Team East Africa A landed safely in California on Tuesday afternoon! Thank you to everyone who has prayed for this team throughout their journey. It is clear that the Lord was answering prayers throughout their trip and we know they would not have had this experience without your faithful support.
Please continue to be praying for the East Africa A team as they re-enter the US and experience jet lag and reverse culture shock. Pray that they remain encouraged by their time in East Africa and that their faith would be strengthened even as they return to their regular rhythms and routines.
Make sure to ask your team member about their experience and how you can be praying for them and supporting them specifically! We thank you all!
Hey all!! As our trip comes to a close, we are making the best of each and every moment that is left. Here is a break down of how our week ended. 😄
Thursday was a full day of serving at the hospice, VBS, and a visit with friends. After breakfast at our outreach host family’s place we walked a couple of miles on the red dirt roads to the hospice. The Gluck family left for a home visit with a pastor friend and the others were there helping out in any way possible ie. cooking, playing with kids, home visits, talking with guests there, and worship. The afternoon we served over 230 kids during VBS at Brook of Faith. We focused on the fruit of the spirit: goodness and told ‘The Good Samaritan’ story. One of our favorite moments was singing the song, “I thank God”- the spirit was electric and hearing kids singing at the top of their lungs gave us chills. After VBS the teachers graciously invited us to stay for chai tea. Later that night we were invited over to a ELI pastor’s home where his wife made the most amazing African food! She must have spent the entire day cooking. In fact the outreach team saw her at the market early that same morning. At dinner the family shared of their long relationship with D.Gluck and appreciation for his heart to serve in any capacity.
Friday was our last day in the village. With our departure upon us, the morning was somber and a bit frantic as we prepared for our last day of VBS & goodbyes. We had created so many memories, friends, and saw into a world we didn’t understand before. And now we feel apart of the village especially with our new names given by the bishop (mentioned in a previous update). The hospice put on a worship filled ceremony which involved singing, special messages from the people we worked alongside, and a ceremonial Eastern African send-off. The ladies were wrapped in a long skirt with beautiful prints on them, bracelets, and a small gift. And the gents were dressed in an off the shoulder gown and were given bracelets and a smalll gift as well. Next was VBS but we had a special time planned for the kiddos. The story for that day was Jesus’ crucifixion to represent LOVE as the fruit of the spirit. After all worshipping together the team split in their groups and stations. Hannah, Deb, Daniel and Titus rotated with their teams that they had bonded with through the week. Ryan at the Games station played soccer, volleyball, frisbee, and hand claps. Music station sang an original Gluck family song J.D. taught them about peace. For craft station with Chloe and Kathleen the kids filled a cross with colorful tissue paper, a prayer, and their names in it. And the snack station with Mama G. had American fruit snacks. The kids’ big surprise was that they each got their photo taken with a Polaroid camera by Kayden and Bella! It was a joy to see when they found out they were able to take the photo home. VBS ended with a heart felt goodbye from the school staff and kids, followed by a big group photos and of course, chai tea. Later that night our field workers and their families (most are village elders and leaders) and the team got together for our last meal their in the village. We shared stories, memories, and lots of laughs together. The time ended with final thank you’s from everyone in the room. The field workers shared how encouraging our team was to them especially after a couple years of COVID isolation. You could feel the love, respect, and honor each of us had for one another. The byes were tough and there were many tears. But as our neighbors here say, tutaonana tena! (See you again!) if not here on earth then in heaven when we all meet again. 🥰
It was difficult to leave Saturday morning but our drivers had arrived to take us to our Safari/ debrief. We drove for 5 hours through the beautiful countryside and watched the landscape change from jungle to mountains, savannahs and cities. We even got to stop for a quick picture at the equator! We arrived safely to our beautiful safari lodge and were blown away by the food and luxury of this place. After a late lunch we loaded our vans with pop top roofs and stood up inside eager to see the animals (it felt like we were in Jurassic park!). Our field workers had encouraged us to now soak up the beauty of the land and African animals after experiencing God’s beauty among the people.
With wide open eyes and big smiles we discovered a pride of lionesses and cubs, awkward but graceful giraffes, mysterious and huge hippos, rare black and white rhinos, entertaining baboons, uniquely striped zebras, and thousands of pink flamingos lining the lake. We took a lot of pictures but we know they won’t quite do it justice. The lyrics from a song we had sung with the hospice chaplain a day before rang truer now, “oh lord my God- when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds thy hands have made…thy power throughout the universe displayed. How Great thou art!”
Sunday (Happy Father’s Day to all our amazing dads!) we took a couple game drives to see more animals and also had some intentional group time to prepare ourselves for going home. We talked about the stories we’ll share and how we’ll try to capture this experience in words. We have learned and experienced so much. THANK YOU in advance for those of you who will listen and provide safe places for us to share! Using our Swahili we had interacted with the staff at our safari lodge and they were so impressed that they invited us to join them for their staff church fellowship time. It was so sweet to worship together as brothers and sisters of God. The “William Jessup choir” sang “people from every nation and tongue- from generation to generation- we worship you!” and the Gluck guys joined a staff member keyboard player as the band. We ended the evening with a delicious dinner and some team time praying and talking about our re-entry to the US in a few days.
We are now on the road on our way to Nairobi and in a few hours or so we’ll be boarding our first flight to come home. Please pray for safe journeys, stable stomachs and peace as we anticipate our long travels home.
We can’t express our thanks enough for how you’ve prayed for us, supported us, and for the ways you’ll help us process as we get home. You are a significant part of this kingdom experience and we are looking forward to returning home with you soon. 🤗
We have some fun updates for you today!! Our week started out with a big thunder storm where lightening struck a transformer. It ended up knocking out not only our electricity, but most of the village’s as well. Just today the transformer was fix and our power is restored! After cold showers, walking around in the dark and preserving water, we now have a stronger appreciation for the immense hospitality our hosts have shown us! *UPDATE: after we got done writing this update, the power went out again so, we weren’t able to send anything out. The irony!! 😄
Yesterday night and last Wednesday, the team got the chance to go to a Bible study called “Fellowship” with the community. Around 7pm, the people in the village gather at a different house every week to worship and hear a message from the pastor or another church leader under the stars. Our team got the chance to lead the people in a couple of English worship songs as well as participate in Swahili songs. During each devotional time, the people have made us feel so welcomed with their warm smiles, hand shakes, and of course, chai. What stood out to me during this time was the unity I felt in the group. There is no “us” and “them,” there is only the brothers and sisters in Christ, Bwana Sifiwe! (Praise the Lord!)
Overall, VBS has been a huge success, and the number of children in attendance has swelled as more neighbors hear about it. Our VBS theme is Fruit of the Spirit. Our time starts with worship and a Bible story then the students split into four groups of 60+ kids and rotate through stations. The stations are: Craft, Snack, Games, and Music. Yesterday was a challenging day. Many of the children are impoverished, and try to steal extra snacks and crafts. Seeing children steal because they don’t know when their family at home will get another meal was heartbreaking. Today, VBS went much smoother as we purchased additional snacks to adjust for the influx of children. Like most of our ministry, VBS has been bittersweet. We get to witness both he hope and joy that these children have in Christ, but we also see firsthand the pain and trauma that poverty brings. As we prepare for our final day of the program, we are praying for strength and endurance.
On Tuesday morning, some team members (Bella, Hannah, Joshua and Titus) went on a home visit. On the drive there, a lady from the outreach team gave them some information about background of the family. She explained that there was a single mom living with three children with special needs. One had autism, one had Down Syndrome and the last one had dwarfism. Upon arrival, the mom greeted the team with the biggest smile and had some chai ready. The the mom shared of how hard it has been for her to work and provide for the family while still taking care of the children. Also how difficult it is to provide her children with the right treatment… The team had the opportunity to worship and pray over the family. Since Bella works with children that have special needs, she was able to give the mom some advice on how to best support the children and their development. The mom was a great inspiration for the team to continue to trust God even during such hard times!
Again, thank you for your support and prayers during this time. We can’t wait to send more updates about our adventures.
It’s has been a wonderful couple days here in East Africa! Here is a highlight from each team member based on the weekend.
After an amazing church service on Sunday, the pastor invited our entire team and then some neighbors to his families house. There, we shared soda (which is way more flavorful here :D), cookies, queen cake, and stories. We also met the founder of Empowering Lives International (ELI) who spoke about the help they give to people struggling with addiction, along with other amazing directives. Following, the pastor shared his testimony about receiving help from ELI in the past. I was so moved (to tears) by his openness, and his wife’s heart to stand by his side when hearing of his past. – Deb
On Sunday we had the amazing opportunity to visit ELI’s children’s home down the road from us. They showed us around the home before we gave testimonies and a devotional. I was amazed by the way the house parents loved their children and their heart for the organization. When we were touring the home, two girls ran up to me and wanted to hold my hands. Later, another girl ran up to us and tried to hold my hand, two to a hand. The children’s joy and love they share with each other and us as a team amazes me. – Kathleen
Today after having chai, we had the privilege to take some Swahili lessons and it was great. I can officially say “Nina sema Kiswahili kidogo” (I speak Swahili a little bit). Then we had the opportunity to serve at Kimbilio Hospice and of course, I was with the children. Seeing their big and bright smiles was the best way to start off the morning. It is inspiring to see how they can find joy in the simple things. Today was also the first day of VBS, and I had a blast with all the children. I had the opportunity to connect with a group of children through music, crafts, games and snacks. Having many little children come and hold my hands filled my heart with joy. I am really looking forward to this week and for what God has in store for this community and our team. – Bella
On Saturday morning, we had a much needed resting/prep time for the coming week. During this time I chose to join Mama Richard in hand washing my clothes outside our guesthouse (I felt like a real East African). She showed me how to properly wash the clothes, while talking about her little ones and her husband running around the house. While this may seem like a simple moment, that is the exact thing which made it stick out to me. For the first time in a long time, I found so much joy in the simplicity of life. No technology, no shortcuts, just two women having a genuine conversation about each others’ very different lives, while doing a seemingly mundane task. I’ve been so grateful for these times within the last couple days that remind me to find the joy in the smallest of moments. I hope I can remember this feeling once I get home! – Hannah
My Saturday morning was started early for a hike up to this rock overlooking a valley to watch that sunrise. The changing colors in the sky and the green in the nature surrounding me is a beautiful reminder of God. Nothing really compares to it and no picture can really capture the beauty.
Another constant reminder of God is the hospitality I have received while here. The people around me are always inviting us into their home to visit with them or to talk over chai. One specific lady, that I met at a Bible study, was quick to invite me over for the following day. She came running behind me as I arrived with open arms and a huge smile. She served me chai and told me all about her family. The way that the community welcomes us right in and wants to host us in their home is an amazing aspect of their culture and a testament to the character of God. — Kayden
Our first day of Fruit of the Spirit themed VBS was all about joy. The 220 schoolchildren patiently listened to the story of Paul and Silas choosing joy and worshipping while in prison. I was in charge of games and taught the children to play human knot (untangling themselves like the chains on Paul and Silas). One wheelchair bound boy was unable to play the game, and sat to the side in the shade. Once the children grew tired of human knot, I taught them red light green light (at Hannah’s suggestion). I decided the wheelchair bound boy would be the one to call out when the kids run, and I even put my bucket hat on him because “the hat makes you the boss”. All were blessed by the joy he expressed being able to participate in the game from a seat of honor. It was a reminder to me of how God raises up the lowly into the highest of places. — Ryan
Our family is LOVING Africa! It’s been so wonderful to have our children meet all our friends from over the years, see life here, and have the opportunity to serve. Joshua and Titus are playing lots of music, and Chloe has been leading the crafts at VBS. Titus appreciated hearing the Pastor’s Mikes testimony and how God delivered him from addiction to now be a pastor. Alyssa and I are reconnecting with many friends, and soaking up the precious days here. I have had the opportunity to preach or share a number of times already. The experiences have been rich! -Daniel (on behalf of Gluck family)
Thank you for tuning into to the East Africa team adventures!! We love you all so much and miss you dearly! Your continuous prayers are felt by all of us.
We send you greetings from East Africa. Our team is all strong and healthy and we are enjoying every moment here. Thank you so much for praying. We are learning Swahili from our friends and each day is full of exciting experiences and building relationships with the locals. Some of our highlights from the last two days are home visits, evening devotions with the children, serving at a hospice, and touring the ministries hospital.
In small groups, we visited the homes of former ministry guests who are now home recovering. Deb, Kayden, Ryan, and Kathleen visited a man who is paralyzed but after experiencing the hope of Jesus has now returned as a teacher for children at the hospice. The team was able to pray and share with him and his wife which was inspiring for them all.
Meanwhile, Bella, Hannah, Alyssa, and Chloe spent time playing and caring for the children, many of whom have cerebral palsy. They helped feed the guests, play, and sing Swahili songs for hours. Daniel, Joshua, and Titus went out to work on the large shamba (field) with a local farmer. They planted over 30 rows of green onions and black nightshade (similar to kale), a vegetable that we boiled and ate that night for dinner. The food here is amazing and so flavorful. They bring a new dish each day which becomes our new “favorite” and we leave full and satisfied. We stop for a chai multiple times a day And linger in rich conversations with the village leaders.
Last night we had the joy of attending weekly devotions with the children who board at the school (many of who come from the local slum). Their strong, beautiful voices could be heard from the road. We entered the small assembly hall packed to the brim with sweet faces singing with all their might. We worshiped together in both languages and Deb shared a powerful message about the armor of God. The team left so inspired by the faith of the children. We came to serve, but truly we were the ones blessed.
Today we traveled by Land Rover through the rolling green hills to the city to visit the ministry hospital with our field worker. Our team was in awe immediately when we stepped out as it felt like we were in a botanical garden, not a hospital compound. In contrast to typical crowded African hospitals, this place was designed with wide windows, beautiful garden views, spacious rooms, and top-of-the-line care. We saw construction for a Ronald Macdonald-type house for terminally ill children that will be finished in September. The team gathered in the chapel and sang alongside hospital staff and children with cancer who had just gotten out of radiation therapy. Daniel led us in singing “He knows my name…He sees each tear that falls And hears me when I call” and they asked us to pray. While mamas stood behind their precious kids’ wheelchairs we called on our God and prayed for peace. It’s difficult to put into words the spirit in the room.
Believe it or not, the day ended with us hiking through a rain forest with our guides, seeing monkeys swinging through the trees, and having a garden tea party overlooking the breathtakingly beautiful lush countryside. We are being well taken care of and welcomed beautifully with African hospitality.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We are sensing God guide each step of the way and are learning so much. We love and miss you. Love, Your East Africa Team
Devotions at Brook of Faith School, where we will lead VBS this coming week.Walking the paths of our village every day!Have a “Chai Picnic” on the beautiful land of one of our host families. We walked through the forest here and saw monkeys!
Sorry for the long wait for our first full update! Here are some highlights from our journey to East Africa and the last few days of ministry. After a long journey, 4 flights, and 21 cumulative hours in the air, we arrived in our village safely! We are so happy to be here.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with an amazing “welcome ceremony,” which included singing, ribbon cutting, flowers given to each team member, and the ceremonial planting of an Avocado tree to commemorate our coming. D. Gluck’s son Titus had the honor of cutting the ribbon as we entered the Hospice facility. After this amazing welcome, we traveled to our guesthouse to settle and rest after our long journey.
These past 2 days have been filled with rich experiences. A few moments that especially stood out to our team included:
On Tuesday, we had the amazing honor of visiting the room of a girl with cerebral palsy. Despite her condition, her smile was contagious enough to light up the room. She LOVED music, and told a staff member she was sad to miss our singing in another part of the hospital. After playing a few songs around her hospital bed, the nurses asked if she wanted one more song… Without hesitation, and through labored speech, she said “TWO!” with a wide grin on her face. We sang “How He Loves” and an old spiritual called “Oh the Blood of Jesus”, after which there was not a dry eye in the house. We went away moved and blessed by her faith and joy!
On Tuesday night, we celebrated the birthdays of two of our own team members as well as one of our local friends here in the village. The night started out with a dinner that was a taste of home but with an East African spin. A special dessert of lemon cake, brownies, and ice cream (a rarity in the East African region) was then prepared for us and all of the singles in the room were required to dance in a circle around the honored people to the beat of a traditional East African song. After dessert, while fellowshipping in the living room, the village bishop proceeded to christen us with our own Kalenjin names based on the circumstances around our births (which is a great honor for visitors). The names given to us were:
• Daniel – Arap Bett (born when the sun is high and the cows are out) • Alyssa – Nebo Arap Bett (wife of Arap Bett) • Deb – Chepasis (twin, one made into two) • Kayden – Jepkoech (born in the stir of the day; rushhour) • Ryan – Kip Rono (born when the sun is going down and the sheep are coming home) • Kathleen – Mrs. Rono (wife of Kip Rono) • Bella – Cherop (born during the rainy season) • Hannah – Chebett (born when the sun is high, many activities happening) • JD – Kip Kemboi (born in the middle of the night) • Titus – Kip Leting (came into the world quickly, a surprise) • Chloe (Jep Korir) – (born when the sun is just below the horizon)
We look forward to continuing our ministry each morning and afternoon at the hospice care facility when we are doing home visits, and while we put on VBS next week for students.
Tutaonana! (See you later!), The East African team!
Riding Shuttle at Frankfurt Airport
Our last flight across the country!
Titus Gluck cutting the ribbon as we enter the Hospice Care Facility
Team planting an avocado tree to commemorate our visit.
Touring the ministry site – this is their new prayer chapel.
There’s always time for Chai!
Chai time – Pt. 2.
Riding in the ministry “Ambulance”, African style.
Hi Family and Friends! After many hours of travel, we arrived, got settled, and began our first full day of ministry! We can’t wait to share what God is doing all around us. We will update again soon 🙂
Thank you for checking in on this East Africa A team! We are so grateful for your partnership in prayer as this team prepares to serve in East Africa very soon. Before we depart we would love your prayers for a few things:
Pray that our team would remain healthy before we go, while in-country, and after we come home, and that things would go smoothly with COVID protocols.
Pray that our team would continue to grow in unity together.
Pray that God would use as as an encouragement to the medical, school, and non profit team serving in-country.
After many years of preparation, we are so excited to finally be leaving soon to go and serve, and we are so appreciative of the support and prayers of all of our family and friends! Make sure to check back here every few days to see any new updates and prayer requests from the team while in-country.
