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.