It is finished!

Although there will always be more touch-ups, repairs, updates to do on the baby center, it was a blessing to dedicate the building and say "It is finished!". Now our time and funding can go more directly to the babies who call this building home. They are the reason we have worked so hard to finish this project. And they are the reason we all will continue to bring teams to Kenya to hold, feed and love them! As well as do any needed repairs to the building. Below is several views of the Africa Gospel Church Baby Center as well as the surrounding area.

Playing Outside

After almost a week of rain it was so nice to be able to spend some time with the babies outside.

The sweet girls

Sarah - September 2008

Hi,
My name is Sarah and I came to the AGC Baby Center in September of 2007 when I was just a few weeks old. I am now 1 and a half years old. Please pray for a mommy and daddy to come and get me soon.

Simon - September 2008

Joshua - September 2008

Hi,
Joshua is my name and right now I am living at the AGC Baby Center. I have been there since I was just a few months old. I arrived in August of 2007. I am now almost 2 years old. I want a mommy and daddy and ask that you pray for some to come soon.

Peter - September 2008

Hello,
My name is Peter and I came to the AGC Baby Center in September of 2006 at only a few months old. I am now 2 and a half years old. Please pray that a mommy and daddy will come for me soon.

Moses(Mo Mo) - September 2008

Hi,
My name is Moses but my friends call me Mo Mo for short. I was only a few months old when I came to the AGC Baby Center in May of 2006. I am now almost 3 years old. Please pray that a mom and dad will come for me soon!

2008 09 Baby Centre Dedication Ceremony

Pastor Dave and Christy were able to spend some time with the babies when we weren't busy with the Dedication Ceremony.  This is when Pastor Dave coined the phrase: "There's something about the eyes of an orphan".  It is true - there is something about looking into the eyes of a little one without anyone in their lives to look after them and whispering to them, "God has a plan for you. A plan to prosper you and not to harm you. A plan to give you a hope and a future."  You can't look into their eyes and ever be the same again.  And it is a chance to be part of God's plan for each little one that makes so many of us continue to pray and work to support them in any way we can.  If you feel God calling you to help, know that you will be making a difference in the future of a child.

2008 09 Baby Centre Dedication Ceremony

Pastor Dave and Christy were able to spend some time with the babies when we weren't busy with the Dedication Ceremony.  This is when Pastor Dave coined the phrase: "There's something about the eyes of an orphan".  It is true - there is something about looking into the eyes of a little one without anyone in their lives to look after them and whispering to them, "God has a plan for you. A plan to prosper you and not to harm you. A plan to give you a hope and a future."  You can't look into their eyes and ever be the same again.  And it is a chance to be part of God's plan for each little one that makes so many of us continue to pray and work to support them in any way we can.  If you feel God calling you to help, know that you will be making a difference in the future of a child.

The boys in the playroom

Some photos of the boys.

The Babies

This past week in Kenya the phrase "It's all about the babies" was heard often. So we thought we had better post updated pictures of the sweet babies who call the baby center home. There are currently 26 babies at the baby center. With 20 boys and only 6 girls the playroom can get pretty rough at times. And it is hard to keep them from climbing on anything they can find: tables, window sills, in and out of cribs, etc. There are 2 more expected to come from the hospital this week! Please remember to pray for those two new ones as well as the caregivers who already have their hands full!

Kenya: Homeward Bound

The plane has landed. We are in Chicago and on our way home. We did find out that our trip home will be delayed becuase of some roads closed because of rain. It sounds like you have been all wet while we've been away. While the journey home has been long (33 hours) the rewards have been great. Thanks Jamie & Jolinda along with Dan and Dana for taking us. Margie, we were excited to see where you are going to live and minister (at the Baby Center). The next step is putting in the water. Jamie and Jolinda will be leading a team in October. NMC, I'm so pleased to see what God is doing through us globally, regionally, and locally. I'll be sharing Sunday some of the next steps for NMC. If not before, I'll see you Sunday.

Blessings. Pastor Dave.

Kenya: Headed Home

The Lord willing - please Lord - this will be the final text from Nairobi. In an hour we are to be in the air. Tonight we had supper here with Billy and Jenny Fuller, WGM missionaries. Billy has been a valuable coach for the Baby Center. This has been a fast intense highly profitable trip. Dan and Jamie have represented you well - they are amazing! Our last hour at the center was spent outside with the kids - they wore me out! Yes we are exhausted but fulfilled. My passion is stronger than ever. Together we can do more through him than we've ever dreamed. So long from Nairobi. Dave.

Kenya: On the Shoulders of Giants

Greetings from Kenya! This morning I spent time with Peter Onyongo, our partner in Kenya. It was a great time dreaming about transformation. Sometimes we are where we are becuase "we are standing on the shoulders of giants." That's the way I feel about Tom and Terry Richmond. They were the ones that led our first teams here. They were the ones that put fire and passion for this cause into the Verle's, Dan's, and Jamie's. Thanks Tom and Terry for leading the way. You have blessed the Kingdom.

We've spent our last night at the Baby Center. In a couple hours we head to church here and then to Nairobi where we fly out at 4:30 PM Indiana time. It's Nairobi to London - a layover - then onto Chicago and then home. Live for a cause greater than yourself. Keep the fire red hot!

Blessings. Pastor Dave.

Kenya: Ministry

"Ministry." What would happen if we were to partner and seek to watch God totally transform one town and then multiply it throught the region. We identified a town of 4000 that would be a great starting point. Peter is an amazing leader. He has experienced amazing success in various small businesses. Pray for God's guideance. Frankly tonight we are all relaxing. Tomorrow I'll speak at the church beside the Center.

Christy and I had a highlight today. We were able to go to an internet cafe and download pics of our granddaughter - Jillian Quincy Engbrecht who was born Wednesday. All I can say is WOW! Looking forward to seeing her in person Monday night.

Blessings. Pastor Dave.

Kenya: Dedicated

It happened and it was amazing! Today was full of African pageantry and ceremony as we dedicated the AGC Baby Center. Former President Daniel Moi publicly expressed his appreciation to NMC (a number of times). The services, which were scheduled to start at 10:00 ended at 2:30 PM - and you think our services are long! We had a camera crew film lots of stuff today - you are going to love it. We ended our day at the grave of the two babies who have died - another impacting event. This was a gigantic day - I truly wish you could have been here - I will write more later - I love you NMC'ers! Blessings. Pastor Dave.

Kenya: The Dedication

It's Friday morning here in Kenya and we are 15 minutes away from the Dedication Service. I continue to be amazed with what I call "the eyes of the orphan." They are the most penetrating thing I have ever seen in my life. I believe that may have been what captured the heart of Mother Teresa.

We've been shooting video this morning - stuff we'll be able to show you when we are back.

Last night we had a great time with Peter Onyongo, our partner from Kissumu. Peter drove here to spend time with us. My heroes are the national pastors around the world. More later - I hope that you are enjoying your sleep right now!

Blessings. Pastor Dave.

Kenya: Babies and More Babies

While we are loving on the babies at the baby center, we became grandparents again. Jillian Quincy made her appearance last night. Scott and Michelle became parents again and blessed us with a precious little girl. We are anxious to hold her when we return next week.

Christy

Kenya: A Different Perspective

It has been amazing watching our Pastor deal with so many cultural dynamics in Kenya. Whether AGC church pastors or WGM missionaries Dave has loved, listened and encouraged all those we have been in contact with. Continue to pray for wisdom and energy as we head into more meetings this afternoon. God is at work in Kenya and I'm honored to be a part of it.

Now for some humor. Traveling with Dave has been an adventure. The ADD is real. Other than having him post that my brother Jody is married to my wife, using my toothpaste and then the ultimate. He actually used my toothbrush this morning!!!! I'm surviving though. Christy's stories are TRUE about traveling with Dave. Dave and I are now spit brothers!!! In all seriousness, its been a blast and Kenya will never be the same!

Jamie Lengacher

Kenya: "It's All About the Babies!"

It's all about the babies! And that means lots of strategy meetings and today was the meeting day. Jamie, Dan, and I spent the morning with five of the lead Africa Gospel Church leaders in open and honest on our partnership. It was refreshing and had a book of Acts feel.

After lunch three World Gospel Missions leaders joined the conversation. WGM is a lead partner in the project. We are all on the same page and that's exciting!

Tomorrow is the Dedication Celebration - it's a thrill to see a dream come to reality.

Here is a wild story - at the end of our meeting one of the national leaders told me that he has attended NMC for ten years - I thought I had misunderstood him. He then shared that he has listened to every service via LifeTrac tapes.

NMC is making a gigantic difference. My word for you is "you labor in the Lord."

Tonight our friend and partner Peter Onyonga from Kisumu is coming.

Blessings. Pastor Dave.

Kenya: Busy, Busy, Busy...

What a day! While things are buzzing here at the Baby Center lots was happening everywhere. Here's the list of today's activities:

• An early morning visit to the graves of Abigail and Moses. Dan, Jamie and I had a special time of prayer there.
• I spoke on a Chapel Service at Kabarak University. It was a great opportunity.
• I spent 3 hours with a group of 13 AGC pastors. The Holy Spirit moved in a great way. My heart bleeds for pastors.
• The ladies went shopping with Margie to help furnish her new apartment here.
• Jamie and Dan worked on helping with the finishing touches preparing for Friday's big event

Thanks for praying for us - God is at work!

Blessings. Pastor Dave

PS - I'm doing all of this with text messaging. My fingers are sore. :)

Kenya: Pictures

Kenya: The Wreck

It just happened! I got wrecked! It was far more than I thought. When I walked into the room with babies, picked up a couple and looked into their eyes, something inside happened to me. Christy held a little orphan baby, unknown father and a mother that died a few weeks after birth - no family - yet every child is loved, well cared for and being prepared for a loving home. Two more babies will be coming from the hospital tomorrow.

NMC - thanks for stepping up big time! Your gifts are "loving the least of these." I will write much more later - and some pictures will be coming. Right now I have to deal with the wreck.

Kenya: We're There!

Partnerships happen when people come together, bringing their gifts talents and abilities. Terry Duncan was field Chairman for WGM in Kenya when the Baby Center was launched. The Baby Center was birthed in Terry's heart. It's thrilling to see how a dream has become reality.

We had a great (but short) night of sleep and now in 15 minutes we head to Ngata, the home of the Baby Center.

It's going to be fun!

Blessings!
Pastor Dave



Here's a picture of our Hosts here in Nairobi:
Robyn Moore, Brent, Karen and Terry Duncan, and Tony Fuller

Kenya: The Landing

Houston, we have landed in Nairobi. Good flights and on the last leg we all had an empty seat beside us. Good sleep. Tomorrow after breakfast we head to the Baby Center. Can't wait.

Pastor Dave

Kenya: Almost There

It's 4:30 AM and we are in London getting ready to leave in one hour for Nairobi. I'm getting ready to give lots of hugs for you.

While the dedication service is on Friday, we'll have lots of meetings during the week.

One of the goals of this trip is to finalize the water project. Right now the center is paying nearly $1000 a month but with the new water business a great savings can happen.

Get ready for the next post from Kenya.

Blessings.
Pastor Dave

Kenya: Heading Out

We are just moments from starting the first leg of our journey to the Baby Center - a flight to London. All journeys start with a first step - that's the way it was with the Baby Center - a big first step - a great one. By the way the profits from our new premium coffee carts go to the Baby Center - that's why I was pleased Christy paid $10 for that cup :)



Here are my travelling buddies - Jamie and Jolinda Lengacher, Dana and Dan Jacobs, Margie Helmuth and Christy

Kenya Trip: The Preface

It's getting late on Saturday night and I've been reflecting on what God might have me share when I speak at the Dedication of the AGC Baby Center in Kenya next Friday. What a ride! NMC's involvement in the Baby Center was birthed through the simple words of a southern belle who after hearing me speak in Florida came up and said, "So what are you going to do about the HIV-Aids crisis in Africa? What are you going to do about the orphans?"

Melody Dearman's words cut straight to my heart. I knew one thing - "doing nothing was not an option!" From that meeting NMC's involvement started with small steps and now it's at a fast run! Thanks to Tom and Terry Richmond for leading the first teams, thanks to Jamie and Jolinda Lengacher along with Dan and Dana Jacobs for picking up the charge and pouring their lives into the cause. Thanks to an incredible body of believers "in the middle of an Indiana cornfield" that in a single day gave over $300,000 to complete the facility. Thanks to a group of people that were farsighted enough to start the "ABIGAIL ENDOWMENT" in memory of the first baby that died. That endowment already fully funds two of the babies.

The adoptions are starting to happen! Hope is alive! Christy and I just can't wait to pick up those precious little ones that have been touched by your generous spirits. I love them (and even kiss them) for you - I just can't wait.

And yes, for these precious ones - "THEIR GREATEST DAYS ARE JUST AHEAD!"

Pastor Dave