Run for Love

We have a team heading to Nicaragua in June, both medical and a general.  Fox River Missions will be hosting the 5K Run for Love, to support our Nicaragua team. The run/walk will take place at the Waukesha campus on Saturday, May 21st. With every participant registration a hygiene pack will be funded. Each hygiene pack is a great benefit to the Nicaraguans because it allows them to have access to supplies that would otherwise be expensive and hard to get. And, it's a great way to support our team members as they prepare to go! We hope that you join us for this family-fun filled day. Registration is open, so grab a friend and sign up here!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Meet Jenna

As part of Fox River Missions, we have the great opportunity to partner with missionaries in each of the countries that God has called us to. One of the missionaries that God has partnered us with in Kenya, is Jenna Nyanje. Some of you might know her as Jenna Horgan. We are going to take some time today and learn more about who God made Jenna, and the role that she plays in our Kenyan mission. 

Jenna has been on several mission trips in her life, and she said that each time she came back she knew that missions was something she wanted to do, but there was always something that told her "not yet". She took her first trip to Kenya on a Fox River medical team in 2012.  Little did she know that this trip was going to change her life.  There was something about Kenya, and the people that she met there, that made it so clear, God said "Go".  She returned on several short-term trips before packing up her belongings and moving to Kenya in the summer of 2014 to go where God was calling her. 

Jenna on her first medical trip to Kenya.  

Most of Jenna’s work happens in the village of Vipingo. The property in Vipingo houses the classes KG1 (Kindergarten) through Standard 8, as well as a Feeding Center, Rescue Center and Bible College. She is the administrator of the school in Vipingo, think of her as the head principal. She helps the school run as smoothly as possible. She meets with the teachers weekly, as well as having Bible study with all of them. The teachers at the school take both their own and the students spiritual health very seriously. Jenna also helps keep track of the finances of the school, and helps keeping up with the students. Along with the leadership of Fox River she coordinated short term trips that you can come on! Which encourage Jenna and the people of Kenya so much. She also orchestrates the process of choosing the new KG1 (kindergarten) students, at the start of each new school year. Jenna and the teachers would love your prayers throughout the year, as they prepare to choose the students that God would have for our school.

Jenna also helped start the Rescue Center on-site in Vipingo, and continues to spend a lot of her time there. The rescue center takes in babies that have no home, and gives them a forever family. Right now the Rescue Center has three sweet boys, with a mama and an auntie. The Rescue Center is a huge blessing in the community of Vipingo and is truly going to change the course of the lives that enter it.

Two of the rescue center babies. 

Something that Jenna has done so well in Kenya, is acclimating to the culture and life of Kenya. Jenna dove right into Kenyan culture and life, and made herself right at home in Kenya. She takes the time to learn about their culture, cook their food and live the way that Kenyans live. She attends and serves at Crossroads Fellowship Church, where another missionary partner, Jim Horne, is the senior pastor. You can find Jenna teaching Sunday School, helping with the youth or even hear her on their video announcements on any given Sunday. Crossroads Fellowship, is a very special place to Jenna, because that is where she met her husband, O’Neal. They just got married in January!

Jenna says,

“O’Neal has an amazing testimony. One that I would never rob him by telling you 2nd hand. But I hope that one day you can come visit us and hear it. This man has a testimony of a faith in God so inspiring, that I distinctly remember praying one night over a year ago, that I might be able to meet him one day. And that was it, with no feelings attached. I remember writing in a journal somewhere asking God that I might have a testimony like his. I asked God that someday I might be able to meet this man that I had heard so much about. I think God laughed at my ‘grain of rice’ sized prayer. I know I certainly would have if I would have known how long he had actually been weaving our stories together.

God ended up orchestrating the day that we finally got to meet, in a coffee shop. And in that coffee shop we spent an entire afternoon talking about what God had done so faithfully in our lives and what we dreamed God would one day let us do in the future. We talked about those dreams as individuals. And today the dreams we talk about are the dreams that we now share as husband and wife.”

Only God can write a story like Jenna's and it takes a heart fully following Him to move halfway across the world and do the work that God has asked you to do. Although Jenna's first move to Kenya was only intended to be for a year, it was clear at the end of that time that God had called Kenya to be her home. She loves the people that God has put in her life as family and friends, and the people that she gets to show God's love to. 

We are so thankful for our partnership with Jenna, and pray that it would continue for many years into the future. As you think of her during this week, pray for her and her ministry in Kenya. 

Clinic Investors

Last week, the Clinic that the La Esmeralda church administrates received 4 donations - one from a pharmaceutical company in Nicaragua who gave medicines the clinic cannot normally provide totaling over $4000, one from a Nicaraguan coffee plantation owner - over 3000 pre-natal vitamins, a donation for $3000 of the dental equipment, and 75% off all the tools and basic equipment needed to start their dental clinic thanks to a local Nicaraguan dentist and former non-profit ministry partner. Fox River is going to purchase the equipment at the 25% cost!  I would say that God is greatly at work and blessing this ministry!!! Great work, Pastor Denis and Karen, and the ones who started this and are handing over the administrative portion Karen Davila Tellez!!! We are so excited by how God is providing the tools necessary for reaching people through physical needs in order to have a chance to reach their SPIRITUAL needs! That is WHOLE HEALTH and just like our GOD! 

Our missionary partner, Donna, just told us about this great news.  Seeing how much impact the clinic has on the people in and around La Esmeralda is truly a blessing!  Having so many people see the importance and wanting in on the life change can only be the work of God himself.  The dental clinic has been a dream and a need for a while and to see it become reality is really exciting!  There are just a few more things that are needed to get the dental rolling, including a dentist.  We believe God will provide all of this in His timing and we will wait eagerly until then.  Will you pray with us for the people that will come and be part of the dental clinic?  As a dentist, as supporters, and as patients. "Nothing shall be impossible, Your Kingdom reigns unstoppable, we'll shout your praise forever more, Jesus our God unstoppable!" God is our faithful provider, let us never forget that He knows our needs and is faithful to provide for them. 

Introducing Pastor Denis and Karen

Let us introduce you to our partners in La Esmeralda, Pastor Denis and Karen. These two are the hands and feet of Christ everyday up in the mountains of Nicaragua. As Fox River, we are partnering with Denis and Karen to carry out God’s mission in La Esmeralda. There are many different areas where this takes place and we can see the fruit that God has produced. We have the honor and blessing to see how he is working in and through the lives of the Nicaraguans.

What does that exactly look like? Let us try to paint a picture for you and give you a glimpse of what they do.

In church

Each week they offer three services for all of the community to be a part of.  Pastor Denis preaches at the services.  Karen leads the childrens classes during these services, she also attends and supports Denis as he preaches and leads the congregation.  A service generally includes, music, a time of greeting, and a message.

At the clinic

In the clinic, every patient, before they are ever seen is given the opportunity to hear the gospel. On average in a year, the clinic sees 10,000 people.  That is 10,000 people who might not have heard the good news, and got to because of the clinic and the ministry Pastor Denis and Karen have built. As a church, supporting the clinic not only means the medical side of the ministry, but also it means that we are supporting the kingdom of God here on Earth.

How cool is it to know that when you partner with Fox River Missions, you are having an eternal impact?

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Youth Group

Youth group is a night dedicated to the teens of the community and reaching them where they are. This includes games, a message, and small groups. Denis and Karen are investing in the lives of these teens which is extremely important at such an opportune age where they start making big decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. It offers them a better place to go rather than getting caught up in the pressures of their peers.

Women’s Ministry

Karen leads a bible study for the women of the communities. Often times the women are behind the scenes in the community taking care of their families, so this is a great way for the women to come together, to dig into God's teachings, and to learn how to be a woman of Christ.  It refreshes them so that they can do the ministry of being a wife, mom, cook, etc.

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Sports Ministry

The sports ministry meets outside of the church walls and reaches youth that would not be involved in church otherwise. As a result, we have seen many lives changed through this ministry. Six of these athletes have come to Christ and are serving in the church in other ministries. This ministry is growing at a rapid pace and we expect to see much more growth as it continues to reach more and more people in and around the community.

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Pastor Denis and Karen are a vital part of Gods plan for the community of La Esmeralda. Their love for Christ and his people is truly inspiring. 

Would you join us in praying for them and their ministry?  

Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus

Have you ever wondered what it's like to take a mission trip? Consider joining the 2016 Kenya Mission Team in July. You will:

Meet our 800 incredible kids!

Students at New Life Academy, Bomani, Kenya

Students, staff, and team members at Crossroads Academy, Vipingo, Kenya

Participate in community service projects like hanging mosquito nets or building a mud hut.

Mosquito nets help provide protection from malaria and are a way for us to show love to the people of Kenya.

Building a mut hut is messy work, but a lot of fun, and provides a home for someone who needs it.

Community Outreach Days with soccer and volleyball tournaments, camel rides, face painting, acrobats, so much more!

And just loving on our kids!

Deadline is April 1 or until spots are filled. Read more on the Trips page. 

Feel a tugging on your heart? Pray about it and ask God if He is leading you to Kenya! If this seems outside your comfort zone, you may be surprised at how God works in you. One thing is certain, should you join our missions trip, you won't return the same!

How A Mission Trip Changed Jenni's Life

It wasn't until I was overcoming a bad depression that God reminded me I had always wanted to do a mission trip. I came into it with a need for purpose and a history of traveling on vacation to China, Thailand, Morocco and Egypt and seeing some of the poorest families on the planet. I had mentioned the desire to my boss who mentioned that her boss attended Fox River Christian Church and had a mission program. The meeting was the following week. So, with a great bit of fear, I attended my first church service at Fox River, attended the mission trip information meeting and joined a mission trip and a church that would change my life.

I had been consumed by fear. My relationship with my boyfriend was failing and I had wanted to leave for seven years. But, I was stuck. I remember the first trip being hard as I'm not great at developing relationships quickly but as I got settled, I learned there is so much more going on than in my little world in Wisconsin. Kenyan children do speak English but are very shy. They appreciate the smallest gestures: a hug, a smile, crafts. Each kindness brings hope to an unexplainable poverty. I learned about gratitude, love, friendship and a God who loves them and me. I learned about grace for myself to give grace to others.

The first trip was amazing: we built a house out of the earth! I left with a new outlook on life and lifelong friends. I left my boyfriend 10 days after that trip. I started buying my clothes at Good Will and I cancelled my cable TV. God told me to support three kids in Kenya and I looked at my budget and said yes! The letters over email I have written and received have given me great joy. In July, I will go back for a third trip because I can't imagine a better use of my time and resources.

I knew missions could change lives but I never expected I would be so impacted. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. It saved my life and gave me purpose and a reality check of what is important: love.

Emily's Nicaragua story

I remember coming back from Nicaragua. Those few short hours and even sometimes days after returning can be so, so difficult to cope with. I hate to say, but I spent most of the trip home either crying or trying desperately not to. It hadn’t even been a day yet, and I already missed Nicaragua and everyone in it more than I could put into words. Just imagine; everything that happened and everything you witnessed during your time there is so fresh in your mind that it can be difficult to cope with the fact that the world that you’ve grown up in is now the source of your culture shock. All I wanted was to be back in the country and with the people that I had fallen in love with. Coming back from a mission trip can be a really hard thing to explain. Everyone wants to hear about the “fun” things that you did. They want to see all the pictures and they want to hear the stories. But sometimes the stories are hard.

I was challenged, just as my teammates were, to love other people in less than ideal circumstances. When you’re on the outside of a mission trip looking in, it can be easy to see only the polished version. I don’t think anyone really means to make it that way. But it can be hard to look past the countless pictures on social media of all of the beautiful kids the team is getting to know and the countless lives that are being touched and remember that the team is made up of imperfect people, who are imperfect at serving each other and even imperfect at serving the community they are in. Mission trips—at least for the two that I was on—are full of challenges and uncomfortable situations that force growth in people. And sometimes fighting that growth can be an ugly thing. Sometimes it comes out in impatience or a lack of mercy and grace for a fellow team member. Sometimes it comes out in moodiness or unforgiveness. Whatever form it takes, something I quickly realized on my trips was that things were not always as perfect as we like to make them seem. There were many times where I was less than thrilled with my teammates. I know for a fact that there were times that they were less than thrilled with me. However, it was in those times that Jesus could really work in our hearts and change us to become more like Him.

Despite these imperfections and challenges, I know that I wouldn’t want to look back on it any other way. I think that we have a tendency to want to take our stories and clean them up so that they can fit into a tidy and polished version. But that isn’t reality. If we take an honest look at the bible, we can see that God’s people have been a mess throughout history. Even some of the most notable figures in the bible have stories that are far from perfect. David, Moses, even Paul. Just like it is common with mission trips, sometimes the mess in these people’s stories can be overlooked. In doing so however, I think we rob ourselves of the true beauty that God can work from our mess and our imperfection. How could we fully understand God’s saving power in Paul’s life if we did not first understand where he came from? How would we be able to see the vastness of God’s grace if we didn’t fully grasp the weight of David’s decisions? How can we see the beauty that God works in cross cultural missions if we don’t also let ourselves see that we are an imperfect team of people trying to love an imperfect community with a lifestyle very different from our own? The answer is truly that we can’t. We won’t be able to experience the depth of God’s grace for us if we aren’t honest about the depth of our shortcomings.

I wasn’t able to go on the trip to Nicaragua this past summer. Even though it’s been a year and a half or so since I’ve seen the friends that I made there, I still miss them oh so much. There’s been a lot that’s changed in my life since the last time I was there, a lot of new places that my Lord has led me, and a lot of new things that He’s taught me. Even though many of the people that I went to Nicaragua with have gone their separate ways, it’s been amazing to see how our church’s partnership with the church in La Esmeralda has shaped some of my team members and their futures. I think there is something truly beautiful in serving cross culturally, and seeing Jesus reflected through another group of people. There was a lot that was challenging about being in Nicaragua, and a lot that was challenging about trying to love people who know a very different life than we do. In that though, there was so much beauty in loving and being loved by our friends in Nicaragua that has changed me for the better.

Weekend relaxing and returning home

First of all, we're home! I write this as we're on a bus from Chicago back to Fox River. My apologies that the last few posts have been a bit delayed from the events they describe -- this blogging is time-consuming for a chronic perfectionist with attention issues and a weird sleep schedule while abroad!

Saturday was mostly a day to relax and recuperate from the exhilarating but tiring week at the schools. The team had free time to relax by the pool or enjoy the beach along the Indian Ocean just behind our hotel. Most of us did just that -- after enjoying the opportunity to sleep in a bit.

In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to attend the wedding of two dear friends: Jenna Horgan and O'Neal Nyanje. Jenna first went to Kenya with one of Fox River's medical mission trips, returned on several short trips before deciding to spend a year in Kenya, and ultimately return to stay, O'Neal is a part of the Crossroads Fellowship family, where he serves on the audio team, among other things. Theirs is a long, beautiful story of God's working, but out of the scope of this blog. Suffice it to say, many members of our team consider them to be family so it was a joy to be there to witness two great people taking their next step together.

O'Neal and Jenna beginning their married life together

Sunday morning was spent at Crossroads Fellowship church in Nyali. As you may recall from our first day in Kenya, this is where we spent the previous Sunday morning. This week, Susie Horne (Pastor Jim's wife) asked David and me (Jason) to sing with them on the worship team. That is always a special treat and a lot of fun to come together with our Kenyan brothers and sisters to praise our God. There's always a lot of energy and heartfelt worship when we come together in that place and Sunday was no exception.

This Sunday was also the Crossroads Fellowship Baptism Festival, so Pastor Jim Horne delivered a message on the importance of Baptism, looking at a variety of places in Scripture where Baptism either occurred or is discussed. With the significance of this crucial part of the believer's journey fresh in our minds, we walked next door to the church to Wild Waters water park, who graciously opened their doors for a large number of people to be baptized while their church family cheered them on. Over 60 men, women, and children were baptized in a fantastic celebration of faith.

Sunday afternoon was another period of free time. Again, some took to the beach (there was even a small group from our two teams that went to find a nearby geocache) and some wandered up the beach to Yul's, a favorite place to get pizza, burgers, and gelato. We were blessed to have some friends from Crossroads Fellowship join us at the hotel to spend our free time in fun and fellowship.

Of course, our last day in Kenya is always one of mixed emotions as many are sad to leave such a wonderful place with even better friends, but also eager to get home to our loved ones and our familiar surroundings. After we had said our final goodbyes, we had packing to do and a short time to sneak in a little nap before loading up the bus at 1am and departing for Moi International Airport at 1:30. 

The team departed the hotel in the very early hours of Monday morning.

Our travels back to the US were mainly uneventful -- which is just as travels through international airports after a tiring week should be. We had an almost two-hour delay in Istanbul (which may or may not have been a good time to blog about Friday's graduation day in Bomani...ahem), but somehow managed to arrive in Chicago more or less on time. It took longer than usual to get our luggage at O'Hare, but after a quick shock of the bitter cold in Chicago, we all made it to the bus and are still currently heading toward Fox River Waukesha. 

The team was pretty bright-eyed even after the first flight touched down in Turkey.

Thank you for following along and more importantly praying with and for us along our journey. There will, of course, be more stories to tell, photos to share, and videos to post about this short trip full of celebration and fellowship with our Kenyan brothers and sisters in the weeks and months to come. Not only that, but this blog continues to highlight work that Fox River Missions is doing in Kenya and Nicaragua throughout the year. So if you began reading here to follow this trip, we'd love for you to stick around and continue to read about God's amazing work that we are blessed enough to participate in. If you are a regular reader, please continue to share what you find here so that more people can know and hopefully join with us, and most importantly that God would be glorified in what we do.

Graduation Day in Bomani

On Friday morning, the team arrived at New Life Academy in Bomani as the final setup for the graduation ceremony was being completed. Because the chapel in Bomani is a bit smaller than in Vipingo, the proceedings would be taking place outside, with tents setup for the Fox River team, teachers, the graduates, and their families. It was very encouraging to see a very large group of parents and family members gathered to celebrate their students' hard work and achievement.

The ceremonies began with a procession of the graduates and honored guests. In true Kenyan fashion, this was a slow moving processional moving in the rhythm of a celebratory dance.

In addition to the 34 students graduating from Standard 8 (8th Grade) and moving into Form 1 (freshman year of high school), the kids moving from KG3 to Standard 1 were also dressed in their little robes and graduation caps. Bringing up the rear were four Americans being very good sports to dress in robes on a very hot, sunny day: Pastor Bobby Bechtel, the director of the Hope Foundation of Kenya; Pastor Jim Horne, representing Manna Worldwide with whom we partner to administer the school; Pastor Mark Roberts, representing Fox River; and Denise Conn (or Mama Denise as she is often called), as the one who administers and coordinates our missions in Kenya and Nicaragua.

KG3 and Standard 8 grads filing in

Pastor Mark and Mama Denise were very good sports about wearing the ceremonial garb on such a hot day. 

The students prepared several special performances to celebrate this special day. A student named Silas in Standard 3 (that is, 3rd grade) recited a history of the school, with impressive detail, entirely from memory. The choir sang two songs (one of which was quite familiar to the Americans in attendance - see the video below), and the school dance troupe performed a traditional Kenyan dance. Even the teachers performed a song as part of the ceremony. It was truly a celebration!

Silas did an incredible job reciting the history of New Life Academy by from memory. 

The school choir preformed two songs. 

The school dance troupe performed a very energetic traditional Kenyan dance. 

The graduation continued with addressed from several honored guests: Head Teacher Victor Kalama, Pastor Allan Owano (national Pastor overseeing New Life Academy), Bobby Becthel, Jim Horne, and Mark Roberts. Many thanks were given to the people of Fox River, whose generosity funds the school. One thing is very clear: the Kenyan people are exceedingly appreciative of the work we do.

Head Teacher Victor acted as the emcee for the graduation ceremony. 

Pastor Mark addresses the graduates

Mama Denise was especially thanked as the one who puts so much work into keeping these missions running smoothly, it's amazing that it's not her only job. She was honored with a portrait of her spending time with the kids she loves so much.

Lisa Becthel and Pastor Allan pose with Denise holding the portrait of her and the students in Bomani.

Each of speakers had encouraging words to the graduates and thanks to God for the incredible work He is doing in the lives of these students and families. The theme throughout the proceedings was perhaps most succinctly summarized by Pastor Bobby's words to the graduates. He challenged them that as they continue to secondary school go with God and to follow Him wherever they go.

Bobby's message was clear: go with God

One by one, the students were called forward to receive their certificate of completion, invitation letter to attend Valerye McMillan Hope High School, and a book bag with a Bible and other gifts. The three boys and three girls with the highest scores on the KCPE, the national primary school completion exam, received special recognition and a special gift of their high school sports kits (shoes and uniforms) purchased for them.

The students who received top scores on the KCPE were recognized and awarded.

Cutting the cakes and giving small pieces to each of the graduates wrapped up the graduation ceremony. Since the Vipingo graduation day, there has been some debate as to the veracity of the rumor that feeding the grads is a widespread Kenyan tradition. We'll have to leave that question to the ages. (In other words, it's probably not, and we're not entirely sure where it came from.) In any event, this time the parents got in on the cake feeding action. After one more final prayer, the graduation celebration concluded.

New Life Academy Bomani Class of 2015

We got to spend the rest of the afternoon on the campus of the school, talking to teachers, graduates, and students. This trip is entirely comprised of people who have been to Kenya at least once, so many of us had students we wanted to connect with while we had the time.

The graduation day in Bomani served to again underscore the incredible transformation that has taken place in these two communities. When we first began following God's lead to work in Kenya, these students were in KG3 - just barely beginning their education. Today, wearing caps, gowns, and smiles, they are ready to begin secondary education - something we often take for granted in the US, but is in no way a given here in Kenya.

By working through people willing to show love to the least of these halfway around the world, lives are being transformed and the kingdom of God is continually advanced. If you are one of our partners working in Kenya and Nicaragua, you have made this possible by saying yes to God. On behalf of our first graduating class, and all kids who will fill their shoes, we say: Asante sana na Mungu akubariki sana -- thank you very much and may God greatly bless you.

On our way home: Landed in Turkey

First of all, my sincere apologies that we're a little behind on the play-by-play of the trip. More is coming soon. 

Just wanted to update you that we have safely landed in Istanbul, Turkey. We have about an hour remaining in our layover before boarding and then we'll have a long flight to Chicago.

​So far, so good! Please keep the prayers coming!