Jay and I went to Nairobi, Kenya for the first time in 2004. When our dear friend Matt put together a worship team to go and interface with the worship team at Nairobi Chapel, we said 'yes' to going without any hesitation. And so the love affair began! Over the years we have had the privilege of opening our home to the many Kenyan's who have come to Turlock, as Monte Vista Chapel has engaged in a growing relationship with now the Mavuno family of churches, whose history is rooted in a strategic church plant movement by Nairobi Chapel. God has kept Africa alive in our hearts and minds for 8 years, and now we are going on our fourth trip-leaving this next Monday, May 21. Over the years I have sought God and what we could 'do' or what we could 'bring' to Kenya. A year and a half ago, God opened a window to a conversation that eventually led to our going now for 2 months this summer. We get to bring ourselves and our presence! This may not seem so revolutionary when you think of all that can be 'done'. But I am delighted that God's invitation has been one of being and not doing. Life is so busy and full of distractions. A deep longing to connect to God was expressed to us when we were at Mavuno this past December. God is calling each of us to an inner journey that begins in "be still and know that I am God"(Psalm 46:10). So it will be our most treasured privilege to spend time with 24 leadership interns who are looking at God's call on their lives in Kenya. We feel so blessed to be a part of something significant - the companioning of young leaders as they discover this 'with-God' life.
We would ask for your prayers certainly for health and safety, and in addition pray that we will see our role as being those who can learn from others and act as the sweet aroma that invites an openness to God, so that we are all brought closer to God because we were together. Also pray for our elderly parents as they depend on our close proximity. May they know God's presence and protection on themselves these 2 months. And last pray for our marriage relationship so that in this 24/7 ministry and new everything we will extend grace and loving kindness to each other. I would love to find delight and humor in all aspects of our time in Nairobi!
We will keep you posted! Let the adventure begin!
Carol
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
are Scripture and prayer meditations that help give expression to an
interior process of deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ. St
Ignatius, who lived in the 16th century, had great insight into the
fundamental patterns of spiritual formation. He created the Exercises
as a process of personal discovery about our own patterns of growth in
Christ. If you are willing to be open to Jesus, to prayer and to change,
and you have a longing for more intimacy in your relationship with
Jesus, then you might be ready for the Spiritual Exercises. The
exercises are facilitated by Carol
WHEN: Sessions are weekly from September 2012 - May 2013You may choose: Wednesday Morning, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Thursday Evening, 7 pm - 9 pm
The Exercises begin with an Introductory Retreat Saturday,
September 22, 2012
9:00 am - 12 noon for all participants (both morning and evening sessions)
***NOTE: Group size is limited to 6 in each group.
WHERE: Carol Swanson's home:
2160 Carleton Dr.
Turlock, CA 95382
For additional information:
Carol at (209)668-2807 or email newheart1@sbcglobal.net
Missy at (209) 599-6263 home; (209) 985-1146
Kenya 2012
Jay and I will be in Nairobi, Kenya, serving Mavuno Church in June and July 2012. We have been invited to do soul care for their leadership interns. We are very excited to see what God has for us and those we will serve in Kenya. We will journal our time on this page and invite you to join us in prayer and conversation. We both love the people and the country of Kenya!
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