare purpose in the next post.

May our God richly bless and provide for His purpose in you

Bud

Comfort at Risk

2010-12-26T20:30:00.000-08:00

Watch out when you hang around the young

Amusingly, in an almost perverse way, I have recently found myself being greatly impacted by two youthful generations, well youthful as in much younger than me. One interesting fact is that they both have caused me great angst and have prompted me to look at myself and how I relate to them. I find it is not the constant activity or attention they seem to seek, or demand, better want, rather the noise they bring to my well balanced, at least according to my mind and habits, Life and perspective. Noise is also defined as interruption of my view concerning certain items or ideas of importance.

The one is the generation of children, yes, even grandchildren, in the 0 yrs (but able to move around) to the 5 yr old and active. While one or even two such invading my space at the same time are somewhat consistent with my eagerness for community with them and my availability, even eagerness , to participate with them, even when they are siblings with all the historical competition, I find myself quite well strengthened to overcome the “interference” with my well ordered sense of perspective. Add a third and fourth and I lose the lines I have quietly formed and after but a short bit of time find my senses overwhelmed in the cyclonic activity and ever increasing noise. They are beautiful and individually exceptional in their own right, but put together they form some example of the damage that can come from any gene pool, even my own. I love these little persons to an extreme and at the same time am driven almost to the edge of my sanity by the huge difference in their means of entertainment as compared to mine.

The second “challenge group” is the generation of young adults, even more specific, young adults of similar passion or direction of passion as to complement my desire to be a most loving and affective impact on my dear friends in Rionchogu, Kenya. Yes, yes, I know how can there be any similarity of intrusion, yes, intrusion, by two such non-congruent people groups in two completely unrelated issues of one’s life?

Simply; at the limit when they become the most contradictory to my view or perspective, they also identify the point at which I am forced to face my own comfort zones. Comfort zones are about as high as you can get on my “I abhor” chart, yet they are so, comfortable, I, we, build them very carefully. A comfort zone according to my definition is established according to some conventional and some private or personal idea about priority and is rooted in fear and/or selfishness. Never the less, comfort zones these are and I am faced with my own personal demonstration of how difficult it is, in actuality how almost impossible it is to break down or through your very own, well constructed ‘comfort zone’.

The younger group is somewhat easily managed, call the parent on premise and instruct them on the need for intervention. Hey (name deleted to conserve family relationships) come get your kids, or kid and do something about this noise or whatever has crossed the line and endangered my comfort zone. The ‘unnamed’ parent may give a sideways look but they are as interested in preserving some sense of family peace as anyone else and the real purpose of this situation or series of situations is family and family is about as high a priority as I can place so, all works, well most of the time.

The other group though has as its priority an almost diabolical focus to challenge everything I think or have thought about the process of intercession in the social, cultural, economic, educational and relational challenges and opportunities which must be confronted, overcome, developed or replaced in both the short and long term concerning breaking the cycle of poverty and illiteracy which sheds its shadow of hopelessness across the generations of rural Africa in general and the village of Rionchogu specifically.

It may seem as if this would be the place where I would be most willing to have my comfort zone challenged and most willing to tread in unseen footsteps of the one who guides. The opposite is more accurately the unpleasant truth. Perhaps the zonal reality follows my, our, ability to remain in some sense in control. Experience some sense of purpose and some external acceptability of the efforts extended yet have planned well and work the plan with determination, dedication and focus. Set a goal and pursue it.

Fortunately or unfortunately in the case of work in Africa there has not been a plan, or even goals. I would say even the depth of the real issues at hand have only slowly risen in the upheaval that is this cycle of poverty and illiteracy. The comfort zone has been in some ways the lack of a plan to work. So my younger adult irritants point to the need for a developed understanding of what our Purpose would look like, in real terms, in terms that relate to the daily life as lived in the village and surrounding area and here, in this place of abundance.

End the comfort of the “solo Performance” and approach those of means, with a compelling view revealing how we see the cycle being broken. Stand up and be exposed in public for what you say is an answer to a concern which so far has evaded corrective efforts, even by governments.

Bring on the 0 to 4’s or 5’s bring ‘em on, by the dozen.

Their invasion is the easiest zone to get past.

Kingdom Relevancy and Which Kingdom Defines It

2010-12-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

A recent Facebook post by a friend posed this question for thoughtful comment;
Heard on Twitter this AM.

"Most pastors suffer from a large dose of entitlement and cultural irrelevancy."

I did, what I thought was thoughtful, and decided not to comment. A couple of days later I still have this question roving in my mind. So, rather than comment on Facebook in a few words I decided to blog this and then post the blog. This may be the greatest insight into my own way of looking at such comments.

When I read comment the first thing I thought was, “who was it that made this statement and why”. It seems we all get in that place where we ask rather pointed questions about others and possibly the most poignant piece of the interaction is the mind of the one that asks. So, simply I did not comment because the response depends, it seems to me, on the purpose of the comment. The statement seems less about a person’s point of view or plan of action rather more about the character of individuals by group of who we have a predetermined expectancy, albeit our expectancy can be more off track than the one we question.

For a view on this question I have to ask who, because I think the why may come from the who. All this is not to say the statement if asked as a question is not in itself relevant because I do think it speaks volumes about the church and the determination that the church should be culturally relevant.

My response requires I make two distinctions; one is that this comment came from a person Called as a Pastor in some doctrinal context; the other is that this person is not so called and looking from the outside, if you will. So my comments take two tracks and I here hope to share them with whomever might be interested in my opinion, or just amused that someone would even take this comment this far. There is a third option and that is this statement was made by someone with a grudge against Pastors or faith in general and for that person it is somewhat like hitting a telephone pole with a baseball bat, get rid of the anger and go on.

For either of the first two options I wish to comment on one definition asks its own question, cultural relevancy, what is it? I mean what does it look like and who decides. As I ask that question another pops up, was Jesus culturally relevant or was he Counter-culturally relevant? Can you be relevant to your culture and still rebel against it? I am sure this falls under the heading of ‘in the world but not of it’ however this circle comes back to; what was the purpose to even make this statement. Just as important for me is a recognition that we are in a war between two Kingdom cultures and which kingdom decides the definition of our relevancy.

So my comment is, or are, if this is a Pastor making the statement, it seems there is way too much concern about how someone else approaches their call and way too narrow a view in definition of that call. I am reminded of a recent devotion from Oswald Chambers in which he says “Whenever a thing becomes difficult in personal experience, we are in danger of blaming God (or doctrine or messenger, italics mine), but it is we who are in the wrong, not God; there is some perversity somewhere that we will not let go.” A speck in your eye, log in mine kind of thing. SO, my comment follows a line that the church has a long history, in my opinion, of building a very small box for God which leaves only room for a narrow definition, I suspect this is from our desire to follow the narrow road. For a Pastor to decide their peers are too focused on entitlements or are culturally irrelevant seems to be a witness against others rather than for the one whom that Pastor declares they are following for all things, ALL THINGS.

The second, and most likely in my opinion, is that the statement was made by one not called to the office of Pastor. If, in fact, this is the case then it may, in my opinion, speak volumes about the training and maturity of the person making such a declaration, of course the adage ‘walk a mile in my shoes’ fits. However my own view is that this is a common outcome of a church, pastoral or doctrinal failure to challenge the understanding of those of us who sit in the pews regarding our responsibility for ministry. Somehow we see the Pastor as “called’ and therefore in some way with regard to the responsibility to the God who issued the call, and His subsequent declaration to take up your cross and follow, this Pastor has greater purpose and therefore requires greater personal deference to a greater good than his or her self, than those sitting in the pews. It seems for this group, those of us who are not called as Pastors, the statement or rather the question that begs asking is for each of us to look at that somewhat familiar face in the mirror and ask, “What do I think I am entitled to and what or how am I relevant to the culture of the Kingdom of God or counter culturally relevant to the kingdom of the world.

A statement about a group of people, however they see their own accountability to whatever or whoever the source for their current situation just seems cowardly to me. When we accept that each of us is called none of us more or less than the other and each is faced with the temptation of entitlement and relevancy of the world culture, for each of us the only path or high road is, I think, a very personal walk on the path of repentance. My soul seeks independence and my Spirit asks obedience, who am I to serve and which kingdom is my life priority?

My version of the split personality common to age

2010-03-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

I admit going in this is a view from my eyes; I wonder how many live a similar if not duplicate series of seasons. I think the tendency is as the older we get the smaller our world becomes, the reality of this season of communication and community is that we are being challenged to expand our world and views of community. I had a great conversation with my Pastor yesterday. I am one of those fortunate who know Pastors as people, individuals and personalities more complex than my understanding of a "calling" and their 'profession' although these I speak of do not, I think, see them selves as professionals only or maybe at all, rather fellow sojourners. Off the subject.

During our conversation we opened the context of the new communities and marketplace of the Internet, much as my friend Martin Malzahn peels the layers off of in his blog http://copernicus-thewideninggyre.blogspot.com/. In fact a book Martin introduced me to was brought into the conversation as another ingredient of opening eyes to the manner in which we neatly package something or someone as important and as intimately affective in our lives as God. Which is just another method of protection to keep us from thinking in terms of expanding our own lens of the world and even our God.

I must say the conversation was stimulating and reflective of the changes and challenges awaiting us to embrace these new opportunities we participate in and then the awareness of the ones we don't. Some more regularly and some not, but, still the door is open to this change and the only pressure to stay out is that which we have learned over the seasons of life. The reality is this new arena of interaction and community building is so foreign to some of us from distant childhoods that we are, as Martin shares, foreigners in a strange land and may always bare the mark and language of our origins no matter how hard we try.

I will always speak with the accent of my generations life and world view. So I venture out, sensing and seeing the vastness of the new community but with very little in my deepest learning and practice that allows a change of life commitment to my new view. This is all a thousand words to say 'you are asking me to be public with my personal thoughts and views when I have been taught the whole of my private life to keep them in. And so I check facebook and twitter and what ever else I have had the private courage to expand into my world view but to immerse myself and share through these public outlets of privacy, not an easy transition. But not much is, if you are to embrace the emerging world of relationship and common interest, you must share your interest. Remembering that 90% or more of those out there are not interested, but that the purpose is to connect with the one or two percent, or less, who find a commonality of thought, purpose or interest in those ideas or your life journey no matter how long or winding. Everyone's agreement is not required for your community to have a new and greater value because of the new process to gather it. So my 'old' friends, look through the new glass and be who you are and not the you that your parents or culture or historical traditions have taught you. Rather the you with the expressive mind and wealth of ideas from your experience and a new determination of your own value that a new community may learn from the wealth of that experience.

How much will this internet community lose because we are not comfortable engaging it?

Is Each Day All it Can Be

2010-02-25T19:37:00.000-08:00

OR should I even contemplate that?

I tend to be a procrastinator at the base level of daily activity. I am not sure how many are similar or on the other end of process which for me would be to get out and go, do something, for that is the purpose of a day and to find any peace at all one must be busy. I am well aware and agree that there are many shades and for many reasons valid circumstance for changes in any days approach to life. However I do submit that over a period of time we tend to be more one than the other. Either extreme, however, has, as do things of extreme, more potential for bearing the mark of our personal agenda rather than some participation in a purpose greater than ourselves.

What has this to do with Going and Doing? OK, now think about your reaction, there are two answers to this question; everything and nothing. Each has, I think, its own expectations of outcome and purpose of activities and efforts or any focus. For my purpose the real question is not how do we approach the day from the perspective of our personality or individual priorities as to the importance of our actions, rather from what, where or who do we get our sense of these directions or priorities of purpose each day. It is in this context that I place the validity of each and every day, even those days when I am far from the perfect mark of the greater purpose of authority. (They are really the same).

Going and Doing seems an acceptable way to practice the obvious thoughts such as ‘simple acts of kindness’ or ‘do unto others’ or ‘take the extra step’ or ‘reach out’. Actually any action to help another person may well be included in this category. I would agree that any of these can be positive interactions and provide a degree of satisfaction towards one’s own sense of supportive social activity. I would allow also that these are each very important to a healthy community of any peoples who have a determination or focus to live and work , one alongside the other, for the greater good of all.

If only it were this easy for us to determine the activity which is THE activity today for the greater purpose of the Holy Spirit within us. I must remind us that the Christian Faith expresses that there are two spirits, one of destruction and one of life. The spirit alive in the world and that which is in control of this world is that of destruction. Because of the fallen nature of the world the spirit of destruction is the immediate spirit for each of us unless we learn to pursue the relationship with the Spirit of LIFE. We speak of the spirit of destruction as the deceiver, so much of what we hear from and learn from this voice is opposed to the full purpose which we are appointed to and are gifted for. I submit this is true even when we are at our best behavior in real community. I understand I may be taking on the giant of the religious tradition of my choice (Martin Luther) but I expect there is more to living the full life appointed to each of us than doing our best each day to be a good Christian.

All of this is to suggest that we, those who confess and declare a faith in the risen Christ and a dependence on the Holy Spirit of God for our daily guidance into or onto that path of His appointing, are woefully short of our potential by trying. It is not what or how or when we try, trying is not the issue. It is, hard as it is in reality, the learned skill of listening to and being willingly obedient to the voice of the Spirit of the Living God. Bound within that is the absolute certainty that we will make mistakes of discernment and step out in incorrect efforts, but still the goal is to learn to hear the voice of the Spirit.

The Voice alone is the single necessary ingredient for fulfillment of the purpose of daily life.

Gettin ready to BONK

2010-01-30T21:45:00.000-08:00

In the Capitol Hill area of Seattle most of the homes are pre-WWII. Smaller in outside dimensions, two or three stories. Because of this many times the stairways are narrow, and steep. The house of Tim's youth, this house where I finally met him is of this construction. From the living room where I was sitting during my final wait only the last few feet of the stairs were visible as they descended along the wall opposite me and then at a small landing about 3 feet high where the room ended by the front door and the stairs turned to come straight towards me. I am not sure what I really expected Tim to look like but what ever my expectation was I could not have imagined what came into view.

I heard the sounds of the footsteps coming down but they were somehow different, some added sounds that I was not putting into a context. Never the less as I watched the first thing to come into view was the staff of a cane, OK, then another cane, hands attached to the canes and then a head, a head in front of a foot or a leg or a body? Next came the torso and already the head was laughing and saying hello offering all kinds of apologies for keeping me waiting, finally into view came the legs. My first view and introduction to Tim Hansel was of a man coming down a steep stairway bent 90 degrees at the waist and laughing. Physically, this is the only Tim Hansel I have ever known.

I just stood there, not sure of the correct position to take. Tim is just laughing and chatting and I am trying to process what I am seeing. I knew he was in great pain and I knew he was declining due to the cold and other issues, but I did not expect this. Finally reaching my position, I did not move an inch, I think, Tim said,'so good to finally meet you my friend, face to face or head to face' (this was more closely the case as this six foot man came maybe to mid-chest on me) and laughed again. He offered a tour of the house so like a child following after the Pied Piper, I followed. We stopped for a moment and he commented about his situation and the coming challenges. Through the dining area, through the kitchen, talking about some history and anything that came to mind.

At the back door he commented about a few books in the studio outside but decided it was too dark and too cold to go out. I would learn later that the few books were about 8000 copies of his book Through the Wilderness of Loneliness. Then a left turn and into the office area a few comments about some of the pictures and items and then "lets go down stairs" down stairs are you kidding, I just watched you come down stairs, I thought this rather than say it, but we did another floor down, tight steep old stairs down to another room full of books and this and that and all sort of memorabilia it was too much to take in and the furniture. He told me this was his favorite place, a large TV was the focus of the sitting. He also mentioned that it was getting more and more difficult to go down to this level. Of course he laughed again. We talked and talked about many things and then he said, I need to use the bathroom so we will need to go upstairs. OK I thought, so up he went, with me following, hands and canes and feet and body and head, one at a time up two flights, it made me tired. Once on the second floor Tim excused himself to go to the bathroom and said, make yourself at home, feel free to look around, this will take just a little time.

So I sat right outside the door near a book case, yes, full of books and waited, no Tim, so I waited, no Tim. I got up and walked around the adjoining rooms and again was stunned by the number of books, every floor, every nook and cranny, did he read all these? How many books were here? His sleeping area was full of books, this house was a museum, a library and a home all in one. I went back to the little space outside the bathroom. Then I heard it, unmistakable, snoring, Tim was in the bathroom and he was snoring. He was asleep. CRAP! Well, I walked around the house again and again. I visited the first floor and the basement floor, I looked at every picture and inspected all the different pieces of Tim's life. A definite Africa influence also.

I started back up the stairs to the top floor where Tim was and as I passed the front door I understood the situation I was in. The house is not in a great area of the city, the doors are dead-bolted from the inside, you need a key to enter or to lock from the outside. I had no key.

I had no way to leave the residence and insure any safety for Tim who, if I left, would be home alone in an unlocked house in a inner city area. I returned to the space outside the bathroom and sat down. My mind was in a regular thought pattern, what do I do, I can be here all night, I knew that Tim's sleep patterns were irregular at best . He had told me that sometimes his body just went to sleep. He would be awake at all hours and not sleep until his body went to sleep and then, it could be hours. I was not going to wake him, I was not going to leave the house, I was . . .TRAPPED . . . I just laughed, until a few hours ago I had never met this man, although I felt I knew him and now I was beginning to get a glimpse of what life around Tim Hansel was like in this season. Just a small insight into what it must be like to be there all the time. I thought of his laughter and his incredible outlook. His comments about Joy being a choice and all this became more real to me, I picked up a book and began to read. When you consider this man and what he has done and given, it really isn't much to ask you to sit and read for a few hours. I sat and read and Tim snored. As memories go, sitting in that alcove, next to the bathroom door, reading and listening to Tim snore will forever be etched in my mind . . .and then . . .BONK, THUD a loud groan, OHHHH, I called out Tim are you OK, he answered with a laugh and then he said 'boy that was a good one, flat on my face' (laugh again), I will be right out, how long was I asleep, hope you are alright Bud', me he was worried about me? Then Tim explains, 'sometimes when I fall asleep on the toilet I just fall off, most of the time I fall forward, this time I fell right on my head, this was a good BONK, another laugh 'what a way to meet a new friend we will not forget this, a real bonk'.

Upon his exit from the bathroom Tim mentioned that he was tired and needed to sleep. I assured him I understood and he led me down the stairs to the door, said how much he appreciated me coming to meet and talk with him and laughed about our great bonk story. I unlocked the door, and left as Tim was locking the door and returning to his room. If we have laughed once over this memorable meeting we have laughed 100 times. It was our signature understanding of life and friendship between Tim Hansel and Bud Potter. It sealed a bond of mutual respect and admiration. I did not know Tim as a young man, full of energy and excess of physical endurance and ability. I knew him only as a man of deep thought and admission of his own failings and his own understanding of God and life. A man whose body was a war zone of pain and incapacity. A man of profound Faith in the God of his life and purpose. Tim Hansel was my friend, he was my brother in Christ and in life. His life and his great heart are forever etched into my understanding of what it means to Go and Do Likewise.

Another mile of the journey, my new friend

2010-01-30T16:37:00.000-08:00

Every story has a beginning and so too does this journey that became my time with Tim Hansel. A journey I equated with a ministry I believe I am called to which is Go and Do Likewise.

Actually 7 years before I ever met Tim the road to our friendship opened. It was my same friend who suggested in March of 1996 that we begin to do something more than sit in church, that we could touch the lives of people who needed help if we were just willing, so after a mere 9 months and much urging, I seriously thought there was a possibility he might be on track and then through my encounter with God called the 1997 Bowl Game between Florida and Florida State, it was evident that I needed to get "off the dime" and do something. Out of the pew and into the 'battle'. This is necessary for the story for without this experience I am not sure I would have ever learned some of what I believe to be the secrets of hearing and obeying God. Pretty heavy stuff, but elemental I think. Certainly important for my meeting Tim.

For the next seven years I was exposed to a continuing set of circumstance which built my confidence in three 'rules of obedience' if you will. These rules are; do not try to find a value I can except to determine if what I am faced with is of God. My own understanding is that I neither know what God is about or how he is about it, so, therefor, I have no measure or goal with which to say yes or no, the end result is 'take the first step; the second rule, if you will, is, if it is of God then you will find your self in a position to rely on faith alone, there will be doubt, without doubt there is no faith, so perseverance as faith is key to seeing the end God has for today and for the introduction of the next step; the third rule, if it is of God He will provide the resource to complete what He has begun, unfortunately you don't get this in advance and the result is, God allows you to see what He has done but the next step has the same rules and there will be a next step until you refuse or are summoned home. So here I am, treading this road of uncertainty, trying, seriously trying, to learn the simple steps of obedience, struggling in my own season of chaos and I am handed a book by this guy Tim Hansel, seven years into the journey that is Go and Do Likewise and this Hansel guy has like x-ray vision into my experience and into each step I had to learn the hard way. Why didn't I just get this book earlier God? Well most likely because I would have never paid attention before the journey, the lessons would have been ignored.

So after reading this book and sharing with my 'friend' my thoughts, this friend suggested I call Mr Hansel. According to my nature I hesitated and made excuse after excuse. Call someone just because you read a book and it has been an agent of impact for you? Sad to say it took about a month of urging before I took up the phone while driving a considerable distance across Los Angeles in mid summer of 2003 and called. "This is Tim" if you ever called him you recognize this greeting. It was not five minutes into the conversation and we had discovered several common links. Both from the Seattle area. Raised in neighborhoods which were most competitive in High School sports. One year a part in age and carrying some common memories of the late 1950's in Seattle. In one call of 45 minutes we covered the gamut of issues; personal, educational, spiritual and emotional. I called a stranger and disconnected the phone from a friend of significant meaning.

Tim and I continued to converse by phone for a few months each call probed more deeply into areas which were shared experience, some very personal some very painful. The conversation always contained much laughter and interaction from both sides. Tim shared his current situation in Seattle, his fears and concerns and I shared the personal turmoil of separation with close intimate relationships. What ever the subject the interactions were very positive and supportive, both ways. Over the course of a few months this man, Tim Hansel became a close and intimate personal friend. It may sound trite but truly we both felt we had known each other for most of our lives.

It was approaching Thanksgiving and when I decided to visit relatives in the Seattle area that I got the idea to meet Tim in person. It just seemed the thing to do, so I called him and told him I was coming to Seattle and would like to meet him, so we agreed that I would call him when I was in the city and we would arrange a time. I must admit my naivete as I had not met or had any visual contact with Tim however we had shared the ongoing pain and physical disabilities he was currently challenged with and the current status of my own pain and "emotional disability".

I arrived in Seattle on a Tuesday and while spending time with my brother and his family I called repeatedly to connect with Tim, each time there was no answer. I began to wonder if it was just not meant to be. Thanksgiving came and went, I was scheduled to return on Monday and still no Tim. Finally on Friday afternoon I called and the familiar "this is Tim" met my ears.

We chatted, he was in the middle of some physical therapy so we agreed to meet the next evening. He gave me address and directions, also instruction as his therapist would let me into the house at a certain time, I gave this no thought. I hurried out to rent a car and I must admit I was excited to meet this new friend. By that time I was well aware of his writings and his injury and much of his life both public and private. I experienced some of that peace that passes all understanding, it was good.

Saturday came and at the time agreed I sat in front of the house in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle where Tim had been raised and was currently living. I was impressed by the quietness of the streets for a Saturday evening. I was also reminded about the neighborhood environment as I looked at house after house with barred windows and steel Screen doors. I was reminded that this indeed was some of the inner city of Seattle. I crossed the street climbed the few stairs to the raised porch and knocked. No answer, knocked again, no answer. It was about the fourth or fifth knock that I heard a voice and the door was opened by a young man who was just finishing up Tim's therapy for the day. He showed me into the very neat living room and asked me to wait, saying it would be just a few minutes. Except for Tim, the therapist and myself the house was empty of people, only the three of us. I waited and waited and waited. I walked about the living room and the small dining room and looked at the pictures and the many articles of Tim's career. I was beginning to get some idea of the history of this man through the many pictures, items and artifacts. Still I waited. After some time the young therapist came back down the stairs and announced that Tim would be down in a few minutes, meanwhile I was to make myself at home. Then he turned, unlocked the door with the deadbolt, opened the metal screen, left the hose after instructing me to set the lock and shut the door. Dead bolted from the inside. secure. I waited and waited, this time I roamed the entire first floor, going through the office area and the kitchen and the hall at every step reading the plaques and the testimonies on pictures and noting for my own amazement the significance of many of those whose pictures I saw.

Then . . .hey Bud, you there? I answered that I was, "be right down". I waited, I was about to take the next step, to meet my new friend, to shake hands with this man who had grown in my own mind as I had read my way through his house.

My friend and a man I love, Tim Hansel

2010-01-28T20:09:00.001-08:00

I simply must turn to this Blog more often as a way to share what is crossing my life at this stage in the journey. So here I take the time to remember my dear and beloved friend Tim Hansel. I begin at the end, on January 16, 2010 a group of people who had been impacted by Tim to varying degrees gathered in Carlsbad, California to say goodbye to their friend, colleague and in many cases mentor, Tim Hansel. Tim finally succumbed to the 35 yr assault on his body from the pain and aftermath of his well chronicled injury from a mountain climbing accident in 1974. Tim left us to be with his Heavenly Father on December 13, 2009. You can find much of his life easily through Google and from his memorial web site; www.timhanselmemorial.com. What you may not easily find is the giant heart of a man who loved his Lord with all his heart and all his soul and all his mind. Oh, it's there if you look but those of us who knew Tim intimately have witnessed the gift of Grace in the form of a man so humbled by injury and pain and yet so huge in his joy and his faith, that words and images fail to give the true depth of heart that was Tim. So for the next few days or weeks or however long it takes me I want to share my Tim Hansel story with you. I think of Tim as larger than life because he made me see life as larger than I had ever imagined. In my day by day goings on I will miss Tim, I will miss his laughter, his incredible gift of knowing exactly what to say and do to life me up. I will miss his love and his respect, Tim helped me to respect myself on a higher level than I had known before. But I will not miss Tim's affect on my life. It is implanted in my awareness. It will be with me until I join him in his final dance.

I first heard of Tim Hansel from a friend who told me I needed to read a book that Tim had written. Tim's book "Hole Sweat" was profound in my experience because it spoke of the reality I was then facing and continue to experience through the ministry of my passion; Go and Do Likewise. As I read the book, I kept saying, that's me, at each step in the process to become the gift you were created to be, I said; that's me. I am sure I must have nodded my head in agreement a hundred times each day as I read it. I knew the truth of what he wrote and the ease someone as myself finds in failing to stay the course. So . . .with the encouragement . . . no the nagging of my friend, I simply called Tim at his home in Seattle, where he was living to take care of his mother, and from that call the adventure began between Tim Hansel and Bud Potter. It started as life with Tim was, in uncertainty, laughter and chaos, which we called the BONK story. . .or 'the crash that started it all'

To be continued . . .

Challenges to change

2009-12-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

Always. it seems, there are those who embrace a status quo with out regards to the affect, that is the real affect on the potential of any effort to bring new priorities. So it is in the village. For Rionchogu the most entrenched in damaging traditions are the men. For centuries the men have lived the undisciplined lives of expecting women caring for food, children, work in the field and every other complication of life except standing on the corners chatting about . . .and wasting away their time, Granted this may be a very generalized view but it is one of the most predominate challenges to any cultural move forward.

During a conversation with Pastor Kiefa he mentioned his great pride and affection for the women who had broken a traditional barrier. They were making a decision. That is right, they were making a decision to help others and not asking their husbands for permission. The outcome was a simple as helping elderly women to plant, weed and prepare for harvest small plots of Maize so the elderly would have food for the winter. This may sound overly dramatic, but it is ground breaking and culturally defiant in rural Kenya.

These are the kind of activities which are becoming more an option for the groups who have in the past been at the mercy of men who wanted the gift and control and none of the responsibility

There is movement, yes, among many men who have taken up the challenge and embraced the opportunities that come with the discipline and accountability to authority related to the village and relationships. This is our hope and our Prayer

The vision of Pastor Kiefa is being embraced by more and more, this is a difficult transition. The villagers are beginning to believe. Our support becomes more and more a significant ingredient in the successful outcome.

Solar . . . a new light in Kenya

2009-11-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

Since we began our efforts to support the people and the leadership of Rionchogu village in western Kenya we all have held education as a primary objective to provide a better future for these people. Education though is not always limited to classrooms and the process for children to gain information. It also comes from the experience of those who support.

Intertwined in this experience of education is also the process the community goes through as it learns the 'cost' of educating children. One such cost has been that of buying the fuel for light. As there is no electricity the day ends as the sun disappears. The answer for light has been the use of Paraffin lamps even while they are both low light source and unhealthy for both eyes and lungs and they are expensive to burn. Today the village is alive with a new potential, Solar Light.

Here are comments from Kiefa Ontiri, the local leader of GAD Kenya as well as the one person most directly responsible for the hope found in Rionchogu.

There is anew hope in the village with the non pollutant technology of lighting system.the students that received the solar head lamps have something precious to put a happy smile on because they are sure to do their studies at night especially the homework they are given from school.previously doing studies at home was uncertain because of paraffin.
The women on the other side have greatly appreciated the solar lights because their children cannot miss to study at night and the smokey candles which they have been using has affected the health of their children by causing lung diseases as well as affecting their eyes.Also the money that they have been purchasing parraffin can now be used to purchase other basic items.
the GADK board has the pleasure to inform you that the solar lights has been received with great appreciation.the board has realized that there is great need for these solar lights.Everyone is demanding for even at least one clip light for their school going children and for home lighting.

Because of the poor economical status of the people in the village ,the information we have gathered shows that everyone has a great desire for the solar lights and most of them can afford to purchase the solar lights as follows:
The solar lamp @ KSH 600.
The clip light @ KSH 300.
The cell phone charging kit@ KSH 250.

I hope you can convert these to U.S dollars.this means that ,they are willing and able to get the solar lights at ahalf the cost price.However ,there are those that cannot afford and we must help them.

we shall soon send you the solar light photos. we praise God for bringing another opportunity in the village as well as kenya.

The ability of the villagers to pay equals about one fourth the cost of these lights. We need for others to come forth to help us fund the remaining amounts for these lights.

Will you be one of those people?

A common thread

2009-11-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

I read today an article on Yahoo news about private schools in Pakistan and the potential for real hope they carry. Interesting how current our own status is with this same understanding. Education is the/an answer for the future standing against oppression. Even in our little corner of Africa, the tremendous hope that is attached to education is more than we can believe. The villagers and the children know the truth, we say we believe it and yet so many of us are seemingly desensitized about taking serious steps to become the answer to this problem. Education, something we take for granted in this country because it is so available, in my opinion, holds so much of the potential for a future we can all embrace. Here is the article, it rings a note of truth and future.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_pakistan_improving_the_schools

Assisting a vision for transformation

2009-10-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

The women have begun to help the elderly weed and care for their Maize.

In this are two very positive steps; 1. The women are learning to make decisions this is not part of their upbringing; 2. they are taking steps to care for a larger circle of need in the village, together these two are very encouraging

I am sorry for the delay in an update on the village, leadership and the issues of life in Rionchogu. This is not because of any lack of activity or challenges facing the day to day life there. Rather a result of changes and opportunities directly related to the face of Go and Do Likewise and the variety of challenges of sharing the news and presenting to heart of who we are. We have redefined our purpose and have adopted a new mission Statement which is much more focused on today and the work in Kenya.

We spent much of the past two months in an attempt to redesign our Web presence. Our hope was to engage people visually and replace some of the text and difficulty of use. While we have a new look a recent effort to fine tune our focus has brought us to a new place of web focus, so look for more change. All this to say it all takes time and focus, the partial cost has been to put off new updates, for that I am truly sorry.

Village life has been greatly affected over the past few months by the election of a representative. Much like our House of Representatives, each local district elects a person to participate in the Government process to move forward and frankly this elected position carries with it the opportunity to raise monies, supporters and political clout. So not unlike our elections, however maybe not as sophisticated, the process can be fraught with conflict. While this is a good thing and a positive process there are still those who take advantage of times of election to attempt intimidation and extortion. During the recent election these practices were used on the leadership in Rionchogu through attempts to take from them some of the blessing that has come. Particularly the vehicle, Edward, Kiefa and their families were threatened and in danger, including threats on life itself, but the constant efforts of the leadership and others protected everyone and everything affecting the village and now life is back to normal.

I share this all with you because sometimes I think we take for granted that daily life of the rural poor is simply to find food. This is in fact true but so much more as well. The purpose of my updates is to attempt to share what life is like and frankly to create a greater awareness and willingness to become partners with us in this effort. What we are doing in Kenya is assisting local leadership in their efforts to bring transformation to this area. As I have shared the main channels of this assistance have been connected with Education, Health and Economic opportunity. Opportunities have presented themselves and we have tried to be responsible to this people and purpose. Opportunities continue to be presented our response depends on our commitment to step forward and your support.

Some of you have made the determination to support what is happening financially, I could never find the words to tell you how much your support means. Simple without it, there is no new future for many in the village area.

Today we have agreed to Partnership in Kenya with New Option Lighting. This company is providing Solar lighting solutions that are very positive for the future of a generation committed to education. Education brings light to a community, a generation and to a people; for education to be accessed, light for reading and studying is a huge advantage. In a rural poor environment where electricity is available to very, very few and is so very expensive, light to read by after the Sun goes down has been provided by kerosene, not only is it poor light and un-healthy light but also consumes a large part of their family budget. The opportunities for the village opened by this new partnership are almost unlimited they affect the area of education, health, improve the family economy and are environmentally friendly.

The special request for prayer support from the village is for the primary students who are about to take the national test for secondary school admittance. They are currently studying specifically for the test and will begin the testing on November 5^th. We hope for them peace during the testing process, rest before and during and for clear minds as they go through the process.

Pray for all of us, for the village and for those who are called to come with us. If you have been thinking about getting involved in something that will change lives and find some sense of common identity or purpose, take the big step to join our support network.

www.goanddolikewise.org go to any page after the intro and click, “support Go and Do Likewise”. Acceptiva is a secure site and the easiest way to get funds to us.

You can also send checks to; Go and Do Likewise, 10408 La Cebra Ave, Fountain Valley, CA. 92708

Go and Do Likewise is a 501 c3 non-profit organization

FIVE TALENTS: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope

2009-10-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

FIVE TALENTS: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope

Welcome Back

2009-10-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

New Web site, New Twitter, new happenings in Rionchogu and a revisit to the necessity for this Blog. Today it is just a beginning to refocus some efforts here and to welcome anyone who ventures and ask you to please add your email at the bottom for updates on this Blog. The content may vary a little but it will remain focused on a belief that we are created to be a blessing to those who are placed in our paths, not only those who we know and share some common bond of family or history with, rather with any who are placed in our paths of life. So welcome to my Blog

2008-12-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

The message included in this BLOG came from the leadership in Rionchogu, when you read this think of what information you could share in your third language, My Gusii or Swahili will not offer much in the way of communication, and I ask myself, who is it that may have not taken the opportunity handed to them. . . .is it I Lord?

GAD –KENYA PROGRESS REPORT
FOR JAN – DEC 2008.

Brother Bud, the GADL Board members , sponsors and all well wishers and friends. We wish to take this chance to welcome you all to read through the GAD Kenya progress report for 2008.

GAD Kenya programme is a registered (CBO) community based organization that is a non governmental, non- profit making and non- denominational human development agency whose major thrust is the improvement of the quality of life of Rionchogu Community members . It is a sponsorship programme that is based on the establishment of relationship that is achieved through correspondence and visits and exchange of cultural experiences.

GAD Kenya started operating in 2007 by supporting 10 orphans, the aged and widows. And by Dec 2007 a church roof was built that is mad wall and iron roofed. . By 2008 January, 8 students were supported with scholarship Bursary and by the same year the number of students increased to 23. By June 2008. 25 members have benefited from Micro franchise fund for small businesses. Come September 2008, 4 families benefited also from the provision of daily cows. In Early November 2008 , spraying pumps were in place for the spraying of ant- mosquitoes chemicals for malaria, spray daily cows against ticks , and spray against insecticides and fungicides in horticultural farming. In the same month of November 2008 ,a community – Van ( Land cruser) of high capacity that was donated and received in the community to assist the transport patients to hospital ,transport students to school ,transport food and help in other travel matters.

In Dec, 12th 2008 our church was officially registered as “King of Victory Church” with registration certificate NO 29558 by the registrar of Societies and we have applied for the registration of GAD- Kenya as independent organization that is now a waiting for approval.
HOW WE OPERATE
GAD- K uses a wide variety of innovative Technologies to assist the people of Rionchogu and Kisii as a whole to achieve sustainability in their lives.

The approaches we use are cost effective and practical way of tackling the very real challenges faced by the people of Rionchogu .
Note that approximately 80% of Africans live in rural areas including Kenya ; their options to improve livelihoods largely, depends on agriculture which has been hindered by lack of enough land because of the large population in the African countries.

We believe that the real and lasting change can only be achieved by enabling and empowering the local people through education, training them the modern simple methods of farming and providing them with the necessary support to break the cycle of poverty and begging.

1. ADMINISTRATION
The GAD Kenya personnels who together with the programme committees work as a team to formulate ,co-ordinate, supervise and implement programes.
Committees
a) Management committee (GAD Kenya Board)
b) Education committee
c) Credit – Small enterprise development committee ( Micro franchise committee)
d) Agricultural committee
e) Sponsor relation committee
f) Primary Health care committee

2. COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES
A) EDUCATION
While formal and informal education is one of the basic needs of a child, the GAD-K funds received through GADL are used to make attendance possible by providing scholarship bursary to secondary school enrolled children.

Bellow is a table showing children enrollment per class / form / training.

Class / form/ training Boys Girls Total

01
Form 1 4 3 7
02
Form 2 6 2 8
03
Form 3 3 2 5
04
Form 4 0 0 0
05
Vocational training 1 0 1
06
College / universities 0 1 1
07
Special school deaf 0 2 2
08
Std eight (primary 6 14 20
09
Drop out of school 0 0 0

Total 20 24 44

Scholarship bursary was given to those that were in secondary, vocational training and college and special school ( deaf). Education is light . thanks to Brother Bud and all well wishes . We expect that the number for scholarship will grow to over 40 and we believe God will provide the resources.

Adult Education
We as GAD- Kenya board are also encouraging adult literacy classes aimed at transformation, developing capacities and capabilities to be able to identify and positively respond, to their own problems affecting them directly or indirectly by mobilizing of resources within their reach.

B) AGRICULTURE:
The aim of the programme is to improve social- economic conditions, poverty elimination and equality among the beneficiaries. Thus the community need a kind of therapy to enable them believe in themselves, develop confidence and take control of their own situations in life. However because we are living in an agricultural region , the GAD- Kenya women who are having a merry – go round programme to assist themselves, decided to contribute twenty shillings weekly and they raised enough to hire a peace of land to plant tomatoes. The tomatoes did not do well due to heavy rains and lack of spraying chemicals. These women have decided to assist the orphans ,widows ,the aged and the sick with the proceeds they got from the tomatoes during this Christmas season.

We hope in future when God will provide the resources GAD- K shall assist the beneficiaries with farm – in- put for encouragement and increased food production. We are happy to note that our collaboration and participation with the government extension workers has made it possible for our beneficiaries to learn good and simple modern farming methods aimed at increased productivity. While we are doing this to increase family household incomes, the dairy programme was launched by September where by four (4) daily cows were given to four families. In this daily cow programme , the cow remains the property of GAD- K, the first calf shall be surrended to GAD- K to be given to the next beneficiary and the process shall continue until all needy families have the cow and this will justify our mission on development geared or focused on family level. This is where we shall need full participation and commitments from our beneficiaries to make this programme benefit them and hence improve their living standards. But our beneficiaries need to know that, our work through (GAD- K) is to enable them develop themselves given some assistance. This programme is bringing appositive sense in economic opportunity , health and nutrition.

C) MICRO FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT
Special thanks goes to sister Anastansia for her efforts to create a credit – facility for micro franchise and to continually make it grow.

The micro Franchise development is to bring an economic opportunity and a sense of new hope in the future. The good of micro franchise it to increase income at household levels, so as to enhance independence through empowerment of participants in entrepreneurship management. Empowerment is enabling participants to be self – reliant, sustainable, improve their living standards and the family to manage themselves.

Credit scheme on Micro franchise started mid- June 2008 at acapital of kshs 75,000 was disbursed to 25 clients and the repayment period was 12 months and interest rate was 4 % per annum . To date kshs 105 has been disbursed with the same repayment period and interest rate repayment started on the month of July , that is the last Friday of every month to date. Therefore, first repayment July 2008 was 100% , 2nd repayment August was 96.84% , 3rd repayment Sept 2008 was 88.2%, 4th repayment Oct 2008 was 100%, 5th repayment Nov 2008 was 73. 53 % .

The overall repayment percentage is 91.714%. This excludes the month of December 2008. However our analysis shows that these women are more honest and reliable as they are also committed to surface their family needs. As can be witnessed the loan defaulters are 8.286%. This was because of their bisiness price fluctuation ,family financial constraits ,lack of enough training on small businesses, poor screening and selection of our clients as we has not known their business abilities by then

The women have split and formed work groups. They are soliciting for funds to hire apiece of land to enable them carry out an income generating activities like ( horticultural farming) to strength their financial capabilities as well as act as farm demonstration center. They need to be assisted as they have created a sense of ownership in their Merry- go round and working groups.

D) HEALTH
We at GAD- K hope that primary Health care addresses the fundamental basic needs such as food, housing ,control of communicable diseases , environmental sanitation and above all it is concerned with the health of vulnerable groups in the community ,particularly women and children. Our collaboration with the government . Health has promoted awareness and the health of the community is raised. The vehicle ( van) has also provided visual proof of hope that the sick can now be transported and healed unlike in the past.
We also hope that in future when God shall provide the resources GAD- K shall be able to pay for medical bill to the patients or provide National Hospital insurance Fund (NHIF) card to assist them meet their medical bills easly.
E) WATER
Water is a basic human need resource and Rionchogu community need it.

The geological survey for water has been conducted and we are waiting for authorization certificate from the ministry of water lake vicoria water Basin department so to allow water drilling to be done. This will require funds for drilling and supplying of the water.
F) ELECTRICITY
The electricity is a major problem especially in rural area in African countries been but the supply is held up by lack of resources (funds).Because of the high cost of power installation from the Kenya power and lighting company ,the board has agreed to install power for two families at atime .this will be cheap in comparison to the the cost of installing power for the whole village.

Brother Bud, GADL, well-wishers and friends thank you for the mercies the God has provided you all for us and we shall live to glory Him for ever and ever Amen.

Lastly I take this chance on behalf of Riochogu community to thank you for accepting to extend support to this part of the world – Kenya Africa.

Many God bless you most abundantly, have a nice merry x mass and a prosperous new year 2009

Edward

What an exciting year

2008-12-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

I have not the words to even begin this update, but I will get rolling here shortly. May each of you be blessed greatly in this season of reminding us of what life really means. I have attached an email received today from Pastor Kiefa Ontiri who, as you know, is the man to whom God gave this vision and heart for the poor and the children. I do not expect you to be able to read between the lines so I will give you a brief view at what is current for today.

The cause of education has been embraced by many in the village and the role for scholarships may swell to over 40. As the invisible reality of the dream of a future with education becomes even more visible, I expect this number to grow each year. Today and for the near future, my best guess is that, we you and me, Go and Do Likewise and friends will be the source for this open gate to the future.

The health of the community is being raised up to awareness; the vehicle has already provided visual proof of hope; the sick have been transported and healed, the poor have been fed and the children have been provided for. The nutrition brought by cows and the beginning of sanitization or at least improved sanitization at the school, gives hope.

The Micro Franchise efforts continue to grow, bringing not only economic opportunity to the women but new sense of hope and growth for a new future.

The leadership taken by Kiefa and the others involved both with the church and Go and Do Kenya has been the strength of promise.

Economic opportunity through export to Middle Eastern markets is being explored and moving very rapidly.

Electricity is only being held up by economics. ( that equates to the lack of funds)

Water is waiting only for final drilling certificate from the government. ( this will also require funds)

The local government representatives for Health, Nutrition, Agriculture and Animal health are very willing and eager to work with Go and Do Kenya. There is no cost for their help, but the projects undertaken will require funds.

I know of no other words to explain what is happening, except to say, God has determined to do a quick work in that place.

Read Kiefa’s email

Dear brother Bud,Greetings in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.brother Bud iam out of the village since yesterday morning and we are together with edward and Elijah for the purpose of facillitating our permanent church registration.we came together with our driver Innocent.We are using afriend of My brother in law who works in sheria house. we have paid the application fees Ksh 40,000 and are waiting the approval of the Attoney general and if approved we shall be required to pay Ksh 20000 for the certificate.it is ahard process but we trust that with God all things are possible.we have done the application in the name of KING OF VICTORY CHURCH.this will enable us open more church branches.so we hope after the receipt of the registration certificate, our church shall be called KENYORO KING OF VICTORY CHURCH.we hope to register GAD kenya after succeeding this one.You can call me tommorrow .let all look unto the lord for the provision of this short of Ksh 350,000 for scholarship.brother Bud we slept in my cousin`s house here in Nairobi and beside her is apastor who is caring for five orphans ,however i advised him not to call this children as orphans but call them Children at risky because two of them were street children.they had no food ,no water and they were anly singing.well having compasssion on this innocent children, i told thev three of to visit this children they welcomed us with praising songs and the pastor told me that he lives in arental house and he depends on well wishers.we assisted them with 50 kg bags of rice.we boughtb this rice in asuper market and transported it in GAD Kenya vehicle to this pastor`s home to help this children. children in Africa are really suffering.the electricity quatation cost has been received at home by my wife Rachel.the cost for installation is Ksk 525,000 ($ about 7000).on phone the kenya power and lighting company has asured me now that within two months the two families will have electricty is we make the payment as soon as possible.brother Terry, having the solar panels here will help very much but i believe that transporting them here will be very costly bur should you it be cheap to transport them here,it will be agreat blessing. Brother Bud and terry,i wish to inform you that we have requested our members here to donate in kind or financially to help the poor with chrismas gifts.this is targeted to children at risky but not those ones that im taking care of in my home ,the old and the sick.this time we need to share God`s blessings and chrismas with these untouched needy people.we need them to taste the love of God.I am requesting you to send us a donation for the chrismas blessings and gifts towards the poor.two days after the chrismas the Kenya national exam for Grade 8 students results shall be announced.brother Benjamin has called me on phone and has again assured me that he is working on the authorization certificate.may God bless you ,wish you amerry chrismas and prosperous and blessed new year.pastor Kiefa

Bud here again, I realize the spelling and the use of our language may make this a little more difficult to read and understand, however, I think too the general tone of the times can not be mistaken. For a village to gather from their own poverty an amount to give to poor other than their own children is way out of the box for these people, other than the leadership. They have seen what you have done, what Our Lord has done through you and are learning the blessing of giving. Frankly, they are beginning to act as a people with hope, a people with a new confidence in a future directed by their Lord.

As you can see, in the days after Christmas we will know the number of accepted children and will know the requirement for scholarships.

I am learning to be at peace in the midst of the Chaos

Today we are about $4,500.00 short (estimated). While I am sure there are additional monies coming, I am also sure that without, each of us, seeking peace once again about our own involvement or asking others we know to help. The potential for leaving some children behind looms before us.

My dear friends, this is worthy, these are not unknown people and faces. These people are anxious to meet you and greet you in their own homes and make you welcome. They are not strangers, they are friends. The villagers of Rionchogu are friends, my friends, desiring to be your friends, who are learning the responsibility of change and the hope that comes with Faith.

Join me as this year comes to an end and as we celebrate this marvelous season.

Such love as this brought forth the Son of God and brings forth His work in Rionchogu.

Such love as this I have for you and your support for what is happening in Kenya.

Blessings and this love I send to you

The urgent issue of involvement

2008-11-18T10:08:00.000-08:00

November 17, 2008

Each of these updates bring with it a new albeit sometimes consistent attitude on my part, I find myself today, with a challenge to myself. That challenge is urgency.

Now there are no issues in the village of Rionchogu that are any more urgent today than they have been for decades or longer, but the awareness of these issues, for me and for you have brought more visibility and I hope, in each of our hearts a sense of urgency and possibility, that we would not have had otherwise. I know I would not have had any sense of my own ability to influence the future for so many to such a drastic degree.

I look over the email list of friends, associates, brothers and sisters of the faith, family and co workers and each of you I see in my mind. So, you might understand this is personal. Maybe it should not be, but the recipients of our assistance are so full of promise and new hope and even planning on a future when just a few months ago many of them still lived in a world where the only question of future was, will we have food today, it is personal.

There was no hope for water, or education, no planning for the future and certainly no educational future for most of the children. Today all that has changed and before us, you and me, is an opportunity to do something very special.

It will, however, take some courage and some possible paranormal thinking. No, no space aliens and such, but, trust and financial support, even at a very low level on a regular basis, for what we are doing. I have shared over the past months the steps we have taken, for many, even the process of verification and my own sense of hesitation. We have shared the initiation and the greeting and the first steps and the small hope and now the new hope.

On December 5th the grade scores for the students will be reviewed for all those who have been on scholarship this year. Each will be interviewed with their parents, as will the 8th graders who are finishing up their National test for secondary entrance. Application will be presented for the 2009 school year and we expect 33 students will be presented for this opportunity. These do not include students whose parents could afford the education. These are kids who may well lose a life opportunity or at the very least have it made nearly impossible, except for the potential of us to help.

I could go into the detail of our desire to fund a Malaria eradication effort for which the local government officials have offered to train the villagers. I could go into detail on the project for clean water and the drilling and all the official authorizations we are involved in. This could happen at any time. I could go into detail about the danger surrounding the current latrine situations and the dire need to help with this. I could talk to you about the economic potential that will come with electricity when that is funded and approved. I could share with you all the plans and opportunity that will come when the vehicle is delivered. These are all worthy issues and in their time will be overcome. Greater than any of these, in my opinion, the urgent issue for today, is for us to gather the 1000 who will come alongside in a small way and open the doors to the future for the village of Rionchogu..

It would be great if a few people with the financial ability would step up and help here, but my spirit has not followed that course, rather, I am believing that if you and me, each of us who receive this will tell just a few and genuinely ask for their help at $10.00 or $20.00 a month, we will not have any issues of finance for such potential that exists. My goal, our goal, has been for the past year, to find 1000 people who are willing to give up a lunch a month to change the future for this village.

There are so many things on the horizon that can make such a difference. We are not called to change the world, but to come alongside this village for a season, to reach out in love and encouragement and to find some way to provide resources for the season they need to become self sustaining.

We have upgraded our web presence. Go to either www.goanddolikewise.org or www.gadkenya.org. You will find video of current issues. You will also find a link to the DVD of our April trip and the comments of the travelers that went. It is found in gadkenya-the story. We have secured a new web location for our truck driver friends.
Soon you will find all this on www.truckershelpingchildren.org.

I am not asking someone else I am asking you, help me, please.

If you are one who has already reached out, thank you so very much. If you are still wondering if this is for you, the answer is yes. You are called by association. The price you pay for knowing me.

All abundance comes from our God, I pray that This God of our eternity and history will bless you and keep you in His favor.

Just know that this is a letter of love, for the village and for you.

I can not keep it to myself, in His love and by His Grace,

Be blessed

Bud

November news from Rionchogu

2008-11-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

November 12, 2008

A hearty hello and thank you to all who have continued to encourage and support what we are working for in Kenya. I am reading the news of the continued violence in Goma, which is on going since the Rawanda genocide of 20 years ago. It is tragic, truly tragic. Pray for Anastasia and her friends the Lusi's, the Lusi's are in the Goma area working in the hospital that is serving those injured in this latest violence.

For us we are two countrys and ten months away from the violence that comes with the poverty, lack of education and hopelessness that surrounds the clashes for power. In just a short time we have seen, hope raise and people begin to work together for a larger outcome than just their personal circumstance. I just finished reading a book called Velvet Elvis, don't ask, it is very good and speaks to the need for recreating the church throughout history and the necessity for us to rethink the who and what and why of our communal ministry. One thought at the end is that we are to put our selves past the limits of our comfort to reach out and help. In our communities, in our regions in any place the Lord has brought us to be His body.

I think of that as I look at the near future and the opportunities in the area of Kenya we have been called to. We just received the list of funding necessary to begin and for the most part accomplish the priorities of the village leadership for the near future. At the very top of the list are education scholarships. They are expecting that they will receives a large number of applications and that they very well may be accepting as many as 10 additional requests for education assistance. As you remember, these are students who received total scores above the national requirement for continued education into what we would consider High School. This is a very great opportunity for the village poor, even the bright ones would many times miss the opportunity due to their poverty.

GAD Kenya leadership has increased the level of acceptable grades, the students no longer need the minimum points over the national level, but must exceed by 20 points the required level. In addition there are still the requirements that the family sign agreement to support the children and to assist with the help the family is able to provide. Additional school supplies such as books, uniforms and other incidental charges are still needed.

Lat year we were delayed with the start of the school year which allowed us to go into January before we needed the funds for the scholarships. If you remember, last year we also began with eight students and added as more families realized this was a for real opportunity and completed their application paperwork and applied later in the year. No such luck this year, the beginning of the school year will be early January the fees are due by end of December. We estimate the total cost of the scholarship program for the term year ahead will be ks 800,000. This will be close to $14,000.00. I can not tell you how much hope there is in the opportunity of education. I think I told you the story of Emma, who used an entire weekend to travel from her school to the village, and back to school, just to take the time to say thank you. Oh, how I wish you might experience that in person. These young men and women and their families, and especially the village leadership understand the future is in the education of the children. Now for our part, we have some who have already made the decision to use Acceptiva to support us each month. We have some who support us through the local church. Believe me when I say, we need the help of everyone of you.

Education, though, is not the only urgent issue before us. We still have a water project before the regional water board which could receive the green light at any time. This project would bring clean water, with a purification module into the village and do away with the need to carry water in old infected cans for long distances. On the horizon is electricity which will open doors to an economy these folks have never been able to participate in. There are a variety of hopes and dreams the leadership has identified, all will require resource and all are firmly situated in either the health, education or the economy of the villagers themselves.

This brings me to the Urgent need of the day; health, specifically Malaria or the eradication of it in the area.

Highland Malaria is a major health concern in the area of Kenya in which we work. It is a leading cause of sickness and death among the children of the area. The local hospital records an average of 9000 cases of Highland Malaria a year and most of those are children. The local government, represented by Hellen Moseti has agreed to supply the training and a supervisor for no cost so the village might do a malaria eradication spraying in the near future. It is the rain that brings life to the mosquito and the heat that makes them active, these both are in place now and a malaria outbreak is only mater of time. The spray program includes hand pump sprayers and the people trained to use them properly and the spray material available through the government which kills the Mosquito and their larva.

To provide this eradication effort, even with the free involvement of the offer from Hellen will cost ks 125,000. The cost is for the sprayers and the materials. The geographic area of the eradication is planned to reach beyond the limits of the village for two reasons, one the gift for those in the surrounding areas and as important is the fact that the mosquito does not know the village boundaries and so to eradicate you must encompass an area larger than the target. So the request is for $2,200.00 which will complete the first step in keeping the babies and young children protected from the malaria which is so deadly.

My request is this. If you are a member of a group, work to see if they might allow me to come and speak to them about this place and people and what our God is doing. If you are a Pastor, please, consider a time for conversation to bring your council into an awareness of the Real and personal mission available through this type of involvement. And for any and all, if you have not yet gone to the website and looked at the ease of using Acceptiva as a means of supporting this purpose in Kenya, please do. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated. OH yes, feel free to forward this email to anyone you may think would be interested in what we are doing.

Finally for those of you who have taken the step to say, "I will help" to whatever amount, thank you so very much. Our numbers are growing and we have great hope for the goal of a self sustaining village by the year 2013.

And so I use two new words in this email, one word is the replacement for 'orphan' because the actual status of many of these kids range beyond just children without parents, they are without any network, abused, turned away by their families or just abandoned. These are bright and outgoing children who have no support, the term is "Abanya" . . .Children at risk. So we have learned and will continue, everyday there are Abanya who are eating, playing, getting educated and involved in a support network because of the work of the church in Rionchogu, the leadership there and your support. God bless you all.

The other term is Baka ekero tora`umerane, until we meet again, we have decided there is no 'good by' between brothers and sisters working in the purpose of the Lord, so there is only, Until we meet again . . .. . . .Baka ekero tora`umerane.

In His love and by His Grace alone

Bud

Back again from Kenya

2008-10-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

As I write this, I have this uneasy feeling that you will become somehow used to the descriptions and the accounts of the people in Rionchogu and that somehow you will not sense the urgent and great need for your help.

Let me say without reservation, I can not alone, nor even with the few who have made decision to support this effort, provide the resources which will be required for the future and vision of these people. Rather than tell you of their difficulties, I have done that and shown pictures and shared other distress, this time, with one exception, I want to tell you of their accomplishments already. I had at least three situations which confirmed our paths and the goals.

Three different people whom I have never before met and only one of which I expect will ever meet again. One person I met at the Mennonite Guest House which is a way station in Nairobi for missionaries. While there on the way home I sat next to a woman who has been in church planting work in Kenya for years, she was on a rest at the guest house and during our conversation, she mentioned that what we are doing needs to be done as the days of Church Planting in Kenya are over. She also agreed on the difficulty of churches working together, . . . . such competition over God’s children.

The second, and the one person whom I will meet again was Hellen Moseti, she is an agent of the government of Kenya for the local area in the field of health and nutrition. Hellen is the person whom GAD Kenya arranged to hold the Micro Franchise Seminars I told you of last spring. Hellen came to the village on her day off, remember she is a government employee, to give additional instruction to the women on the care of their most aggressive venture. The venture is an entrepreneurial effort. 27 women saved ks20 a week, about 10 cents, for many weeks they combined their money and rented a plot of land on which they are growing tomatoes. Hellen was there to give them the next step in the best care of their product. Hellen willingly gave us the OK to take her Picture and do an interview which I hope to make available soon. She was very positive regarding the willingness of the government to assist GAD Kenya to provide a better future for the rural villagers. I can only say I felt very positive after my time with Hellen.

The third person was a gentleman I sat next to on the flight from Nairobi back to London, this man was an official of the National Government of Kenya and was on his way to a seminar on Public Sector renewal. His comments were regarding the determination of the new government of Kenya to train their local area officials to better attend to the needs of their constituents, I am not sure it is possible to be more people focused than Hellen, but think there may be many who are not as focused on the local people. I took this to include their attention to reducing corruption, which he said without really saying it. This was a very positive conversation from my own sense of what I have seen and heard.

As for the projects in action, the cows are producing now with one still waiting on the completion of it’s new stall. Until all the requirements are fulfilled there is no placement. Many of the villagers are still learning that they must work by the rules set by GAD Kenya. One of the interesting additions they have made to the Cow Project regulations is that when the cow calves, the person housing the cow must take very good care of the calf until it can be separated from it’s mother, if GAD Kenya thinks this is not done then the cow must be given to the next in line and the first person will keep the calf. Very creative accountability.

So much to say but I can not say everything at once, but I can not forget Emma, a sponsored student who when unable to get a day off from school, spent the entire weekend coming to the village and then returning to school, to spend 1 minute to say thank you. I hope she can somehow know how much her effort means to me and to us. I can only say to you that read this, I was so speechless that I am not sure I even said thank you, can you imagine what it is she did. God forgive us for being so sure we deserve all that we have. Her kind of appreciation can come only from the really pure in heart and one who understands opportunity. Thank you, Emma from the bottom of my heart.

So many stories I get to tell, My great dream is that you too will become a story teller and not just one who hears the stories of others.

I have much to share, maybe some day I will tell you more of young Isabelle, who has an amazing voice, who leads singing in worship time, who is always taking care of smaller children, who has a great smile and beautiful eyes and seems always to be right next to me.

The one distressful issue we discussed has to do with sanitation and health. On one day we toured through the village area and Kiefa pointed out many of the (pit Latrines) which are so very dangerous. The normal construction has been to dig a hole cover it with boards and build a wall around it of corn stalks or other natural materials. This has gone on for generations. A major danger is that the integrity of the wood cover degenerates from weather and the natural rotting you might expect and from time to time, during the night, an elderly person may go the latrine, step on a weakened board and not be able to move quickly enough to keep from falling into the pit. . . . . . .30 to 40 minutes without rescue means death.

There is no easy answer, simple answer is to make available the concrete slabs on foundation for the pit floor and then have the village residents construct the walls as before. The problem with this is there are probably 1000 latrines or more. The cost does not need to be very high to reach a great expense. The leadership will come up with a plan and they will follow their vision. How willing are we to be a part of their answer.

My prayer for Kiefa; may God continue to bless you and your village people, and may we be worthy of our call to encourage, support and empower you for the work and Call upon you.

I am not embarrassed to say to you who receive this and have not yet decided to support this work, for us it is as simple as a burger and a cup of coffee a MONTH. There is not one person, not one, to whom I send these letters for whom this is impossible, for some difficult, but not impossible. To the people of this village it is hope for a different life, how can we not help. Please join me, this is really happening, a culture of poverty is changing, and you can share the blessing of being the one who blesses these people.

Check our web sites, www.gadkenya.org or www.goanddolikewise.org, through either you can join our efforts.

By His Grace

Bud

Next stop Kenya

2008-09-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

What a ride, I remember years ago the rides at Disneyland were coded alphabetically and the most exciting were called the ‘E’ tickets. Well we have been on an ‘E’ ticket ride for sure.

On such a ride it was not unusual for a sudden turn to come up and you would almost lose your sense of up and down. All those senses are in fullness within our experience as we approach the October visit. So when you might say . . . I thought . . . when you hear of a change in our plans, just know, this is an ‘E’ ticket and one great lesson we are learning is to go forth only with peace. So it is that we are taking the next step. Peace abounds, even though by appearance it seem as uncertain change. For this time and hopefully not to become a regular practice, I am traveling solo to Kenya in October.

Sometimes it is as if the Lord says, your plan is not my plan, so off we go, determined to be obedient to the voice which calls.

As of today a vehicle has been purchased for use in the village as transportation including transporting injured and very sick people for medical care. The vehicle will also be used to transport supplies and other issues where before fees were paid anytime such a need was faced. The vehicle is owned by GAD Kenya and will be operating under the direction and purpose of the leadership of GAD Kenya. Our God has moved swiftly to show His hand for the efforts to Glorify Him.

We have received the report of the water survey and will be talking about the next steps as we meet with the GAD Kenya Board during the trip. To support the water effort an individual has set a donated fund for the water purpose. We do not know the additional monies we will need yet. But I am confident the resource will be available.

The first 4 cows have been purchased and 3 are placed, one waiting for the ‘cow shed’ fencing to be completed. Today’s report is that 3 are giving 2 pints daily. Such a blessing for them, today, thanks to you who have joined us financially, children are receiving the nourishment of milk, which has not been a part of their previous diet.

We are taking eye glasses, donated by a number of local sources, for a church outreach that we believe will provide better vision to some in the village and surrounding area. The women of the church will hold a gathering for those with poor vision with the hope that in those glasses we bring will be better sight for many. Due to the reduced number of travelers the capacity for additional baggage is diminished so I will not be asking for donations of any sort. With the glasses, new t-shirts I am taking for the village, the clothing we have already received and other items already assembled, there is just no room.

As for other updates on the different ministry efforts, reports are coming back to us regarding the micro-franchise efforts. Women have literally changed their life style, from one of alcohol and selling themselves, to one of buying and selling products to find a life giving means of support. In my heart I know, the village is finding hope in your love and support. All I can say is, I pray you will continue to come alongside us and that you will also talk to others about what is going on in Rionchogu. We are far short of our goal for the number of people who will support all the various ministry efforts going on in Rionchogu at just $10 or $20 dollars a month. It is not much, even in our economic times, to commit $10 a month.

Finally, closer to home, we are taking steps to upgrade our website. Our goal is to make it more visual, and to articulate our message to a younger and more tech-savvy generation. The hope is that the GAD Kenya web site will be fully functional by October 3rd.

More on the local front, we have made arrangement for printing T-shirts for Go and Do Likewise. One will have the GAD Kenya logo. Due to the complexity the shirts will not be inexpensive, but they will be attractive, colorful and they will show the logo as close to the original as possible. We have authorized the printing of a second t-shirt which says simply, Lift up Jesus. This is our statement of purpose. All these will be available for purchase to support the greater cause of the ministry. Keeping with our pledge, the only funds used to secure any web site or t-shirt or any other general administrative effort come from those who have stated a desire to help in that manner. The donation we receive through Acceptiva or which are not marked specifically to be used for the general efforts of the ministry are used 100% for the direct ministry in Rionchogu. This is our pledge and our promise.

Pray for all of us, and for those who will come forward to help. This is worthy, we are not people doing people stuff, we are children of the Most High, going and doing what He has set before us. The purpose is His, the outcome is His, His reward to those who hear His voice is His. We are blessed to be in this place, we are His recompense.

Blessed to be a Blessing

2008-08-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

WOW what a ride.

There are times when I think I understand how Dorothy must have felt when she asked her little dog Toto, if she were in Kansas. One thing for sure, our God is far beyond any wizard hiding behind a curtain, and His intimacy is far beyond giving us good instruction on how to live, even with courage and heart. So you may ask, what has this to do with the ongoing purpose in Rionchogu. Well, nothing and everything.

We are not living a fantasy, even though events may seem as such, or at least give some resemblance. It is equally, for me, as difficult to find the words or expressions to convey the depth and breadth of God’s hand in this effort as it must have been for the trio of adventurers to know what was ahead. It is good to keep reminding ourselves, God so Loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that who so ever would believe in Him would have eternal life. I allow for eternal and Kingdom to be interchangeable for current purposes.

If you sense a little preaching going on, please forgive me. I am being taken past new comfort levels in, my own walk. Just when I think I have God figured out, he moves to dislodge me from the comfort of the familiar and move me into a new place of dependence and reliance, oh yes, and amazement. You would think it would get old. Such is not the case. In fact the most invigorating pieces of my life and time are the transformations taking place right before me and in me. I am, we are, blessed above all men, for He has put His hand on His purpose for Rionchogu and revealed His love active in serving others.

Thanks for your indulgence. I do want to update you my beloveds on our dance of joy we call Working Together to Glorify God in Rionchogu. The October Trip is getting close. In His perfect planning God has determined for three to go. These are Terry Debay, Ecar Oden and me. We will leave on October 5 and stay the night in London the 6th going on to Nairobi where we will stay at least on night before heading for the village.

I plan to give you more detail on the plans for our time in the village as we get closer. For this update I hope to give you some view of the current efforts, projects and status for and from your support and prayer. The garage is under construction and the final arrangements for the purchase of the ambulance and 12 passenger vehicle will be completed in September when our friend Frank Khoie will go to Nairobi to meet with Pastor Kiefa and David our vehicle contact to complete the purchase. We continue to be blessed by the called out nature of Frank’s humility and his understanding of the Spirit of God directing His participation.

Thanks to your support we have taken steps to begin the process to bring water to the village. This is very exciting. Your donations have provided for the initial Hydrology survey to determine just what the issues will be to bring up the water. The plan will include a well or wells. We will also incorporate on going pumping and storage and some type of delivery system. You may remember that through the focus and determination of our Alan Marcum, who has been keeping us on target for clean water, we have connected with an organization, GWAKO, they manage the water drilling, hygiene training and sanitation guidelines for Lifewater in western Kenya. They are working with our Kenya leadership to provide the information necessary for us to begin. Again thank you all for your financial support and Alan for your encouragement. You are making a difference.

Next on the update list are cows. Once again we say a thank you for your financial support. We have funded the purchase of 4 cows. The initial purpose is to provide supplemental nourishment for children. These cows will be the foundation for future expansion as the program develops. The five year goal is for the families to work together, expand the involvement as the cows give birth and work together to provide for the nourishment of the orphan children as well.

We will watch this with excitement and expectation.

The leadership in Rionchogu is currently interviewing a young man who has been accepted for University education to become a teacher. If his application is accepted and he agrees to bring his education to the village and help in the local schools the GAD Kenya board will present him to us for Scholarship. This will be the second funded scholarship to University. We currently are sponsoring a young woman who is in training to be a nurse.

So it goes, so much comes possible, so much is dependant on your support. I pray you will continue to share what we are doing with your friends and associates. We need more who are willing as well to give a little. This is our foundation.

As we speak the music ministry of Kenyoro Christian Fellowship is working on the program for our joint worship during the trip. There is a new boy’s choir. We hope to bring home and share the sound, maybe even video of this group. SO much, I know I am leaving out but there will be time again.

To give you an example of how this works after my last update a friend and supporter emailed the address of a relative who was involved in ministry work related to electrical infrastructure. We have since connected, made initial exploration and will begin the dialogue to bring electricity to the village within the year. You see, it works like this a life touches a life, touches a life, touches a life. Within us we have all the potential to change lives we do not even know. To give a hope and a future where there was none. To see children, healthy children, where before disease was the victor. We, you, us do make a difference. We don’t just hear or read about but we do the stuff of life. How blessed we are. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

May God bless you and may you be provided the opportunity to have us share the story with your group or church.

Count down to October Expedition

2008-08-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

August 11th, 2008

It is time for Africa to be lifted to the top of the awareness ladder. By this I mean that for me I have spent July in many ways, out of touch with you, the people who provide the encouragement for all we do in Kenya.

WOW, the time is close to decide if you are going with us in October, don’t hesitate on this one it promises to be incredible. We must close the door of opportunity due to the fact that names for international travel must be submitted in a timely fashion so the travelers can be approved by Homeland Security and also the window grows short for any that have not had all their Vaccinations or do not yet have possession of a valid Passport as required for this travel. If we could we would hold it open until the last minute, but for the purpose of encouraging you to talk about this to friends and acquaintances the time is short.

Our cup simply ‘runneth’ over for the upcoming expedition. The events of the last few weeks have left us with great excitement . . .and . . . humility, by what has been prepared for this journey. I wish you would come with us, I pray some of you will hear in your heart of hearts, Go . . . There is no way I can give you even a close appreciation of what awaits you. We are going to meet a new friend in Nairobi for the final travel to Rionchogu. Our new friend has come forward as one Called by God to provide resource for a future for Rionchogu. What this means exactly we do not know, but it will be beyond our imaginations, it already is.

As is typical of my interaction when the Spirit of God is at hand, I sometimes try to control things too much. I know, I know, you all never do that but it is a rather disgusting habit I am trying to rid myself of. I think sometimes God leaves it as a piece of my personality just so he can laugh with me when I say, again, forgive me father, for I do not know what I do, when I do it, only afterwards do I see.

The reason for my confession is to give you some background on the current circumstances leading up to October. During our April visit to Rionchogu, during a particularly emotional meeting with the elders of the village my brother in Faith and partner in ministry Terry Debay made what I considered an outrageous declaration to this group of strangers in a strange land. He stood before the men and in the boldest voice said, ‘I am committed to do what it takes to bring a vehicle to this village to provide transportation for the elderly and the sick and injured’. Then he added, “I believe God would have me do this”. Kiefa and I had just had this conversation about being careful about making promises and trying to make sure the voice of hope came from Go and Do Likewise through the local leadership and Zap, Terry makes his verbal commitment! Well you can understand my frustration, right, can’t you? Don’t answer.

In June a conversation began between Mr. Debay and a gentleman from a far away place. This conversation has been focused on the possibility of funding for a vehicle for Rionchogu. Yes, that’s right, a vehicle for Rionchogu. Much discussion has taken place and much planning. The connections are close and without a doubt, directed by the Hand of our loving God. There is a lot of detail and it is being worked out. Where to house it, who owns it, who drives it, frankly a lot of questions more important to us in many ways than to the GAD Kenya leadership, who see so much hope and future and witness and ministry this vehicle can provide.

As of today, these funds (privately provided, single donor) (which do not affect the giving received for the education, health or economic opportunity we have been working for), have been received and provided to GAD Kenya leadership to begin the construction of a ‘garage’ to insure the vehicle is secured and protected. The plan is for the vehicle to be available to transport the baggage of the travelers to the village. It is only appropriate, but also a piece of the plan, that the villagers will be providing the unskilled labor for all the construction. Only materials and skilled mason is to be purchased with the funds provided.

I am almost afraid to share the latest in this story with you. How ever, as long as I have shared this much, why not share all we know. The man from a far away place, and who requires that he be anonymous, has instructed Terry to enlarge the garage to accommodate two vehicles, one of which will be a 12+ passenger vehicle and the other outfitted to function as an ambulance and work to see that they are both available as soon as possible. Well for an old control freak, this is just too much.

To top off this, the man has told us that he and an assistant, who happens to be a young Christian man from Kenya, will be meeting us in Nairobi when we go in October. Go figure. So it goes when stepping out in dependence on the living God. We are totally unable to accomplish anything, but He who is God can accomplish all things according to His purpose through those that love Him. We are living each day in new appreciation for the authority and Living Grace that is our God.

As of today there are only two committed travelers in October. Mr. Debay and I will be leaving on October 5th. We sincerely seek for others to join us. If you have any, even small, hint in your spirit that you should venture into this, than by all means, pray and step. We know it all begins with the first step. The only thing, be prepared to have your life changed. As Bret Van Leeuwen told me, you will fall in love. These incredible people will invade your understanding of community and your life will be connected to them in some way forever. I warn you too, you should be prepared for the Living God to intersect your life in an unexpected way. Not through my experience but through your own. Oh yes, age is not an issue, Terry is 75 and I am a kid at 66, and God met both of us in total newness of understanding and love for Him.

As for the other pieces of ‘looking ahead’ we are planning for the travelers to work on building a latrine for the elderly women. We will help with the garage construction if it is not completed. We will be planning (asking God) for direction in the pursuit of electricity being brought in. Water and sanitation continue to be atop the list for the short future. There will be discussion concerning a library for the primary school and dormitories for the closest secondary school which today can not house any students. We will be meeting with all the leadership as our stay includes a Saturday and the Board will meet on that day. There will be time to stroll the village and surrounding areas. Meet people in their own places and talk of the love and kindness of our God and urge those who do not yet know Him personally to take that step.

Unfortunately with just two travelers our capacity to take items for the village will be reduced but we will be collecting through September.

I told you of the vehicles to let you know what is going on, my fear is that somehow you might think that your regular contribution to the scholarships and daily efforts to help these people are not important. The truth is, in my heart, I know a few will come for specific purpose, but many with little will be the backbone of our ministry in Rionchogu. Once again I ask, no beg you to consider support through Acceptiva for $10 or $20 a month. (Less than a lunch or even a Starbuck and sandwich) Or you could drive 40 miles less each month and send the money for Rionchogu. I can not imagine why I am so exhausted writing this. Yes there is excitement in what has happened with regards to the vehicles, but mostly for me the encouragement is from you and the excitement for the future of the children.

May God bless you and bring peace to your heart and pour out in you blessings to help us.

Don’t stay home if God calls you to go.

Bud

Baba Mogaka

On Goings concerning Rionchogu

2008-07-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

Jambo my friends;While this is not the regular monthly update I do want to share some of the goings on with you. Foremost the Micro franchise was begun in easy fashion and while the jury is our as far as the real ability to save and pay back the loan all indications are very positive. The Board is expecting it will be four to five months before we have a real demonstration of the villages readiness to jump to this level in the economy. Prayer for them is certainly appropriate and helpful. We are expecting to launch the "cow project" in October when we are there, that will be part of the work we will participate in, more of that in a week or two. There is plenty of room for additional travelers but the time is getting short, Mid August will be benchmark if you do not have your Passport or your International shots yet. There are certainly things going on which are in the preliminary stages for the village and I hope to share some of that in the coming days.Last week I had the opportunity to shoot through Seattle and talk to a few folks in Blaine Washington. What a great evening we had. The reception was just great and the fellowship and interest in our little village was very encouraging. As I learned during the years of Go and Do Likewise here locally, I never know who is being ministered to, so we Just Do It. this is a great way to go forth, So far we have had three meetings to present the work and hope for Rionchogu, I believe two a month is very minimal, but I need your help. Please pray about getting a few folks together in your house, a Subway sandwich, some cold drinks and a few interested folks make for a great evening. There is no minimum number, but I hope we could get five or six. The main thing is we continue to talk about this.So, again my request is, help me please, the story is powerful in itself, we just simply tell the story.Blessings and love.P.S. I will go almost anywhere to share the story, just a little bit of advance notice and we can do this.

Going to Kenya again

2008-07-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

To all our friends joining in this effort we send our most gracious thank you. As we go forward in this journey we are finding more and more just how evident is the hand of an authority outside our understanding and vision. Many of us have a belief in a transcendent authority, we believe in this God and in the scriptures as evidenced in the Bible. It is impossible, I think, to find any stability for this effort in any other view.

We go forward in Faith, not in ourselves but rather in a purpose beyond our own.

Much is happening, so, this may be a rather long message. I believe you will be blessed by what is happening and by what others share about the expedition experience.

I hope you are considering the possibility of joining our next expedition scheduled for early October. We will be departing no later than October 5th and returning no later than October 19th. We are planning to allow for a two day and two night diversion for Safari in the Masi Mara if the travelers desire. We will be spending at least three days in the village. We may stay longer in the village; this too will depend on the makeup of the traveling group.

Here is a comment from Terry Debay (one of the April travelers). If you know Terry you can appreciate I edited down some of his enthusiasm. However, his zeal still comes through. Terry is hoping to return with us in October.

From the moment we left Nairobi and started into the Rift Valley. I found it very hard to comprehend what I was seeing I was barely able to take it all in. The terrain was covered with "beautiful tea plantations”, open green fields..This beauty and majesty was totally unexpected.

The Cities were primitive, dirty, crowded yet seemed to explode with incredible Color...Yet, these were the most beautiful people you've ever seen I believe we all knew or sensed ...we were somehow related for eternity because of God's Love! That same bonding of the...spirit...and love prevailed...for the entire days we were there, together in Africa!

Selfishly, I can tell you that I can't wait to get back there and experience that.... "God created mutual love. There was and is "Nothing like it" to be found anywhere else in the world....... but when His Kingdom kids get together...!...That was the essence of this adventure to Rionchogu...and what it was all about...! Experiencing and sharing That Love!.....

Why don't you come along with us this October...I know! ....If you do...you'll catch a ton of this love too! I promise ya!...

I hope to bring you more information on the Lifewater International conference Alan Marcum and I attended on June 20–22, however most importantly I want you to hear words of the other travelers. I am most keenly sure, a great blessing from this effort will come to those who can journey with us, immerse themselves in the village life for a short while and meet, really meet, the men, women and children who are so blessed by our love and willingness to be Jesus in their midst.

Traveler Ecar Oden added;

I think one of the unique things about the team that went was Anastasia, Bud, I, and Terry, weren’t from one church, or one organization, that was sent out. We were actually from 4 different churches. And the Holy Spirit just worked in each of our lives. To have these little connections that brought us together once the request was made for a team to go. The unique personalities, the different experiences, the gifts that each of us have added to the experience. I knew I’d be changed by the people in the village, and that I would develop a deep, personal connection. What hadn’t occurred to me is how much of a deep, personal connection I was going to get from the people I traveled with. One of the scriptures that has come upon my heart, now that this trip is coming to an end, is in the Book of Micah, in the Bible, I think it’s Chapter 6, and in it a question is asked, “What does the Lord require of you?” And then it follows with an answer, “To seek justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” I can think of no place that I’ve ever been in my entire life, to be able to experience that, and practice that, than Rionchogu, which is known as a village despised.

Likewise we hear from our fourth and only woman in the group, Anastasia Hansel. A real trooper, her trip included additional challenges as she was the one left in Nairobi, one extra day, to bring the lost baggage. Why make the one woman stay behind? Well she was accompanied by our tour host, Mr. David Ngunjiri of David Tours and Car Hire Ltd, whom was highly trusted and all three of her bags had been left in London. She had very little for the trip to the village. Anastasia shares a few of her thoughts;

In the past the paradigm has been stay in a hotel and then we go out to the villages.. And I’ve been so aware that it’s one thing to visit the poor, it’s another thing to become immersed in their lives. Years ago, I wanted so much for the women to spend the night in the village, and none of them were willing to do it, and I, I did. I spent the night in the village that night. And I have, I have since said it was probably one of the most defining moments of my life that I would have missed out on. As I went to bed that night, and I heard two of the African women at my door – whatever it was – outside my window, just praying in Swahili, and the quiet African night, and just hearing them – it was – I just thought those other women really missed out on a transformational moment. And I think this past experience of spending four days and four nights actually in the village, where I was living – I was sleeping with the girls, the little orphan girls, and the last night, hearing them – we’d been singing Cumbaya, I’d brought my baritone Uke with me, and just hearing those girls, before they went to sleep, singing, “Cumbaya my Lord,”I will not forget.

There is nothing special about the travelers, except, they heard the Spirit and went. As the Bible says of Abraham; ‘not knowing where they were going’. My own experience is that God shows up when you are about His work. I hope you read in the words of the travelers, the blessings we received were greater than those we gave. In October we go again, who will go with us?

It is worth repeating that very early on, Alan Marcum was adamant, water and sanitation are extremely important to a positive outcome of our efforts. In what can only be described as a miracle of God’s hand, a close relative of mine mentioned his own relative by marriage happened to have lived in Kenya. This person just happened to have connection to a ministry called Lifewater International. It was during a first lunch with Tory walker that Alan decided to sign up for the water conference (this was in January I think), I took a while longer, and I signed up on June 16, four days prior to the beginning of the conference. I am not always the quickest on the uptake. Alan and I both learned much about the efforts of Lifewater International to bring better health through water, sanitation and hygiene training. What was more than I could have expected was the availability of two men, Edward Kiwanuka and Daudi Kaliisa, who very quickly agreed to communicate with and begin the interaction with Kiefa Ontiri to pursue the potential of a water and sanitation training project coming to the Rionchogu area. Edward is the Administrator for Deliverance Church, Uganda which is a Lifewater International Partner and Daudi is the Country project Coordinator for Lifewater International for Kenya. Who could think, this is just a coincidence.

At the conference we met many new friends, each of them called to the purpose of taking hope through health to people in many places. It is a natural fit for our common interest. I pray the days ahead will be walked in Faith according to His plan, as we continue our work.

Finally for this update I am attaching a brochure which we have produced in the hopes of providing some visual assistance, both to those of us here working on a regular basis and for you, for each of you, to hopefully print to give to others. I continue to believe this is a work which will be the product of many giving a little. I believe this with all I am. It is interesting, I saw today where one of the Presidential Candidates has erased all previously set records for campaign funding by gathering a very large number of people giving a small amount. For me, this is what I think we are to do as well. It has nothing to do with politics, everything to do with doing much with little. I pray we will all meet a few, even one or two, who will hear and say I will. In the brochure we say, and it is true, the cost of a Starbucks or a hotdog at the game, once a month will change the lives of this village. Today we can say, the cost of two gallons of gas. Once a month, this small amount from many will provide the schools, the health and the economic potential for thousands of villagers in Rionchogu and the surrounding area.

This may a request for the most drastic movement out of the comfort zone, would you tell a friend, about us, please.

May our God richly bless each and every one of you.

In His love and by His Grace,
Bud Potter

Thinking . .What next for Rionchogu. . . .

2008-05-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

It seems more than just a month since we left for Rionchogu amongst the still uncertainty of what we would find. Even being there we had such a short time that we came back with as many or more questions than we left with. However the questions were of a different nature. They ran along the lines of where do you start, what do we do first, what are the priorities and what is the financial resource that we have available, and, what will be needed to accomplish this purpose set before us..We did agree to provide certain specific support and encouragement in three areas. One was to increase the number of scholarship students. Early in the year the GAD Kenya Board had rejected some requests for aid due to the fact that the families did not complete the process as it was set up. So an early lesson for the village and surrounding area was; this is new opportunity and you must follow the processes as presented. When it was clear that this was not a joke or a gift, that there was responsibility involved, the proper documents were completed and the appropriate preliminary steps were taken, although after the original time frame. The families completed their work and submitted the preparations. I, we, felt the circumstances afforded us an opportunity to give immediate positive feedback to the Gad Kenya efforts for education, so we accepted ten additional students. These have already begun their secondary education at this time.The what next window remains open. A seminar has been arranged for the women to attend training for Micro Franchise opportunities. The local Social Service network of the Government will hold the seminar tomorrow and Wed in the village. Following that training a report will be filed with us as to the reception and initial feedback of the seminar. With a positive first response, the GAD Kenya Board will accept business plans from the women for entrance loans into the local economy. This is a major step on more than one level. Certainly the economic status of the family will be impacted as the families will have that opportunity. Socially the elevation of the awareness of the expanding role women might play is cutting across traditional practices that humbles me. I think; how hard would it be for us to change long held beliefs and practices to change the future. Actually I am in some ways saying just that to us.I spoke with Kiefa on Saturday. He had just returned from Nairobi where he had taken a young girl to get shoes for orthopedic support. He told me the traditions have been that a physical handicap at birth was seen as a sign of a curse. This episode with Grace's daughter. ( she has a long name, I will pass it on when I receive it through email) has been an opportunity for Pastor Kiefa and us to make a statement concerning the Christian world view of the Fall and our responsibility to help those in need. He preached and practiced. I continue to view all this with a little, well a lot of, humility, asking for God's wisdom and Grace for all of us as we determine just what it is we will do about this 'village despised', Rionchogu.I continue to pray for completion of our Acceptiva application. I will give you all the good detail as it becomes available.

Learning from the expedition

2008-05-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

My first goal is to try to keep this report from being overly dramatic or full of exclamatory words.However, this is not possible. I believe I speak for the entire team when I say this was the most incredible series of events in my experience. Not because God was evident or present nor because He provided examples of His Grace, but rather because what He did reveal was how long and how thoroughly He has scripted this series of events and how complete the understanding He has left.First let me say, ALL THE BAGGAGE ARRIVED. Some of you may be aware that the airlines left more than half of our baggage in London overnight. We left one of the team in Nairobi to secure them as the balance of the team plus a newly hired videographer, Chris Rohio, set off for Rionchogu. The ride is a long one and took more than 8 hours. Noted the roads are not what we might call highways, but get worse the closer we get to the village. Ending in very poorly maintained dirt roads, except when it rains and then the dirt turns into a slick clay like, very slippery substance. So as we arrived in the rain, it was with some 'Indiana Jones' efforts that we finally disembarked, including a fall on my part which resulted in one of the most illustrious splats, yes there are pictures of the outcome of this and I am sure Ecar will make them all very available.Before the splat we were greeted by many children and adults singing and praising and laughing and celebrating that we had finally arrived. This was just the beginning. During the three and 1/2 days we were in the village we had many meetings with teachers, head masters of schools, the village elders, the local Chief and the inevitable multitude of children, of all ages, everyone completely eager to make us at home, and they did. I can not possibly relate all the events and individual circumstances, but, here are a few highlights. We attended three midweek worship services, each day they gathered, thanked their God, praised Him with song and prayer and Word. Chris captured much of the sound and we will make this available as the days go by. Most importantly we lived in the village for the entire time. I had thought this to be important, I was correct. We were accompanied for the entire time by our driver, David. Both he and Chris have had many experiences with groups in Kenya and Christian groups as well. Both are Christian, David told us he had fallen away and asked for forgiveness and re-dedicated his life to the Lord, right there in the village. Each of these men remarked how this was the most amazing time they had experienced.As I watched the events and heard the comments and listened to many it became apparent that Pastor Kiefa has been pursuing his vision long before I ever received his email. This man began many of the circumstances early in this decade including the Academy and the church, both of which he has supported in the best way he could find.Maybe the most difficult area of challenge for him is that of the long held customs and traditions which have resulted in the current situation they face. They have more work to do, but, they are willing to face ahead as Kiefa leads them forward. Many of the current circumstances identify some of the work he has already accomplished in this area. In line with this is the raising of the importance and the level of potential for the women. We knew this was a new understanding for the village and believed that the inclusion of Anastasia Hansel, who has a long history in this exact area, would be a great benefit for this awareness. We could not have been more right on. All the village were blessed by all the team but the women were lifted to a new understanding of life for them by the seminar and interaction focused on their needs.We accepted the recommendations of the GAD Kenya board for an additional 10 students to begin Secondary School, plus one young girl who had left a school for the deaf due to her mothers death, and through her grandmother was seeking a way to return to school. One of the comments Kiefa made during our many conversations was that to just feed a child was destructive, they had to be educated, just feeding children made them into thieves, thugs and beggars. He is very specific, the children MUST be educated.There is need to make sure the elderly have food, so a fund has been established. A plan is being developed to allow for women to enter the economy through micro franchise opportunities. They must provide a plan to GAD Kenya which will make all decisions to loan for starting the efforts, all of which must be repaid, plus interest, back to Gad Kenya.A plan was set forth for the expansion of the Neema Nuru Academy which will including facilities for this to become a boarding school. This has replaced the need for a dormitory for the orphans, who will remain at the Pastors house for the near future. The 'Cow' project was demonstrated, defined and explained. A thorough paper will be presented, based on our conversations, our plans are to move forward on this quickly. Two very important aspects of this are investment and accountability. The investment is that any recipient of a cow must first provide the acceptable shed, feeding and shelters necessary for success. As the cows reproduce, each group will continue the same requirements until all involved have a cow producing. Each cows production will be tithed back to GAD Kenya to provide milk for schools,orphans and elderly. All the cows will belong to GAD Kenya until the program is complete and all costs have be recouped.Gad Kenya has identified 10 groups of five core recipients, we will begin with five cows and increase to the 10 as they work out any issues which come up.There is much more, including the needs for water, power, other energies, sanitation, and others on and on. It is very important that we not get ahead of their willingness to change the things that caused this. There are no gifts, through hard work, changing values and new hope, the road is very bright as we continue ahead with our new brothers and sisters in Christ in Rionchogu, Kenya.Enough for now, we are blessed that you will continue to pray for this, Watch for the video and photo works which will come.Just one add on, the Grandfather, 94 years old, still the authority in the village supports his grandson Kiefa , he speaks to his sons that they must change and follow the young man. By the way, Grandfather told us, we were the first white faces ever in the village. He also brought out his favorite chair for me to sit on, that is an entire story.So much, our God is; exceedingly, abundantly able to accomplish more than we could ever think or imagine.

Hello world

2008-04-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Heading off to Kenya for the second time, such a difference. Surely confirmation of purpose (bigger picture) has helped but I still can only discribe this as finding of fact. I have found some dependable support both here and in Kenya and am learning some necessary steps. The big questions are to be lived and learned yet. First is the trust we must learn to stand on, both GADL here and GAD Kenya board, on this issue both groups have worked long and hard to learn new priorities and form a desire for new futures. Pastor Kiefa and I both agreed when in Mnyenzeni, our relationship must be candid and transparent and our Faith must guide all that we do and work towards. The simple stated purpose; Glorify God working together. The group is ready, the preparations made, what lies ahead?