Monday, November 5, 2012

Trip Dates

I travel to Kenya in the winter (around the end of January through the first part of February), and in the summer (the end of June through the first part of July).  These dates are flexible, and if you're interested in joining the team, I can give you firm dates.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Do you have any questions?

Please prayerfully consider your participation in the next team.  And if you have any questions, please email me at:

loomisrl@windstream.net, or facebook.

If YOU are asking the question, then no doubt others have the same question.  I'll include the answer on this blog.

Remember...just scroll down the right side and click on any question or topic that interests you.  Most everything you need to know about the 2011 trip is included.

Sample Support Letter--Use these ideas if you'd like...

Dear….

I hope this letter finds you well. As for me, I’m excited beyond words! You see, I have been given an opportunity of a lifetime—to travel to Kenya, Africa and share the Word of God with the people of remote Masai villages, and also some of the poorest of Nairobi’s slum dwellers. It’s quite a challenge, but I sense an urgency in my heart to walk through this open door that’s right in front of me.

Our team will travel during June 21 through July 5, 2011, and will work alongside Missionaries Mike and Marigold Cheshier of Firewind Ministries. We will tent camp in the Masai Mara (perhaps you’ve seen this area on the Discover Channel or Animal Planet?), and will present the Gospel of salvation and hope to people who have NEVER before heard the message!

It’s obvious that there are many hungry, hurting people here in America, and I am constantly looking for ways to share the Gospel with them. But in America, access to the Bible is everywhere—TV, radio, churches, etc. Searching, spiritually-hungry people can find help. And I want to help them. That is my first priority.

However, it’s exciting to think that I can be used to share this amazing message of love and grace with people who have never heard…not even once.

I’m writing to you for a number of reasons:
1. Will you pray for the people to whom we are being sent? Will you ask God to prepare them to hear the invitation for eternal life?
2. Will you pray for me, that God will protect and equip me in this divine assignment?
3. The cost of this trip is $3,500, which includes my airfare, accommodations and food. Will you pray that God will supply this need?

If you would like to join me on this “African Adventure,” let me know and I’ll share more information. Or, if you’d like to contribute a donation toward the cost, I would be extremely grateful. Any amount—large or small—is needed and appreciated. Since the funds go to missions, they are tax deductable.

Should you decide to give to this cause, please make your check payable to Firewind Ministries, and put my name on the memo line. Mail it to my team leader at this address: Lori Loomis, 135 Alexander Drive, Elyria, OH 44035.

Please do not feel obligated in any way. I simply wanted to share my excitement with you. Most importantly, I ask for your prayers. And I appreciate your love.

How will I keep in touch with the team before we leave the USA?

As individuals commit to making this trip, they will receive regular emails from me containing important reminders, encouragement and news updates. If we have several from one area, we will have meetings. We will endeavor to build the team attitude and unity long before we ever step onto the plane

What am I supposed to do if asked to share my testimony?

Simply share a brief story (no more than two minutes) of something God has done for you—healed you, helped you, gave you peace, etc. It should be something very basic that the Masai people can relate to. You will say one phrase or short sentence and then pause for the interpreter. Then continue to the next phrase or sentence, and so on. Be sure to emphasize that JESUS is the answer to all needs. There is no need to go on and on. The assigned preacher of the team will explain the scripture and give the call to salvation.

If we are allowed 2 checked bags, what can I take that will be a blessing?

Since most personal items that you will need can be carried in your one checked bag and carry-on items, a second bag can be loaded with ministry items.  Marigold, or your team leader, will contact you with specific needs that your particular mission might have.  Here are some other ideas:

*  Beaded witnessing bracelets which are given to children and adults alike in explaining salvation. (The Maasai people LOVE beads!)  These are great for your friends or church groups to make. Check out this site:  Witnessing bracelets

* We need individually wrapped candy to give away during village ministry.

* School supplies

* Small gifts for school children.  (Make sure that you have at least 150 of the same items, like pencils, stickers, bouncy balls, etc.)

Once in Kenya, what is travel like?

Travel in Kenya is difficult, to say the least. Nairobi streets are EXTREMELY crowded. Our drivers are experienced. So rather than comment on their driving, it is best to close your eyes and thank God for His protective power! [smile]

Outside the city, there is some improvement in the highways. But once we get to the mara ministry area, the roads are ROUGH. You may expect many large potholes and lots of dust. Those individuals with chronic back problems should seriously consider the road conditions before venturing onto this mission field. The van is equipped with bars to hold during the difficult journeys.

There comes a point when we go “off road,” and travel through scrub bushes to reach villages. Our drivers do their best to keep things as smooth as possible.