Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Road to Rwanda / Kenya Trip Details and Daily Prayer Guide

All STARS Rwanda:  June 25 – July 24, 2010
PRAYER GUIDE

    First and foremost, THANK YOU!!!  Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.  You have been a critical part in even making this journey possible for the 46-person teams…yes, that is right, this is the first year that we are sending multiple teams to Rwanda.  Not to mention that out of all the PEACE mission trips, the Children’s Ministry is sending the largest groups out on mission this summer.  PRAISE GOD!  While we are traveling in two separate teams over the months of June and July, we are ultimately ONE team united together to make a kingdom difference in Rwanda.  So, let me first introduce you to the 43 folks who are part of the All STARS 2010 Rwanda PEACE Team.

TEAM ONE
Liza Gant – ME -KSG Lead Coordinator &; Team Leader (5th trip)
TEAM 1 and 2
Jeremy Gant – my incredible husband &; Team Leader (5th trip)
TEAM 1 and 2
Ariel Plaza – HS Senior &; All STARS Rwanda veteran (4th trip) TEAM 1 and 2
Jessica Schuster – KSG Leader &; PEACE missions trip veteran (1st trip) TEAM 1 and 2
Conner Brase – Children’s 401 Graduate (2nd trip)
Jennifer Brase – KSG Parent (2nd trip)
Cassandra Brinkis – Children’s 401 Graduate (1st trip)
Linas Brinkis – KSG Parent (2nd trip)
Chris Gencarella – KSG Parent (1st trip)
Jon Gencarella – HS Junior &; KSG Sibling (1st trip)
Sarah Gencarella – Children’s 401 Graduate (1st trip)
Will Gencarella – KSG Parent (1st trip to Rwanda)
Adam Johnson – HS Graduate &; KSG Sibling (3rd trip)
Ray Lowther – KSG Graduate (1st trip)
Kris Nielsen – KSG Parent (1st trip)
Victoria Nielsen – KSG Parent &; COACH (1st trip)
Beth Ruiz – KSG Parent (3rd trip)
Joe Ruiz – KSG Parent (3rd trip)
Kayla Ruiz – HS Freshman &; KSG Sibling (2nd trip)
Nicholas Ruiz – Children’s 401 Graduate (2nd trip)
Hannah Wheeler – HS Freshman &; KSG Sibling (former Rwanda resident)
Lori Wheeler – KSG Parent (former Rwanda resident)
Tom Wheeler – Children’s 401 Leader (former Rwanda resident)
Zachary Wheeler – Children’s 401 Graduate (former Rwanda resident)

Team TWO
Eric Beese – KSG Sibling (1st trip)
Jillian Beese – Children’s 401 Graduate (1st trip)
Lele Beese – Children’s 401 Graduate (1st trip)
Susan Beese – KSG Parent &; SVCC PEACE Staff (2nd trip)
Jenna Ferrell – Children’s 401 Graduate (1st trip)
Karen Ferrell – KSG Parent (1st trip)
Janean Lindner – Children’s 101 Leader &; KSG Parent (1st trip)
Trenton Lindner – Children’s 101 Leader &; HS Freshman (1st trip)
Atiana McSwain – Children’s 401 Graduate (1st trip)
Monica McSwain – KSG Parent (1st trip)
David McSwain – KSG Parent (1st trip)
Christine Nieblas – KSG Parent (1st trip)
Corrie Nieblas – KSG Sibling &; HS Senior (1st trip)
Kimberly Nieblas – Children’s 401 Graduate (1st trip)
Christopher Plaza – Children’s 101/201 Leader &; HS Freshman (3rd trip)
Dave Plaza – Children’s 101/201 Leader (4th trip)
Nani Plaza – Children’s 401 Leader (3rd trip)
Scott Santos – Children’s 401 Leader &; KSG Parent (1st trip)
German Zermeno – Team Doctor (1st trip)
   

    We hope that this Prayer Guide will help you travel alongside our team on the mission field.  Thank you again for being such a key part of this All STARS 2010 PEACE Team.  We could not have made it through the last year without all of your love and support.  We will continue to depend upon you over the next month.  Thank you in advance for the power of your prayers.  Let the prayer journey begin...


   
    “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to PEACE.  And be thankful.”
~ Colossians 3:12-15


Praise God for each of the 43 All STARS 2010 Rwanda PEACE Team members.  God has intricately and wonderfully designed each person to do His work.  Pray for each team member specifically by name.  Give thanks for the unbelievable sacrifices that each person and family made in order to travel thousands of miles overseas for more than two weeks.

Praise God for the veteran leadership of this team.  With 19 team members returning to Rwanda for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th time we are immensely blessed with experience and wisdom.  Thank you for the incredible opportunity to continue to build and strengthen relationships with our Rwandan friends and families.

Thank God for the 24 team members embarking on their 1st mission trip to Rwanda.  They have opened up their hearts in incredible ways, taking leaps of faith that many could not fathom doing.  Ask God to stretch their faith, strengthen their love and empower their leadership.

Pray that doors are already being opened up in the Rwandan churches for our team to do God’s good works.  Pray for each and every ministry opportunity to men, women, children and families.  May this trip be an advancement upon God’s previous works on previous trips AND a launching pad to new beginnings and opportunities.

** While Internet is not always accessible, we will do our best to update the KSG Blog throughout the trip ** 


http://www.saddlebackksg.blogspot.com


FRIDAY: June 25, 2010
   
    Please know that you are welcome to join us at 7:00 AM sharp at the MC-2 Parking Lot (parking lot for the portable offices on the left-hand side of the Portola Pkwy entrance).  We will be gathering together at this time for a FINAL time of prayer as Team #1 departs.  Team #1 consists of the first 24 people listed on pages one and two. 
    Today is the DAY!  The mixed bag of emotions is hitting the Team #1 members.  Many wait in eager anticipation to be reunited with Rwandan friends and family.  Still others are a little anxious, recognizing the huge step of faith they are about to take (and running through any last minute details and preparations).  Of course there is sadness as we will be separated from our dear friends and family here in Orange County.  Finally, there are some fears – am I really ready for what I am about to be a part of?!?!
    After a time of final prayer and packing up the two busses with bags and people, we will depart on our first flight at 12:41 PM on United from LAX to Heathrow. 

    “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
~ Ephesians 1:15-19

Praise God for Scott Eiseman who will be helping us load up the busses and depart for LAX from Saddleback Church.  Pray for his and his driving team’s strength and concentration so they can deliver us to LAX in a safe and timely fashion.

Thank God for the United pilots and crewmembers who will be attending to the team from LAX to Heathrow.  Pray for the flight crew’s rest and strength on this journey.

Pray that each piece of luggage gets safely placed on the plane and that every piece of luggage finds it way from plane to plane, following our team every step of the way to Kigali, Rwanda.

Pray that each team member has the ability to rest on the plane.  Take away any fears, worries, concerns or anxiety.  Give the team the ultimate peace that surpasses all understanding.  Allow each team member to let go and let God be in control.

Praise God for His provision to get each team member to this day as we have all endured physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial hardships along the way.




    SATURDAY: June 26, 2010

    It is hard to believe, but we will spend pretty much the entire day in an airport.  We are scheduled to arrive at London’s Heathrow Airport first thing in the morning – 7:10 AM.  The test of strength, patience and team unity will come in our layover.  We have a 12 hour layover.  Yes, 12 hours in the Heathrow Airport.  There will be much activity in this long time frame.  Some will sleep, anywhere and everywhere, desperate for some much-needed Z’s.  Others will play games—cards, DS, Sudoku and more.  There is plenty of time to really get to know one another as we chat and converse.  Of course we will do plenty of grubbing with breakfast and lunch.  Prayerfully we will all make time to be with God—reading His Word, journaling and even just sitting in silence focusing on Him. No doubt, there will be plenty of memories and fun.
    Finally, at 8:00 PM we will be lifting off for Nairobi, Kenya. 
 

    “Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.  From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.  The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.”
~ Psalm 113:2-4


Pray for smooth transitions in Heathrow, London.  Thank You, Lord, for the hard work of the United flight crew.  Pray that 48 pieces of luggage are transferred from plane-to-plane.   

Pray for time.  Pray that the 12 hours pass by quickly.  May the time be used for His glory as we grow together, share God’s mission and Thank God for delivering the team safely to Kigali, Rwanda. 


Pray that Pastor Francis and his driving team are there, prepared, and eagerly awaiting our arrival to Kigali International Airport.

Pray for a restful night of sleep as we get settled in our Kigali accommodations.  We will need plenty of sleep to roll RIGHT into ministry in just a few hours.


SUNDAY: June 27, 2010

    We will have a short transfer to kick off Sunday morning.  Our flight will arrive at 6:30 AM in Nairobi, Kenya.  Shortly thereafter—MUCH shorter than our Heathrow layover—we will leave Nairobi at 8:10 AM.
    At 7:30 PM Rwandan time (10:30 AM in the United States), we are slotted to touch down at Kigali International Airport.  MURAHO (hello), Rwanda!  Our feet will finally find rest on the beautiful “Land of a Thousand Hills.”  After hours upon hours of flying and waiting, we are all probably a bit antsy. 
    

First, we must gather together (prayerfully) 48 pieces of luggage from the Kigali International Airport baggage claim.  From there, Pastor Francis Mutabazi and like Jean-Pierre from the PEACE offices will meet and greet us.  We will then load up in the Christ Gospel Fellowship bus and head for our guesthouse—the Hilton Hotel.  After some unpacking, freshening up and unwinding we will connect with our host church in Kigali—Christ Gospel Fellowship of Kimironko.  This is the church in which the All STARS PEACE teams have found a “home” over the past three years.  They are the incredible model, under Pastor Francis & Dorothy Mutabazi’s leadership, that truly understands the importance of Children’s Ministry.  They are our light in Rwanda when it comes to PEACE and Children’s Ministry.
    

It will be a light day as we become orientated to the country.  Honestly, the goal of today is to become acclimated to the time change.  Getting in at 8:10 AM we want to at least stay awake until 7:30 PM.  We will have a FULL day of ministry on Monday so we will need PLENTY of rest and preparation. 

    “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
~ Ephesians 2:10

Pray for smooth transitions in Nairobi, Kenya as we change planes and move the team through the airports.  Thank you for the incredible flight crew from Heathrow, London.  Pray for timely arrivals and departures in Kenya and Rwanda.

Praise God for reaching our ultimate destination—Kigali, Rwanda.  Pray that our arrival is accompanied by 48 pieces of checked luggage.  May all the items we packed—personal and ministry—safely arrive in Rwanda.

Pray for the team’s strength.  Particularly, lift up those people who may have struggled to rest or relax onboard the flights.  They will need God’s supreme endurance to get through the day and fight against falling asleep.

Pray for the acclimation process.  Pray for the young, little bodies of our students to easily adapt to the time change.  Also, pray for the older, well-worn bodies to be stretched out and relaxed in their new environment. 

Pray for our host church family—the Mutabazi’s.  Pray for the far-stretching reach of Christ Gospel Fellowship as they make a Kingdom difference in Rwanda.



MONDAY: June 28, 2010

    Praise God for Team #1’s first entire day in the “Land of a Thousand Hills” (or as Roy Fussell coined it on our All STARS 2007 Rwanda PEACE Trip—“Land of a Thousand Smiles”).  We will start the day off as we will spend every morning—breakfast and “Team Time”.  As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Similarly, “Team Time” will be our most important spiritual time as a team.  We want to kick-off each day with energy physically and spiritually.
    From there we will meet with the PEACE team in Rwanda which will likely include Eric Munyemana, Jean-Pierre and Pastor Straton.  It is incredible to see the works that are being done in the Kigali PEACE Offices.  God is at work, that is for sure.  The morning will primarily be about orientation as we meet in the PEACE offices and then visit the Genocide Museum.  If we do not spend time getting to know the people, country and history we cannot know how God wants to use us here in the present. 
    The afternoon will then kick-off our ministry as we partner with Christ Gospel Fellowship in Kimironko.  Check out the next page for more details on what our ministry in Kigali will entail.

    “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
~ John 3:16-17


Praise God for a restful night of sleep.  We hope that the days of travel have been wiped away so that we can awake fresh and zesty for whatever God has in store for the day.  Rise and shine to Rwanda!

Pray that we are energized and eager to be introduced to Rwanda.  Speak through the members of the Rwanda PEACE Steering Committee.  May our team’s hearts and ears be open to whatever they have to share. 

Use our time at the Genocide Museum to soften hearts.  Open our eyes up to the reality that faced Rwanda 16+ years ago.  May we adopt the people’s motto: “Never Again.”  Thank you, God, for history…we know that in some way and somehow you were at work amidst it all.  Continue to raise up Rwanda out of the ashes of the past to be a mighty power and light in Africa in the present and the future.

Pray for our team to be receptive to whatever ministry is needed by us at Christ Gospel Fellowship.  Speak through the appropriate team members.  Use each of our strengths and talents for Your glory. 

 

TUESDAY: June 29, 2010
&
WEDNESDAY: June 30, 2010

    Hopefully we have gotten a little more used to the time difference by now.  Our time in Kigali will be spent ministering through Christ Gospel Fellowship.  We will use the basic dynamics of the team to minister to the people.  There are 24 moms, dads, children and leaders on Team #1.  As such, we will spend time ministering to the men, women and children’s leaders at Christ Gospel Fellowship and other churches in the surrounding Kimironko district. 
    The previous (MONDAY: June 28, 2010) afternoon and these two days promise to be action-packed.  The theme of our time in Kigali will be LEADERSHIP.  How can we make Godly leaders of these men in their homes and workplaces?  What do the women need in order to be empowered in their roles as mothers, sisters, daughters and children of Christ?  And who will minister to the next generation?  How can they be better equipped to do God’s work through His church and Body?  It will surely be a challenging and eye-opening time together.  We are sure to walk away learning many lessons of our own on how to better minister to men, women, and next generation leaders through the church.  Lead on!

    “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.  Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.  For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.  In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.  The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.  Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.”
~ Psalm 95:1-7

Thank God for preparing the way before us.  Thank you for each and every man, woman and leader who will be a part of Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry and Children’s Ministry Leader Training. 

Pray for each team member as they share their hearts through teaching and training.  Give us the words to speak.  Also, pray for those who are offering support; allow those who are not speaking the chance to support the rest of the team and provide insight into Godly marriage and families.

Pray for the hearts of the Rwandan people.  May they be open and receptive to what we have to share.  May their eyes be opened to how they can be the leaders of the church and make a difference in their communities.

Ask that God allow our faith to speak volumes through our actions.  Let us be a team of actions and deeds, not just words.

THURSDAY: July 1, 2010,
FRIDAY: July 2, 2010,
SATURDAY: July 3, 2010,
SUNDAY: July 4, 2010,
&
MONDAY: July 5, 2010

    The bulk of Team #1’s time will be spent in the western region of Rwanda—Kibuye.  This is the site of the much-anticipated Rwanda PEACE Football Club.  Over the span of a month, the 1200+ students in Kids Small Groups raised more than $12,000 and thousands of gently used soccer equipment in order to give the PEACE Football Club a foundation from which to start.  The joy in each child’s (and adult’s) face is sure to be awe-inspiring. 
    First, Thursday we will start off our day by loading up and heading out for the 2-3 hour journey to Kibuye.  It is truly a beautiful adventure filled with lush greenery and reminders of God’s creativity.  Upon arriving and settling in at the Bethanie Guest House on the picturesque Lake Kivu, we will gear up and head to the football (soccer) fields.  We will spend time supporting the boy’s teams at their final practice of the week.
    Friday will be an action-packed day of ministry.  We will visit the dairies that have been constructed, supported and stocked by the Summer Spectacular 2009 Mission Project funds.  The stories of life change are pouring out of the workers and families impacted by the dairy.  We will also spend time doing hospital and home visits as we minister people-to-people.  The afternoon will take us back to the football fields as we equip the football coaches.  The key foundation to the PEACE Football Club goes much deeper than a sport.  It is ultimately all about God.  Our goal is to help orientate and equip the coaches to grasp this value and communicate the spiritual lessons to their players.
    Saturday is GAME DAY!  Much like in Orange County, the entire day will be spent out on the football fields.  We will likely do a multitude of things—cheering, shagging balls, teaching spiritual post-game lessons, encouraging, coaching, and refereeing.  We are sure to be worn-out by the end of the day.  But before we can turn in we will follow up on the spiritual lessons with the coaches and prayerfully gather together as a community for a viewing of a World Cup match and the Jesus film. 
    Sunday, of course, is church day.  God’s energy will be pouring out of the local churches in Kibuye.  His presence will be clearly felt.  We will dance, sing, laugh and love with Pastor Justin and our friends in Kibuye.  In the afternoon, we will gather in fellowship with Pastor Justin and other key church leaders in Kibuye.  We will plant the seeds to Children’s Ministry training in Kibuye that Team #2 will follow-up on during their time in Rwanda.
    Finally, Monday will expand upon our initial dialogues with Pastor Justin and other key church leaders.  We will continue to vision-cast and flesh out the necessity of Children’s Ministry in the local churches of Kibuye.  These talks will be pivotal for the future of the children of Kibuye.  May the doors be opened to the fullest.



    “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
~ Colossians 2:6-7

    “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”
~James 2:14-18

Thank God for the opportunity to minister in Kibuye, the epicenter of the PEACE Plan.  First bless us with safe travels to the western region.  May we deeply appreciate the nature God so creatively dreamed up.  Let us take nothing for granted. 

Pray for each team member as they will be challenged to minister in new and exciting ways.  Give us exponential energy to run around on the football fields with child-like hearts and spiritually mature souls.  Let us be a light to the boys, showing them God’s love and support.

Give praise to God for the efforts from Summer Spectacular 2009.  Thank You for the opportunity to see the impact the cows have had and will continue to have on the people of Kibuye.  Let these cows be used as a tool or a means to know You, Lord.

Pray for the hearts of the Rwandan people.  First, we play for everyone involved in the Rwanda PEACE Football Club.  Pray for the administrators who have tirelessly laid the foundations for a model that can be replicated throughout Rwanda in the years to come.  Pray for the referees as they give their time to offer a safe, structured playing environment to the kids.  Pray for the coaches who are guiding the precious lives on and off the football field.  Finally, pray for the children.  Pray for the more than 370 boys registered for the PEACE Football Club.  May football be an entryway into a relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Pray for the local churches of Kibuye.  Light a fire in each pastor’s heart.  Help them see the children of Kibuye—rich and poor, parented and orphaned—as Jesus sees them.  May they embody Christ’s love and reach out to the children in the PEACE Football Club.  Let the local church be the ultimate source of love, wisdom and strength.

Pray that our faith will be seen in our words and in our deeds.  Let us be doers of the Word, not just mere sayers of the Word.  Let Your light shine, Lord, in us and through us every day that we are in Kibuye.

TUESDAY: July 6, 2010
   
    It is hard to believe, but today is our final FULL day in Rwanda.  The time has flown by.  Every second of every minute of every day matters so much.  May we make the most of our final day in Rwanda.  First, we will travel back from Kibuye into Kigali.  Upon our return to Kigali we will have a final opportunity to minister alongside Christ Gospel Fellowship.  The exact plans are unknown, but that is what the trip is all about.  The unknown gives us an opportunity to be fully and wholly used by God for His good and mighty works.  May we meet the needs of the Rwandan people in whatever He deems fit.
    Also, we will have an opportunity to slowly but surely begin the debriefing process.  We will reflect on the days spent in Kibuye and Kigali ministering to the people of Rwanda.  WOW!  There has been so much going on and so little time to just stop, reflect, and take it all in.  Give us this window to begin to do so during our final day in Rwanda.

    “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
~ Ephesians 4:1-3

Pray for our team to be rejuvenated and refreshed.  Bless our travels back from Kibuye to Kigali.  Give us the strength to persevere in this final day of ministry.  Let us resist the temptations to “check out” early or to lose hope at the end.  Help us fight on “as a prisoner for the Lord”.

Pray that we keep our eyes focused on YOU.  Do not let us get caught up in the things of this world.  Do not let us be discouraged or lose heart.  You are planting a harvest of seeds that will grow and blossom in Your timing.

Give us the time we need to begin the reflective debrief process.  Let us never forget Your presence most of all.  May we never forget all we have seen, heard and experienced in our two weeks in Africa.

Prepare our team’s hearts for tomorrow’s difficult transition out of Rwanda into the debrief experience in Kenya.  Give us the much-needed rest this evening so we can enter tomorrow physically prepared for the emotionality of the day.  May we all experience the very real feelings that you have gifted us in order to fully comprehend this All STARS PEACE mission trip.



WEDNESDAY: July 7, 2010

    Only 9 days ago we were both reunited with and first-time introduced to our Rwandan friends and families.  The faces in the photographs that line many of our walls and top our desks were real.  They were bright smiles and loving arms that we will hold near to our hearts forever after.  The Rwandan church is our home away from home.  Our Rwandan families attend here.  Our Rwandan friends praise God here.  Our hearts for Rwanda will forever remain in these churches.
    There will be tears today.  There will be BIG smiles.  There will be strong hugs.  There will be heavy hearts.  Despite this sadness and the hardness of letting go, there will be memories.  There will be lives changed.  There will be a renewed sense of faith and hope.  There will be love to follow us into eternity.
    We will leave Kigali, Rwanda at 1:45 PM to touch down in Nairobi, Kenya at 4:15 PM (there is an hour time difference, so you know the flight will not be that long ).  After going through the sometimes lengthy customs process and baggage claim we will be met by Stonic Koipah and his incredible team.  They will whisk us away for an unforgettable meal at the Carnivore and then time to sleep at our guesthouse in Nairobi, Kenya.  The debrief process has fully begun.
    Two team members will remain back in Rwanda with the Mutabazi family.  Ariel Plaza and Jessica Schuster will rest and prepare for the arrival of Team #2.  Meanwhile, Jeremy and Liza Gant will lead Team #1 in this transition and then quickly turn around to rejoin Team #2 in Rwanda as they arrive for the beginning of their trip.

    “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
~ Joshua 1:9

Pray for our team’s hearts.  Pray that each team member leaves with no regrets.  Let us leave Rwanda having given God our best.  Mend the broken hearts that will be boarding the short flight from Rwanda to Kenya.  Help us to never forget God’s power and strength over the last two weeks.

Ask God to be with our travel team.  Bless our pilots and flight attendants on the short flight from Kigali to Nairobi.  Direct the paths of our drivers in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Pray for a smooth transition in the Nairobi Airport.  May the visa process go quickly and smoothly.  Have every bag awaiting our pick-up in the Nairobi baggage claim.

Pray that we continue to keep our eyes focused on YOU.  Let us not be discouraged nor terrified upon leaving Rwanda.  Remind us that we are still on the mission field while we are in Kenya.  God can and will continue to do a mighty work even as we debrief and recap the time spent in Rwanda.

THURSDAY: July 8, 2010
&
FRIDAY: July 9, 2010

    Today marks the overlap of the two All STARS 2010 Rwanda PEACE Teams.  While the two teams are obviously traveling separately with different plans/agendas, we are all united together as the Body of Christ.  As Team #1 begins the debrief process, Team #2 is just beginning.  This marks the transition.
    Team #1 will embark on the debrief process, taking in all of God’s pure and incredible creations.  We will spend time in the breathtaking beauty of the Masai Mara.  To picture it, watch the Lion King and then try to imagine it in real life.  It is unbelievable and will leave us speechless.  This time is much more than just a safari; it is a pivotal time to unwind and debrief from two heavy weeks of ministry.  May we begin to make the transition so that our hearts are prepared for His works back at home.
    Team #2 will meet promptly at 2:30 PM at the MC-2 Parking Lot.  They will undergo the same process as Team #1 did two weeks prior.  Please feel free to join Team #2 on this momentous occasion as they pack up and pray for the final time with their prayer support team.  Then they will be off to LAX for their 7:50 PM departure.  The final 19 people on the 3rd page of this prayer guide will be a part of the journey as they prepare to join Jeremy, Liza, Ariel, and Jessica in-country.
    On Friday July 9, 2010 the teams will be crossing paths in a mysterious way.  Team #1 will take in a final day of debriefing in the beauty of the Masai Mara and Nairobi.  20 team members will begin the long journey homeward bound starting at 11:45 PM.  2 team members—Jeremy and Liza Gant—will take a shorter journey back to Rwanda.  We are leaving at virtually the same time (11:40 PM) just a much shorter flight.
    Meanwhile, Team #2 will be arriving at Heathrow Airport at 2:15 PM.  They face a MUCH shorter layover to eat, rest and reorganize.  The next leg of the flight triathlon will take off at 8:00 PM Nairobi-bound from London.  It is crazy to think about all these flights taking place and none of us ever really knowing where the others are in the air.    

    “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
    Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
~ Ephesians 6:13-20

Continue to lift up Team #2’s debrief process.  May their hearts and lives be forever changed by what they experienced and felt in Rwanda.  Allow all the memories and moments to truly sink in so they can tell their stories in a powerful way upon returning home.  Keep the fire burning.

Praise God again for Scott Eiseman who will be helping us again load up the busses and depart for LAX from Saddleback Church.  Pray for his and his driving team’s strength and concentration so they can deliver us once again to LAX in a safe and timely fashion.

Thank God for the American Airline pilots and crewmembers who will be attending to the team from LAX to Heathrow.  Pray for the flight crew’s rest and strength on this journey.

Pray that each piece of luggage gets safely placed on the plane and that every piece of luggage finds it way from plane to plane, following our team every step of the way to Kigali, Rwanda.

Pray that each team member has the ability to rest on the plane.  Take away any fears, worries, concerns or anxiety.  Give the team the ultimate peace that surpasses all understanding.  Allow each team member to let go and let God be in control.

Praise God for His provision to get each team member to this day as we have all endured physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial hardships along the way.  As we mark the end of one team’s journey we mark just the beginning of the other team’s.  Lift up this entire transitional process to God so that it is covered by God’s grace and mercy.  Pray for safe travels all around the world for our team members.
SATURDAY: July 10, 2010

    This is the final “crossover” day for Team #1 and Team #2.  However, thousands of miles will separate our journeys.  Team #1 will arrive in Heathrow, London bright and early at 6:45 AM.  The next flight on their journey will be shortly thereafter at 10:05 AM.  Then Team #1 will arrive home to much love and adoration at 1:14 PM.  Please feel free to give them a hero’s welcome home by coming to LAX with balloons, fanfare and LOVE.  Then Team #1 can begin to share their hearts and stories as they readjust back to life at home.
    In the meantime, Team #2 will also have a bright and early arrival of 6:40 AM at Nairobi’s Airport.  Another brief layover before they board for departure at 8:10 AM from Nairobi to then arrive at 8:35 AM at Kigali International Airport.  No, you did not misread that, just recall the complexities of time changes in travel and that will somehow explain it. 
    Finally, Jeremy and Liza Gant will touch down at Kigali International Airport at the crux of Friday July 9th and Saturday July 10th @ 12:05 AM.  With a quick night’s sleep we will be headed back to the Kigali International Airport with Jessica Schuster and Ariel Plaza to welcome in Team #2.  What an exciting day of travel and FUN!
    Then Team #2 will endure the same first day acclimation that Team #1 underwent two weeks prior.  It will be an all-day onslaught of staying active and awake.  However, Team #2 will “hit the ground running” just a bit more based upon their shortened ministry time in Rwanda in order to open more doors of opportunities to minister in Kenya.  Nonetheless, it will be early to bed after a day of dining, fellowship and orientation to the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

    “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.  I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.”
~ Psalm 89:1-2

Pray for smooth transitions in transit all around the globe.  May all those overseeing our travels—pilots, flight attendants and drivers—be blessed with alertness and leadership. 

Praise God for reaching all of our ultimate destinations.  May we find peace, joy, faith, hope, and love both back at home for Team #1 and our home-away-from-home in Rwanda for Team #2.

Pray for the team’s strength.  Particularly, lift up those people who may have struggled to rest or relax onboard the flights.  They will need God’s supreme endurance to get through the day and fight against falling asleep.  Do not forget to lift up Team #1’s strength.  It will not be an easy transition hope, but it will be a life-changing experience that we can use to impact our world at home.

Pray for the acclimation process again for both teams in Rwanda and the USA.  Pray for the young, little bodies of our students to easily adapt to the time change.  Also, pray for the older, well-worn bodies to be stretched out and relaxed in their new environment. 

SUNDAY: July 11, 2010

    We will enter into our second day on the mission field needing much energy.  That is because we will attend church services at Christ Gospel Fellowship Kimironko.  It is sure to be filled with the energy of the Holy Spirit as we sing, dance and rejoice in our mighty Savior.      After a morning of fellowship and worship we will join together with the PEACE Steering Committee in the PEACE Offices of Kigali, Rwanda.  It is Team #2’s opportunity for orientation through the PEACE team of Rwanda and the Genocide Museum.  Not exactly a light-hearted first full day in Rwanda; however, it will be something that we will never forget and deeply appreciate well after our time in Rwanda.
   
    “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect…”
~ 1 Peter 3:15-17

    “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on Earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
~ Matthew 28:18-20

Pray for the team’s strength.  Fill each team member with the Holy Spirit so that He is overflowing in our hearts and souls today.  May church be a supernatural rejuvenation to each person.  May the team be blessed to be a blessing at church services.

Pray for the leadership at Christ Gospel Fellowship.  Speak through Pastor Francis and Pastor Etienne as they lead their congregation in a time of worship.  Uplift their Children’s Ministry team led by Dorothy and Helen.  Bring the Body of Christ from Rwanda and Saddleback Church together for Your glory. 

Pray for simple opportunities to build relationships; that is the ultimate long-lasting impact of the PEACE Plan—relationships.  Give us opportunities to bond and chat with friends and family in Rwanda.  Strengthen our team members to willingly and joyfully share their stories.  Build bridges between our two different worlds. 

MONDAY: July 12, 2010,
TUESDAY: July 13, 2010,
&
WEDNESDAY: July 14, 2010

    As we mentioned, Team #2 will charge ahead into ministry.  This means that the journey begins with travels northward.  We will spend the next three days in a familiar region of Ruhengeri, Rwanda.  This is the region that every All STARS PEACE team has visited over the past four trips, planting seeds for Children’s Ministry at three different churches.  Our efforts will focus on reinforcing the efforts at Pastor Innocent’s church in the district of Ryandinzi.  To give you an extra special context, this is the church in which Pastor Innocent sent a message back with last year’s All STARS Rwanda team to pull at Scott Santos’ heart strings. 
    Our time of ministry will be similar to what Team #1 engaged in at Christ Gospel Fellowship Kimironko.  We will focus on the entire gamut—men’s, women’s and children’s ministry over the next three days.  It will be an overall leadership lifter as we empower every member to be a minister in their own unique, God-given way.  Christ Gospel Fellowship Ryandinzi has the foundational base but greatly thirsts for more equipping and training in these arenas.  Time to gear up and get ready to train and equip the church members through men’s ministry, women’s ministry and children’s ministry.

    “The spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
~ Luke 4:18-19

Specific prayer request for the Plazas and Gants.  Pray for a time to celebrate and commemorate sweet Musoni.  He is the orphan who they have deeply connected with, cared for and led his grandmother to Christ over the past four trips to Ruhengeri.  He died a few months ago from HIV/AIDS and our hearts miss him so very much.  Pray for God’s peace to overcome us in this time of mourning and commemoration.

Pray for the leadership at Christ Gospel Fellowship Ryandinzi.  Build up a mighty team of support and strength around Pastor Innocent.  Empower his leadership to make a difference in the area of Ryandinzi. 

Ask God to empower every team member throughout the days of leadership training.  Give us the discernment to know when to speak up and when to stay in the background.  Grant us patience as there may be times of silence or waiting.  Strengthen us to speak His words as we train men, women and children’s ministry leaders to walk with Jesus in a whole new way.

Pray for our travels from Kigali and Ruhengeri.  Pray for our travels within Ruhengeri as Ryandinzi is tucked away in a beautiful rural area away.  Guide our driver.

THURSDAY: July 15, 2010,
FRIDAY: July 16, 2010,
SATURDAY: July 17, 2010,
&
SUNDAY: July 18, 2010

    Firstly, Thursday will be a LONG travel day.  In the United States, the trip from Ruhengeri (north) to Kibuye (west) would be a direct drive of about 2 hours.  Unfortunately, that is not the case as there is no road connecting the two.  Thus, we will first travel back southwards to Kigali.  From there, after a quick lunch and stretch, we will then head westbound for Kibuye.  All-in-all approximately 5-6 hours will be spent in the bus on the road.  Let us make the most of this drive to catch up on sleep, spend time with God, and bond with our incredible team of 23.  God-willing we will arrive in Kibuye and possibly be able to be a part of the PEACE Football Club’s fun on the field.  Hope we can make it out to the football fields to support team practices going on Thursday afternoon/evening.
    The rest of our time in Kibuye will be expanding upon and following up on Team #1’s efforts.  After having laid the foundation with Pastor Justin and the ICC, we will have the opportunity to work more directly with the local churches in the Karongi district to train them on Children’s Ministry.  We want to lay the foundation in the local church as they will be the ones ultimately bringing together the spiritual ties in the PEACE Football Club.  Who will care for the boys after the football season is over?  The local churches!  Hope we can lay the necessary groundwork so that they can follow Christ Gospel Fellowship’s example under Dorothy’s guidance and mentorship.
    Of course we will have a mix of training and fun on the soccer field.  While the afternoons on Friday and Saturday will be training-focused, the mornings will be more hands-on time with the community.  Friday morning we will engage in home, hospital and dairy visits.  The Summer Spectacular 2009 Mission Project will be revisited now by Team #2 to hear the impact of the cows on the local community.  Additionally, more home and hospital visits will spread the love of Jesus to the sick and to the poor.  And Saturday morning will be football-focused.  We will be out on the football pitch filling in wherever God needs us to be—coaching, refereeing, supporting, training and cheering.  Nothing like a Saturday morning spent at the football fields.
    Finally, Sunday will be another energy-filled church day.  We will be able to rejoice with Pastor Justin’s church family in the morning to round out our time in Rwanda.  From there we will drive directly to Kigali International Airport.  Our flight is scheduled to depart at 6:25 PM from Kigali and arrive in Nairobi at 8:55 PM.  It will definitely not be the “easiest” end to our time in Rwanda, but we ultimately know it is all in God’s timing and plans.  It will most definitely be a tiring week in Rwanda as we move from place-to-place moving from ministry-to-ministry.  But that is what this entire All STARS 2010 Rwanda PEACE Trip is all about—giving God our best so that we can make a difference in the lives of others.  Let’s GO (love GOD and love OTHERS) BIG!  
   

    “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ.”
~ 1 Corinthians 12:12

    “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
~ 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Pray for the unity of the Body.  Pray for flexibility in doing His good works in Kibuye.  Let us be adaptable, eager, and ready to be used however, whenever, and wherever God deems fit.  

Pray for the local churches of Kibuye.  Uplift their ministries specifically to children.  Allow Christ Gospel Fellowship Kimironko to be a model and light to these churches.  The harvest is plentiful with almost 400 boys involved in the PEACE Football Club.  Bring the workers now to reach them and love them. 

Pray for all the travels again.  Pray for the long journeys between Ruhengeri, Kigali, and Kibuye.  Strengthen our driver with keen eyes and open ears.  Lift up our pilots and flight attendants in prayer.  Bless our short trip from Rwanda to Kenya.  Allow al the logistics to fall into place so that we can similarly fall into bed shortly after our arrival in Nairobi, Kenya.

Pray for our team’s hearts.  Pray that each team member leaves Rwanda with no regrets.  Let us leave Rwanda having given God our best.  Mend the broken hearts that will be boarding the short flight from Rwanda to Kenya.  Help us to never forget God’s power and strength over the last two weeks.

Pray that we continue to keep our eyes focused on YOU.  Our ministry does not end when we set foot in Kenya.  If anything it is amplified and expanded as we will work with local churches in Nairobi, Kenya. Ask God for a second wind and fire to uplift our team.  Keep our attitudes and hearts in tune with You, God.  In the end, it is all about love.

MONDAY: July 19, 2010,
TUESDAY: July 20, 2010,
&
WEDNESDAY: July 21, 2010

    We have an incredibly unique and awesome experience to do ministry in Nairobi, Kenya.  It is not just R & R or debrief time in Kenya.  Rather we are extending our time of ministry to a different and new location.  Through our incredible connection of Tirus (via Pastor Gil Odendaal) we have unbelievable opportunities to impact the children of Nairobi, Kenya.  Two-and-a-half days of life-change await us in Kenya.
    Our ministry efforts will focus on empowering children, equipping children’s ministry leaders and collaborating with special needs children’s ministry.  We will divide into three teaching teams in order to best connect with these three different populations.  One group will spend time with children, guiding them in Godly ways with everything from daily physical nutrition and health to spiritual nutrition and health.  After all, if the next generations in our churches are healthy, it speaks well for the future health of the entire church.  Another group will then guide those people who are blessed to minister to the children and youth on an ongoing basis.  The trainings conducted in Rwanda will be replicated in a whole new way in Nairobi.  A third and final group will get to unlock an entirely new ministry opportunity with special needs children’s.  The children and their parents will come together to understand how they are blessed to be a blessing.  Likewise, we will empower them in creative ways to integrate spiritual lessons into daily living and seemingly impossible situations.  God loves each and every one of us in our unique design; our ministry opportunities in Kenya are a direct reminder of that.
    We will wrap up our ministry early Wednesday afternoon.  I can only imagine just how exhausted we will be by that point and time.  When I say exhausted though, I imagine emotional exhaustion.  On the flip side, we will likely be on “cloud nine” as far as energy from the Holy Spirit.  WOW!  God will be at work in mighty ways in Nairobi, Kenya.  All of this is new and unknown territory, but I believe there are no better pioneers than the All STARS 2010 PEACE team.  No one else is so open and willing to do God’s work as this team…AMEN!

    “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”
~ Psalm 19:1-2

    “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
~ Romans 15:5-6



Pray for Tirus, Stonic, and the other leaders that are taking us around to the different ministry locations.

Pray for safety for the three groups as we go out for ministry.  Pray for our travel and for each team’s time of ministry.

Pray for the health emphasis as we teach about basic health care.  Pray that as we reach out to “Care for the Sick” (or even prevent sickness) that this will be a great way to reach out to the felt needs of the community and bring glory to the local church, and ultimately to God.

Pray for the ministry teaching time.  Pray that God will speak through our team and that the hearts of those hearing will be open and receptive to hear what we are teaching.  Pray for our discernment to adapt and adopt the Rwanda children’s ministry training to this context.

Pray for the group that is ministering to special needs children and their families.  Pray for opportunities for them to connect and meet this very special need. 

Pray for new doors to open up as we step into a new area of ministry for All STARS.

THURSDAY: July 22, 2010
&
FRIDAY: July 23, 2010

    We are finally going to transition mid-day Wednesday to debrief and recalling all God’s works in Rwanda and Kenya.  We have a double-duty need for recollection after ministering in both Rwanda and Kenya.  It will not be an easy transition, but definitely a necessary part of the process and journey.  After lunch on Wednesday we will head for Lake Nakuru where we will take in God’s creations.  It will be an eye-opening reminder of God’s power, creativity and love. 
    Thursday we will wrap up our time in Lake Nakuru in order to head towards the Masai Mara.  The life filling the Masai Mara will be overflowing at this time of year.  Likewise, we will need these overwhelming reminders of God’s power.  If He can change lives as He has over the last few weeks, He is most definitely capable of healing our hearts from the disturbances they have undergone over the past few weeks.  God can and will do a mighty healing work in our lives during this time of resting, recouping and debriefing.
    Finally, Friday will wrap up our time of debriefing in Nairobi.  We will follow the exact same flight schedule of Team #1, so we will be blessed with the bulk of the day still enjoying the sites and scenes of Kenya.  There is no better way to wrap up our time in Kenya than with a hearty meal at the Carnivore.  From there we will catch our late-night flight at 11:45 PM from Nairobi for London.  Goodbye, Africa.  It has been an unforgettable last month for the All STARS 2010 Rwanda PEACE Team.  
   
    “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
~ Philippians 4:4-7

Pray for us as we “unpack” the last few weeks’ experiences.  Pray that this will be a meaningful time for our team as we reflect on how God worked in and through us both in Rwanda and in Kenya.

Pray for open hearts.  As this is our last down time before returning to our high paced Orange County lives, pray that we will be listening for God’s voice and will be open to hear it.

Pray for our travels.  Pray for our travel in Kenya and for our travel home.  Pray that we make our connections.

Pray that we do not forget the mission mentality.  Even though we are wrapping up our official ministry time, pray that we do not forget that we are always on ministry time.  Sometimes the best ministry happens along the way, in between the “official ministry”.  Pray for open eyes and open hearts along the way.

SATURDAY: July 24, 2010

   
    The journey home will continue on as we arrive bright and early at 6:45 AM Saturday morning to Heathrow Airport.  It will be a relatively brief layover before we prepare to depart again.  We will leave Heathrow Airport at 10:05 AM in order to be home at LAX at 1:14 PM.  Again, we would welcome all the love and fanfare to greet us upon our arrival home to Los Angeles.  Come with your open hearts, ears and eyes as we will likely talk and talk and TALK all about the last few weeks that changed our lives.


    “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
~ Hebrews 12:1-2   


Thank God for bringing us home safely.  Thank God again for the crewmembers and pilots who safely delivered us home to our loved ones.  Thank You for the homes that we are able to return to.  Thank You for the lives of privilege we lead.

Praise God for all He did in Rwanda and Kenya.  What an unbelievable time we have shared together.  Thank You for the privilege to serve on mission together.

Pray that we do not walk away this afternoon without being deeply changed and affected from all we did and all we saw.  May our perspectives change.  Help us to serve more, pray more, and love beyond measure.  Let our lives be a testament of faith and all that You can do through ordinary people empowered by God to do His good works.

Celebrate the rest of summer like you never have before.  Make it memorable!
    Thank you again for being a part of the journey with us.  Even though our trip lasted from June 25 to July 24, 2010 know that the impact of it will last an entire lifetime.  Here is what we will continue to need from you as far as prayer and support:

An ear to listen.  We will no doubt want to talk for hours on end about all that we experienced in Rwanda and Kenya.  Please be patient with us as that is likely the only thing we will want to talk about for a few weeks 

Eyes to show care.  Along with our oral stories there will inevitably be hundreds and hundreds of pictures to accompany it.  We will introduce you again and again to the faces that we called family and friend.  Be interested even when we whip out the All STARS 2010 Rwanda PEACE photo album for the billionth time.  Try to see it all through our eyes.

A shoulder to cry on.  We are going to have days in which we struggle for no apparent reason.  What we saw and experienced in Rwanda (and Kenya) was heart wrenching.  The people we left behind hold a major part in our hearts and in our lives now.  Just be there for us when our hearts are breaking over the orphan, the sick, and the ones we love in Rwanda.

A boost of encouragement.  Do NOT let us stop with this one trip.  It will be easy to reminisce and feel like we could never go through the whole Global PEACE trip process again.  Do NOT let us give up.  Instead, push and encourage us to continue to spread the Gospel.  Remind us how God has called each of us to be His hands and His feet in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the Ends of the Earth.


    “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.  Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
~ Psalm 105:1-2

  

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