By Pauline Van der Haer
My heartfelt thanks to you for your prayers and sponsorship for my mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya, which I just returned from, July 4. It was a journey that deeply touched my heart and affirmed God’s incredible work across time zones and cultures, in and among His people. I was honored to be a member of the Equipping Ministries International, (EMI) traveling team from the U.S, Netherlands and Norway, joined by the local team from Nairobi, Uganda and Tanzania.
We worked together in this inaugural International School of Service (SOS) Africa, to train pastors and ministry leaders in core relationship skills, of Connecting, Conflict to Connection and Renewing the Mind, empowering them – and us – to foster stronger connections, relationships, and communities.
Over and over we witnessed the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to lead us into ALL truth. We explored the Heart Chart to discover the emotional connections, triggered by events, that lead to unhealthy decisions and actions, rooted in false beliefs.
These lies take root, oppose the truth of God and shape our seeing. But when we invite God into the process, GOD SPEAKS exchanging truth for lies and beauty for ashes, equipping us to ‘Do Life Differently.’ Everyone left more self aware, connected and free. Hallelujah!
This newsletter is a testament to the highlights of that transformative and enriching experience, showcasing how your support made a tangible difference and how I witnessed God’s powerful hand at work.
One of the most enriching experiences was visiting Masai Mara Village. We learned about the vibrant culture, and traditions of the Masai. Men have as many homes as they have wives, who build the house that she and her husband and family will inhabit. Fifty children and a dozen wives is considered a great blessing. Michael, our tour guide, told us of a church in the village and how he used his religious education to teach English and start a school for over 300 Masai children. Of course, we shopped for their beautiful hand made goods. And with the help of Daniel Wambua, I literally bought the bracelets right off the arm of our guide. 
My last day was spent learning about the work of Voluntary Counselors of Kenya, referred by two of my sponsors. Once again, I was inspired by the sacrifice and faithful commitment to the important work they are doing. We saw the ‘serendipitous’ hand of God once more, in the discovery that one of their Baking programs in Suca, is only minutes from the home of our hosts, Daniel and Gladys Wambua, and Joy Tabernacles Church. We look forward to the possibility of partnering with them on clean water projects and beautiful beaded goods for you to purchase. In fact two ladies tried to do to me what I did to the Masai, buy these beauties right off my feet! 
Our trip began with a breathtaking reminder of God’s magnificent artistry; an awe-inspiring safari, on Masai Mara National Reserve. Witnessing the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat filled me with wonder and the expansive beauty of His creation. The vast plains and majestic animals provided a serene backdrop for reflection before diving into the intensity of the mission work. 
Before our week of SOS began, the EMI team was paired up to attend the churches of local pastors attending the training. I had the honor of accompanying Pastor Fred Taabu and Jennifer Truslow to attend Pastor Charles Mutuku’s Church, Grace Tabernacle Fellowship, where Fred gave the message. The theme was “God Speaks,” and that was certainly confirmed over and over throughout our time together. Fred pastors Great Hope Community Church and runs Great Hope Christian School, which serves 300 students in Uganda. The school also provides a home for about 139 orphan children, which relies completely on donations, as no government support is provided. (Names in picture left to right: Charles Mutuku, Fred Taabu, me, Jennifer Truslow, Purity Mutuku, and their son.) 
On our last day together we stopped at the beautiful Amani ya Juu, which is Swahili meaning, “Peace from Above.” It is a transformative sewing and reconciliation program for refugee women. Witnessing the resilience and hope of these women, as they learned new skills and found healing through community, self sufficiency of owning a sewing machine and the transforming power of the gospel was incredibly moving. 
After intense days of training and ministry, a 24-hour respite trip to Mombasa provided a much-needed opportunity to rest and refresh. The serene coastal environment offered a peaceful space for reflection and rejuvenation, allowing me to process the depth of the experiences and prepare for continued ministry upon my return. 
After our team departed I remained with Bishop Daniel and Gladys Wambua, who took me to their home village, to meet the Joy Widows Group at Kangundo. These courageous women face great hardship, yet radiate strength and faith. Pastor Josiah and his wife Catherine told how these widows are always on the front line of service, continuously offering themselves as a living sacrifice in worship to God. I was honored to be the first person from the US ever to visit them, and their joy and gratitude for the financial offering your donations made possible touched me deeply. They left me with a heartfelt blessing, a promise to pray for me and request that I pray for them. There is much need, and I ask you to join me in praying for these beautiful women and Joy Tabernacle Ministries.
Why is a religious article in a big city newspaper? The continent of Africa has stayed poor dispite all the witness flying in their face for several decades.
Blacks can’t get respect in America.
Why we insist that we have answers to life? Look at our statistics, diabetes, poverty, low highschool graduation rates. Cops deleting us for no reason, Prison is full of black folks, discrimination in all areas. I could go on & on. Can we ask this spirit to help us?
Stop playing religious and save America from all we suffering daily.
Time we realized that most African countries don’t like or respect African Americans anyway. Spend your money in America to strengthen our well being. They ain’t us at the end of the day.
Christian community has false beliefs and spread the poison to others.
Stop doing this to Africans and leave the alone. We can’t help ourselves and drowning in poverty and debt!