News & Stories

Give Up Your Blueprint and God Can Lead

When I look back over the past several years, one experience stands out that laid the groundwork for our work with Appleseed.  During a time of painful transition God spoke clearly to me, “You are expecting that I will give you a blueprint for where you are going, but there will be no blueprint.  You must learn to walk one step at a time as I lead and guide.”

I was challenged!  I like to know what’s coming and see the upcoming turns in the road.  But, this faith journey works!

Church Planting Movements Update

One network of churches in Kenya set a goal of 2,000 new baptisms for 2011.  They missed the mark, baptizing 'only' 720 people.  Undaunted, and knowing that God wanted to set free many people living in the oppression of victimization and poverty, they set their new goal for 2012: 4,000.  They have learned some lessons and believe they should aim high!

You Are Helping Plant Seeds of Change

Bydgoszcz200You are helping us plant seeds of change in Poland!

“The young Polish man admitted that he had lived such a flagrantly immoral life that he was destroying friendships and nearly his own life.  He felt trapped and hopeless.  When a young woman began sharing about the grace and love of Jesus and His power to set people free, he argued with her vigorously.  But, he also felt compelled to learn more.  Now, five years later, he is married, free, and passionate about reaching the many people in his country who have no answers for their own struggles.”

This young man’s difficulties are typical and there are very few followers of Jesus pointing to answers.  Less than one percent of the Polish nation is Christian!

But… we met with a group of young leaders who have the potential to change this nation. They are:

  • Spiritually hungry
  • Focused on eternal things while others around them are concentrating on material gains
  • Willing to take risks when God calls them to
  • Passionate about seeing those who are bound up find freedom through Jesus

If you are thinking that these are the qualities of people who can impact their world, I agree with you!  Pray with us as they move forward with new strategies for bringing the way of Jesus to their people.

Violence in Nairobi Where We Are Passing Through

You may have heard about the grenade bombings in Nairobi, Kenya.  We have now arrived there and plan to keep our ears to the ground since we will be passing through two more times during our travels in Africa.

“Grenade blasts at a blue-collar bar and a crowded bus stop rattled Nairobi, as the country worried whether al-Qaida-linked militants from Somalia were carrying out their promise to launch reprisal attacks in Kenya's capital.” USA Today, Oct 25.

Your prayers, obviously, mean more than ever as we continue on to see some of the neediest people on earth lifted up.

A Child Dies of Malaria Every 30 Seconds in Africa

MalariaChild260Malaria has killed more people than all wars combined, and continues to be one of the greatest public health challenges facing humans today.

“I remember looking into the drooping eyes of the young girl with malaria and recognizing that sickly look that all children have when they are suffering.  I was so glad to learn that he recovered, but many DON’T!”

You may have participated in our online campaign (sponsored by Moolala) to raise funds to provide mosquito nets to dozens of our children in Kenya.  These will be life-saving for many!  Thank you so much.  As the nets are purchased and distributed we will keep you posted.

You Can Travel With Us!
Poland in October: Roger’s book on Simple/House Church was translated into Polish by some new friends.  Now they have invited us to come encourage their group to plant new churches in this East European country.

“In Poland young people and students, while sceptical of organized religion, are receptive to the good news of Jesus.”

Pray with us for this emerging group of believers with a heart to see their nation transformed.

Lame Man Walks

Angel... Perhaps a Real Angel?

Sometimes we have the rare opportunity to see “Jesus with skin on.”  Such was the case last night when we were relaxing at Angel and Steven’s home in Uvira, DRC.  We had walked down a dirt, rocky path in between other homes to the back of the cement complex.  Ducking to clear the headway of the gate, we entered the small, bare dirt, enclosed yard.  Along the cement porch sat not only Angel, but also five brightly clad Congolese women.   Shyly, each one stood to greet us, Congolese style:  a long handshake while kissing first on the right cheek, then left, and to seal the friendship, another kiss on the left.

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