Time for reflection and relaxation
Posted on 26. Aug, 2010 by rmartin in Africa Updates, Blog
August 26, 2010 – Dar es Salaam
Time to Chill and reflect
We spent today relaxing in Dar, shopping and hanging at the beach. It was the end of a busy and blessed trip. It was good to simply sit and reflect on what God has done, ponder what He will do, and enjoy His creation.
Indian Ocean jump
We spent the morning hours visiting the future home of ICM Tanzania in Bagamoyo. Bagamoyo was once a home to slave traders and much evil. Now, it will be used for the teaching and training of pastors and leaders to take the gospel forth into the world. What a change and what restoration God can accomplish when we follow His lead.
The ICM property is on a gentle slope that sits atop a crested hill. The property has a full view of the valleys before Dar es Salaam and also to the west and Bagamoyo. It will be a beautiful campus that God will use to bless people, leaders and the community. I can’t wait to stand on that ground at the opening ceremonies to see celebrate what God has done.
After the tour of the ICM property, we stopped to view a mining project and watch the workers. It looked like a prison
ICM land in Bagamoyo
camp. But, the workers were happy to be employed and earning a living. It is much different than the states where people often forsake hard labor. Here, folks are just happy to be busy and working. It was quite a sight to witness men and women sitting and breaking rocks with simple tools by hand.
Following the mining stop we were pulled over by a zealous policeman. It was a hot conversation as the officer was asking James about his stickers. In Tanzania, your insurance and any other items the government requires are posted on your windshield. It gets to be very very cluttered. James and the policeman argued for a bit and the policemen even made a derogatory comment about James being Kenyan. Finally, we paid a fine, he gave us another sticker, that James said would be used to help the president get re-elected, and we went on our way.
Hard working Miners
Last stop for the boys in Tanzania was the Giraffe Hotel where we swam, ate lunch and relaxed. It was a fitting end to a great couple weeks of ministry. Although we only got to spend an hour and a half at Giraffe we thoroughly enjoyed the relaxation. Now, off to catch our flight home after a quick dinner with the Kamaus.
Thanks again for helping us get to Tanzania and blessing Mamma Teddy and the children with all the items we delivered. We will forever remember this time and the good work God did in Kenya and Tanzania. We are blessed to be a blessing!
We are planning a return trip in November and December so let us know about your interest in partnering with Covenant as we bless orphans in Africa and train African leaders!
Kicking it in Africa
Bwana Asifiwe and Mungu awabariki sana! (Kiswhili for Praise the Lord and God Bless you all very much!)
For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin
Mamma Teddy Update – Blessed to Be a Blessing
Posted on 24. Aug, 2010 by rmartin in Africa Updates, Blog
August 24, 2010 – Dar es Salaam
Blessed to be a Blessing
Our time in Africa is coming to a close. The same pattern has now repeated itself multiple times. On each trip, I lose a bit of American rush and bustle just about the time I must leave the slower pace of Africa and go back to it! The bumper stickers that say “No Hurry in Africa” were printed for a reason. Oh well, maybe I’ll take the slower pace home.
James Kamau and Amos
Today the team split in three directions. Isaac stayed home to recover from being ill with the flu. Mark went to paint at Mamma Teddy’s Orphan Home. I organized the purchase of beds, supplies, paint, and food and then taught a seminar at the WAPO Biblical Counseling and Intercession Center in Madjimituti.
The day was a huge success for the children at Mamma Teddy’s. The paint brightened their home and hearts. The pillows were a simple gift that gave comfort. The mosquito nets provided protection and the food sustenance. Thanks for helping make the children smile and know that God loves them. We have shared that there are many people back in the USA that helped make this happen. Again, thanks for sending us and the resources to the children.
Tomorrow will be a very special day. We will complete the painting of the exterior and interior of the house. Beds will be delivered and set-up. The nets will be installed and we will bless the home with prayer.
Soon, we will leave Africa and head back to the States. Although we may be leaving, we will be back and we will always have Mamma teddy and the kids in our heart.
Deo one of the youth leaders
Please continue to pray for the team. I have more teaching engagements with pastors and leaders, a board meeting and to negotiate prices and delievry of some items such as bikes. Additionally, we are working with Water Missions International for a water well. Please pray for Mark and Isaac as they work at Mamma Teddy’s painting setting up food and furniture and hanging with the kids.
Thanks again for sending us to Africa to be the hands and feet of Jesus!
For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin
Mamma Teddy’s and Joy!
Posted on 23. Aug, 2010 by rmartin in Africa Updates, Blog
August 23, 2010 – Sunday, Dar es Salaam
Mamma Teddi’s House for a Day of Joy!
What a day! We arrived at Mamma Teddy’s to find the children and Mamma Teddy awaiting our arrival with a fantastic lunch and their best dress. It was a big day for us and a big day for them. I will never forget their faces as we passed out gifts and they became excited to see the men that took them to lunch and a soccer match. It was nothing short of spectacular.
RL and Amos
Once we settled in at the home, I read the children a Clifford the Big Red Dog story. They were mesmerized by the reading and the attention Mark, Isaac and James were giving each child. After reading, we passed out clothing and craft supplies for the children and gave the boys soccer balls. It was like Christmas morning!
The interior of Mamma Teddy’s home was plain and in need of repair and restoration. The children have no beds and no private areas. What is really needed is another living area. This will be our next project. As for now, we are focusing on beds, a clean water solution, food and nutrition, and basic needs. One immediate need is to enroll a new youth into school. We will take care of these needs while here.
I was touched by the emotions experienced by our team today. Every man was weeping at some point either in joy or sorrow. The tears of joy were for the smiling faces and warm hearts the children shared. The tears of sorrow were regarding their plight and condition. These kids have nothing in material worth but they have great love and kindness in their hearts. My life is forever scarred with their resiliency and joy despite the struggle.
Mamma Teddy - our hero!
Gifts from Covenant!
We held a team meeting at Mamma Teddy’s with Mamma teddy and the children. One of the children pulled out a letter and read it to me. In the letter he said,
“Thank you for coming. We are doing well. God is with us. We know that we are your children. We are your children. You have chosen to care for us. We want to thank you.”
When the child read “We know that we are your children” I was floored. Half way around the world we have 25 children and youth that are depending on us for care, love and support. What and honor! What a privilege. What a ministry! Thank you for helping us reach the children of Tanzania. Thank you for helping us change a child’s future by serving tem today.
We finished the day at Kurasini National Children’s Home – Tanzania’s only government ran orphanage. We have partnered with the staff there to support their work, bring in mentors, and arrange special events and outings. The soccer match and lunch on Saturday were part of this work. This year, we are helping Kurasini provide uniforms to each child or youth. Rather than simple buy their uniforms we are purchasing cloth and the children and youth with help make their own uniforms.
Kurasini Soccer Match
I really enjoyed our soccer match at Kurasini. The kids loved the balls we brought and also loved playing against the Mzungu’s. Soccer is such a great way to connect. We ended our time at Kurasini with a mini-clinic for some of the older youth.
Well, enough said. Enjoy the pictures and help us reach these kids with the love of Jesus by meeting their basic needs and sharing our faith through acts of love and kindness.
P.S. Thanks for sending us to the children. This trip and the resources we provide are only possible because of generous people that have prayed and given! Thanks! You are making children smile and extending hope. You are helping us state, “Someone Cares and Hope Lives Here”!
For King and Kingdom,
Randy
Girls at Mamma TeddysHanging OutBeautiful Elders Meeting
Thoughts from Mark and Isaac
Posted on 23. Aug, 2010 by rmartin in Africa Updates, Blog
August 23, 2010 Dar es Salaam
Thoughts from Mark and Isaac
From Mark
I catch myself crying numerous times a day. My heart is truly broken for these kids. It is an honor to be over here and to be working with the kids on behalf of God and our partners. I wish everyone could be over here and seeing the things we are seeing. It is truly eye opening. Thank you for all your support and prayers. Your prayers are getting us through each day.
Bajaji Ride
From Isaac
I am greatly encouraged by the faith of African believers, our African brothers and sisters. I am humbled by the ones we are serving. We may be serving them but we are gaining so much in return. Jesus is rocking and rolling in Africa. God is up to a mighty work in Africa. (At this point Isaac snapped his fingers in the air in a downward motion and said type that in somehow) It is amazing to see the look in a child’s eye when they receive a gift that they have never experienced before. We gave out books and tey had never owned one except for school. Thanks Borders!
Submitted by RL
Robbed and Blessed
Posted on 22. Aug, 2010 by rmartin in Africa Updates, Blog
Mark at the Carnivore
August 21, 2010
Getting robbed and getting blessed
We arrived safely in Dar on Saturday morning after a great last night in Nairobi. I took the boys out to an amazing dinner at a place called the Carnivore. As you can imagine from the name, we ate a lot of meat. We actually stopped counting the different types of meat after 15! It was a nice celebration for hard work and long days in Kenya.
When we arrived at Dar we were greeted by our good friend James Kamau. James is the ICM Tanzania country director. I was excited to give James the gifts we brought from the States – new running shoes and manila file folders! We had a blessed time catching up on family and ministry and then it was off to do ministry.
Our major project for Saturday was a full lunch with orphans from the government orphanage, Kurasini, and the Covenant for Tanzania Children Orphan home of Mamma Teddi. In all, we had 30 orphans that we took to lunch and the Simba Soccer Match at Uhuru Stadium. It was a magic day.
It was incredible to watch the children in the restaurant. Many of them had never ordered from a menu or were actually able to choose what they wanted. The restaurant was prepared for us and had set out two types of drink for the kids. I asked them to allow the kids to make their own choice which went well but also found kids ordering the craziest things like liters of passion juice, orange juice and water in addition to Cokes, Pepsis and Fanta. It was cool and fulfilling just knowing the smiles that were on their faces as they ordered and then received their meal and drink.
The kids enjoying the game
When the food came the children ate slowly and methodically. We had tasty fish and chicken dishes that each child picked through like treasure. I know that food is treasure in East Africa so it was also sobering to think of the food we waste and the joy they receive from a full meal. In fact, due to low support, the children in Mamma Teddi’s home often only share one meal a day. We are changing this with aggressive campaigns in the States to insure safe water and plenty of food. If you can help please click on the help now link on our home page.
After lunch, I left to purchase tickets for the match. Shortly after purchasing 34 tickets for $272,000.00 Tanzanian Schillings, I was robbed by a group of pick-pockets. One guy bumped into me and another grabbed me from behind as if to fight. I spun to strike back and he looked down to his feet as if to indicate I stepped on them. I apologized and moved on. Ten steps later I put my hand in my pocket and realized I had been had! As they say in Africa – Hakuna Matata! No Worries. I had been robbed but I am also blessed.
Pre game meal
Stealing from an American Express Advert – Price of lunch for 30 orphans = $257,000.00 Tsch. Price of a Simba soccer match for 30 orphans = $272,000.00 Tsch. Price of smiling orphan faces that have been blessed by God = Priceless!
For King and Kingdom,
Randy
Why Africa … Why Coffee? Part 2
Posted on 22. Aug, 2010 by rmartin in Africa Updates, Blog
Risper picking cherries
August 20, 2010
Why Africa … Why Coffee? Part 2
Why Coffee? Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world. As such, coffee is grown all over the world and is a great in-road to ministry and development. Additionally, coffee is something I love to drink and I like coffee to be excellent! As the Bible says, “whatever you do, do it to the Lord and not unto men!”
Kim and I had a coffee business in the early 90’s. We had an espresso cart we bought from a guy that used to work it in Seattle. We had espresso machines and the whole lot. We would work the cart at special events and ended up donating it to a church when we became involved in ministry. So, coffee is in us and it is something we know.
When we began working with former foster youth we found it difficult to find them employment. Being an entrepreneur, we thought about using coffee as a means to employ youth. I shared my vision with the team and Jonah shared knowledge of a coffee roaster in North Carolina. That is how Isaac came to us. I began discussing options with Isaac and then one day he just showed up in Bakersfield. Soon thereafter generous donors helped us purchase the roaster and the rest is history. Go to www.covenantcoffee.org for more information.
Why coffee in Africa? Africa grows some of the finest coffee in the world from Ethiopia to Kenya and even Tanzania. This trip to Kenya and Tanzania has multiple goals that I have shared in the past posts and coffee research and farming partnerships was one of those goals. Just as we help former foster youth with jobs in the States through coffee roasting, we desire to help orphans and farmers in Africa through coffee growing. To that extent, we have come to Africa to explore coffee partnerships and many have been made.
In our visit to Kenya we not only met with the highest ranking officials of the coffee trade but were provided a private two-day experience on the coffee industry from the farm to the market. It was amazing and I am still in awe of how God put it together. At our last stop in Kenya, Mt Elgon, we were asked by the government how much land we needed to grow coffee! Remember, we came to explore partnerships. Instead, we left Kenya with at least 5 acres to start a coffee farm that will bless the community.
Looking at the Land God provided
Coffee is opening doors to ministry and God is opening doors to coffee in Kenya. Through our partnerships with ICM and local coffee farmers, we hope to change the “fair trade” concept in Kenya and really make fair trade fair! We desire to bless local communities with the sale of coffee for good and fair prices that will allow small farmers to make a living and bless their community. These endeavors will also allow our ministry partners to have a felt-needs presence on the ground. This is not a simple coffee business but a ministry tool to impact communities, families and orphans in Kenya and Tanzania.
Why Coffee … Because God is opening doors that are magnificent and unique. Through our partnerships with ICM, we have incredible favor and deep connections. These two facets of ministry development are often difficult to come by but God is dispensing them rapidly. As I stated, we did not come to Kenya to get a farm but God insured we left Kenya with a farm and as importers of Kenya coffee. We are simple trying to follow the lead of God as He guides and provides. Now, we face the task of growing slow and learning as we launch, develop and execute. God is moving and He is moving through coffee partnerships, roasting and consumption. As we create the market people are enthralled by the story and ministry is accomplished both in Bakersfield and abroad. When God’s word states that “we should become all things to all men so that by some means we might save some” I never knew coffee could be part of the “all things” mission.
Coffee … Who knew? God did!
For King and Kingdom,
Randy
Why Africa … Why Coffee?
Posted on 22. Aug, 2010 by rmartin in Africa Updates, Blog
August 19, 2010 – Evening
Why Africa … Why Coffee?
I want to answer the question many have asked about why we are coming to Africa and why we are doing coffee. I may not get to the complete answer today but it will come forth in this blog. I do this to both record history and to share passion and purpose. Thank you for praying and seeking God with and for Covenant.
First, I want to share a bit more about Thursday 8/19/10. The day at Mt Elgon is difficult to share in a blog. So much happened and so many new relationships developed that it would be impossible to convey the love, warmth, favor and joy we experienced as a team. We are forever grateful to the hosts in Kitale and Mt Elgon, Kenya for their welcome and love!
The Yellow Fever Tree - Acacia
I continue to be amazed at how God has gone before the Covenant Team. There has not been one aspect of this trip that hasn’t been touched with God’s grace. As I have stated before, God has someone in every place for His purpose and plan. It just blows my mind when I walk in that grace and provision. God is truly great and greatly to be praised. He is moving mightily on the earth and it is our task to see where He is going and get going in that same direction.
We came to Africa to visit the work in Tanzania, the Covenant for Tanzania Children and to establish relationships with ICM and lastly to investigate the development of coffee farming. Our first visit took us to Kenya where we established relationships within the ICM network. As a supporter of ICM this is a critical part of the visit to see what God has done through the work and love of ICM as a whole and specifically ICM Kenya. As a newly appointed Board Member of ICM USA, the visit is an integral part of gaining knowledge and understanding about the work in Kenya and Africa. Both goals have been accomplished with the Kenya visit.
The church in Kenya is strong. There is much doubt, discouragement and defeat that portrays a weak and anemic church but that is simple not true. As you know, conflict and challenges grow our faith and help us to be more like Jesus. The pressures in Kenya have driven the church, and its leadership, to God. As a result, the church is advancing the kingdom and advancing in influence. At every corner and in every meeting we saw Jesus glorified and lifted up as Kenyans fight the good fight of faith.
So, why Africa? I am in Africa because God has called me to Africa. It was over 10 years ago that the Lord gave me a vision where I was watching myself in a tiny village in Africa ministering to children. As I walked through the village, children were coming from everywhere and I was able to play with them and then share the gospel. In 2007, that vision came to pass when the car I was travelling in broke down in Ifunda, Tanzania. We had a soccer ball in the trunk so I got it out and began to juggle. Soon, children were coming from everywhere and we played for hours. Following the game I shared the gospel. God is good. So … Why Africa? The answer … God calls.
Kenya Coffee Board meetings
Logically, the why Africa question is answered with Acts 1:8. We are to be God’s witnesses in “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth”. Thus, we are in Africa because God is a global God with a global mission. As an organization and a movement, we are not to stop and simple take care of our neighborhood but to take care of our world. The mission and vision of Covenant and ICM is not in part but in whole. We minister to our immediate neighborhood and city, our county or state, our country and our world. The gospel is holistic not segmented and therefore the ministry of the gospel must be the same. We are in Africa because God has called us to Africa as a connecting point for the “ends of the earth” ministry.
God continues to accomplish great things on this trip. We are blessed to be a part of His move on the earth.
Next blog – Thursday’s events and Why Coffee? Check my facebook page for pictures – http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=781063977
For King and Kingdom,
Randy
August 19, 2010 – A day on the Mountain
Posted on 19. Aug, 2010 by rmartin in Africa Updates, Blog
Today was a special day! We left the ICM Kitale Seminary and drove up to Mount Elgon. Our trip was to participate in alumni training, enjoy fellowship with the Kenyan pastors and to hold a soccer tournament on Mt. Elgon. It was a fast-paced day full of God’s blessing, presence and grace.
The day started with the ride up the road to the mountain center that ICM Kenya established in 2000. The center is officially an extension of Africa Theological Seminary (ATS) Kitale and is properly called ATS Mt. Elgon. The ride was not only a bouncy, treacherous trip as far as driving but a total party with Mark, Isaac and Greg Snell as the driver. It is a blessing for us that Snell has lived here for over 12 years and is accustomed to the crazy traffic and rutted red-dirt roads.
The villages along our route became more simple and rustic as we climbed the mountain. Eventually, we hit the base of Mt. Elgon and began to see small patches of coffee farms mixed in among the maize, peas, and bananas. The building changed from cement blocks to mud and stick huts with thatch roofs. The people were very friendly as we passed and treated us like dignitaries by running to the roadside and waving. Isaac is now famous in Kenya for yelling “angelea” (sounds like “Anh – Gah – Lay – Ah) out the window while Mark yelled “Chow”! Africa will never be the same.
The ICM ATS Center at Mt Elgon is a special slice of God’s creation. The center was started through a $500.00 gift from a church in the USA. The $500.00 built the initial building in which we had lunch today. It is a modest building with a large open space that was used for teaching and preaching. The Center now has multiple buildings, dorms and a chapel that accommodates the students and leaders. It is a remarkable site to watch what faith can do when applied and acted upon.
After greeting the leaders at Mt Elgon we listened to some of PhD Phil Walker’s teaching about transformational leadership and then cut out to an appointment with government officials to visit a coffee farm. It turns out that the government desires to give ICM 40 acres and coffee is a prime candidate for use of the land. Once we met with the officials, they expressed a great interest to assist us in helping restore the region through coffee farms and fair pricing to the local Mt Elgon farmer.
We drove up to the highlands of Mt Elgon where there have been ethic clashes that were started before the 2008 post-election violence and actually became worse following the downturn in the rest of Kenya. Due to the clashes, people were displaced from their homes and choose to set up camps in the highlands. As the violence has settled, the people have been moved by the government to other plots of land and have been given land for farming. We drove up through this area to see the 40 acres but stopped short because the roads were destroyed or neglected since the conflict.
At the highland coffee spot, Thomas, the district official of Emia, had an idea to give us land that was closer to a road and that the government had set aside just for coffee farming. We drove to the “new” coffee spot and found a beautiful and fertile hillside that sloped from a mountain ridge down to a river. The land is 10 acres total and they are ready to give it for farming. Incredible! Only God can make this stuff happen!
Prior to meeting Thomas, we met with the highest ranking District official names Chief Isaa Bomji. The chief was thrilled to hear the vision of helping the local farmer with fair pricing and direct trade while re-investing in the community. He was thrilled because Mt Elgon needs help. The people desire to restore the burned down villages and lifestyle that was a part of life on Mt Elgon. It is truly a beauty to ashes type of story that only God can write. The crazy thing is that Covenant and ICM are right in the middle of it.
Well, I could go on and on about all the wonderful doors God is opening but it is late and I am beat. I am beat not only because we are keeping a blistering pace but from playing in the first annual ICM/Covenant Hope Lives Here Soccer Tournament! That’s right; we sponsored a soccer tournament organized by Krispin from ICM Kenya.
We played the game at Kapisiro School Campus. The field is the absolute worse field I have every played on and I have played in over 11 countries! The field sloped and dropped from the main campus to a maize field. In addition to the slope there were mounds that rose 4 feet all over the field. Yes, the field had grass covering it but it also had cow dung every 5 feet. Did I mention the field was at 7,500 feet! I was tired just from running from the down slope side of the field to the upslope side. There was approximately an 18-20 foot difference between one sideline and the other. It was crazy.
The game went great. Isaac played on one team while I played on the other. Mark filmed and walked through the game most of the time. As you can imagine from my description of the field, the ball spent a lot of time in the air. The Kenyans played with great passion and pace. Isaac and I not so much but I did score a goal. Isaac said I didn’t but that is because we beat his team. We finished the day with photos, presentations, prayer and sharing. It was a marvelous cap on another blessed African day.
Photos and stories to follow when I can find and internet connection …
For King and Kingdom, Randy
Covenant Coffee Hits Africa
Posted on 16. Aug, 2010 by rmartin in Africa Updates, Blog
Divine Appointments and Favor for Covenant … He opens doors!
August 16, 2010
Today was a very special day in the history of Covenant Community Services and Covenant Coffee. We had the incredible privilege and honor to go deep into the amazing Kenya Coffee culture. Our host, Philip Amoi of International Christian Ministries, Kenya (ICM Kenya), was gracious and connected.
I am always amazed at God’s work in and through all things. God has a person in every City, Nation and place. Today was no different except that God planted many of those people along our safari (safari is Kiswahili for journey and not just an animal viewing adventure).
Philip Amoi is one of those people God planted as was his friend David. David and Philip were youth in the church that James Kamau, our partner in Tanzania, did youth work in the 90’s. As we shared stories I was in awe of the unique and powerful network God has built that spans continents and cultures. He reigns!
As it turns out, David is an officer of the Coffee Board of Kenya. The Coffee Board of Kenya is the agency charged with regulating the industry, providing technical assistance to farmers and marketing coffee to the world. You can visit their website here http://www.coffeeboardkenya.org/. We could not have requested a better envoy and if we did it would be impossible to get one! David presented us to the top staff at the Coffee Board and they laid forth an intricate program and schedule that took us from the small family farm, through the entire processing of coffee from the tree to the roaster, and then to a local large scale roaster where we saw the end product. Along the way, we drank and “cupped” a variety of superb Kenyan coffees.
The purpose of our trip is to really threefold.
1) To visit the our newly formed orphan project in Tanzania called the Covenant for Tanzania Children (CTC) to provide training, supplies and build.
2) To visit our partners in Kenya from International Christian Ministries (ICM Kenya) both in Kitale and Nairobi, and
3) To develop grassroots coffee partnerships that focus on relationships and fair trade that is really fair.
We have a grasp of what the Lord wants to do through the ministry partnerships with ICM and through CTC but we are simply following the Lord’s leading in the coffee venture. The exciting news is that He is opening doors no man can open! Now, we simply move forward in faith as it could go a multitude of ways such as purchasing a farm, becoming importers/exporters, developing partnerships through relationship models with local farmers, or forming a partnerships with ICM to accomplish these and other ministry models. Bottom line … we want to glorify God and lead people to Him! We use all means that some may be saved. Who would have thought that coffee might be such a tool?
Thanks for praying and please keep it up as we pursue Jesus and His purpose with passion.
For King and Kingdom,
Randy (on behalf of the team – Isaac and Mark)
Posted on 29. Jul, 2010 by zmartin007 in Blog, Local, Media Coverage, Newsroom
Covenant continues to support Africa and their endeavor to provide Hope and Love to the orphan children that reside in that country, however this is a passion that we cannot fulfill on our own. We desperately need financial support to continue ministering to them and helping them succeed in fulfilling James 1:27. Please go to our Africa page and sponsor one of our children today, or purchase some of our coffee at www.covenantcoffee.org and all proceeds will find their way to those who need it most.
