For unto us a cow is born, unto us a calf is given! Wonderful!

Hi Mama Stephanie

Joseph got the report about the delivering of the cow that belongs to Sharon Mukoya. He requested Jackson and i to dash there and take the pictures of the cow with its new born calf. It is joy to see the cow at last with the calf, we are now counting two instead of one. I think the Lord is blessing the area through TGD because the cow seems to be a breed that produces a lot of milk. When we arrived at Shianda where sharon stays, we only managed to find her together with some children. The guardian had just left the house few minutes ago before our entry. Sharon was happy from the way she expressed her statements to us. On Saturday we had been at the site where the cow is being taken care of and therefore we confidently walked there accompanied by Sharon herself. The cow was eating nappier grass and it seemed to be in a perfect condition in terms of health. It is a beautiful cow that denotes a great blessing to the society at large. When I looked at the calf I was amazed to see that it was so big and yet it is only two days old. The cow is still producing colostrum and therefore the calf is under control so that it should not over suckle the colostrum from the mother. Thanks to SERVANTS OF JESUS for such a great gift.
I my own view this is very encouraging to see such great blessings come to the society. We have hope that there is a better tomorrow. The headlights are now shinning brighter and hope is now blossoming. If God can do this it is just an indication that he can do more and more than we can imagine. The myriads of activities that God is fulfilling under TGDs Umbrella are now growing. As we count the increase in orphans that are being sponsored through TDG, we also count our blessings such as this of the cow.
Blessings, Lawrence.

Heidi Baker newsletter

Here is a quote from the newsletter of Heidi Baker and her husband:
https://www.irismin.org/news/newsletters/view/core-values-at-iris#jump-losing-one-airplane-gaining-a-better-one

4) We understand the value of suffering in the Christian life. Learning to love requires willingness to suffer for the sake of righteousness. Discipline and testing make saints out of us, and produce in us the holiness without which we will not see His face and share His glory. With Paul we rejoice in our weaknesses, for when we are weak we are strong. Under great pressure we learn to rely on God, who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:9).
Jesus was rewarded for enduring evil opposition without sin. Our reward in heaven will be for the same -- doing the will of God. We resist sin, to the point of shedding blood, if necessary, by considering His example (Heb. 12:3). Jesus is glorified now not because He exerted His power against His enemies, but because He overcame them with love. That kind of love entails suffering, the willingness to turn the other cheek, go the second mile, deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him. He showed us the only way to be counted worthy, and the angels sing of him, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing" (Rev. 5:12). There is no shortcut to our heavenly inheritance. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (Rom. 8:17).

Email from Jackson

Hi Stephanie,




Today the junior staff spent the day packing the items ahead of tomorrow’s’ visit. The distribution of this month is very significant to these needy children. The price of essential commodities continues to rise and many families have been going without some. I know they have been waiting eagerly for this day and God is visiting them tomorrow. There is a great meaning in this ministry of feeding the hungry. I can’t imagine how they could have coped with the current food crisis if there was no help, but God renews hope to the hopeless.

We present tomorrow to our almighty God. Trinity Global development belongs to Him and what He has started will definitely accomplish His purpose no matter the obstacles. He has called us by our names to serve Him. Let His will be done.



God bless you abundantly,



Jackson.

Brenda and her mother

Brenda and Shaline---that is a precious countenance on Shaline!!!

TGD Kenya new staff behind four new students

These are actually PAYING students! That helps with materials they use and need.

Jackson, newly working as the team lead over orphans under Frank's supervision along with Lawrence at his side. Here he is with Zanaibu and her guardian.

September Newsletter Posted!

Please check out http://www.tgdonline.com/ and see the new orphan profiles!! PLUS the September Newsletter is also posted.
I am so thankful for the TGD Kenya staff, specifically Joseph Omuto and anyone who helped him! Thank you to Jesus that we now are getting the website updated!

check it out!

Coming Soon--More pictures

Thank you so much for reading the blog here. I am grateful for those who check in and live this precious life with me and/or for the Lord.....or even for curiousity. A special thanks to those who honor the friends and the children who benefit from the donations in Kenya. God bless all of you. I pray He reveal Himself to You and give the the Joy of Giving and the unity of our humanity on this temporal world.

The Love of Human Praise as the Root of Unbelief

This is the second one----listen to the other sermon (of the same name) FIRST


The Love of Human Praise as the Root of Unbelief

The Love of Human Praise As the Root of Unbelief

The Love of Human Praise As the Root of Unbelief

No One Ever Spoke Like This Man! on Desiring God

No One Ever Spoke Like This Man! on Desiring God

The Common Root of Unbelief in the Brothers of Jesus and the Jewish Crowds on Desiring God

The Common Root of Unbelief in the Brothers of Jesus and the Jewish Crowds on Desiring God

Mobile Library begins for orphans and their schools

Your sponsorship purchased these books and learning aids! They will be circulated amongst the sponsored children AND their schools---which are sorely lacking in any addition reading materials. Now the children are learning that the blessing coming to them can spread to others as well. Let God be their glory and the lifter of their head. Let Him crown them with honor and life.

Benjamin

Our apprentice leaders doing an excellent job! Duncan, Jackson, and Lawrence. We commend them to you and ask for your prayers for their health, determination, creativity and perseverence, in Jesus' name.

Shaline

Noel

New Latrines for Cornerstone Preschool and a new mobile library for TGD sponsored children and their schools!

Letter from Jackson, our new leader

Jackson leads with Frank's guidance. I wanted to share the letter I received this morning regarding Grace and Everlyn. Note that they would like storybooks. I can suggest some solid type of reading of a classic sort if you would like to send them or any of the other children some books.

Lawrence and I visited two orphans on Sunday. That is Everline and Grace. We really wanted to worship together with them but unfortunately they normally complete children Sunday service just at 9.00am. The service is conducted in their house by their uncle who is a preacher of the Anglican Church. On that day, the uncle was on a mission in the neighboring town.


We rushed to a nearby church, Word Center, where we had our Sunday service and promised to see Everline and Grace after the service. We really wish that these kids grow to fear the lord, that their spiritual life is nourished. We pray that they will live to be a great testimony in the kingdom of God.

After the service, we went back to Owaga’s home where Everline and Grace live. We were warmly welcome by their guardian. She could not hide her joy. It is a holiday season and almost all the children are at home. Our main aim of the visit was to know the general progress of these orphans. We inquired about their education, health, discipline and their hobbies if any.

These girls are really working hard at school. Their performance is remarkably good. We did not have a chance to look at their recent school report books because when they were closing the school, their guardian was not at the venue to pick their report books. She promised to go for them the following day. The health of these children is good. The guardian said that their health is very stable due to monthly distribution where these kids are supplied with food and clothes. Jackets have played a big role especially during this rainy season. These girls have at least a number of clothes and they now look presentable. The guardian hasn’t received any reports of indiscipline from the school and she pointed out that they are very obedient and she corrects them whenever they go wrong.

These children do love to study. Their guardian identified this as their hobby. Though they have insufficient school material such as books especially story books. We really insisted on education. Education progress of these children means a lot, not only to them but to the society as a whole. This is the gospel that we shall continue to preach to guardians. We need these children to excel in education. We had a great time with this family and chatted on many issues with the uncle who likes speaking about politics and current affairs. After the talk, we said goodbye to the family. Everline and Grace accompanied us to the nearest market where we bought some lollipops for them. They promised to share with the other kids. They were very excited.

As we boarded the vehicle back to our destination, they remained waving in the air unceasingly bidding us goodbye.

We intend to pay frequent visits to our children especially during this August holiday. There are challenges but we pray God will take us through.

God bless you and let us thank Him for showing us the true meaning of this life.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Jackson Nerrickson.

just got home

Not much time to sort things out yet, but it was so good to have Sarah and Nicole pick us up at the airport! And Nicole's little belly is growing with Raynor inside. I took a look online hoping to find some midwives in the Jackson, MS area, but to no avail. Well, I did find SOME things, but it was terribly hard to really get information. I don't think there are just stand alone birthing clinics there as there used to be. I went to midwives when I was pregnant with Kevin and I know Cindy delivered Doug somewhere about 30 minutes out of Jackson--did she say Meridian? There may be a birthing center there.
and there is no birthing at home in Illinois, either, because Anita is a Doula who would love to be a midwife. I'd love for her to be with Nicole, she is so matter of fact. of COURSE you can do this! Push that baby out! :-)
My puppies were glad to see us. They both went right to Steve and Penelope peed all over the place. She still does that sometimes as a submissive greeting pee. Yuck. She managed to spray Steve's shoe. Oliver did his special dance. I showed Sarah and Nicole some things I brought for them. I am not a big shopper so they are blessed to get anything! I bought something for Laura, Mom, and Kevin, too. Steve bought himself some new large collar dress shirts. I got myself a purse. We ate a lot of food. Meat, potatoes, cheese, wine. Steve had beer. I had milk. It's good to be home, as always. We have some house guests who came before I got home so that will be interesting when we run into them. They are here in Chicago for the Jesus Culture meeting at the Allstate center by the airport. I'm sure it is awesome and I'd love to be there but there is only so much running about that a wimpy soul can take.
I really pushed to make the trip to London include deeply spirtual aspects but I do think it pulled me down into the flesh in plenty of ways. So much human viewing, so much judging. At first, I was praying. If I saw anything untoward, I said a prayer. I blessed passersby. In the end, I was thinking things like, Oh I like that dress. Look at her hair. I'd like a purse like that. Oh she is so beautiful. Oh goodness they are an ugly couple. what were they thinking when they went out in THAT? I don't know. I think so many people ---just SO MANY PEOPLE sort of wore me down.
but in the quiet of St. Elizabeth's chapel, I spent a beautiful hour praying. It's just outside of Westminster Abbey. The tour through there is so disappointing as it is more of a shrine to man. Obviously, we all want to be praised and remembered. God deliver us from desiring praise from Man and let us work for your praise. I know when I left out of there, my prayerfulness was restored and I felt cleansed by the work of Christ on the cross and I know He makes peace for me. God's wrath, His justifiable wrath against me is removed as I look upon Jesus in love and faith. and I'm so thankful for the silence in there.
I wanted to go through Westminster, though, to this place on the inside where the cloisters were. There is a garden and I thought I could access it without going through the tour, but I could not. They had another little museum in there, something like what the clerics wore through the years maybe--I can't remember now, but I remembered my delight from the past. I had hoped to sit outside in that courtyard and just be silent before God (yes, I always find that hard unless I'm really blitzed mentally. then I am mostly unable to pray which is quite different from silence before the Lord.)
but I loved the history of Christians, even though it is torrid and we're horrible people and the faithful fall even as bad as the weeds/goats that grow up among us. It shouldn't be like that.
on the way home, in the plane, the girl sitting next to me was horridly annoying. She dominated the arm rest and continually spilled over into my space. I prayed a thousand times for grace. Shifted myself away suddenly as a subtle hint which she never seemed to care about. I thought about what would I seem like if I TRULY loved God and was able to really access His Love for me and allow His grace to generate love for her. what would that be like?
well, I likely wouldn't be reading the Economist and Marie Claire. I mean, can you see Mother Theresa or a Tibetan monk reading a fashion magazine? No. Does that mean I shouldn't? unsure. Diana was a precious soul and she read fashion magazines---not that I use her as an excuse. I know JESUS did not read fashion magazines because they didn't have them.
but I do know that he had a form such that you would not desire him. so he wasn't charasmatic or a dandy or slick.
I just know I don't EXUDE Jesus. I think about Him all the time. I love Him most of the time (the other time I'm not thinking of Him, that's all.) I eagerly await the grace to be given me when He appears. I appropriate the grace for living TODAY.
I just wish I were more.
you know. I want to be the perfect Christian. Probably just to get the praise of man, which is sin. so let's not go there. I want to glorify GOD!
Even as I set about to serve Him in one way or another, I was thwarted. So then I realized--hey, I obeyed, right? I think it is this American Thing about PURPOSE. We want to be efficient and have PURPOSE.
So I laid it down and said, okay, so I made the effort because of what I thought you wanted and it didn't happen and that's okay, right? because it is between You and me. and then what happened??? The follow through. I DID get to do that thing (unmentionable here--but you have this experience, too, so just fill it in with your attempts to serve Him in Love.)
and then I was happy all over. Take it in because it is fleeting! Happy all over. Thank you, Jesus. I run in the path of your commands for You have set my heart free (is that in Psalm 119?) That's how I feel.When you love someone, doing something for them is so delightfully easy. When you don't love someone, it feels like slavery and so burdensome. Same with God. Loving Him makes everything easy!
(even tolerating someone taking up your personal space repeatedly for over 8 hours.)
well, maybe I didn't make it on that one. I'm still sort of miffed.
Forgive me, Lord, and cleanse me with your blood. Your precious blood that saved me --I died with you on that cross. and You raise me up. Hallelujah!

Laura's wedding on Tribeza blog

http://tribeza.com/myblog/behind-scenes-caterer%E2%80%99s-view-wedding

It's all about the fabulous caterer, but if you click on the link where "Laura and Garson" are first mentioned, it takes you to their engagement photos by Forever Photography and you can scroll down to see them if you haven't seen them before.

Illuminated manuscript - Victoria & Albert Museum - Search the Collections

Illuminated manuscript - Victoria & Albert Museum - Search the Collections

Victoria and Albert Museum

Now i have so many things on my mind. I wrote Frank in Kenya and wrote Sarah/Brenda about precious Lily cat needs to have her final nap. I am in the room by myself while Steve does Very Important Things. and then I found that Susan had taken a fabulous photo of me and Steve kissing at Laura's wedding. (THANK YOU SUSAN!!) I saved it off to Steve's computer and loaded it up here. Happy Me!
Then, i've been hearing all these Londoner's speaking. Nicole has discovered the delicious cinnamon bear, but Sarah tells me they are so sticky on teeth that they've not eaten many of them.

Today was the Museum. We've gone to it before, but it is such an amazing place that you wear out before you can take it all in. We did the medieval area, of course. But we have just been to Germany and I've watched the movie "LUTHER" on my ipod, and then going to St. Martin's----I'm just full of Jesus in a ceremonious way. I long for the structure and beauty and form of worship where you sit and kneel and stand. where there are symbols and processionals. I learned just today that the reason the catholics have that censor of incense is to create an atmosphere of the tangible presence of God. Oh that's lovely.
His presence is ALWAYS with us. Read Psalm 139--you cannot flee from God! There is no place without Him! and then He is holding all things together. Now God is not the tree. God made the tree and He holds the tree together. He holds the universe together and He manifests Himself to us. Oh that the God who created a vast universe would pierce my consciousness and SPEAK! I love Him.
To see all these elaborate articles of worship and these beautiful tapestries that have been created by someone somewhere who treasured Christ. There were these beautiful panels which depicted parts of the book of Revelation. I stopped and marveled and noticed the audio headset there. I picked it up and got an interpretation of the scenes. There was also chants unto God, beautiful singing and the interpretation. I was transported. When I saw some works lovingly made --religious articles, true, but some of those artists LOVED HIM. And they glorified Him in their work and there I was standing looking at it and someday I may meet them and say, "I saw what you made and I worshipped God there."
There is so much more to say, but now that I've written that, everything else seems silly. Worthy is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Kiss of love and joy at our daughter's wedding

Thanks to Susan for taking this great photo!

beautiful service

Today we started out early. Skipped the pricey room service and stopped at a local outdoor cafe for breakfast. Kind of an Italian place, we'd eaten there before. They had a full English breakfast for 7 pounds. I had scrambled eggs and cheese bread. The real food to mention, though, was our late lunch back again near our hotel---Steve got the roast beef and yorkshire pudding. A family favorite. I've given out the recipe to friends. IT WAS FABULOUS! (made me think of mummy and duhdy--my fake English accent there.) It was not as beefy since we add bacon drippings but oh my goodness, the eggy delight. I'm getting that next time. I opted again for cheese toast--2nd time in a day. Garlic, I should add.
The best part of the day is that at breakfast we could hear the church bells ringing. I knew we were near St. Martin's in the Field ( you can google it.) But those bells started at 9:15 or something. Just a tad rude to the folks nearby perhaps? Not that I minded, but I think of those muslim calls to prayer. You know, the faithful only need a bit of a honk and they will get to praying or head to church. Drawing it out only irritates the unbelievers----doesn't likely bring any conviction at all. so what is the point? not that I'm deciding what any one needs to do. I'm not on the bell committtee. But I DO love to worship Jesus and particularly observe a special time on Sunday where I worship with others. Any one who follows Jesus Christ is my buddy so off we went. Steve suggested we go in, I think I was nervous once we approached. I have truly visited so many churches around the USA and the world, but I just felt awkward.
In we went and they handed me the program as we passed by. I scooted as close to the front as Steve allows and moved in below the place where the man preaches. It's those olden days kind where he's stuck out there like Martin Luther or one of the Puritans, I don't know. It'd different than those just at the front. I didn't know if we were in a protestant place, angelican or catholic. No matter to me because I read through the program and it was deeply reverent, filled with scripture, and fully loving Jesus. yay! and they had those super cool prayer benches. (I WANT A PRAYER BENCH!)
it's a service you can easily chime in with locals because it's all played out for you. I sang the songs off key because I didn't know them and it is hard to follow in real time. You know, the go up on the note and I was in mid range following them up on that last syllable but whoops, they were going down just then. a bit comical. especially when they got to the greeting part because I know to say God be with you  and answer "and also with you" and so I turned to the guy on the other side of me. but he did not extend his hand. I said, "Aren't we supposed to shake?" he said, I think in just a bit. OOPS. nervous laugh. and then it was time and he was obviously a real Christian, that warm nice look in his eye and he said it with meaning. and all the people around me did also. Wow, not common to actually land in the middle of a bunch of people who actually MEAN to love you in that moment. so that was pretty cool. I was blessed. because I am one of them, too, reaching out to each person, even that guy I messed up with: "God be with you." from my heart. Be saved, be forgiven, be loved, be changed, love others joyfully and many more things I mean when I say it. They meant it, too, oh I wish I could describe better.
I didn't take communion, although I usually do, because they do the "drink from the same chalice" stuff and that guy was NOT doing a good job of wiping like they did over in Westminster Abbey when we did communion there. THAT time the guy wiped hard and fully inside and out on the lip of the cup. I just figured I'd pass. You could go up if you were in Christ but they also offered a blessing if you wanted to come up and just bow your head and not get communion. Well, i had worn FLIP FLOPS---kind of not church wear. i still could have gone, right? The preaching was really good and I loved all the symbolism since we dont' have that much. Turns out they were Catholic when they prayed for their father in rome. Well, I pray for him, too. God bless him and lead him. He's an influential man.
This church is particularly meaningful because I am descended from a couple who were married there in that church! how awesome is THAT? and there I was in that church.....great great great something rather. have to ask my dad. He found out about how Clark goes back so far in England and then on one of the women's lines we can go back to 1473. 
After that wonderful morning, we got on the underground and headed over to the tower of London and to see the tower bridge. we meant to make it to the Globe Theatre but we had to get there before 12 and we spent so much time trying to find the restrooms after church that we wouldn't have made it. maybe later. We knew from the messsage not to push it. Leave room for silence. Go slow. rest. That's what we are doing now. (uh...i'm not being silent but I am resting.)
Looking at couples and families and clothing and hearing accents and dialects and languages is pretty entertaining. Throngs of tourists. we mingle and weave. The sun was shining brilliantly and the wind was blowing a cool relief and we got to see a great little play just outside of the Tower of London. We went into the National Gallery and found a portrait of the boy who inspired Christopher Robin holding his beloved Pooh bear and i melted and grabbed him close, loving him through his cellophane wrapping. Oh darling pooh. You are a beloved icon! i read it on CNN. I've always loved you, my adventurous bedfellow. All those nights I rescued you from the floor of lava and just barely got you onto the raft (bed) safely. From there we could pick out the mickey mouse and donald duck figures on the sheets together. Silly bear. how I love you.
Perhaps Nicole's little Rayner needs a bed fellow? Or would sarah and I weep at the loss? One favorite sweet quote from little Sarah....."you think I only love pooh bear because you love him???? no. i love him myself." how precious is that? and she said it with the most earnest loving charm and assurance. We still have him and he's lovely. Not like this wild and flamboyant pooh bear of today. Next thing you know, Peter Rabbit will be morphing into Roger Rabbit like Pooh has sort of done. But this sweet old original bear....he even comes before our pooh. We'll decide all together about his future.

From Germany to London

It has been strange to be unconnected to the general populace. My phone stays off and we rarely have internet connectivity as we are out and about.
Germany was another new country and we drove along the Rheine seeing castle after castle on the high hilltops on either side. Quaint little towns below with adorable old buildings lining the river banks. Barges and boats floating by. The weather was perfect, very warm with a slight wind. We were in the car but we would have loved to climb those steps to the castles which had differing qualities of repair. Some were just ruins and others were clearly still in use in some manner. Oh to have google at my finger tips! I would have looked up St. Goar and Obervessel (I have that second one spelled incorrectly.)
We had driven on the autobahn to Veldhoven in the Netherlands--I have already been through Amsterdam but now I was really somewhere in the Netherlands rather than just passing through. and there was no border check. That was odd. It was just like crossing a state line in the USA. Just a sign and then you are somewhere else.
and oh I already miss precious little Julian and little Sophie!!! My goodness those children have captured my heart. I asked to speak to Julien on the phone and he said, Aunt Stephanie, I am missing you. (PRECIOUS!) because we had gone around that day talking and talking. He's such an interesting little guy. Very verbal in both languages. He told us he wanted to be a train driver. Then later he said he wanted to be a bus driver. His mom asked him, Which one then? and I explained that it depended on what he liked. Did he want to have lots of people get on and off and make lots of turns and go around different places? or did he want to go in one sort of straight line but with lots of power. He thought a minute and said; " I want the power." I told him, "Trains it is, then."  and he agreed.
and now we've come to London. It is always good to be in London. Such a hub of activity! and the variety of peoples everywhere--great to watch and pray for. We are close to Picadilly Circus in this crazy hotel. It is very expensive due to location, but they are really working on everything to be ready for the Olympics in 375 days (we saw a countdown clock in front of the National Gallery.) I wish I could show the room--I did make a video because I was incredulous. Purple crushed velvet bedding and garish silver printed lavender leather for a wall of a headboard. Purple couch and well, you half expected to see something like a mirror on the ceiling, but praise God, they didn't go that far. The toilet room had a bidet and a sink and a door for privacy but the tub in like smack in the middle of the whole suite! It's shaped like half an egg shell. I love baths but it seems scary to try to get out of that one and step on the marble floor. The towels hang on heated bars--that is super cool--but steve made it super COOLER and by that I mean cold! the room was at 19 c and I froze this morning. I had them bring an overpriced breakfast to the room and I guess I'll make do in the future with something from a nearby grocery in order to avoid those costs. We got that blood sausage which looks like a black jimmy dean sausage patty but if you bite into it, you spit it right out--UGH! I did get them to leave off the tomato and mushrooms. Just not what I like to see in the morning. and the baked beans don't work for me in the states, I sure don't want them here.
I have no idea what we'll do today. We keep trying to decide. We've done all our supreme favorites at least twice already--but we may do the tower of London anyway. I'll go out to the Kew Gardens and view the National Gallery when Steve works on Mon and Tues. I'd like to go see if I can find something cool for Nicole's baby due in November. Other than that, I never buy trinkets for anyone because they end up in the trash or worse--some people keep them and clutter their lives needlessly. I am really not a shopper anyhow and so although everything looks so cool, the prices here will keep you from reaching out to bring something home. No---just look and smile and walk on by.
I think I am finally rested. My shoulder seems to have stopped bothering me for now. I am working well on this time zone. It's 9am here and I want the room to warm up a bit before getting ready. We are near a lovely park and I'd like to go sit and watch the geese or hear some music in the square. I am right by Jeremyn St. where I think an ancestor was a butcher--unless that's the one that was a watchmaker/jeweler. I had ancestors who were from SoCo when it was nice and then in the70s it turned into a dive. Now it is restored again and I hear it is lively in a good way.
We are at Leicester square (really I should check out the spelling in the guide) but it does seem like a bit of a red light district-and I don't recall seeing it this way before. The theatres are all around here--maybe that is part of it, but we feel so out of place in this modern hotel. In Germany, it was so cool and European. Everything seemed so European--because it was!! ha ha! Here, we get to speak our language---I keep struggling on accident to say Bitte (please) or Dankeshen (thank you spelled wrong by me) or even Spanish or Swahili. I want to say, Asanta Sana (thank you very much.) it is fun. I'm in England. The motherland. Steve was in his German motherland. Actually, I am a citizen of heaven on my way home and I can't wait---but for now, I am in this part of the world where the congestion of Chicago seems mild and suddenly everything in the US seems low priced and reasonable.
I'd like to visit some churches. I'd like to sit in the parks. I might go see a palace on mon or tues. I know I want to see some gardens. I watched Martin Luther (the movie) on my Ipod last week and really enjoyed Germany thinking about him. How good it is that he translated the bible to common language. how thankful I am.
in the middle of all this here in London, I spied a white board where someone had written Psalm 107. (He sent His Word and healed our disease.) and I was so encouraged in my heart. What is this life but a gate to the next? A testing. An opportunity to love and obey God. when you love Him, it is so easy to obey--He puts that love in your heart and you love other people! When you don't love God, I can see and remember how everything feels like you aren't allowed to have your own way. it feels like you are shamed and you resist that shaming. When you come to Christ in repentance, your sins are forgiven and what power to LIVE! and to live well. and to enjoy things! Did I even notice the flowers before i knew Jesus? Did I even see the beauty in others before I knew Him? Did I long to help the downtrodden or the helpless? maybe a little of that, but mosty I just cared for me and mine. Mostly I wanted to avoid getting hurt by all the mean people in the world. Now I care that they understand God's love and I understand they are hurting or just sinful, as I am. Meanness has such a small effect on my now, although it can make you lose your balance at first from shock.
We saw a guy in the lane who seemed to be persuing the crowd for an opportunity to steal. We prayed for him in several ways.
How can I make a difference in this world for Jesus as I'm here in London? I ask the Lord but I am unsure if I will do anything I would consider meaningful. For now, I'm with my husband who prefers to travel WITH me. I got to visit family on the other side of the world. That was lovely. and I guess I will just enjoy where I am at and praise Him.

In Germany

I won't have any pictures of Laura's wedding for a while. When some friends send them to me, I will try to post a couple of good ones here. For those on facebook, it is much easier to see a variety of photos that people have already posted. Plus, I am tagged in some of those photos.

I wasted all of today in Germany by sleeping. We came into the city on Saturday morning and we went straight to bed and slept all day and night. Then Ben Weeks, Steve's nephew, came out to pick us up at 9:30am on Sunday morning. We had a great day with him and Leah's family! We had Jael's (Leah's sister) birthday dinner with the family --it was delicious! We had a wonderful assortment of German foods and their favorites. We got to see baby Sophie, who is so adorable, she can't even help but be perfect! and little Julien, now four, was a hoot. He is very verbal in both languages. He wanted more food than his father put on his plate. We all chuckled at him. He stood there on his chair, looked around and said, "There is nothing here to laugh at." with all seriousness. Of course, we laughed all the more. His father told him, "They are just laughing because you are so cute." which was true. He's a precious boy and very smart and active--as four year olds tend to be.

We got to go visit St. Elizabeth's Church. She was married to some rich ruler (I forget which one) but when he died, she went on to live a life of simplicity but work for the poor. She founded a hospital of sorts and was very generous and kind. A church was built over her burial spot and then later they dug up her bones to put them in the altar for veneration. I'm sure she would not be pleased! She wouldn't want a giant church in her honor or she could have built that. She would want to inspire others to serve the poor. I liked her. I bless her. I pray I meet her in heaven. They certainly built a lovely church in her honor and I had a peaceful moment of prayer amidst the mutterings of tourists around me.

Then we went to the Castle Marhlburg or something. I'll have to come back and correct that spelling. It was amazingly large. It was built on a hilltop. So interesting to see these castles jutting up in the sky. Their good vantage points are obvious. There were many delightful relics in the place. We went up and down miles of stairs. The stairs here tend to be in circles; definitely a space saver. There were some gorgeous tapestries. One of them made my jaw drop and I had to resist my strong instinct to brush my hand across it. It was maybe 10 feet wide and about 7 feet high. I was not allowed to take pictures and in that moment I was longing to break the rules and steal a photo. (The Holy Spirit gave me grace and I went away honorably.)
Steve enjoyed the armour and the shields. It was a beautiful place with a lovely view of the town below.

I had hoped to get up today to go to Grandpa's 80th birthday but my body refused to wake. I am still having shoulder/neck pain and it drains my already lazy body. I hoped all the sleep would help but it is there haunting me still. All prayers are appreciated. Drugs are not helping. Nothing seems to help. and then today I had that carpal tunnel issue in my left hand. Chronic pain is so unnerving! It leads me to compassion for people who experience far deeper levels than I can imagine. All over the world, even the rich are unable to soothe what ails them--and the poor? They suffer with so many ailments we quickly dismiss with this or that treatment. Pray today for those less fortunate than you. Pray today looking at what you DO have rather than focusing on what you want. Oh Lord, we are grateful to You. Oh Lord, grant us your mercy by the Holy Spirit in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Blessed covenant season: Frank and Cynthia

Here's just two of my favorite pictures among many. Congratulations to Frank and Cynthia, already married by African Tradition, but sealing their covenant before God through a ceremony acknowledging Christ. Amen.

Wedding is coming up!

Getting close. Garson Skelton will marry our baby Laura on July 16.

This Friday is Kevin's birthday-27!

This Saturday, Frank in Kenya officially marries his wife in a Christian ceremony. They were married by the African 3 cow method originally. I'm so happy that they are making vows before God! But there is no prescribed wedding instructions in the Bible, so the cow method works, too.
Garson hasn't given us any cows. I don't know where we would put them.
We are going to have a beautiful ceremony in Austin and I pray the Lord give us a miracle: a cool night in July with no rain for the wedding on the 16th. Pray we manage to complete all the details! We bless them with long life, good health, prosperity, good strong relationships and a whole life devoted to glorifying Jesus Christ!

TGD Kenya FRONTRUNNERS Program

Repha needs $1200 for a complete high school education. We disburse funds monthly across four years.

Vitalis is nearly finished! He needs $600 total to complete his education. He hasn't paid this year and is in danger of being kicked out, but his dedication allows him to attend. He has half of this year and all of next year to finish.We hope that God provides the funds so this young man can go the whole way! You can see his story in the June Newsletter.

Lydia sponsored a full year!

It is such a joy to see that Lydia has a new full sponsorship for the year! She's been given the gift of $600 for the year which pays for her uniform/school fees/school supplies plus a monthly allotment of goods such as water purification drops, toilet paper, rice, beans, oil, flour, oranges and more. Our Kenyan team stays on top of the current needs. One month they provided extra clothing and on another month each child received a jacket.

New children sponsored. Hallelujah!

You can read more about these two in the upcoming July Newsletter! These children do not have to pay school fees to Cornerstone Preschool due to their dire poverty, so their homes will see a larger amount of food and water treatment.

NEWSLETTERS: Review how God is blessing and comforting....

Here are the TGD links NEWSLETTERS!!!!
Seriously, these really work. My guys in Kenya got these on the TGD web server! Now they will be able to usdate the TGDonline web site remotely. THAT IS SO COOL. I am blessed to have such hard workers together with me for the Lord. All Thanks to Jesus for His Glorious Mercies! now check these out:


June Newsletter
http://www.tgdonline.com/newsletters/tgdjune2011.pdf

May Newsletter
http://www.tgdonline.com/newsletters/tgdmay2011.pdf

April Newsletter
http://www.tgdonline.com/newsletters/tgdapril2011.pdf

March Newsletter
http://www.tgdonline.com/newsletters/tgdmar2011.pdf

 To have the files download to the local computer then one needs to right click on the link and select Save As but if you are on a relatively fast connection then you can just click on the link and it will open in the browser.

Sharon Osimbo honored by all. God is glorified when we love one another

Beautiful lace purchased by her sponsor

TGD Kenya served her well

Thank you to Gail Reed for providing a glorious funeral

Titus honored her with his full robes and acquiring tents for the gatherers

Mama Anita and Team honored our precious child, one of our own

Frank shared his memories

Mama Florence, Sharon's guardian, and her brother and not sure who on the right

Surely her classmates could see how we loved her

and even in the end, Sharon blessed them with a good meal provided by her sponsor

The full Cornerstone choir memorialized brave and kind Sharon, she always prayed for a sponsor but waited many months patiently

another set of school children coming to pay respects

Please Donate today--it's not too hard to change a life right now

Watch our video:
http://www.youtube.com/user/stephanietexasrivers?feature=mhee#p/a/u/0/Qfjyk5IuoSQ
Orphan Day Out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFBEAY6tn_Y

So proud of our girl, JANE!

Jane proudly poses in her offical Butere Girls School uniform. THANK YOU SPONSORS and thank you for her extra donor who made this happen!

A very real tragedy brings some blessing in the end.

Both girls were devasted by the loss of their precious grandfather who loved them and kept up with their schooling--he was so proud of them. When he passed, their situation turned bleak, but God had the Trinity Global Development team in place to watch over them. We added Grace to the sponsored children list and brought some hope back into their life!

Everline and Grace's new guardian

After the guardian/grandfather died, Frank and Team went to visit the extended family of Everline and Grace. There were four of the grandfather's children still alive, but all in such dire straits. Very sad situations and this woman's was among them. Still, she seemed the best suited to care for the children.

She was married with children when her son developed Cerebral Palsy (or muscular dystrophy! sorry I cannot remember.) The husband abandoned her for another woman and left her to care for their children alone. She did nto abandon her son but continues to work for his development.

The money that Everline's sponsor, Laura Stubbins, donated would help cover costs of bringing in Everline, but not Grace.. Frank suggested to me that we really work to sponsor Grace because this home was so needy and every single bit of aid would go a long way. It would be a hardship on this mom to bring in two girls, however, she could see that she was the best option for the girls and the whole family had gathered over concern for them.  We took on Grace as a general donation case and assigned Kevin Rivers, who gives a monthly general sponsorship which help covers those sponsors who are unable to pay at times or who forget. The good news is that a new donor has just offered to sponsor a child for a year, The Terhune's will take over and sponsor Grace this year. What a special blessing! When we all come together, then the needs get met and God is glorified. It is good to be in His service and to be His Hands and His Feet. It's GOOD NEWS when these families learn that someone far away has spotted them in the crowd and although we don't know each other, we share in our humanity before God and care for one another.

Emmanuel, Elizabeth, Fredrick, Mary and Paul

My New Favorite Picture! Frida from the May distribution. C. Horst sponsors her