After pondering over how to write my eighth entry on my time here in Kenya it has dawned on me, that although I have informed you on what I have been actively doing in regards to ministry, I have done little to let you into thoughts that I have processed. So to take you out of your confusion in regards to the title of this post, skipping the first five paragraphs would take you then to the deepest corners of my mind where I explore thoughts never before put on paper or computer screen. That was well overdramatic, but I am changing things up aren’t I? Anyways, I would kindly suggest that you do not skip over anything since I am excited about all that I am sharing with you in this post!

The majority of the ministry work I do for DIGUNA takes place either on station or in the deserts of Northern Kenya. On station, the work is primarily on the maintenance and mechanical side of things and in “the bush” it is building projects and evangelism. April and May saw me head to Marsabit, the largest region in Northern Kenya, on two exciting trips.

In April, I, along with my department leader Rudy, provided transport for a team from Word of Life to the small town of Kalacha to run a youth camp. Since I am without a Kenyan Truck License I was illegally unable to drive but I gladly filled the role of co-driver. This meant taking care of the very important DJ responsibilities. Our task was simple: escort the team to Kalacha, and then return them to Nairobi safely. This duty was accomplished and much enjoyed. Since Rudy and I did not participate in the camp, we spent time with the other missionaries in the area. We fellowshipped, played with their children, helped them in their work, and encouraged them in the good work they do. I also managed to have my go at driving the truck in light of the non-existent police presence in these regions of the earth.

Earlier this month I went on my final building project. We spent ten days bouncing around different villages preaching the Gospel through the practical work of our hands. Installing doors and windows along with constructing mabati houses were a few tasks that we completed. The work was gratifying and made for great fellowship through drilling machines, shovels, and heavy lifting.

Constructing the mabati house. Mabati is swahili for iron sheets.

I have been truly captivated by Kenya’s northern district, and after spending over two months in the desert bush; it feels like a second home to me. The necessity for these nomadic tribes people to hear the Gospel, to witness the Gospel, and to experience the Gospel is crucial! Missionaries and thriving churches are fewer than the rivers they have flowing. I am grateful that I have been able to find myself in this ministry, working alongside others who share the same desire: to have the love of God reach those less privileged.

Growing up, I always thought missionaries as gutsy people willing to leave the comforts of first-world living to serve the Lord in the furthest corners of the world. Every announcement in church and every prayer card on the fridge that was missionary-related I thought to be interesting but something that I would never experience first-hand.

But over the last few years, and especially throughout the last ten months, I have realized that the mission field is in fact between one’s own two feet. Wherever you are is where the mission field is!  One does not need to travel halfway across the globe to a remote area to find people in need of God’s grace. Rather, by surrendering one’s life whole-heartedly to the Lord, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through you, He will be made evident. If He is what you strive for, then you can check yourself off as in the mission field.

Yes, technically, it is an occupation and one of many ministries in God’s church. However, God will equip you where you are and according to who you are reaching out to. For myself, the end of July to mid-August will bring work in four different mission fields. I will be leaving the one here in Kenya, but entering new fields and challenges in Germany, the USA, and my hometown mission field of Canada. Through grace given by God, He will work through me wherever my two feet stand. I bring forth this hopeful thought amidst the heartbreaking stories we see in the news everyday. Collapses in Turkey, bombs in Nairobi, abductions in Nigeria, political unrest in Eastern Europe and Thailand all prove that the alarm has never been ringing louder than now to save lives for God’s Kingdom!

And He said to them “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16.15

Prayer:

• That people may look to Christ for their ultimate peace and security amongst fear of recent bombings.
• That our Mbagathi station continues to thrive even though three of our leaders head back to Germany for personal reasons.
• That God’s Spirit continues to work in me and through me during my remaining two months here.

Continued thanks to those that keep me in their prayers!

Kind regards,

KF

PS- The word “wapi” is Swahili for “where”.

Missionary turned quad instructor.

Hello Peoples!

I have blown off the dust from this blog site and been finally able to give it a much needed update! I apologize to those who remain primarily connected to me through the blog, you can rest assured I am still alive and kicking, doing what an ordinary crazy Canadian missionary kid can do in Kenya. Although a post has long been overdue, thankfully it does not mean I have been twiddling my thumbs! Rather the opposite, so allow me to apologize, just one more time, (I am Canadian remember) for the length of this post.

My last post ended off with the year 2013 coming to a close and looking forward to what the New Year had in store. It has been three thumbs up thus far. Following the holidays, our station had a week-long kick off seminar focused on team unity and improving the ministries that we as DIGUNA do. We had an American speaker talk about idols in our lives and the negative affects that come with it. Anything that takes priority over God, is an idol! That, along with listening to a fluent, American-accented English speaker, made the week challenging and enjoyable!

The beginning of February saw me head back up north to Marsabit, to complete the school building we began last year.  The three-week trip was filled with excitement and plenty of hard work. Within our given time, we had to complete everything from the foundation up. The struggles of communication were often witnessed but the language of building is thankfully easier than languages such as German, Swahili, English, Russian, and Samburu, all of which were spoken on the construction site. Our team was continually blessed with team unity and as a collective group of Germans, Kenyans and a lone Canadian; we completed the school much to the excitement of the entire village.

FINISHED!!

God’s protection was constantly felt throughout the trip and was never more evident on one particular night. To tell this story in its entirety would require a blog post on its own, so I will keep it brief. However, feel free to ask my mother for full details, she would gladly fill you in. (Please don’t by the way, she dreaded hearing it) Anyways, myself along with two Germans went hunting for Dikdiks, essentially a miniature deer the size of a cat, one evening. We had already been out two previous nights with a few locals and thought that our young, exuberant wisdom could handle itself without the aid of local Kenyans. Unfortunately, this “wisdom”, led us to spending the rest of the night trying to find our way back home. This meant power napping on the mountain waiting for the morning rays to guide us back home. However, at 7:30 am we promptly walked through the gates of our site, much to the relief of our team. That morning two locals had set out to find us by following our footprints, although we got back before they found us, they let us know afterwards that our tracks were not the only ones in the desert. Meaning we had hyena prints following us through the night. It is not something I am necessarily proud of, but I let you know for one, because it reminds me to be thankful for the protection God has blessed us with,and secondly, to be thankful for your prayers that have been clearly evident throughout my time here.

Upon return, the busyness did not cease to reside. Four days later, I was sent out to join a school ministry team half way through their two-week trip. Our program was fairly similar throughout the campaign,  allowing us to become professionals in the songs we sang, the skits we acted and the sermons we delivered. It is an amazing feeling when you truly feel the Spirit work through your team sharing the Gospel to primary and secondary students. It was a unique experience that reminded me the importance of giving absolutely everything up to the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Rockin the air guitar!

The muzungu always has to act as Jesus for some reason.

There have been many “firsts” that I have experienced throughout the last eight months, and I was able to knock off yet another on a Sunday morning just a few weeks ago. Preaching the Word. My friend’s Pentecostal church was located in the heart of one of Nairobi’s largest slums, South B. The journey itself was crazy let alone the service. Thankfully, our car pulled us through, despite the tires spinning through muddy trenches of garbage and filth. Although the Pentecostal culture is new for me and quite different to the Mennonite faith to which I have grown up in, the service went well and the congregation made us feel welcome. The service was filled with dancing and “loud, enthusiastic” speaking tones. I spoke on obedience, how it is demanded of us through the death and resurrection of Christ. We can either think it to be complete rubbish and leave it altogether, or believe that it happened, allowing it to radically change our lives. I emphasized the dangers of believing in the prosperity gospel, a belief that has ravaged this continent, along with what Christ says to Christians who are “lukewarm”.

Two weekends ago, I relived the days of my prime, playing in my first volleyball tournament, after a three-year absence. DIGUNA hosts an annual sports event every year that gets held at one of three stations the organization has in Kenya. This year, Ngecheck, located in Eldoret, about eight hours drive west of Mbagathi, played host, inviting teams from the local area to participate in volleyball, soccer and a cross-country race. It was an exciting weekend of action playing against high level teams and cheering on our soccer team. Our team placed fifth, unfortunately getting knocked out in the quarterfinals, out of eleven teams. Our soccer team however had a better result placing second out of ten teams. Kenyans play nice ball here!

Recently I have decided to extend my contract in Kenya for another four months! At first my plans were at this time, to travel and work in Germany before returning home to continue my studies in the fall. But after much thought and prayer I have decided to serve the Lord in Kenya through the summer! The Lord has revealed Himself in many marvelous ways allowing me to grow in so many aspects. To leave now, would feel premature and although it is only a short extension, I trust it is the right choice despite some difficulties it leaves me with. I know that when one asks for wisdom and discernment from God, one must be confident in the decision that is made. Once again, Proverbs 3.5-6 ringing true here.

In all this, it is truly the Lord, through His grace, that allows me to serve Him here genuinely, making me thankful for today and excited for tomorrow!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

Karsten Edward

Removing koto koto with the muran.

Greetings to everyone as you begin the New Year! I trust you have all enjoyed Christmas and New Years celebrations with family and friends. The Christmas season has been quite different for me this year for two main reasons, away from family and away from snow/coldness. Kenyan culture celebrates Christmas differently in the sense that it is  just a one-day affair, being of course the 25^th of December. Without any build up or holiday cheer in the air, just seeing a large synthetic Christmas tree set up in the mall was a pleasant sight in itself.

Despite being distant from the normalcy of Christmas this year, it has still been a very “adventfull” time these past few weeks. (No worries if you did not clue into the pun there.)

My roommate and I, along with a few other members from the station, joined a team from Germany to begin construction on a primary school in Ngororoi, a remote village in northern Kenyan. It was a trip that was full gas on all fronts. Full gas, if you are unfamiliar with the term, simply means to be working at a fast pace, and consequently, was a term we became quite familiar with over the course of the trip.

The 1000-kilometer journey beheld our first adventure. The long distance, which was tackled by two large trucks carrying close to 20 tons of equipment, building material, food and of course people took three days due too truck failures and treacherous sandy roads. Breaking down in the middle of the desert, at dusk, requiring extensive repairs in order to carry on thankfully went on without the visit of any bandits, which can be a common occurrence. Upon a safe arrival two days later, we unloaded and rested, excited to begin construction the following day.

The truck on the left had its starter cracked, gear box malfunction and cooling fluid leakage all on the way there. But it was a champ and still came through for us!

Now before I delve into how construction went, let me tell you about the Germans who we were working with. They are Russian Germans, meaning that they grew up in Russia, Ukraine or Kazakhstan and following World War II, moved to Germany. Two things I learnt about Russian Germans after working with them for two weeks. First off, if you can motivate the “bear” inside of them, they are literally relentless workers, constantly giving full gas. Secondly, if you interrupt one in the midst of working , you will have one very disturbed man.

Levelling and form work in progress.

So with that being said, work started between 6-6:30am and finished around 8 pm, with lunch and coffee break between.  The first few days were spent levelling out the area, clearing 375 square meters of soil and an incredible amount of large stones.  After picking away at stones, shovelling out soil, then proceeding to carry it out by wheelbarrow, for three days, the prospect of pouring concrete became very exciting. Due to temperatures rising to 37 C, we had to pour concrete in the evening when the temperatures were cooler, preventing the concrete from drying too fast and cracking.  The next five days were then spent preparing the forms and pouring concrete. The next phase of the project was to erect the walls, consisting of large flat stones, collected by the locals. Unfortunately, not enough were collected so it was decided that we would leave it at that. This meant we would head back to Nairobi a few days early. Although this could be seen as a disappoint, the team was thankful for a few extra days rest along with some time in the city to experience more of Kenya before heading back to Germany.

Foundation completed!

It was a fantastic experience of merely eating, sleeping, working and driving. We were pushed physically, when having to fill a 15 ton truck full of stones with six men or by bouncing around in the back of the truck through 24 hours straight of driving on our return journey. Funny moments were witnessing the Germans, many of whom could not speak a slick of English, speaking German with the Kenyans, fully expecting them to understand what they are saying… an answer in Kiswahili would only add to the confusion. There were also humbling moments, when many villagers who had not helped with the work, would unexpectedly join us for supper. Although at first it was difficult to grasp, knowing that I might go to bed hungry, I was reminded that nothing of which we have really belongs to us, but to God, along with knowing that we serve a God who always provides. This trip gave me clear evidence of how we serve a God of providence in which I constantly felt enough energy for the task at hand. I am looking forward to heading back in February to complete the project with a new team!

One verse that held true for me throughout the trip was Isaiah 40.30-31”Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary walk and not be faint.” I never thought young energetic crazy boys could run out of energy, but this recent trip reminded me of how we truly need to rely on God for all things, big and small.

Working with these bongobongo’s was a blast!

Following the building project, the station closed for three weeks holiday. I used this time to visit the home place of my roommate along with another Kenyan friend of mine who also grew up in the area. It gave me a neat perspective into the upbringing of my two friends and helped me understand them better as brothers in Christ. Christmas was then spent on station and although it was very low key, it allowed me to engage in plenty of reflection and quiet time with the Lord, refreshing me for year 2014. I then went to Mombasa for New Years with the other short termer’s from Diguna. The beaches are impeccable, the whitest and finest my toes have ever felt. We spent time deep sea fishing, snorkelling, touring the old city and of course soaking in rays on the beach. We rang in the New Year by having a large bon fire on the beach, a moment I will cherish for years to come.

We then spent the last week and a half “working” on station building a tree fort and taking shifts through the night being watchmen, protecting the compounding from any impeding hyenas. Just a side note on building the tree fort, it was a platform that we built right next to the National Park, so our breaks would be spent watching the rhinos, water buffaloes, crocodiles, antelopes and warthogs stroll by a mere few metres away.

To say I am looking forward to what this year has in store would truly be an understatement of large proportions. I am eager to see what God has in store for me and how He will continue to guide my path, through thick and thin. I have many transitions ahead of me and being in three continents for lengthy periods of time might be the best way to describe it. From missions in Africa to working abroad in Germany then back to Canada to continue studies. I pray and trust that I am following through with His plan A for my life, that His will remains to be what I truly seek each living day that He has blessed me with.

New Years

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Kenya!

Frohe Weinachten und Prost Neujahr aus Kenia!

PS- Protecting the compound from impeding hyenas was just a joke, it was really just harmless lions.

Karsten, son to a most caring mother, Momma Fast

Hello Folks!

What do a vibrating machine, air pistol, rat poison and a weigh scale all have in common might you ask? Well, allow me to explain.

Earlier in October, our team, comprised mostly of the short-term volunteers, went on a two-week campaign to Tinderet, another Diguna station in Kenya, to harvest mace (corn). It was a fantastic experience learning first hand the journey a cornel of corn takes from the field, to the dinner plate.

The first week was spent siphoning through cornels that had already been stripped from the cob. The cornels were shaken down through a large vibrator machine, where anything besides a tasteless, white cornel would either fall through the sieve, blown away by an air pistol or picked out by hand. The clean mace would then make its way into a sac, and with the addition of rat poison and a few extra cornels on the weigh scale to make it an exact 90 kilograms; it would be a finished product. One sac of mace would sell at 3000 Kenyan Shillings or $35, not a bad deal for how much you’re getting, (so mom just so you know, I decided to go cheap but plentiful with the family’s Christmas gift this year). We completed around 50 sacs a day, not so bad we thought, until we were told that the Kenyan workers pump out approximately 100 per day. And here I thought that Germans were efficient workers… haha only jokes.

The second week was spent in the field. We would strip the cob from the stalk, rip off the leaves and then proceed to toss the cob into the trailer. Once enough corn was tossed into the trailer, we would separate bad mace from good mace. Bad mace would be delicious food for the pigs and the good mace would go through a grinding machine that stripped the cornels from the cob. Rain or shine, we did our work striving to reach the goal of completing the entire field, even if it meant working an extra day. Riding back to the station after completing a long week of harvesting, on a trailer filled with mace, taking in the beautiful expanse of the Tinderet Mountains was a moment that will linger in my mind for many years.

Aside from the harvest, we spent time getting to know the staff, taking in gorgeous sunsets, swimming in the pool and going on adventurous hikes. One of which took place from 10pm-1: 30 am climbing to the top of a cliff to roast “stick bread” over a crackling fire, under the sparkling night sky. What stood out to me the most was the importance of team unity, whether it was helping each other out in the harvest or coming together every evening for team devotions, it was truly exemplified over the course of our time there.

At times it felt like we were on holidays.

Repeated every evening.

Soaking in the powerfulness of the waterfall.

Now its time for an update on the volleyball front! Over the course of the past few weeks, the Wazee’s (people of the “older” generation) have versed off in a fierce battle against the youngsters (people of the “younger” generation). The match started on a Sunday afternoon and continued after work sporadically throughout the next few weeks. I can proudly say that the youngsters, whose team I exuberantly represented, came out on top winning 9 sets to 8. Yes, it was not an ordinary match, as whenever one side had a one set lead we would insist with another. Eventually it came to an end though, with energy and athleticism claiming victory over experience and wisdom. We thoroughly enjoyed our prize, a crate of soda, along with bragging rights until our next match.

Recently I have been captivated by the spiritual discipline of prayer. Realization that my prayer life was lacking in fervor and desire simultaneously occurred with my friend giving me a book about prayer. I was struck by the phrase “Pray until you pray”. How come we treat our communication with God as a duty that we try and quickly finish in order to accomplish whatever the following task might be? With this in mind, I have been challenged to pray long and/or honest enough to get past the formalism of prayer. This is what I mean when I say we are to pray until we pray. So that whenever we pray to the Creator of this universe, it’s a real conversation, where we are entering the Spirit through a focused mindset. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4.6-7

The future is exciting as I head back to the incredibly hot temperatures of northern Kenya to continue the building project we began August. It will be a three-week campaign working in 35-degree weather, building the first school for the small village of Ngororoi. This along with youth camps and holiday craziness!

Much love from the land of lions, mace and this crazy Canadian missionary.

Karsten E. Fast

A glimpse into some of the work we were doing!

Cleaning the mace.

Working in the shamba (crop field).

Finished!

Hello to everyone around the world!

First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers during my time here but especially in the past couple weeks. If you haven’t been able to be in tune with international news recently I’ll briefly fill you in. Westgate mall is located in the high-end shopping district in the Nairobi area. It attracts many tourists, dignitaries and Africans that can afford an expensive night out. On September 21st, Al-shabab and its militants, a terrorist group connected with Al Quaida, sought destruction and the lives of many innocent people. They seized control of the luxurious mall for three days claiming approximately 70 lives and injuring many more. Westgate, although it is located about an hours drive from our base here in Mbagathi, still left us unsettled. God’s protection is ever present and it was all the more evident that day as I had been hoping to go there that day, but through certain circumstances and above all, God’s divine nature, this did not happen. Though circumstances like these can leave one feeling rather unsafe, we can’t allow the emotion of this form of anxiety to negatively affect our mindset for which we are are here. Thank you for your prayers and concerns; it is very much appreciated!

Life on base is settling into a routine with working on base during the day and enjoying the evening with friends, studying languages and scripture or participating exercise and/or sport. Cold showers are becoming the norm here, supposedly it’s good for your immune system? But it’s not too bad; after all, working in the Kenyan sun can be a little taxing. It’s also not a bad alternative to the large slurpee I would treat myself to after work everyday in Canada this past summer. Most of the workshop and maintenance workers, including myself, have been busy reorganizing things around compound making things neat and tidy for the missions conference we are hosting this week. People from all Diguna bases in Africa and Germany will be coming together to discuss all things mission orientated.

Fanya Kazi. Start working.

Putting in the new tarmac using old school techniques.

If you know me well, you’ll know I’m passionate about volleyball. It’s often played here along with the luxury of choosing which court you want to play on, grass or concrete. Although the level of play is not what I am usually used to, it’s still plenty of fun. However, the other day one of the locals asked me to join his team, outside of Diguna, for practice. I obliged and took his word that his team was rather good. I could honestly say I was expecting his team to be skilled because my friend is an excellent booster, African word for setter. It’s safe to say this team was amazing, the way some of these guys pounded the ball was intense and their fast play made it very exciting to be apart of. I look forward to training with them again.

In my spare time I have been able to get involved in the slum ministry. We have recently begun working in a neighbouring slum called Bangladesh. Since they are not an official city district, I believe there allowed to call their “area” whatever they like. I’ve already put in a good word for Vancouver if they ever decide to change their name. I’m sure they will of course. But anyways, our focus is on the young men, many of whom are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Its been amazing getting to know these group of guys, we get anywhere from 6-12 men when we meet and it’s crazy to see how they all have such a desire to change and turn their lives around. But it’s also sad to hear how difficult it is with many not finishing school, in which their only means of finance comes from dealing drugs and stealing. This is where we come in! As God’s tools, we hope that doors may open for us to be able to connect them with jobs, schooling and rehab. It’s a huge task, we realize this more and more every time we meet but it’s amazing how God works, after every interaction we are blown away at the days events. I’m stoked for how God will transform the lives of these men.

Hiking in the Ngong Hills with the young men from Bangladesh.

Preaching the Worddddd.

I led team devotions last Friday morning and shared a story from a bear-hunting trip I was recently on. Some how I related it to seeking God and how having a deeper relationship with our Father is purely done by spending TIME with Him with the CORRECT attitude. An attitude that seeks to hold our Fathers hand from morning to night, walking next to Him, and allowing Him to dictate our lives. Hebrews 11.6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

If you have any topics that you’d like me to write about which are related to what I have been doing here feel free to let me know and I would love to share!

Prayer: Kenyans become a stronger more unified nation amidst recent terrorist attacks.

Bis Später,

Baadaye,

Until next time,

Karsten son of Paul