Marta Bennett - Update

Nairobi, Kenya

Dear friends,

How can it already be July? This past month or so has been eventful – let me share just a few of the highlights. In addition, I would like to let you know that I will be in Oregon from July 22-August 7 and would love to catch up with any of you who will be there. Then from mid-September 2018 until early January 2019, I am planning to be based in Seattle but traveling throughout to meet with churches and individuals to reconnect, to share what we see God doing in East Africa these days (many amazing ventures in both church and marketplace), and to thank partners as well as meet potential supporters who make this all possible. I look forward to seeing many of you then!

During the week of May 13-18, I had the joy of joining many of The Antioch Partners (TAP) staff and partners from around the world for a wonderfully renewing retreat in Siòfok, Hungary. It was the first time to meet most of these new friends, but there were a few delightful reunions from UPC, Fuller, and PC(USA) mission co-worker days as well. I confess that during the first two worship sessions, tears of release were flowing. I didn’t realize how very much I needed such a time away and to be with others who share similar life and ministries. 

Other Highlights
Imani’s graduation from West Nairobi School on June 2nd was definitely a highlight. Attending the graduation ceremony with me were Imani’s brothers Steven and Justin. Note her cap: “Darn, now I have to be an adult!”

On June 9th International Leadership University (ILU) celebrated its 34th graduation. Five of those I was supervising crossed the finish line with their masters’ degrees. From now on I will teach merely as an adjunct professor at ILU and Africa International University (AIU) as I will focus more on leadership development through Nairobi Chapel. Pictured here is Nelson Kuria, graduating with his MA in Leadership Studies. Nelson is a remarkable business leader of integrity, well-known throughout the region as one who lives out his faith in the marketplace.

A week long DMin and PhD seminar was held June 11-15, which I facilitated at AIU out in Karen even though I had managed to get food poisoning the day before it started. Thanks to an amazing team of friends and colleagues who jumped in on short notice, each taking a two-hour session across the five days, we made it through! By Wednesday afternoon, I was pretty much back to full energy. It was a stimulating week, enriched by the experience and expertise of the team. Special thanks to Prof. Faith Nguru, Mr. Gideon Ochieng, Mr. Mike Mutungi, Dr. Nelson Kuria (my student who just graduated from ILU), and Dr. Oliver Kisaka who helped make it all possible. Bless you!

Nairobi Chapel’s elders (minus Bishop Oscar Muriu, who is currently traveling)

Nairobi Chapel’s elders (minus Bishop Oscar Muriu, who is currently traveling)

On Saturday, June 23rd, I was ratified as a new elder at Nairobi Chapel (two of us coming on as new elders, myself and Dr. Janet Mutinda – are the first two women ever!) An exciting new chapter is ahead, as the church continues to grow and expand ministries throughout the region and beyond. 

Prayer Requests
•    for wisdom, creativity, and discernment in Leadership Development, pastoral care for the many church planting teams, and responsibilities as a new elder at Nairobi Chapel
•    for both Justin and Imani as we explore the way forward for both of them in terms of university studies (Justin to resume studies and Imani to begin)
•    for health – many colds, flus, etc. going around, as it is now the cold season here in Nairobi
•    for travel plans, both for July/August 2018 and then for September 2018 to January 2019

I continue to be so very grateful for your support – prayers, finances, even a few of you visiting Kenya!! If not already giving, would you consider being part of the team?

Joy to you and grace,    
Marta Bennett, mjiben@yahoo.com

Read more about Marta Bennett HERE.

THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking $15,000 for support funds for Marta Bennett.