Martyns in Africa » Update

“Measure the size of your obstacle against the size of your God.”

Taylor — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:13:25 +0000

Those words really jumped off the page today as I finished up the first week in Beth Moore’s study, A Heart Like His. I wanted to share a bit more of what she wrote, since she sums it up pretty nicely.

David wanted God to use him to bring Israel victory in the name of the Lord. He had just one obstacle: Goliath. Goliath was over 9 feet tall with over 140 pounds of armor shielding him.
We tend to measure our obstacles against our own strength. We often feel overwhelmed and defeated before the battle begins. For example, cigarette smoking can be one such obstacle. A doctor may say, “You must quit smoking because of your health.” The woman may be convinced that God’s will is for her to be healthy. The victory would be good health. But the obstacle is giant- a 20-year addiction that seems much stronger than she is. She is discouraged because she is measuring her obstacle against the size of her own strength rather than the size of her God. I am not suggesting that if we measure our obstacles against God, our battles will be effortless. David still had to face his giant obstacle and use the strength he possessed, but his confidence in God caused a simple pebble to hit like a boulder.

It is funny how just a change in how a teacher shares that might make a point in such a “common Sunday school story” really sink in. I was really was challenged to take more notice of how I am measuring my struggles and obstacles. Will you join me?

Tongue twisters Kiswahili style

Taylor — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:00:18 +0000

We have been moving along in our Swahili studies and have recently gone through some reviews by our tutor. Just for fun here are some examples, 10 points to the first person who can translate these tongue twisters from Swahili to English!

1. Mwalimu wake atakuja pamoja na mke wake.
2. Wake wake wake na mke wako.

Oh, say, can you see….

Taylor — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:00:24 +0000

We have been attending Nairobi Chapel on Sunday mornings and recently started a membership like class called, Mizizi. Well, one of the first classes they decided to have some ice breakers for us to get to know each other. As it so happened they wanted those whose name started with an “A” to get up and sing, dance or tell a joke. Silly me, I thought I could blend in but with us being the only Westerners in the class I kind of stood out. With little time to prepare I was up in front of a group of 40+ people being told to sing the American national anthem! Let me just say that I have a voice that is “cute” in the little kid choir stage but not for long after that. What makes it even more humorous is that another lady after me sang a FABULOUS worship song in Swahili and got the others to follow along and start dancing a bit….yea I have a long way to go!

SIMPact

Taylor — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:52:53 +0000

As some of you know, I have been able to take on a new role since our move to Kenya. I wanted to share a bit more about it. SIM Kenya has a short-term program called SIMPact. It was set up by our country director’s wife Dorothy. She is an amazingly detailed, organized and passion filled lady. It has been such a treat to get to know her a bit more and now try to help out a bit with the program.
While she is on home assignment and the new coordinator, Trish, finishes up raising support, I get to help out.
My main duties are administrative that I try to squeeze in during Avery’s nap times and a morning when we have a wonderful lady watch Avery for us. More about Miss Maria in another post. These tasks include working with SIM sending offices around the world in placement of short-termers, helping spread the word on changes that might be happening in the program, helping a bit with orientation and getting the short-termers settled.
I am very grateful to have the talented Daniel Ondere continuing his hard work as the field officer. This means that he visits our current ministries, helps in setting up new opportunities, visits our SIMpacters on the field and helping us with a million other details.
Part of the SIMpact program and really SIM Kenya in general mentoring plays a big part. Each person that comes to Kenya is assigned a mentor. I have really enjoyed getting to know all our SIMpacters but it is special to dig deep with just a few. The picture above is of my friend and first mentoree, Tabera. She is a great gal from Switzerland who recently returned home.
It has been a joy to be able to have another ministry besides being a mom and language learning during this season.

Big sister and her little….

Taylor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:59:22 +0000

…brother! Today we had a more detailed sonogram that showed everything developing well and we also learned that our son will be arriving mid-December! Avery is still saying that she will have a little sister so we will try to work on that.

Fun day!

Taylor — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:45:22 +0000

This weekend we took a day trip with some other AIM and SIM missionaries up to a private game park. Along the way we got to be tourists and get our pictures at the Equator! It was so neat to see Avery enjoying seeing zebras, an elephant, giraffes, warthogs a plenty and many other types of animal. She has been cracking us up with her stories about the trip. We had breakfast at a small airport and she keeps telling me she wants to go to the airport. Little does she know she doesn’t have to get on a plane for many months, a rare thing so far in her short life.

A day with Avery…

Taylor — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:13:12 +0000

Avery is loving being back home and enjoying playing with her friends. Here are a few pics of a normal Avery day. She loves to play games with Thomas

or go exploring with Rehema.

But the best part of her day though is when Baba gets home and can play or read to her!

Ramadan begins today

Taylor — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:55:16 +0000

Ramadan starts today and lasts until September 9. This is a great reminder to pray for Muslims in their search for Truth. A great resource for a daily prayer guide can be found by going to www.30-days.net.
You can find a place to sign up for daily emails, order a prayer guide, or download a pdf version of the prayer guide.

Peaceful turn out

Taylor — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 11:39:05 +0000

Thank you for praying. The recent vote went relatively smoothly. A good percentage, around 70 percent of registered voters, turned out to vote. The results were tallied and show approval for the new constitution.

Off to the polls

Taylor — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:23:29 +0000

On Wednesday Kenyans head to the polls to vote in a referendum for a new constitution. This new constitution would put some limits and checks on the Presidents power and many religious issues. Tensions are rising in certain parts of Kenya as the day comes closer but things are relatively quiet for us in Nairobi as of now. Due to the violence of the last elections increased security can be seen around town and we have been told to stock up on food, water and have our go-bags handy just in case. We don’t feel scared but want to be prepared.
I was talking with a friend who said she wasn’t even going to vote because she hates the fighting that takes place at the polling stations. Made me realize again how privileged I am to have grown up in a land where I could just walk right into a calm library, church, or school and place my vote and not be intimidated.
Please be in prayer for Kenya and for this important vote and for reactions of both parties once the outcome is revealed.

Whew, we are back home!

Taylor — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:50:21 +0000

We are back after a wonderful trip to the States and getting out of the jet lag fog. It was wonderful to see family and friends on our busy two week trip. Avery had a blast and enjoyed the splash parks! We appreciate all of you and so very glad many were able to make it to the evenings in Tulsa and Dallas to hear updates.
We, as always, would love your continued prayers as we dive back into life and ministry here in Nairobi.

U.S.A. Bound!

Taylor — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:47:48 +0000

Taylor has been planning for a quick trip to the States for a friends wedding, to see family, and to visit the SIM U.S. and International offices. Thanks to his parents Avery and I will also be joining him on this visit! Avery and I will stay in Dallas most of the time with a quick trip up to Tulsa to see my side of the family. We are so very excited to see family and friends!!! Oh, and eat some Mexican food!
We will be in the States July 13-26. Tulsa folks can stop by Allison’s parent’s home on Wednesday July 21st around 7pm for some dessert and to hear a ministry update. Dallas folks can stop by the Taylor’s parent’s home Thursday, July 22nd for a tex-mex dinner and ministry update as well.
If you are interested in coming please let us know so we can let our mom’s know how many to plan for!
Hope to see as many of you all as possible!