The story of Denver Community Church is not just one story; it is hundreds of stories from hundreds of people – stories of life change, healing, redemption, and joy. It is the story of the Church – not brick and mortar – but people who live out the reality of God being in our midst. Below are some of these stories from those who are a part of the faith community at DCC.
Friends and Family,
John Pullen and I have returned to Nairobi after traveling 1,134 miles across the remote savanna and desert of northern Kenya. The "road" between Nairobi and Moyale, Kenya is jarring, rocky, dusty, and hot. We only suffered two flat tires, needed to weld the Land Cruiser frame a couple of times, and were creative on some mechanical issues. There is a real threat of bandits along the way and security checkpoints help you to determine if you need to take along security guards, join a convoy, or drive it alone. If you picture an African savanna, the planet Mars, Luke Skywalker's home planet, the Egyptian markets in Indiana Jones, National Geographic tribal villagers, and herds of camels, you can get a picture of our drive there. Along this "road" are 14 of the 22 unreached people groups in Kenya where our local partner has a burden to reach them with the love of Christ.
Along the way we were able to visit with tribal villagers who have planted churches in some of these areas. Most of these villages are predominately Muslim where persecution is commonplace for Christians. In Moyale, which is on the Ethiopian border, there are only 600 Christians in a town of some 40,000. Many women in Moyale wear the full head covering (only the slit for the eyes) and 40 mosques ring throughout the day calling for prayer. While in Moyale, we were invited to teach at a pastor's conference where over 200 pastors from Ethiopia and Kenya gathered. I was able to teach four sessions over two days, and we heard powerful and inspiring testimonies. We also attempted to answer questions about difficult situations the pastors faced. Throughout our journey we spent quite a bit of time learning about the people groups in this area so we could determine the possibility of a future EPI project.
All-in-all, this was one of the more intense projects I have done. I was able to see and experience an area of Kenya few are able to witness. I also have begun to understand the vision the Lord gave to our local partner for this area. Matthew 28:19 says to "go and make disciples of all nations (peoples)." The command is to "make disciples," which is the vision for this area. But we must also "go" to the unreached peoples of the world so they may experience the love of Christ. Visit the photos from our journey on Facebook and pray for the people of northern Kenya.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=194363&id=742234376&l=6f9dd20176
In Christ alone,
Dave
Friends and Family,
I am leaving today for London on my way to Kenya. I will be meeting up with our EPI team in Nairobi, and then several of us will drive for two days to the Ethiopian/Sudan border for a pastor's conference. I will be helping to teach for 3-4 days where we expect around 200 pastors and missionaries. Our local partner, Aila, has been wanting for us to teach and encourage ministers in this area. This will be our first conference here and my first project in Kenya. Please pray for preparation, safe travel, and spiritual protection.
You can follow our EPI team who is currently in Kiisi, Kenya on a medical, school, and outreach project here.
In Christ,
Dave
Here is another DCC member's story from the recent mission trip to the Dominican Republic:
My story comes from this evening in Aguas Negras... We were able to celebrate a graduation for all the students who were graduating from the English and computer classes offered by the church. Most of these were Haitians who were enrolled in basic classes in order to increase their potential to find some dignified employment. As the graduation ended and the festivities came to a close it was time to say our goodbyes, thank the Lord for the service and partnership that had taken place throughout the week. The two construction projects were just short of completion and many people had come to testify about the work that had been done. One project consisted of adding a toilet and very basic shower to the home of one of the teachers at the school. This home had been quite deplorable and because they did not have a proper toilet they had to leave their house to use the restroom. One of the young girls who lived in the home had been in the house all week as the transformation took place. During the formal "good byes" she stood up to thank God and our group for our efforts... We were all completely wrecked when she said with tears in her eyes, "I want to thank DCC and God for making the impossible possible...". In that moment I suddenly felt very small and completely overwhelmed by a sense of love, so much love... What a privelege to be in relationship with God and what He is doing in this community. Redemption is sweet.
Friends & Family,
I wanted to let you all know that I have finally arrived back home from China. We had a fabulous project in Hanzhong, China where we taught conversational English and shared the love of God with students. For 8 days from 9:00am to 8:00pm our team would teach 200 students, play sports (e.g. basketball, baseball), eat lunch & dinner, and grow in relationship. I don't believe that I have laughed so much and enjoyed sharing the love of God more. We had fabulous learning experiences and many great conversations. Of all of the projects I have been on in China, I have not witnessed God move more. It was such a great blessing to be a part of this team and to be a part of this project. If you are interested in hearing more, I'm always up for sharing. Thanks again to all of you who prayed and encouraged me during this time. Blessings to you all.
English Camp Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=130169&id=742234376&l=c3a27fdd48
Day Off Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=131689&id=742234376&l=5b2ce23e86
In Christ,
Dave Schlup
