http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org Kayla Phillips - - Adventures In Missions en-us Wed, 14 May 2008 04:39:49 GMT 30 http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=reflections-of-my-time-in-mexico http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=reflections-of-my-time-in-mexico These past two weeks I've had the incredible opportunity to see and experience God working in the lives of the FYM team and their leaders in Mexico.  It's just a glimpse of the mighty things He's doing. I thoroughly enjoyed walking alongside the team on this journey we're all on.  As I reflect on my time in Mexico, my mind is flooded with great memories.  I've tried here to list a sampling of the highlights. Getting to know their hearts. Seeing them engaged in minis Tue, 6 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=hospital-ministry http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=hospital-ministry Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit a local hospital with 3 of the FYMs here in Mexico. These gals have been visiting this hospital twice a week for the past 8 months and have had some incredible experiences. I was blessed by their love for the patients here. Many times they only see a person one time then find them released by the time they return, but this does not deter them from pouring into them the love of the Father. In the parking lot, we donned our white coats and prayed before Thu, 1 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=pour-your-heart-out http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=pour-your-heart-out The words "pour your heart out" keep coming to mind.  As I ponder this, I'm finding it hard to define exactly what that means here. What does this look like? How do I pour my heart out to a kid I spend an hour with at a Bible study, a kid who I cannot speak his language, a kid I'll most likely never see again. How do I pour my heart out to these FYMs? 8 students that I'll spend 14 days with then might never encounter them again. How do I pour my heart out to these 2 leaders that I've g Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=the-eyes-of-my-heart http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=the-eyes-of-my-heart The Lord has brought me to Ephesians 1 lately. I find myself camping out here and drinking up each word. Some days the Lord puts just one verse on my heart and all day I can't get it out of my mind. Yesterday it was Ephesians 1:17. Today I'm feasting on verse 18. "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you"What do the eyes of my heart look like? What do they see that my physical eyes cannot see? What transformation oc Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=mexico-prison http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=mexico-prison Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to visit the local prison with Timi and Jill, 2 of the FYMs who go there 3 times a week for ministry. After getting information of what to wear & what not to wear, I grabbed my license and my Bible and set out for this new experience. On the journey to the prison the girls told me somewhat what to expect upon our arrival. However, I was still surprised by what I found. Upon entering, we were signed in and given yellow cards. Our license was taken Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=a-needy-heart http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=a-needy-heart I was asked recently, what's the current status of your heart?  And my response even surprised me.  I answered "it's needy." The word needy usually provokes negative emotions in me. After all, who wants to be needy?! I'm in a situation here where I'm completely dependent upon the Lord because I haven't a clue what I'm doing. Perhaps I'm here to pour into people, love on them, encourage them, build them up, speak life, and help the leaders in any way I can as they carry the we Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=day-1-in-mexico http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=day-1-in-mexico This morning I went out with the team to a colonia called Las Granjas. Here we worked on a home for Clara & her family. We mixed concrete and poured the floor today. It brought back great memories of my previous trips to Mexico with my youth group. Making "volcanoes" on the ground and mixing the concrete by hand. Pushing wheelbarrows upon wheelbarrows sloshing full of concrete. Great messy fun! The team worked all last week to build this house from the ground up and it's great to have it on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=heading-to-mexico http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=heading-to-mexico God continues to place new opportunities in front of me as I daily seek to follow Him and pursue His heart. He is faithful to open doors for me to walk through and guides each step of this incredible journey. I wanted to send you guys a quick update before I race off to the next adventure. I've been asked to travel to Mexico for the next 2 weeks. I'll be leaving at 5am in the morning to fly down there and will return on May 4th. I'm going down to our AIM base to love and serve the leaders and Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=catching-my-attention http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=catching-my-attention How do we get one's attention? If you're in a crowd of people and you need the attention of a specific person, you may call out their name loudly. Various noises get our attention quicklysirens go off, they get out attention and tell us that there's an emergency. In school, bells ring to get our attention, telling us to go to class. We have all kinds of fun ring tones to get our attention when someone is calling us on our cell phones. My point is that noise gets our attention. Not unlike you all Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=community http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=community God has been teaching me a ton about community lately.  More specifically, His idea of community.  As I continue to seek His heart, I'm stretched.  I'm daily reminded of His goodness and provision as I look around at this community He has surrounded me with.  We are simply living life together.  It's fun, it's hard, it's vulnerable, it's stretching, it's life giving.  Something tells me that the lessons God is teaching us and the eternal impact of this is Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=a-new-hope http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=a-new-hope We're continuing to keep in close contact with our friends in Kenya through all the violence and turmoil they're facing.  Sometimes we find it very hard to make these phone calls. It absolutely breaks our hearts to see those we love hurting so much! We don't know when this all will end or what tomorrow will look like. But we continue to lean into the Father and stand with our brothers and sisters in Kenya. I called Monica Friday to see how she and her family were getting along in Keny Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=children-praying http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=children-praying Kenyan children pray for their country 1/23/2008 By Sue Sprenkle NAIROBI, Kenya (BP)--A group of children runs up a muddy path, drenched from an unexpected downpour. A 5-year-old boy speeds in front of the pack when he suddenly spies the perfect puddle. He waits until his older sister and friends are almost parallel with him and then practically "cannon balls" to get the biggest splash. He giggles and dashes in the church's front door as the 8-year-olds squeal and chase after him. I laugh a Mon, 4 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=continuing-turmoil http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=continuing-turmoil This was posted on our Kenya Base site yesterday.  Check http://kenya.myadventures.org for more updates.   An MP (Member of Parliament), Were, belonging to the ODM party and Luo which is Raila Odinga's tribe was killed earlier this week as he was entering his home near Kibera. This caused riots in the city and many other towns in Western Kenya. Kibera was a no go zone for an entire day. Several people were killed and some homes were torched. According to the press they counted u Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=news-on-dominic http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=news-on-dominic Denise, one of my co-workers, was able to gather information about Dominic and posted this earlier today. As you have read Dominic Mutua was seriously injured in the violence in Kibera and was taken to Kenyatta Hospital.  I called to check on him and was able to get a hold of Francis Anubi who assured me he would find out and report today.  This is what I learned: On Tuesday, Dominic and Kefa (another Blue House Hostel boy) were walking in Gatwakera (near the train tracks j Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=praise-report http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=praise-report It's been a few days since I've been able to post an update on the happenings in Kenya.  This was written by Denise, one of my co-workers, a few days ago and I'd like to share it with you.  Despite continued instability in the government there are many praises to report as well.  Here is a quick list: As far as we know, no one we know has lost their life! The New Adventure School buildings were not looted or destroyed -- books, desks and classrooms remain intact. The teac Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=helping-the-displaced http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=helping-the-displaced This just in from Scott, our Kenya base director: I wanted to give you an update on how the money you have sent in to help Kenya is being used and to ask you to continue to pray. Currently we have sent funds to two different locations both of which have seen continued violence since the election.   One of the things that is so difficult for me is that as we help these two different areas I am also aware that these are the same two tribes who are fighting against one another. In Kibera m Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=kenya-update http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=kenya-update I spoke with Michelle in Nairobi earlier today.  After a few fairly quiet days, it seems the tension is rising again and nothing has really been resolved as far as the political side of things.  The latest call is for a "mass action" this coming Wednesday through Friday.  I inquired as to what exactly a "mass action" looks like and Michelle said, "a country wide protest against the current President."  So for the next few days leading up to Wednesday's demonstrations, ev Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=families-reached-through-our-relief-fund http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=families-reached-through-our-relief-fund This was recently posted on AIM's website reporting on what we've been able to do with your help.  Families reached through our relief fund Many of you have given to our Kenya Relief Fund in response to the unrest and violence that has plagued Kenya these last few weeks.  I have heard violence described there as "reason, no longer rules" and some described the slums "as a terrifying place at the best of timesthis is the worst of times."   In Kibera we work with 3 local past Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=kenya-humanitarian-crisis http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=kenya-humanitarian-crisis Kenya is still waking up to the nightmare of what has happened in this country over the past week.  250,000 people are refugees now, their homes burned or otherwise destroyed with everything they owned inside.  "Humanitarian Crisis" is the phrase that has defined the once stable East Africa country.  The basic necessities of life: food, water, shelter, healthcare...they are now even more out of reach from hundreds of thousands of Kenyans.  The latest word is that the o Mon, 7 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=how-can-we-help http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=how-can-we-help Many of you have asked "how can we help?"  Well, there is now a plan set up to answer that question.  After praying with our pastors in Kenya, we feel that God has opened up a door for us to provide food for those in Kibera.  This will be a physical outpouring of the Father's love for those hit hardest by the current violence in Kenya.  To read more and find out how to be a part of this, please check out this AIM site:http://www.adventures.org/opps/kenya2008.asp Fri, 4 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=kenya-no-rally-on-thursday http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=kenya-no-rally-on-thursday I spoke with Michelle this morning and she informed me of what happened in Kenya earlier today.  The million man march that Raila (opposition leader) had called for was not successful in convening at Uhuru park.  The police stood their ground in surrounding the venue and allowed noone in.  Thousands of people were kept in Kibera by military police blocking the routes out of the slum.  Despite the supposed "shoot to kill" order, the military police only shot into the air Thu, 3 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=latest-from-kenya http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=latest-from-kenya I just spent several hours calling many of our friends in Kenya to inquire about their wellbeing amist the chaos and violence.  It did my heart good to hear them as up until this point we've been unable to reach many of them.  Turns out that 2am (11am in Kenya) is an excellent time to reach them, ha.  Here's the latest report: Everyone is living in fear of what will happen this Thursday.  The opposition leader, Raila, has called for a million man march in protest of the pres Wed, 2 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=kenya-refugees-in-our-own-land http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=kenya-refugees-in-our-own-land Reports from our Kenyan friends and what they're saying:Michelle:  they're doing ok.  Although currently displaced from their home, they have found a safer place to stay for a bit.  "It's obvious there will be war on Thursday...millions fighting and deaths.""We don't know what turn Kenya will take. We don't know how to manage if it doesn't improve soon.""People are desperate and willing to die fighting.""We are in desperate need of a miracle from God." Liz: doing o Wed, 2 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=specific-prayer-requests-for-kenya http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=specific-prayer-requests-for-kenya As I have been speaking with our many friends in Kenya, I've been recording specific prayer requests they have. - Pray for a sense of hope to be restored among all Kenyans- Pray for the people of Kibera to be able to find food and water to survive- Pray for righteousness to rule Kenya- Strength to continue on in the face of death Eva (our house Mom at the AIM orphanage):-safety and security as she is from one of the targeted tribes-ability to flee Kibera safely-renewed hope and vision as Wed, 2 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=raw-ramblings-of-my-heart http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=raw-ramblings-of-my-heart After a few encouraging phone calls with prayer warriors who are standing with me in prayer for Kenya, I felt like I should sit down and write something.  So this is the raw ramblings of my heart this evening.  In the midst of all the chaos going on, I find my heart completely overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with brokenness, with uncertainty, with the unknown.  My heart cries out to God and I don't even know what to pray. It's so easy to get so wrapped up in all going on. Watching th Wed, 2 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=kenya-violence http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=kenya-violence This update was written by my friend  and fellow co-worker, Denise: I just got off the phone with our good friend Evans. He sounds seriously tired, worried and frightened. The reports continue to be difficult. Toi Market the main clothing, and food source for Kibera has been completely burnt down. "It is completely gone". There is no food to be had in Kibera, "Even if you had money there is nothing to buy". Evans and Humphrey are staying at Humphrey's Father's house as his family Tue, 1 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=beauty-from-ashes http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=beauty-from-ashes One more update from my friend Denise: I called Pastor Humphrey, the pastor of Toi Calvary, tonight as I'd seen pictures on BBC of Toi market having been burnt down and wanted to let him know we were praying for him and his church. He reports: "The church is still standing." What!? I saw the pictures. I know the church is in the middle of Toi market. How is that possible?! "They tried to burn it with fire but fire can't burn it".  Mind you, this church is made of nothing different from the Tue, 1 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=desperate-for-prayer http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=desperate-for-prayer This update was written bymy friend and fellow co-worker, Denise: As many people have heard the post election situation in Kenya has descended into a state of complete chaos. Here's a little recap for those who have missed it. December 27 elections were held for the presidency with the front runners being Mwai Kibaki (sitting president) and Raila Odinga (Member of parliament representing Kibera). On Friday rioting began for delayed results. On Sunday afternoon the Electoral commission declared Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=awaken-me http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=awaken-me We continually ask for things from the Lord.  Give me a heart for the nations.   Give me a passion for serving,teaching, preaching, worship, etc.  Give me wisdom, discernment, revelation.  But has not the Lord already put thesethings in us?  Perhaps it's not aquestion of receiving something we don't have - because that implies we have to do something to get it.  Perhaps the Lord has already given us all we need, and our prayer should be for Him to awaken what's Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=holiness http://kaylaphillips.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=holiness What does it mean to live a holy life?  I've been thinking about this lately.  The general consensus when speaking on holiness seems to fall under one of two thoughts:  1) holiness is un-achievable, so why even bother, or 2) to pursue holiness we must adopt a long list of things not to do. In the Old Testament books of the Law, we are commanded to pursue holiness.  Leviticus is an account of the Lord speaking to the people outlining the law to live by.  In Leviticus 11 Thu, 6 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT