Stewart

I am 16 years old, I am an LTD at gull lake center and I go to school at central memorial high school. My passions include God, church, music, cooking and my family and friends. I play the Alto sax, drums, guitar, and I enjoy singing.

At ABC I am a part of our youth worship band and I love to hang with the youth.

I am going on this trip because I’ve always wanted to go on a mission’s trip and this is the perfect opportunity. I hope that it changes my life and the life of others on this trip.

This trip is exiting for me because I want to get to know other cultures and have fun well I’m there. I’m looking forward to working on the well project that my church has been sponsoring over the last few years.

Through out the trip I would like prayer for energy to keep on going cause I’ve been so drained over the summer. I would also like you to pray for the knowledge to do the right thing through out the trip. When I return I would like prayer for recovery from my expected culture shock and help talking about what I have experienced in Kenya.

Dave

I am Liane's husband, and two of my kids, Miranda and Stewart, are also on the team with us. I am excited about this family and team experience, I am sure we will all come back strengthened and changed. For work, I have been framing new homes for the past 17 years.

I have been interested in Missions all my life, and this trip to Kenya is a real answer to God's call to me. For years I have heard about the various ministries of the churches there, and I will be grilling Kenyan leaders for information on how they do so much, and how we can really be true partners with them (they can help us, too). I just read "The End Of Poverty" and have a new excitement about what our global society can do if we try. I wish to do that small part which God has set for me to do.

In what seems a past life, I was an ordained pastor, and I expect to preach at the Kenyan churches as opportunity arises. I am nervous, but excited about this. I am looking forward to joining in worship there, and seeing how excited the Kenyans are about their Lord.

I have been part of Altadore church for 32 years, off and on. Presently I am on the Council, and I was part of the team that researched and then developed a new Governance model, and new Constitution for our ministries together. I am also a long time supporter of the Youth group, part of a small group, and a leader for the Adult Growth ministry team.

Join me in praying for the Kenyan people, and their very real struggles to overcome complex issues in their society. May our small effort give them a hope and joy that lasts, and may they join us in the safari to go Deeper, Higher and Further with God and with each other.

I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.....As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:5,9

Liane

Hi, I'm Liane. Dave and I celebrated our 25th anniversary in December. We have 3 wonderful children, two of whom are accompanying us to Kenya and one who is staying to work and make plans for his second year of University. I am a registered Social Worker who has worked with children and adults who have Developmental Disabilities for a number of years. Last year I switched directions and began working as a relief Social Worker in hospital settings. I enjoy hiking, travel, crafts and spending time with friends and family.


Over the years I have served in a number of capacities in the church including: Christian education, pastoral care, bible studies etc. At the moment I am on the Outreach Action Team helping with local and global outreach ministries. I am leading the newly formed community outreach team and I participate in an Adult bible study and the wellcome change group which raises money for water projects.


Over the years I have heard about the experiences people had in El Salvador and have gradually developed a desire to explore a more Global discipleship. God has led this group to go at this time. I know He has amazing plans which I cannot foresee but, man, I look forward to seeing it all unfold! I will be changed, my family will be changed, and our church will be changed. In some tiny way we will change some of those we meet in Kenya. Partnerships and friendships will be formed, journeys begun. Our God is an awesome God! He rules and only He knows how much his kingdom will grow as a result.


It's hard to say what I am looking forward to most. I look forward: to building relationships; to worshiping with; to working alongside Kenyan brothers and sisters in Christ; to learning and being open to what God would teach me; to serving with Christians from another culture.


I would like prayer for: health and safety for our team. peace for family left behind, and an openness to the leading of God's Holy Spirit while I am there and when we return.

Lisa

About Me – I married Eric about two years ago and this will be our first mission together. Grew up in Calgary but moved to the country at 18. I’m now a country girl in my heart and hope one day to own some land out there. I love being in the outdoors and spending time with my family.

What do you do at ABC? I am on a great worship team and help out wherever I’m needed with other church activities.

Why are you going on this mission? Africa has always held an allure for me and I’ve wanted to go on a mission trip since hearing the experiences of our teams who’ve visited El Salvador. Getting to see the work we’ve done there with water projects is an added bonus.


What are you looking forward to the most? I’m so excited to meet other Christians who I’m sure will teach me more than I can imagine about living in God’s grace and abundance. God has lessons for me and I pray I’m listening when he speaks.

What would you like prayer for? Culture shock is something that will affect me both in Kenya and when we come back. Learning to live without a time schedule and understanding different ways of doing things will be hard for me while in Kenya. I have a hard time dealing with some of our ‘North American ways’ and I’m sure that upon our return I’ll have a hard time reconciling that.

Verse – Psalms 84:12 - O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Eric

About Me – I am 24 years old and am married to Lisa who is on the trip with me. We will have been married 2 years in September. I love to be outside and enjoy the peace and quite of nature. Fishing, hiking and woodworking are among some of my favourite hobbies.

What do you do at ABC? I am involved in the facilities management of the church.

Why are you going on this mission? I am going so I can open my eyes to what God has to show me and to learn about what diversity this world holds.

What are you looking forward to the most? I am looking forward to seeing the people and what they utilize in their lives to make everyday tasks easier. The other main thing that I am looking forward to is experiencing the culture of a believer in a country that has had its challenges in relation to beliefs.

What would you like prayer for? I am thinking that the biggest challenge for me will be seeing the situation that these people are in and feeling like “our” way is the right way to proceed with the problem. I would like prayer for knowledge to be able to know that the way they do things is not necessarily wrong, but it is just different.

Verse – Matthew 6:34 - Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Miranda

About Me – I love thinking and learning about all sorts of things, I'm a creative person who dabbles in nearly every area of artistic expression, from poetry to Drama. I moved out of my house not long ago and It's made me learn a lot about, well, everything. I hope to attend Rocky Mountain College the year after next, if I can save up enough money.

What do you do at ABC? I'm a member, and I grew up there.

Why are you going on this mission? Because I know God will use it to change some of the things in me that need to be changed.

What are you looking forward to the most? Meeting and learning about people.

What would you like prayer for? That I would get enough sleep, and be able to say what God wants me to, not just what I want to.

Verse -Psalm 42:5 - Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Sara

About you: I’m a university student at UBCO going into my third year of a BSc in Biology.

What do you do at ABC? During the school year I attend First Baptist in Kelowna. I get the opportunity to look after the kidlets in the nursery and teach Sunday school to grade’s 1-6.

Why are you going on this missions trip? I’m going on this mission for a few reasons. Africa has been a part of many members of my family; from both living there to remaining connected to the continued development and change. For many years I’ve wanted to travel to the continent where my dad, uncles, and cousins got to grow up, as well as put some illustrations to the many adventures and stories my grandparents have told over the years. I’d like to experience this place half way across the world that’s been such a part of my family history. Secondly, I’m looking for a challenge of my faith and stability as a Canadian Christian - who likes to live in a bubble. I need God to expose me to the blunt realities of beauty and pain that exist outside my casual routine. Finally, I think the greatest way to share Jesus is through love. This trip is an opportunity to give my time, energy, and compassion, for something I expect to be much more rewarding in return. And of course to see beautiful Africa!

What are you looking forward to the most? I’m looking forward to experiencing (and hopefully participating in) how the Kenyan people love and celebrate Jesus. I cannot wait to be with the kids - whom I expect to both fill and break our hearts. Ultimately, discovering a simpler way of just loving people the way we were supposed to, and learning so many unexpected things from the Kenyan people. I’d also love to see a giraffe…or two…

Verse: Matthew 5:13-16 - "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Roland

About Me - Married and father of 3; self employed as an Accountant working with families on either their personal, corporate, or estate accounting and tax needs. Enjoy ice hockey, soccer (foot-ball), and many other sports. I like gardening and most renovation projects.

What do you do at ABC? I have been involved in Stewardship & Finance and am currently involved in one bible study and one house group.

Why are you going on this mission? The plan was to assist in construction of a water well similar to one that Altadore had already raised funds for.

What are you looking forward to the most? To meet and work with people on the different projects we will be involved in.

What would you like prayer for? Safe travels for our group

Verse - Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Nada

I grew up attending Altadore Baptist from age 12 on. It has been such a big part of my life – being baptized, getting married, dedicating our 2 children, serving on staff for 15 years, and so much more. I am currently serving as an Elder and am involved in pastoral care and the prayer ministry.

My job for the last four and a half years has been teaching English as a Second Language at the Calgary International Learning Centre, a ministry started by First Baptist. I love teaching the adult students who come from all over the world. In the future I hope to do some ESL teaching overseas.

Going to Africa has been a childhood dream from the time that missionaries used to stay at our home, while on furlough, when I was young. It is going to be so exciting to be able to see firsthand the work that God is doing in Kenya and to build the bond of friendship and encouragement with brothers and sisters in that part of the world.

As I go on this trip I ask for your prayers that I will be open to all that God wants to teach me - about Himself, the world, the broader Christian community, and about myself, my faith and life in Him. In the words of Colossians 3:17

Let every detail in your lives (my life) – words, actions, whatever –
be done in the name of the Master, Jesus,
thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Glenn

About You - I’m married with two children who are both going with me on this trip. I work for an oil & gas energy company as the Manager, Geophysics. I grew up as a son of missionaries in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What do you do at ABC? I have been attending ABC for 27 years and have served in many capacities. Currently I serve as a member of our Council and as a teller.

Why are you going on this mission? There are three reasons why I’m going to Kenya. Firstly, I grew up in Africa and this would be a return to the continent I grew up in. It is an opportunity to share with my children some of the culture and geography I grew up with. Secondly, it is an opportunity to introduce Altadore to Kenya and the continent of Africa. Thirdly, I will experience a volunteer mission trip and begin to explore the possibility of more in the future.

What are you looking forward to the most? I’m looking forward to the ‘familiar’ sights, sounds, and smells.

What would you like prayer for? For safety for all of us, for our team cohesiveness in Kenya, and for the impact this experience will have on all of us.

Verse - I Samuel 30:24 The share of the one who stays with the gear is the share of the one who fights – equal shares. Share and share alike!

Janet

About Me - The grandma of the group! Born in Yorkshire, England and raised on a farm with 2 brothers and a sister, horses and the farm were the focus of my life until moving to London where I lived and worked for 3 years. I emigrated to Canada (ostensibly for 6 months) and Iived in Vancouver for 32 years where I worked as a legal secretary for various law firms including 12 years in the Legal Department at the Port of Vancouver. In 1986 I joined West Vancouver Baptist Church, was baptised that year and attended there until moving to Calgary in 1997 when I came to Altadore. For 6 years I worked as a Legal Administrator for Tim Hortons and am now focussing on learning how to retire! After a couple of serious car accidents and major surgeries in 2003 and 2004, I am once again fully active, swim daily and enjoy my home and garden.

What do I do at Altadore? Following our new Governance, I was on the Council for 2 years and helped write several new Policies & Procedures, my last task (recently completed) being the preparation of the Human Resources Policy. Whilst on Council, I was the Secretary as well as a cheque signatory. Now I am on the Hospitality Committee and have enjoyed helping with a Seniors' luncheon and our church picnic among other special events. I am also a teller and help out in the church office from time to time.

Why am I going on this mission? Travel has always fascinated me and I enjoy meeting people and seeing how different cultures live. I have been fortunate to spend vacations in India, New Zealand, Europe and Malta and have always wanted to go to Africa (almost making it to Nairobi in 1993 on a church mission) so this is the fulfillment of a long term dream.

What am I most looking forward to? Meeting local people and seeing some of Africa's wildlife. Agricultural methods and working on the water tank at Mitaboni are others because access to clean water and sanitation facilities are of particular interest to me.

What would I like prayer for? That I will not get sick and will be able to cope with the food. Also for our safety.

Scripture - John 14:1-3 "Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Kathryn

About You - I am going into my third year in the Bachelor of Nursing program at Mount Royal College. I enjoy spending time with my family/friends and like sports. I love to travel and have had some great opportunities to travel in the past and am looking forward to future travels (like Kenya!).

What do you do at ABC? I am a young adult at Altadore Baptist Church. I have also taught Sunday School to the age 3-5 children.

Why are you going on this mission? I have always wanted to participate in a missions trip and my hope in going on this mission is that God will use this time in Africa and with the Kenyan people to draw me closer to Him.

What are you looking forward to the most? I am looking forward to the work that we will likely be doing with Guardians of Hope. I am excited about getting to know the Kenyan people and learning about their lives. In particular, I look forward to the opportunity to connect with the kids that we cross paths with.

What would you like prayer for? Good health and that God will provide me with the energy that I will need each day.

Verse - Hebrews 12:1-2 …let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…

Vanessa

About Me - I grew up in Calgary, and am turning 20 this year. I enjoy a variety of activities including soccer, badminton, tennis, card making, hiking, sewing, gardening, and swimming. I am enrolled in my 3rd out of 4 years at Olds College getting my Bachelor of Applied Science in Landscape Management.

What do I do at ABC? I am involved in children's ministry, teaching Sunday school classes and helping out in nursery. I regularly help with offering, and sometimes do greeting, as well volunteer set or clean up for various church events.

Why am I going on this mission? I am going on this mission trip because it has been a dream for me to go to Kenya and after going on a short term missions trip to El Salvador a few years ago I gained and learned so much that I knew I would love to experience something similar again.

What are you looking forward to the most? When the opportunity arose I jumped at it because I love serving our God and through this ministry I am able to work alongside our brothers and sisters in Kenya. I am most looking forward to gaining a new understanding of a different way of life, and new and strengthened relationships.

What would you like prayer for? My prayer request is for primarily health and safety on the trip as well as blessings on our relationships within our group to strengthen and grow, and the development of treasured relationships with the Kenyans.

Verse - Psalm 86:12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart; and i will glorify thy name for evermore. Psalm 86:12

Lynn

About Me - I have been happily married to Darren for 25 years. We have three children who are now all young adults. I am a Speech Language Pathologist and work with young children who have speech and language impairments.

What do you do at ABC? I am the co-team leader for the Outreach Ministry Team and as such, help to coordinate and participate in the local and global outreach ministries of our church.

Why are you going on this mission? I hope to learn more about the joint work of the local churches and Canadian Baptist Ministries in Kenya and to gain a greater understanding of the outreach opportunities that Darren and I may have in the future.

What are you looking forward to the most? I am most looking forward to meeting the people of Kenya and seeing the church in action through its community development projects.

What would you like prayer for? I would appreciate prayer for myself, our team members and our church as we return to Canada – that we could make sense of the experiences we have had and be open to how God would want us to live as global Christians in our world today.

Verse - 1 John 3:16 – 18 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Darren

About You - I have been married for 25 years and have three children (23 year old daughter, 20 year old son and 18 year old son). I have a degree in Civil Engineering and work for The City of Calgary where I am responsible for water resource planning.

What do you do at ABC? Co-coordinator for Inn From the Cold (ministry for homeless) and member of Elders. Have participated in four short-term mission trips to El Salvador.

Why are you going on this mission? To see what opportunities there may be for future connections between Altadore and ministries in Kenya. Also looking to see what opportunities there may be for Lynn and I in the future.

What are you looking forward to the most? Meeting new people and learning more about the way God has been guiding them in their journey of faith.

What would you like prayer for? To hear what God has to say to me through the people we meet and the experiences we have.

Verse - Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Wendy

About Me - I love to spend time with my family, friends and volunteering, at church, Ten Thousand Villages (a fair trade store run by MCC) and on the Young Life Regional Committee for Calgary. I also like gardening, walking, scrapbooking, sailing and playing the piano.

What do you do at ABC? At Altadore Baptist, I am involved in facilitating a Ladies’ Study group and hosting an Adult Evening study group. I also love to help out in the hospitality area and am involved in the Community Outreach area of the church. My involvement in Altadore in these areas reflects my desire to be a part of fellow believers’ lives and also to reach out into the community around me. I am also a part of a Ladies Prayer group and that reflects my belief that God uses prayer to change the world.

Why are you going on this mission? I am going on this mission because I have been touched by what I have seen has happened in Africa in the last several years and how God has worked through his people in Africa in response. I want to witness this first hand.

What are you looking forward to the most? I am looking forward to seeing God’s work and the people’s involvement in it. I am also hoping to see a giraffe!

What would you like prayer for? I would like prayer for a heart that is open to learn and experience everything God has for me to learn and experience in Africa.

Verse - Hope steadily, trust unswervingly, love extravagantly. 1 Cor 13:13 MSG

Peter

About Me
- Age 52, married (25 years) to Wendy
- Three children – Ryan 21, Kathryn 20, Jordan 18 - all are students, all living at home with us
- Educated as a geologist, worked 28 years in oil and gas exploration and production,large companies and very small, presently not working (retired maybe?)
- Like to sail and fish and ski
- Like to build and repair things
- Presently wondering about what the next years will be about
- Participate on a finance committee with the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada
Member of the Calgary Regional Young Life Committee

What do you do at ABC?
- Lead a small Study Group of people from Altadore in our home (with Wendy)
- Various other activities – informal member of the hospitality committee
- help out where needed

Why am I going to Kenya?
- I want to see what it is like to be a Christian in Africa
- Want to meet Christians in Kenya and get to know them
- Want to see how Canadian Baptists have been involved in Kenya in the past and see firsthand the ways we could be involved in the future
- What are you looking forward to?
- Meeting Christians in Kenya
- Experiencing the local culture
- Seeing the beauty of the country

What would like prayer for?
- For our health
- That we would have a great time as a team
- That we would experience the Kenyan people in a close relationship and make some lasting friendships

Verse - Psalm 133 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Paul

I am 16 years old and I go to Central Memorial High School. I enjoy playing the drums and have been playing for the past 3-4 years. I also enjoy cooking and want to be a chef when I grow up.

At ABC I am apart of the music team of the youth and help out with Inn from the Cold.

The reason I am going to Kenya with this team is because I want to help out and change my life and others on the trip.

What I’m looking forward to on this trip is to help out with the building of a well because we at the church have been putting money towards this well.

When I am on this trip, I want you to pray for me and the team. Some reasons I need pray for are for me to be able to help others and not do the wrong thing. Another is that when I come back to pray for me to be willing to talk to others about the trip and to not get sick.

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