On the Ground

"ON THE GROUND"

Heather, Judy, Joann, Coral and Erica with

Mama Turtle, at the 140

We have had a full and wonderful weekend of orientation and preparation with the New Minas team as they have started pulling together their ministry plans with Erica. The ladies will have a variety of experiences over the next two weeks as they come along side Canadian Baptist Ministries self help group projects in Nairobi and with the Guardians of Hope.

The ladies working through plans to help

strengthen the Noor self help group

Ava, Emma and Joann "African Style"

We want to thank everyone who has been upholding this team in your prayers. Please continue to pray as we prepare for the upcoming women's self help group conference this Wednesday and Thursday.

New Minas Baptist Church

The New Minas Short Term Mission

Coral, Heather, Erica, Judy, Joann

Last evening, Erica and I had the joy of welcoming four women from the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia who will be volunteering with us in CBM's Urban Muslim Ministry program over the rest of January. They are being led by Coral Rafuse of New Minas Baptist Church. After crossing the city, we had a wonderful visit together at the 140 Guest House which will be there home for the next two weeks.

Pastoral Visit -- High Five!

Visiting in Eastleigh with our friend

Patrick and guests from Canada

This past week, we had the joy of visiting with a group of Canadian pastors who are on a short term mission trip with Terry Smith and Malcolm Card visiting a part of the work of Canadian Baptist Ministries in Kenya and Rwanda. We especially appreciated getting to connect with Rev. Bob Knowles from New Minas Baptist Church, Nova Scotia, and Rev. Jerry Reddy from Hillside Baptist Church, Moncton, New Brunswick. Both Bob and Jerry joined us for a quick trip into Eastleigh, where we had a chance to share with them a bit of our experience in Muslim outreach in Nairobi.

All of the work that we do in Africa is made possible by the support and encouragement of churches and individuals in Canada. It was great to see both Jerry and Bob wrestling with issues and challenges that face the church engaged in cross cultural outreach in a Muslim context. And for anyone reading our blog from these communities -- your pastors are doing fine! These intrepid guys have had some amazing experiences from the Somali communities of Northeastern Kenya to the narrow mountain paths of Rwanda! The team return to Canada tomorrow.

Enjoying lunch at the Mitchel's Tea Farm in Tigoni,

with the members of the Pastor's Short Term Mission Team.

HIGH FIVE!

Robert Knowles, Malcolm Card, and Jerry Reddy

with Tristan & Ava back at Heart Lodge

our favourite guesthouse in Nairobi!

New Minas Baptist

Worship at New Minas Baptist Church, Nova Scotia

with Paul Fowler and the worship band

Ava tired out after dancing in the aisles!

This past Sunday we had the joy of sharing about the ministry of Canadian Baptist Ministries in Kenya as part of New Minas's "Leaving a Mark" series. We are so thankful for love and support from everyone at the church. We are very impressed by the ways that God is using you to impact your community for the kingdom!

Tristan and Emma with pastor Sterling Gosman

Fresh Valley Strawberries

Erica and the kids with Rae Ann

Rev. Bob Knowles and Aaron after the morning services