BDS Groups

Accountability group meetings are the heart of our micro-enterprise program. This is where the members make their loan and savings payment, discuss issues, support and encourage each other, and deepen their understanding of the Word of God.

On this day Mom and I visited two of our groups - Upendo and Mwangaza. In the photo below the leaders of the Upendo (love in Swahili) group are tabulating the loan payments and savings deposits, updating passbooks, then passing them on to Virginia (in the foreground) who is entering the information on a receipt. One copy of the receipt is left with the chairperson of the group and the original is brought back to the office to be entered into the computer.
Meetings are also a time for discussing group issues, receiving new members and approving new loans - alot happens in one hour! Most groups start with a word of prayer and even praise songs.
I made a new friend - I found out her name is Anne. She spoke no English and I speak very little Swahili, but we enjoyed our time together anyway :)
One member clarifying something in his passbook.
Babies are my favorite...and I just love that they attend the meetings :)

Lots of activity
Sweet face...

Another cutie!
Overview to give you an idea of what group meetings are like - this one meets in a nice room that is actually pretty comfortable, and even has some light (from a square of white fiberglass inserted into the tin roof)

And of course we were asked to speak - here mom is sharing about our ride to this meeting on the bus.
I think she's done...and this is the end of the Upendo meeting...all the records from the secretary of the group must agree with the receipt before Virginia can leave the meeting.
The Upendo group members left the meeting and members of Mwangaza, who were waiting patiently outside come in to meet in the same room.



This man is the chairman - Mighty John Kamande. He has asked one member to read God's word...
...to prepare for his word of encouragement.
He speaks with his hands...even though it was in Swahili, I knew people were being blessed.

I know they do not look like they are paying attention, but they really are!
Now down to business!
This group also received a new member on this day - actually a transfer from another group that is ending...
Virginia knows I don't like to be idle, so she has enlisted my help - I love to help!
A shot of the room from my new vantage point!
Mom and I also talked to this group...she introduced herself and I explained my role with the department and stressed the importance of keeping accurate records.
Talking with his hands again, he keeps the atmosphere in the room light and fun!
Members are encouraged to bring whatever they sell in their business...one lady makes these awesome samosas...
...others sell fabric, bags and all sorts of goods. They even like to promote merchants not even involved with our ministry, but who operate in the neighborhood - I so respect that attitude! Blessed to be a blessing!

This is Monicah...a single mom whose husband left her about a year ago. She struggled for months during a difficult pregnancy and lost much business. Due to the support, encouragement and help from the group she has been able to rebuild her business and is able to now support her family - just one of many success stories!
On the way back to the office, I remembered why I love going into the field with the Loan Officers - our clients are truly inspiring to me! This helps to remind me of why I do what I do.

The Ordinations

Mom and I were privileged to attend the ordination/promotion of my co-worker Mary from elder to pastor and of her husband Isaiah from pastor to reverend.

Below is a sign on the wall - their vision statement for 2011;
We arrived at the end of their morning service. This is Isaiah letting the congregation know that we would take a short break before commencing the ordination ceremonies. He is unusual for a Kenyan in that he is very keen on keeping time...I like that about him!
The steeeeep steps we climbed to get to the church...
We, thankfully, were seated near the doorway...here is the view :) - I say thankfully because sometimes it can become uncomfortably warm, but next to the door there was always a breeze!
Our MC for the day - Bro. Felix Musyoki
Mom and the congregation enjoying the music
The choir...you can just feel the music, can't you?
This lady is one of the teachers at Missions of Hope where Mary and I work.
There were several presentations given...
...and several little kids :)
Pastor Isaiah just could NOT contain himself!
And of course the mic was handed to me and then to Mom to say a few words...
Several visiting pastors were recognized and given the floor for a few minutes each.
A word of encouragement was given by Bishop Joseph Nderitu - here Isaiah is reading from his text in 1Kings.
An interpreter was enlisted just for my mom and me...he was excellent...even switching from English to Swahili and back as the bishop switched...often in mid sentence!
Several times Isaiah was overcome with emotion.
And the bishop was amazingly animated!

Then comes the 'big bishop' as Mom and I dubbed him! This is Bishop Boniface Landi, the officiating Bishop...we enjoyed him almost as much as the 'little bishop'!
My favorite thing that he said was that some day Isaiah would surpass him...he truly 'disciples' others to be all that God purposes them to be.
I love this look - it says to me; respect, attention, intent
This is Mary, being Mary :)
Here the bishop is charging the congregation with supporting their pastor...that he should be filling out that suit coat...Isaiah is demostrating just how much room there is :)
A winning smile...
...the anointing oil!
Isaiah and Mary are kneeling on some cushions, being anointed with oil and prayed over by both bishops and many others...and of course it is all being captured on video!

I LOVE this photo...now that's a hug!
Now presenting Reverend Isaiah and Pastor Mary...notice the collars?
This photo is to show the 'kneeling' cushions...there were others being promoted this day, some from other churches.
The cake is always a part of any celebration. First Isaiah and Mary served each other, then their kids (notice Mary's mouth)
Ann Mueni looks quite satisfied :)
Then the big bishop (sans robe!)
...and the little bishop (with wife Elizabeth next to him)
Then for the special 'international' guests!
It was actually quite good and for me, just enough...too much sugar is not good!
Ah, the food! And it was good...several church members chipped in with different dishes. Mom and I were invited onto the platform to partake, and spent that time chatting with Isaiah and learning what a fine young man he is!
Chapati, rice, goat stew with potatoes - YUM!
The view from the platform...mingling...
...and laughing!
We had SUCH a good time! Afterwards Mary and her kids accompanied us with a church member who is a taxi driver, all the way to my home - I felt so taken care of.