Turmoil in Kenya
Many of you have expressed concern for the safety of our churches, pastors, and friends in Kenya due to the political turmoil in the country. Recent reports assure us that they are all safe and that life is beginning to return to normal in the affected areas - the Nairobi and Mombasa slums and in Western Kenya. Here are a few excerpts from an email from our dear friends in Kenya:
• According to Pastor Patrick Marisia in Mombasa, “Many of our church families have left the Mtongwe area and have gone to places where it is safe. Our family did not see the light of the sun for four days but we are beginning to move around now. Food is hard to find but we are okay.”
 • From Pastor John Ndebi, “Thanks very much for your prayers and concern. I and my family are fine. However, the church was grossly affected by the post-election violence that rocked our country. We have been forced to move and relocate for security reasons. This is because I happen to be coming from the larger dominant tribe the Kikuyu, which is where the presidential winner comes from. The lesser Luo tribe has the opposition, Bangladesh is largely and by far Luo zone and they were in the opposition until the disputed presidential elections. The members [of my church] warned me not to go to Bangladesh for at least two Sundays. They made it clear that I was going to be in danger for they felt robbed of victory in the disputed just concluded elections and they were venting their anger and reactions to the tribe of the announced president who won narrowly. This also led to the owner warning me also to get another place for he received threats for at least three times that the premises would be burnt. Now we were left with no other option apart from finding another meeting place. We have secured a classroom in a primary school near where I live where we have been accommodated temporarily. Calm is slowly returning but tension remains high in some parts. We have high hopes of purchasing land in this part of town where people are resettling and have been offered land that can fit a church and an orphanage for at least $1800. We have negotiated to pay in three equal installments of $600 respectively.  The first front will be this month of January and the next in April while the remainder will be completed sometime in August. This will pave way for us to construct a church building immediately. We honestly believe this is God leading us towards that direction and we do covet your prayers very much. To us our being affected during the violence that hit our country was a blessing in disguise. Keep praying for us but we are happy to be able to pay the first amount and we believe in God's provision to come in the near future. Thanks once again for your concern for us. God bless you.”
 • Little of the violence reached the Kenya/Tanzania border where several of our churches are located. Pastor Reuben ole Tiges, of the Lake Jipe Orkungu’ Church reported that things are okay there.
The violence that occurred in Kenya was not directed toward Americans, nor is anti-American sentiment prevalent. The violence was racial (tribal) and between two of the largest tribes – the Luo and Kikuyu. Once thought to be one of the most peaceful nations on the African continent, Kenya has spiraled into political unrest caused by tribalism. It is a tragic reminder of the need for God's grace. Our prayer for the people of Kenya is that they recognize that their true identity can be found in Jesus Christ, not in their tribal ancestry. Now, more than ever, we must reach out to the people of Kenya with the hope and love of Jesus Christ.
Kenya Medical & Evangelism Team: July 11-22, 2008. Our team of 12 will visit and encourage our Karantini, Mailiatatu, Esukuta, and Enderkesi church plants near the eastern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. We hope to offer medical clinics and women's, men's and children's programs. The trip will end with an incredible two-day safari at Amboseli National Park. Approximate Cost: $3400. For information contact Daren Wise at daren@mysugarhillchurch.com or East Africa Missionaries Mark and Renee Maynard at mark@mysugarhillchurch.com.
For more information on the situation in Kenya, view IMB report - Kenya’s Hatred: Taming the “demon set loose” by clicking here.
The Gospel to Buddhists
In December, a team of 13 from the Family Church went “On Mission” to Bangkok, Thailand. This was the first of what we hope will be many missions to take the gospel message to this Buddhist nation. One of our team members, Andi Worley, has agreed to let us reprint her Thank-You Letter. It was written to those who joined her in living out the Great Commission by praying and giving so that she could go.
“Dear Partners in Ministry:
We’re back – and I think my brain is finally functioning properly after the jet lag. 31-1/2 hours going over and a little less coming back (with a strong tail wind)! What an experience! We saw many different areas of Thai life and met many precious people while we were there. The Thai people were all very courteous to us and they fed us very well!!
 Our predominant ministry was in a private, a public and a slum area school. Two by two, we taught 3 classes each day, using a booklet we prepared, that told the story of the life of Jesus, ending with His resurrection and soon-return. The children were able to take the booklets home with them, so only the Lord will know how many lives may have been impacted by our visit. The classes were packed – 45-50+ children. And they were so inquisitive - it was a lively and fun time. The teachers were very open to letting us share; we were able to leave booklets with them as well and they listened in rapt attention. Hopefully they will continue telling the story of Jesus, at least as a ‘cultural’ opportunity to learn.
On Wednesday we prayer-walked around a government complex, an open-air market and, after lunch, visited a slum preschool, called Abba House. This was an opportunity for us to explore the needs there and report as to possible future mission work with them. Ms. Lee Davis began this preschool ministry, after retiring from teaching in the States. What she has done with a slum building for these children was quite impressive. She is extremely dedicated to helping these Thai children.
 On Thursday we prayer-walked through two temples or Wats – the Temple of Dawn and the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which is in the center of the Grand Palace compound. The gold and sparkling, colored glass that covered everything was interesting – so much glitter and no ‘life’! It was heart-breaking to see people bowing down to these idols, but a ‘secret privilege’ to pray for each of those people individually. I can’t wait to get to heaven to see the answers to our prayers. The missionary we worked with, Martin Chapelle, was so encouraging about our prayer-walking efforts. He has had other teams come over to prayer-walk, and he was actually ‘gleeful’ about the results he has seen! This was very encouraging, especially for our team members who had never done this kind of thing before.
Friday was the day that impacted me the most. We visited at ‘The Well’ Ministries, the rescue mission for prostitutes. There was a group of about 25 from two group homes that met us with shy smiles. We sang Scripture songs together, then three of us (I was privileged to be one) gave our testimonies. I am so grateful that God was able to use some of the negative experiences I have had in my life to minister to these precious girls and women. They ranged in age from 13 to about 40 (she isn’t sure of her age because she has no ‘birth papers’). And the Lord blessed us to be able to see one of the [14 year old] girls accept Jesus as her Savior as a result of our ministry there.
 The women showed us their handiwork – some were seamstresses, others made cards or jewelry. We brought back a good deal of their handiwork to sell here, to help them financially. Each girl/woman uses her design talents to make these things and they are exquisite. I am enclosing a card for you to use, so that you can see some of their handiwork. On the back of the card you will find the name of the girl/woman who made it. You might pray for her and all her ‘housemates’.
 Their stories were simply horrendous - there is no other word to use. Most of them were sent into prostitution by their families so that they could bring money back to the mother and father. Putting it that way may take the ‘edge’ off of what was done to them, but, believe me, these women have experienced rape, torture, abuse and being drugged on a daily basis. It’s horrible. They are called ‘bar girls’. The people from the International Mission Board who minister to them actually go into the bars where they are working, night after night, to tell them about Jesus, win their trust and bring them out of this terrible existence. Of course, the most heart-breaking is to see the young girls, many of whom have been prostituted from early childhood, and who have a very difficult time trusting anyone. Yet, the Lord is winning them back to Himself. PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM.
I want to thank you for your part in helping me be involved in ministry in Thailand. Only eternity will tell the full impact of all that we have done together. Thank you so much for giving – you are an integral part of anything that brought glory to our Lord and Savior. May you remember the millions of lost people in Thailand and pray often for your investment in their eternity. My heart is full of love for all of you. Thank you.”
Over 61 million people live in the nation of Thailand. Less that 1% are evangelical Christians and the vast majority are destined for an eternity separated from the only true God because they have never heard the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-15
For more information on joining a mission team to Thailand, contact Mark Maynard at mark@mysugarhillchurch.com.
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TLC Coffeehouse
We are proud to present, "The Well - A Bangkok Prostitute Recovery Ministry"
In December 2007, eight women from The Family Church took part in a mission trip to Bangkok, Thailand. The experiences we shared will forever impact us. (Please refer to the article, The Gospel to Buddhists). We are eager to share some of our unforgettable ministry experiences with you.
Please join us on Thursday, February 21 at 7pm for this month's TLC Coffeehouse. Hear personal testimonies from the trip, see photos, and hear a presentation on "The Well," the prostitute rescue ministry that we visited.
You can help!
The Family Church mission team brought back many hand-made stationary and jewelry items the women at "The Well" have made. We will have them available for you to purchase. These hand-made items produce the only financial resources for the ministry. All proceeds go directly to "The Well". These items will make excellent gifts, while helping to support a critical ministry. Please bring your friends and neighbors and enjoy this important evening with us.
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You don’t want to miss a single Sunday of the iGod sermon series beginning in February. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited about a sermon series. Worship is something that we all do, and it is the ONLY thing we currently do on earth that we will continue to do in Heaven. Although there is no way to cover every topic of worship in five weeks, Pastor Richard is going to unwrap and explain many important aspects of worship. If you’ll incorporate these into your life, it could possibly be a turning point in your spiritual journey.
Worship is the most controversial topic among churches all over the world. Churches split over the topic; people leave churches because they don’t like the worship. Worship music has grown so much over the past ten years, it has now become its own genre of music that we call “praise and worship.” But, did you know that there’s not a single verse in the Bible that uses the words “praise” and “worship” in the same sentence? In the scriptures, praise is something completely different than worship. However, as a society, I fear we have grown so accustomed to looping the two together, we believe they are the same thing. It’s my prayer that through this iGod sermon series, we will be changed forever, that we’ll understand and apply what we learn to our lives. John 4:24 says that Jesus is searching for true worshipers. I hope that as He searches the earth, He’ll find a group of true worshipers in Sugar Hill, Georgia, that understand and practice worshipping in Spirit and in Truth.
In 2008 we have introduced you to Dr. Ron Davidson as our Pastor of Spiritual Maturity. Ron and his bride, Barbara; are a tremendous joy to serve beside, and are already adding so much to our church family. Ron’s primary gifts are being used here at The Family Church to assist us in the creation of discipleship teams and small groups that are focused on growing in the Lord so that we may serve, grow, give, go, and love more like Jesus than ever before.
A New Year is upon us and we find ourselves in the midst of progress. We have just come back from our Senior High Retreat at Crossroads Winter Camp where we continue to build relationships with each other, and most importantly, Jesus Christ. We also have a very new relationship! I hope you will welcome Wes Bonner, our new senior Intern, who is joining our team. Wes comes to us from West Palm Beach, Florida. What is a senior intern you may ask? Well, Wes will be a “Resident Assistant” of sorts that will be responsible for helping me oversee other junior interns and enforcing the guidelines, policies, and procedures of the ministry and the Intern House. Wes will be a much-needed help as we continue to focus on spiritually growing our student ministry.