What Do You Need From Me?

September 8, 2010

“Mom, what do you need from me before I join the Navy in 2011?” Little did my son realize what he was getting into when I said, “Why don’t you go with me to Africa?”
Our trip theme was “For the Glory of God.” God was glorified through the opportunities he gave us and also the time we had to share our memories of Paul. Bishop Deo and Sarah Mwamba were our hosts in the Congo. In Kimpese, the women were to be served lunch as part of the conference and the lunch was late, Deo went to a far away village to buy enough bread and nuts to feed over 300 women. I was told to keep speaking, even after I had concluded the second message twice. My audience was attentive -- there was a woman who walked the rows of the church carrying a very big stick. If anyone nodded off during the message, she would knock them on the head. Do you think we should implement this in the USA?
In Kitale, Kenya Ben met Moses, the director of Water Missions International. Moses invited Ben to go on a road trip to inspect the solar powered water purification units located in southern Kenya. Ben was on the road for over a week with two nationals and Ben Mims, from South Carolina. The men worked on units in remote areas where clean water is scarce. Moses was able to work within a tight budget to offer many water purification units to needy people. Ben saw wild zebras, antelope, camels and monkeys, even the Masai (in red robes in picture), a tribe of nomad herders. The Water Missions group shared the love of God in a very tangible way – by offering pure, clean drinking water to those in need.
The campus of Africa Theological Seminary (ATS) houses the Water Missions office, when Ben was in Kitale, many mornings, Ben and I headed to “work” together. At ATS, I taught Church Administration to ten pastors in the ATS BA CLASS of 2009. The pastors are church planters, visionaries, who preach, organize, motivate their churches while working other jobs. We studied the biblical leadership of Moses in Exodus 18, of Jesus 2 and the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4. I taught from John Maxwell’s Million Leader Mandate workbooks #1 and #2.
On the first day of class, Pastor Simon asked, “Why do we have to learn about biblical leadership, isn’t this a church administration course?” I was a little taken aback, I thought, “I’m the teacher, I decide what’s in the curriculum.” I said, “In order to become a good church administrator, as pastors, we need to be godly, Biblical leaders. The MLM books are very valuable to provide a Biblical foundation for you.” At the end of the class, 7 of the 10 pastors asked for the MLM material so they could teach it to their own congregations. “For the Glory of God.”
I’m out of room for this month, but next month, I will finish telling you about our trip.

Please pray:
ICM Congo Directors Deo and Sarah Mwamba hosting International Council Oct. ‘10
Water Missions International seeks new areas for sites - www.watermissions.org
Africa Theological Seminary – Kitale, Kenya is completing accreditation, pray for the final details to be completed - www.atseminary.ac.ke

Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support! We love and pray for each of you!

Sheryl & Ben Giesbrecht

Giesbrecht Africa Trip 2010 with ICM - ICMUSA.org

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for your prayers for our family during this past nine months since Paul's sudden death. We are grieving our great loss, yet slowly beginning to heal.

In September 2006, my son Ben, started classes at the University of California at Davis. His freshman class was the biggest to emerge upon UCD. It's no wonder that the 2010 graduating class of Biological Sciences was the largest in the history of UCD. Congratulations, Ben, for the hard work in completing your Bachelor of Science in Exercise biology and graduating with the 2010 class of Biological Sciences from UC Davis. We are so proud of you!

In October 2009, a couple of weeks after his dad died, Ben asked, "Mom, what would you need from me before I enlist in the Navy in 2011?" I said, "Why don't you come with me on a trip to Africa?" Thus, the Giesbrecht Africa Trip 2010 with International Christian Ministries. Below is a detailed itenerary. We need your prayers. If you decide to join our prayer team, feel free to print this blog or stop by the KAXL Life Fm office to pick one up. As a prayer team member, we'd like to give you a gift from our KAXL staff - a book - Psalm 91 - God's Umbrella of Protection. Thanks for your prayers. We are praying for you.

Giesbrecht AfricaTrip 2010 with International Christian Ministries

Theme: For The Glory of God
"Look at the nations and watch-and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.“ Habakkuk 1:5
Trip Goals: To encourage, equip and exhort Christians, leaders and ICM staff in the Congo, Kenya and Egypt.
Ben & Sheryl Giesbrecht – Mother’s Day 2010 at Parkside Church, Bakersfield, CA
Trip Schedule and Responsibilities:
7/9/2010 - Depart Bakersfield, CA via United Airlines flight 6152 at 9:30 am.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
7/10/10 - Arrive in Kinshasa, Congo via Kenya Airways flight 0550 8:55 am. Greeted by hosts, ICM Congo Directors, Deo and Sarah Mwamba.
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,my God in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2
7/12/10 - Sheryl speaks for a Women’s Conference in Kinshasa. Ben will meet with the men of the local tribes and visit refugee camps.
“Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.” Psalm 91:3
7/13/10 - Travel by vehicle to Mbanza Ngungu – 125 miles from Kinshasa.
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” Psalm 91:4 a
Sheryl speaks at From Ashes to Beauty Women’s Conference in Goma, Congo in May 2009.
7/14/10 - Sheryl speaks for a Women’s Conference in Mbanza Ngungu. Ben will meet with local pastors and travel to visit pygmies.
“His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4b
7/15/10 - Travel to Kinshasa, Congo.
“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” Psalm 91:5
7/16/10 – Debrief with ICM Congo Directors, Deo and Sarah Mwamba.
“nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” Ps. 91:6
7/17/10 – Airline travel to Kitale, Kenya. Greeted by hosts, Emmanuel and Dorcas Chemengich, President of Africa Theological Seminary.
“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” Psalm 91:7
7/18/10 – Preaching in church in Kitale, Kenya
“You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.” Psalm 91:8
Sheryl in Lagos, Nigeria in April 2008 after sharing a message with ICM Seminary Women.
7/20-22/10 – Sheryl teaches Church Administration at Africa Theological Seminary. Ben will visit ministry sites in Kitale and assist with building projects.
“If you make the Most High your dwelling-even the Lord, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.” Psalm 91:9, 10
7/23-24/10 - Sheryl speaks for a Women’s Conference in Kitale, Kenya.
“For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:12
7/27-29/10 – Sheryl teaches Church Administration at ATS, Kitale, Kenya. Ben will visit water purification sites, orphanages and feeding programs.
“They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Ps. 91:12
Sheryl speaks at From Ashes to Beauty Women’s Conference in Kitale, Kenya in May 2009
7/30 – 31/10 - Sheryl speaks for a Women’s Conference in Mt. Elgon, Kenya.
“You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; trample the great lion and the serpent.”Psalm 91:13
8/1/10 – Airline travel to Nairobi, Kenya.
“Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him;” Psalm 91:14a
8/2/10 - Travel by vehicle to visit Compassion sponsored child, Caroline Ndinda Muysoki, Mungala Project. Compassion Child sponsorship drive with 88.3 Life FM.
“I will protect him because he acknowledges my name.” Psalm 91:14b
April 2009 - Sheryl and Paul Giesbrecht visit Compassion child, Caroline (in red shirt) and her family in Mungala, Kenya.
8/3/10 - Debrief in Nairobi, Kenya.
“He will call upon me and I will answer him.” Psalm 91:15a
8/4/10 – Airline travel to Cairo, Egypt – greeted by hosts ICM Egypt Directors Wahid and Laila Wahba.
“I will be with him in trouble.” Psalm 91:15b
8/5 – 8/7/10 – Network and encourage ICM staff and leaders, visit Coptic priests, orthodox parishes, ICM partners, Wahid and Laila Waba.
“I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:15b
8/7-9/10 - Return to Bakersfield via United Airlines flight 6326 7:28 pm
“With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:16

Thank you so much for 'taking this trip to Africa' with us, through your prayers. We are praying for you. Sheryl & Ben Giesbrecht

Time Marches On...

March 17, 2010

Dear Friend,

It’s been only just five months since Paul died. The motorcycle accident, how it happened and why is still a mystery. We will probably never know what caused it but the end result is still the same. My beloved husband of 28 years got a better offer – he went home, to be with the Lord he loved. Getting over the untimely, unfair and unexpected loss of Paul has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.

I am grieving and it will take years to recover, especially from the trauma of seeing Paul’s injuries right after the accident. I still cry from time to time, tears are a gift, not a sign of weakness. Tears express the depth of the loss I feel and are a sign that I am recovering. I might sometimes seem angry for no reason; I am not sure why other than that my emotions are intense because of my grief. Please be forgiving and patient with me.

If I forget things or repeat myself, please accept this as normal. Your presence and understanding means so much. You don’t have to say anything. Even sending me a card means a lot. Please don’t wait for me to call you, since most of the time I am too tired to do so. When I withdraw, please don’t let me do that for too long. I need you to reach out to me. If you have suffered a similar loss, please share it with me. It will help rather than cause me to feel worse. I want to talk about Paul, I think about him all the time; I would love to hear your memories of him.

This loss is so painful right now; it feels like the worst thing that could ever happen to me. But I will survive and will eventually recover. Please pray that God will use this time of grieving to grow me and equip me to minister to others with greater compassion than ever before.

Thank you for your love, care and concern. Thank you for your prayers, knowing you are praying comforts me and your prayers are a gift for which I will always be thankful.

In Jesus’ Unfailing Love,

Sheryl

“The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Isaiah 57:1, 2

An Update from the Giesbrecht Family

Dear KAXL Listeners,Family,Friends,
You are the best support system in the world! Thank you for your outpouring of love and support during the untimely home-going of my husband of 28 years, Pastor Paul Giesbrecht. I’ve so appreciated the concern you’ve shown by sending cards, meals, financial donations but most importantly, your prayers.
It's been good to be back at work at KAXL. I hope to share with you some of funny stories and heartfelt memories of my husband. You can still share your own thoughts by going to the online guestbook at www.kaxl.com or http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bakersfield/obituary.aspx?n=paul-eugene-giesbrecht&pid=134730157.
I anticipate telling you how encouraged our family has felt from your expressions of compassion. Our God is great, and each day, we are learning new things about His sufficiency. The truth is, God “heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) We are in the process of being healed and it may take years! Thanks for walking with us.
Love and prayers, Sheryl Giesbrecht

Special Note – From the KAXL Staff:
Please remember, we, as a staff at KAXL are still grieving our loss. Although Paul was Sheryl’s husband, he was also very much involved with our projects at KAXL. Please show us your understanding by doing these things for us:

Things We Need:
Please don’t stop praying.
Please keep sending us your favorite Bible verses about peace, comfort, hope, healing or other words of encouragement.
More prayer – the holidays are coming, we will miss Paul during the holidays.

Things We Don’t Need:
Questions about the accident, how Paul died, other details about the trauma we are working through.
Advice – unless we ask for it.
Pat ‘Christian’ answers.
If you don’t know what to say, just remember, sometimes words aren’t necessary.
Pray for us, we really appreciate your prayers.
Thank you, KAXL Staff

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

A Tree of Life

In 2004, I wanted to sponsor a child through Compassion International. So many children need sponsors, I wondered, how would I choose a Compassion child? I thought it might be fun to find one who shared my April 1 birthday and I also wanted a little girl. I hoped to someday make a trip to Africa, so I asked for one from any country in Africa. The Compassion staff matched me up with then five year old Caroline Ndinda Musyoki, born April 1,1999; living in Mungala, Kenya. For five years, my dream and prayer has been that someday I would get to meet my Compassion child in person!

This spring, my dream came true. After a day of air travel, we were on the ground in Nairobi, Kenya and the next day, we on our way to our child’s village. I could hardly believe my prayers were answered. Though it seemed like several hours as we bounced along the road, our four wheel drive vehicle crawled in and out of potholes the size of craters. My stomach was in knots with nervous anticipation and the smell of diesel fuel, I wondered if Caroline was as nervous as I. We pulled up to the site of the Mungala project, the African Inland Church (AIC) Mungala, our host Jim led us inside to find the Compassion staff was assembled inside the office with Caroline.

“Karibu” (welcome in Swahili), said Caroline, as she timidly took my outstretched hand, she greeted me with a shy smile and bashful eyes. I wanted to jump up and down and hug her, but I knew I needed to restrain myself. In Kenya physical touch in public is not always appropriate. Our group settled into the cramped office to get acquainted. Introductions were passed around starting with Caroline, then Paul and myself. Jim Makunda, our Compassion host from the Kenyan office interpreted as we met AIC Mungala project chairman, Hughs Ndonye, Joseph Mutua, elder of the AIC Mungala church, Ruth Mbinya, the AIC Mungala project social worker and Betty Killu, AIC Mungala project health worker and nurse. We enjoyed ‘taking tea’ together and ended our time in the office with a time of prayer for the project, the sponsors and the children. I didn’t think it could get much better than this!

On April 19, I ran across this verse in my devotions, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." Prov. 13:12 Little did I know how God would make my dream of meeting my Compassion child come true.

Paul and I were escorted outside, to the lawn of the project; and walked into an experience we’d never forget. We were directed to kneel with Caroline, beside freshly prepared holes, while the staff handed us two yearling avocado trees. In Kenya, the avocado tree is a prosperous tropical fruit and an important staple of the diet. The staff’s planning for our visit was evident and very meaningful. “These symbols of life”, they said, “are a reminder for us to pray for you.” We had come from our home bearing gifts of stickers, pens, a Bible and even groceries for Caroline and her family, yet we were unprepared for the gifts we would receive from our African friends. As we finished the planting process, we patted wet soil over the bare roots, covering each hole, then watering the newly planted tree. We knew in much the same way, there was a spiritual parallel: we had just planted, fed and watered our relationship with our child and the Compassion staff.

“The Great Exchange,” is an inside joke for us. When Paul and I go on mission trips, we think (along with most Americans) we are going there, to encourage them. The Great Exchange happens when we go. The mere act of going says “I love you.” When we enter their world, we choose to overlook differences, lay aside our agendas, likes and expectations. That’s when we come away with more insight, blessings and compassion for people than we ever thought possible. The nationals pray, “Dear Lord, thank you for our food. Please provide for those who are hungry tonight.” We know those praying understand what it means to go hungry, not to know where their next meal will come from. These are among the more than 1 billion in the world who live on less than $1 a day are considered the poorest of the poor and lack the resources for basic survival. Yet they get it – the show us the value of life, the worth of family time and are grateful for bare-bones basic necessities. Humbling, isn’t it?

The Great Exchange happened when Caroline and the people of the small village of Mungala, Kenya offered us their love by spending time with us. The unhurried moments together over a cup of tea, talking about Caroline’s school, favorite color, names of her family members. They loved us through when we joined our hearts in passionate prayer for our families, our ministries, Kenya, Compassion and the United States. They loved us when we enthusiastically planted avocado trees together. This was symbolic, a tangible statement of permanence of our commitment to Caroline through Compassion. It also affirmed our commitment to the AIC Mungala Compassion project, and more importantly, to God’s work in the world.

“The trees are a reminder for us to pray for you,” said the project director, “we will never forget you. When you come back to visit us, you will see the trees have grown and have given us fruit, and so has God’s work.”

A planting of the Lord, for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3b

Thanks for your prayers - Bwana Asifiwe! Praise the Lord!

Sheryl

Going to Africa...Again!

Dear Friends, I am so excited you've logged on to my blog, here's a very detailed prayer guide for you, so you know where I am and what I am doing each day of my trip. Thank you so much for your prayers and love. I am representing YOU and KAXL around the globe. Listen for my interview with my Compassion child, Caroline. Watch the KAXL home page for picture updates as I can get them posted. Love and prayers, Sheryl

Sheryl & Paul Giesbrecht’s Prayer Guide - Africa 2009

Now may the God of hope make you full of joy and peace through faith,so that all hope may be yours in the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

4/20 3:00 am – Airport Bus to LAX
Pray for safe flights, connections, luggage efficiency, ministry to other travelers we meet along the way.
8:30 am – Depart LAX Northwest Airlines – Seattle, WA
12:55 pm – Depart Seattle, WA – Amsterdam
4/21 7:40 am – Depart Amsterdam – Northwest Airlines – Nairobi
7:05 pm – Arrive Nairobi, Kenya

4/22 8:00 am – Depart Compassion office in Nairobi to visit our Compassion child, Caroline Musuoki at her home and school.
Pray we would encourage and bless Caroline and her family. We have been her monthly supporters for five years with Compassion International. We will visit her home, school and project site.
6:00 pm – Return from Compassion project
4/23 6:00 pm – Depart on evening flight to Kitale

4/24 6:00 pm – African Theological Seminary (ATS these are ICM seminaries) Graduation Dinner honoring graduates
Pray blessing and honor over the graduates, many of whom are bi-vocational pastors, who will be better pastors and leaders because of their seminary training.

4/25 10:00 am – ATS Graduation Ceremony & Celebration in Kitale, Kenya
Praise the Lord!
4/26 10:00 am – Preaching in Church services
Pray we will give out God’s Word with the power of the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to the needs around us.
4/27-30 9:00 am – ICM Leadership Meetings
Pray for wisdom and strength, as we prepare and respond to the opportunities we are given to minister in the name of Jesus.
4/31 6:00 am – Travel to Uganda by car

5/1 6:00 pm – African Theological Seminary Graduation Dinner honoring graduates
Pray blessing and honor over the graduates, many of whom are bi-vocational pastors, who will be better pastors and leaders because of their seminary training.
5/2 10:00 am – ATS Graduation Ceremony & Celebration in Tororo, Uganda
Praise the Lord!
5/3 10:00 am – Preaching in Church services
5/4-5 9:00 am – ATS Leadership Summit (Paul)
Pray for wisdom and strength, as we prepare and respond to the opportunities we are given to minister in the name of Jesus.
5/6-9 9:00 am - ICM Leadership Meetings (Paul)
5/8-9 9:00 am – From Ashes to Beauty Women’s Conference (Sheryl)
Pray Isaiah 61:1-3.
5/10 10:00 am – Preaching in Church services
5/11 6:00 pm – Evening flight from Kitale to Goma, the Dominican Republic of Congo

Pray Romans 15:13.
5/12 9:00 am – Pastor’s Seminars in Goma (Paul)
Women’s Seminars in Goma (Sheryl)
Pray Isaiah 61:1-7
5/13 9:00 am - Pastor’s Seminars in Goma (Paul)
Women’s Seminars in Goma (Sheryl)

Pray the men and women who hear our messages would believe what God says about them. Pray that they would stand firm on their Identity in Christ. Pray they would use the In Christ I Am bookmark to walk in freedom in Christ.

5/14 9:00 am – Ministering in the Refugee Camp (prayer session with refugees)
5/15 6:00 pm – Sheryl takes evening flight from Goma to Nairobi

5/17 10:10 pm – Sheryl departs Nairobi to Amsterdam
5/18 1:25 pm – Sheryl departs Amsterdam to LAX
3:25 pm – Sheryl arrives at LAX, takes Airport Bus to Bakersfield

5/15 9:00 am – Paul, Grace Cabalka, Holly Culhane depart on evening flight to Kinshasa
5/16 9:00 am – Paul visits American school of “Tasok” in Kinshasa
5/17 10:00 am – Preaching in Sunday services
5/18 9:00 am – ICM Leadership meetings and lunch with ICM DRC staff
5/20-21 9:00 am – Launch of MLM Vol 2 in DRC: Vision Casting and Square 1 with the Atemas

5/22 6:00 pm – Paul departs Kinshasa to Nairobi
5/24 10:10 pm – Paul departs Nairobi to Amsterdam
5/25 1:25 pm – Paul departs Amsterdam
3:20 pm – Paul arrives LAX, takes Airport Bus to Bakersfield

Pray for those who have heard and believed God. Pray they will trust God is at work in their lives will continue to walk in freedom in Christ and know God has a plan and a purpose for everything He allows to happen in our lives.
Pray Ephesians 2:10 and Jeremiah 29:11.Thank you for your prayers in Jesus' Name! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

To donate your tax deductable love gift to Sheryl & Paul Giesbrecht's Africa Trip 2009, mail to: International Christian Ministries, P.O.Box 9071, Bakersfield, CA 93389-9071, Attn: Goma Trip - Giesbrechts

Hopelessly Devoted

I am a woman of many moods and they all require chocolate. If chocolate were prescribed for feelings, maybe dark chocolate would be given for occasional bouts of depression. With financial trouble, maybe chewy caramel and nuts with milk chocolate, or for stress - semi-sweet chocolate with rice krispies. So many emotions, so many chocolates, so little time. Hopelessly devoted to chocolate? Hardly. Though today's variety of chocolate enticements might offer a temporary emotional escape, the chocolate hangover and extra pounds are definitely not worth the indulgence.
Good ole Webster's defines 'devoted' as a verb - a person who is set apart for a purpose. Hmmm, when you put it that way, I guess I am not as devoted to chocolate as I thought. Although the chocolate fix might be fun and satisfying for a moment, it's definitely not a healthy way to cope.
We are all devoted to something or someone; our job, husband, children, church or God. But just how devoted are we? A recent article in my newspaper showed what true devotion looks like. Darlene was a 48 year old woman who was terminally ill. Her dying wish to be married to her sweetheart, Scott was granted, just twelve days before she died. Darlene had stopped her anti-cancer treatments right before their wedding ceremony. Toward the end, as Darlene's cancer took over her body; she could not speak or even communicate with her new husband by blinking her eyes. Yet devoted Scott never left her side, he read her Bible verses, held her and comforted her. Darlene died peacefully, in the arms of her new husband, a short twelve days after they were married. Now that's passionate devotion.
God is hopelessly devoted to you.He is absolutely crazy in love with you. Jesus' dying wish was for you to know God's love. In John 17:23, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." When we choose to believe God loves us, it makes a difference in every decision we make and every turn we take.
God keeps you safe in his arms of love. His love will never let you go. He has an important plan for you. God affirms this love in Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness." God has loved you before time began; he has loved you for all eternity. What does devotion look like? It's God giving His Son Jesus to die in your place. I John 4:10, "This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." God is hopelessly devoted to you. Now it's your turn.
Hopelessly devoted to God? It's entirely possible; it is a choice we make every day, to believe God loves us and to walk out our devotion one step at a time. We can show the love of God with abandon in the way we treat our families, friends and church members. For starters, tell those around you "I LOVE YOU!" every time you get the chance. God gives His strength to us to show others what true devotion looks like, even to those we might view as unworthy, undeserving or unlovely. Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest says, "You can never be the same after the unveiling of a truth. That moment marks you as one who either continues on with even more devotion as a disciple of Jesus Christ, or as one who turns to back as a deserter."