markgumm’s posterous

I wept this morning as I sat in the London airport surrounded by the trappings of this world - the duty free liquor shops, the endless rows of high priced jewelry & chocolate shops, realizing that my 1 much desired latte would have paid 1/2 a month's rent for people like Ennis, Paul, mary, Jane & their families that I visited in Muthare slums this week. I continue to pray that God would let my heart be broken for the things that break His heart, and that He would change me to be more like His son Jesus Christ - a compassionate, self-sacrificing servant, who considers others as more important than himself (phillipians 2), and who loves his neighbor as himself, to be able to say as Paul did that to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. I hope to post some pictures from my trip this week. Thanks to all who have been praying for me and the team. What an awesome time we had in Kenya seeing the power of the Holy spirit and the love of Christ through the local church giving hope, peace and joy to orphans, widows, the sick the lame, the hungry, and those who would otherwise be in utter despair.

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When we visited Ennis in the Muthare slum, I think I witnessed the power of the gospel of Christ more clearly than I have ever experienced. I met Ennis on my visit to Kenya last March. She continues to gain strength - which is a miracle - her CD4 count has gone from 4 to over 900, and all without any medications.

 When we arrived she was not home - she was cleaning her church, something she volunteers to do faithfully every week. Although she makes less than $15-20 per month washing clothes for people and is struggling to make enough for rent and food, she continues to trust God to provide and praises Him daily for what she has, as she serves Him faithfully. Before we left, I asked Ennis how we could pray for her - instead of asking for provison for rent or food or a blessing on her business, or to be able to move out of the slum to a better home for her and her kids, or for healing from HIV for her or her infected 2 year old boy Morgan, she simply asked that we would pray for her to have strength and faithfulness to continue to serve God and tell others about His love. The pure and undefiled religion I saw on display - the complete and unfathomable contentment, overflowing joy, undeniable peace and hope, and remarkable humility of this woman - brought tears to everyone in the room, including the volunteers from the church that visit her regularly. We wept tears of joy together, not tears of despair. Just as she praised God and was thankful that He had brought visitors to encourage her, so did I - that He would show me a present-day servant and saint who bears witness to to life-changing power of God who forgives us and sustains us and is all we need. Ennis is a living example of how we should live our lives. 1 Timothy 6:6-7, 17-19
Hebrews 12:1-2

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Not everday you get to go in the cage & pet a cheetah in Kenya!

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We spent monday morning with Fountan of Life (FOL) Church and their Home Based Care outreach ministry to people in the Muthare slums who are sick with HIV/AIDS.

 We went in 2 teams, led by Pastor Gideon and volunteers from FOL. The ministry volunteers come 3 days every week - 1 day to each of the 3 slums they minister in. They currently have over 60 families that they care for and support - through prayer and encouragement, helping with practical needs like food, school fees, transportation to get medical treatment, and rent assistance. It is shocking to me that most people pay $10-20 USD per month for rent in an 8x10 ft shanty with no water or bathroom, and most do not have electricity. Most are struggling just to have food to eat - it is very difficult on their meager (if any)income especially when many of the women have been abandoned by their husband because they tested positive - they are now a shunned outcast to their family and community, and now care for their children on their own without any support.

 Some, like Mary who we met, sleep on the floor- (the church has purchased mattresses for some as they are able). Others, like 60 year old Jane, sleep 9 people (including her 2 daughters and grandchildren) in a 12x12 home. They sleep on 1 twin bed, the couch, the floor or the coffee table, which they eat around during the day and becomes a bed at night.

 As we walked through this dark place, where you could see in the eyes of the people true desperation and despair, I couldn't help but think of of Jesus in Matthew 9:36-38. And then we came to the home of Ennis - and my eyes were opened once again to ... To Be Continued :)

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We shared a passionate day of worship and celebration of the one true God with Fountain of Hope Church on Sunday, followed by a time of fellowship and food with Bishop Julius and his wonderful family, and with the 12 girls at the Fountain of Hope home. I am always challenged and encouraged in my heart when I experience worship around the world with my brothers and sisters in Christ - the joy and the praise is overflowing.

 We also got to know Antony and Doreen who are the house parents for the girls, and prayed with Doreen who is sick with Malaria . Please keep them in your prayers.

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New blog post at www.markgumm.com

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We arrived safely last night although I was delayed 4 hours due to an accident on the runway. I praise God for an absolutely beautiful morning - the birds are singing, the sun is shining bright, the coolness of the morning and the rain from last night dripping from the stunning variety of trees and flowers as I look out the window.
 
Myself, along with John, Kolbi, & Dee Dee from the Heights Church will be going later today to Fountain of Hope Church in Nairobi to see and help serve in their feeding program to orphans and needy children in their community.
 
Dan and Alisha arrive this evening. Pray for rest for the whole team tonight as we had a long journey and a very late night.

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I am waiting in DC for my flight(s) to Kenya to lead a World Orphans vision trip to visit and spend a week with 3 of our partner churches. Memories from my March trip are still vivid and close to my heart -
of individuals like Ennis and here son Morgan, living in the Muthare slums, both fighting the effects of HIV. Of Paul, who was severely beaten during the riots of a year ago. Of Victoria, John, Elizabeth, and Massey - 4 orphans living in the slum behind Fountain of Hope church.
 
God, continue to open my heart and mind to the plight, suffering and the desperation of so many living without hope. Let me weep with those who weep & rejoice with those who rejoice. Give me eyes to see what you see and what you desire. Give me opportunities to share your love in tangible ways with the precious people you have created in your own image and likeness. Let me experience more of you and understand and fear and follow you more tomorrow than I do today.

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