The Journey Continues....

Hello there! It's a new week, full of new blessings! And with every new week, there's always a weekend to look forward to...I mean, who, doesn't love those?!

This past Sunday afternoon, the Reformed Bad Girls (RBGs - see previous post for description) convened for the second ongoing study session on sexual purity. How exciting it was to meet up with the ladies once again and catch up on how everyone was doing. This past week's study was slightly different from the first one, but it was
just as amazing!

The topic of discussion was based on building lives of sexual integrity. In this chapter, the author explained how being a woman of sexual integrity doesn't mean that one is boring, frigid and never has fun with a guy; rather, a young woman of sexual integrity is free to enjoy the excitement and fun of a romantic relationship without the
worry of compromise.

A human being's sexuality is comprised of four distinct aspects: the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions. In order to uphold sexual integrity, all four aspects ought to be balanced. To explain this further, the analogy of a table is used. The four legs of a table represent these four dimensions; and in order for the table to
stand, all four legs must be whole.

To drive this point home, the Revs came up with a neat way of practically explaining the tabletop analogy. We were all split into groups of two individuals each, and every pair was given an envelope containing a number of different items. The aim of the exercise was to create a table using only the contents of the envelope that had been provided.

The most interesting thing about this exercise was that every group had a different set of 'tools' to create a table of balance. There was one group that had a piece of paper, four wooden sticks of different sizes and some glue stick. Another group had a piece of paper, band aids and four wooden sticks. And yet another had paper, wooden sticks and two sisal ropes. It was hilarious to see how some of the tables turned out; a few of them didn't even have the capability to stand on their own!

Many lessons were drawn from this exercise. There were a few that really stood out:

• Everyone's situation is different, but God always provides a way of escape from the temptations that we face. (1st Corinthians 10:13)

• We may slip, and we may even fall in our journey of sexual integrity. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that there is no hope of standing again. With Christ's help, we can achieve balance in our
lives once again.

• It is important to identify what leg/aspect of an individual's life is causing imbalance. In so doing, they will be able to address the issue and deal with it so that a life of balance can be achieved.

Wow..! Great insights right there, huh? Believe it or not, that was just a tip of the iceberg of how deep the discussions were. God is surely moving in that study, and all glory goes back to Him. I'm really looking forward to sharing many more interesting lessons that we're learning every week.

Until next time, God bless you!

Olyvia Kahuthu

An Exciting Journey of Faith!!!

High Shoals - Chattahoochee National Forest
Photo Credit: Sonia Crawley

Oh how I looked forward to Saturday the 7th day of February, 2015! It was the day that we would embark on a thrilling, freeing, challenging and somewhat scary Bible study that prompted each one of us, the Reformed Bad Girls (RBGs), to be 100% honest with God, ourselves and eventually the rest of the group. Before I go on with my story, I believe it would only be proper to share a brief of how the RBGs were formed.

Roughly two years ago, there was an announcement in the youth section of our morning church bulletin at Ridgeways Baptist Church, inviting all young ladies above the age of 18 to begin a study entitled 'The Bad Girls of The Bible'. The aim of the study was to get familiarized with the not-so-innocent female Bible characters and draw lessons from them to apply in our own lives. This sounded like an exciting study; unlike any of the others I had been a part of...so I joined! Fast forward to the present, and we now have a group of young ladies who I not only consider my friends, but also my sisters.

For the past year, the RBGs have been meeting regularly, for monthly fellowships which involve catching up and sharing each other's lives and experiences, loads of tasty food, hearty laughter and of course, great insights and encouragement from the 'leaders' of our group; Rev. Crawley and Rev. Pass. Before we all jump into conclusions about why I've put 'leaders' in quotes, allow me to explain: The Revs, as we call them, have been such a blessing to each one of the RBGs (my sisters can bear me witness). In as much as they are leading the group, spiritually and in terms of organizing our fellowships, we all consider them as our big sisters in Christ. Their servant leadership qualities have served as a wonderful example. We can now safely admit that we consider them as our friends, more than anything else, really. Fellowshipping with them, and watching them 'do life' continues to be an inspiration to those of us who have been fortunate enough to interact with the Revs. It has been and continues to be such a blessed experience to follow them as they follow Christ.

Now that we're up to speed on who the RBGs are, we can get back to my main story.

During our monthly fellowship in January 2015, Rev. Pass made an announcement that we would soon begin a study on sexual purity. The book we were all supposed to purchase and begin to read before our next meeting had a very captivating title; Every Young Woman's Battle. The aim of the book is to help young ladies all over the world to guard their minds, hearts and bodies in a sex-saturated world. The journalist in me was very curious to see what lay in the 'mystery' book, so as soon as I got my hands on my personal copy, I dove right into it! And boy was I excited to see the topics that we would cover; they are very real issues that constantly affect myself and my peers.

Now, despite all my excitement, a part of me was also a bit nervous about delving into this new study, seeing as total honesty was one of the requirements to successfully complete it. I wasn't too sure that I was ready to face my personal struggles, past and present alike. Furthermore, I was a bit concerned about how much the other ladies in the group would open up and reveal about their own lives. The last thing anyone would want to be in such a setup, is judged. You wouldn't believe my shock and amazement when we had our first meeting, that beautiful blue-skied sunny morning, and secrets were revealed, struggles were shared and a few tears were shed. Yes, the process of opening up and being honest is not easy, but by what I observed that morning, it is definitely, without a shudder of doubt, worth it. God is already using this study to transform lives within the group, restore broken hearts and heal open wounds. Honestly, I cannot wait to go through the entire study, to be delivered from all the bondages in my life that I may or may not be aware of, and in turn, help others who are struggling with the same. This is one very exhilarating journey that I cannot wait to share with my sisters in the faith! God is surely up to something, and I believe it is something AMAZING!

Olyvia Kahuthu - Jesus Lover by birth, Missionary by calling, Journalist by profession!
God Bless!

Education: Lions, Tigers, Elephants, 48 Hours of Walking….

A long walk home.

Mbebilia is from Isiolo.  She's one of the girls we sponsor for education.  The photo above was taken during a school visit.  From the main road it took us FOUR HOURS, driving on rough terrain, to reach her school.  The road in this photo is SMOOTH, in comparison.  Mbebilia's school is a day and boarding school.  She is a boarding student, which means she lives on campus during school terms.  BUT she WALKS TWO FULL days/nights, through "the bush" to and from school, at the beginning and end of each term.  Very dangerous due to wild life…some children don't make it.  Literally walking through the "living rooms" of the King of the Jungle, tigers, elephants and more.  Ken-Ya Believe It!

This photo was taken on the way to Mbebilia's school.

We are truly grateful that our child is now in school, after beginning at the age of nine…but CHANGE IS NECESSARY!

PRAY for Mbebilia's safety.

PRAY with and for us as we seek the way forward with her education.  

PRAY about sponsoring a child.  There are so many more Mbebilias.

Ken-Ya Believe It?  IT'S TRUE.

Email Us:  KenyaBelieveIt2011@gmail.com
Facebook: Ken-Ya Believe It: Sonia Crawley & Sonji Pass
Donate:     The Mission Society

The Team is Coming! The Team is Coming!

This photo, JUST IN, hot of the press in the weeeeeeeeeee hours of the morning! (Imagine the "pig" from the Geico Commercial……."weeeeeeee").  The Kenya Mission Team just before their departure from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Wilson.

Yep!  You heard correctly.  KEN-YA BELIEVE IT!  Eight women from The Park Church are on their way to Serve Christ in Kenya!  We just received word that they have arrived safely in Amsterdam, Netherlands.  PRAISE THE LORD!  The team is heading in this way.  Please continue to cover the them in prayer.

Don't forget to sign up to receive automatic Blog updates.  Enter your email address, on this page, in the space marked "Follow by Email".  "Like" our Facebook page for updates also Ken-Ya Believe It's Facebook Page……travel with us as we serve Christ by serving others.

Aug. 12th Prayer Requests:

• The peace, power and presence of the Holy Spirit as we prepare to receive the team.
• Favor, blessings and protection over lodging, building and ground transportation.
• Safe arrival of all luggage.
• Favor in Customs upon arrival at Nairobi airport.
• God would provide perfect peace throughout the entire mission.
• Safe, restful and peaceful sleep for all.

Until next time……Be blessed!

In HIS Grip,

Rev. Crawley and Rev. Pass

One Week Later!

KenYa Believe It….. last week we were making our way back home to Kenya!  We praise God for safe travel and arrival.  We landed in Nairobi a little later than scheduled but we arrived safe and sound, along with all of our luggage.  Grateful!

We would like to thank you for each visit, telephone call, text message, Facebook message, etc., as we prepared to depart.  THANK YOU!  A very special THANK YOU to family and friends who came to the airport to see us off.  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU to every person who checked to make sure we arrived safely in Kenya!  THANK YOU!

We would also like to thank all of our donors, especially our monthly donors!  THANK YOU! Thank you to all of our NEW DONORS!  THANK YOU!  And for those who cared for us effortlessly and tirelessly during our time in the US!  THANK YOU!  To every person who donated supplies, including tuna, drink mix, suitcases, financial support, etc.  THANK YOU!

We are still adjusting to being back home!  We have been resting, while finalizing plans for the arrival of The Park Church, USA Women's Mission Team.  They will arrive in five short days. Please pray for the mission, as well as safe travel for the team.  Updates for the women's team will be posted to this Blog.  Sign up for automatic updates by providing your email address in the field marked "Follow by email".

Lastly, we are still seeking monthly ministry partners.  Please click on DONATE NOW to make an online donation and/or to become a monthly partner.  Tax - deductible donations can be mailed to The Mission Society, Attn: Crawley/Pass Account #3020, 6234 Crooked Creek Road, Norcross, GA 30092.

Here are a few photos of our travel back home.

Greensboro, NC…...

Newark, NJ…….

Brussels, Belgium… (sorry our windows were scratched)

It was dark when we arrived in Nairobi.

We hope you enjoyed this Blog!  Don't forget to sign up for automatic ministry updates, via our Blog.

Blessings,

Rev. Sonia and Rev. Sonji

PRAISE BREAK! Up! Up! ….and Away!!!!!

We have been blessed beyond our wildest imaginations…and we are only speaking of the last twenty - four hours!  We've waited, prayed and cried, while anticipating timely provision from our Heavenly Father.  Any my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  Phil. 4:19

With that said, we are heading back to Kenya next week.  Up!  Up!  …and Awaaaaaay!  Homeward bound!  Thank you, Father!  PRAISE BREAK!

Here's a glimpse into the last twenty - four hours.

TICKETED BY FAITH…
Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  Heb. 11:1

We couldn't SEE the funds but we booked flights any-how!  We booked our airline tickets "in faith"!  Yep!  IN FAITH!  We knew it was time to go so we acted like it!  Tickets please.  So the airline tickets were on hold….for several days.  The days passed and STILL no money.  More prayer please!  Yesterday, we asked individuals to pray specifically for our financial needs (more about those powerhouses later).  We would loose our reservations if they were not paid for by the end of business, Thurs., July 24th. But God!  This morning we received a call from a"new" donor that the money for one of the tickets had been mailed to The Mission Society (TMS). PRAISE BREAK! 
Please don't focus on the donation for ONE ticket.  Do you remember our "anonymous" $10,000 Matching Grant, via TMS?  Ok.  Since the donation was made by a "new donor" the money they submitted DOUBLED, which gave us the funds for the second ticket!!!!!!  Another PRAISE BREAK!   And, the same person became a new monthly donor! Yaaaaaaaassssss!  PRAISE BREAK!  But that's not all…..

Airline Tickets - CHECK!

PLEASE PRAY FOR US….
Pray continually.  1 Thes. 5:17

Photo by Ken-Ya Believe It!

Earlier, we mentioned asking individuals to pray specifically for our financial needs.  We were seeking twelve (12) new donors at $50 each per month, for eighteen (18) months, to meet our monthly goal. The sooner, the better!  So we asked individuals who KNOW how to get a prayer through…..a direct line to glory. In addition to praying for us, TWO of the prayer warriors also became new monthly donors.  And one more monthly donor was added during an evening meeting!  Boom!  Allow us to do the math…..twelve minus four equals eight.  We now need a minimum of eight new monthly donors at $50 each.  Yes!  Yes!  Yes!  (Crescendo please…say it louder each time).  PRAISE BREAK!  But that's not all…

New Monthly Donors - CHECK!  Thank You!

EXCESS BAGGAGE…
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.  Ps. 55:22

In most cases we wouldn't celebrate excess baggage but this time is an exception.  One of our requests from the previous Blog was money for excess baggage, two pieces to be exact. No monie,  no checkie, your excess baggie.  LOL!  Today, an individual donated enough money to pay for one extra piece of luggage. Amen! PRAISE BREAK!  But that's not all…

Excess Bag (1) - CHECK!  Thank You!

DONATIONS ACCEPTED….
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.  Entirely on their own…  2 Cor. 8:3

Previously, we requested the following items, in preparation for our return to Kenya. Thank you! Thank you!  Thank you! Today, we picked up bags of supplies from several donors.  Others donated resources for us to purchase personal items.Tomorrow we will retrieve more items. PRAISE BREAK!

Donations - CHECK!  Thank You!

WE STILL NEED….
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Phil. 4:6

• Your continuous prayer support!
• More monthly donors!  Click HERE to SIGN UP NOW!
• Lump sum donations!  Click HERE to DONATE NOW!
• Funds for one more extra piece of luggage ($150).
• Additional supplies and/or resources to purchase supplies.

PRAYER REQUESTS….

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  
James 5:16b

• Pray for our packing and preparation.
• Pray for our parents as we prepare.  May the presence and peace of our savior cover them all.
• Pray for safe travel to the airport and a smooth check-in and baggage check.  We depart on Wed., July 30th, from Greensboro, NC.  
• Pray for safe air travel and the safe landing of each flight, at it's scheduled destination.
• Pray for a smooth transfer through Customs and that all luggage arrives with us.
• Pray for safe travel to our home upon arrival in Kenya!
• Pray!  Pray!  Pray!

Please email us with questions at kenyabelieveit2011@gmail.com.

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In His Grip,

Rev. Sonia and Rev. Sonji

Luggage, Toothpaste, Tuna and Other Stuff!

Time is winding down!  Departure is near!  Homeward bound!  Kenya here we come!  Yippeee!

THANKS to ALL who continue to support us during our time in the US.  THANK YOU for your prayers, calls, texts, facebook messages, emails, smiles, hugs, meals, conversations, lodging, and so much more.  THANK YOU!  We could never fully express our gratitude for/to our financial supporters.  THANK YOU!  We are truly grateful for your sacrifice and demonstration of love for God, for the people of Kenya, and the two of us!  Because of YOU we are able to walk out the Call God has placed on our lives, to serve cross-culturally, individually and collectively.  THANK YOU!  

Many of you have asked "Can you give me a list of things you need?".  Well, there's still time for YOU to help……THIS WEEK!  READ ON…..to find out how!

These items are either unavailable or super expensive, in Kenya.  If you can assist, please let us know by Thurs., July 24th.  We can be reached in the following ways.

Rev. Crawley:  (704) 605 - 7949
Rev. Pass:       (704) 713 - 0859
Email:             kenyabelieveit2011@gmail.com
Facebook:       Ken-Ya Believe It

THE LIST:

• Crest Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste | Quantity: 3
• Crest Pro-Health Whitening Toothpaste, Fresh Clean Mint | Quantity: 3
• Drink Mix, Sugar Free | Flavors: Lemonade, Pink Lemonade.  Quantity: Many!
• Luggage | Measurements: 62 inches total (27"x21"x14")  Quantity: 2
• Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion | Quantity: 3
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser | Quantity: 3
• Neutrogena Rapid Clear Oil-Control Foaming Cleanser | Quantity: 3
• Starkist Tuna Pouch, in water.  NO CANS PLEASE! | Quantity:  10 - 15 envelopes 

NEED FINANCES NEEDED FOR:

• Excess luggage fees (Contact us directly for details).
• Personal medications (Contact us directly for details).

Read!  Pray!  Respond!  Share!

Feel free to contact us with questions.  We look forward to hearing from you this week!

Blessings,

Sonia and Sonji

Email:        kenyabelieveit2011@gmail.com
Facebook:  Kenya Believe It