Day 2 - June 24 - Sunday at Naomi's Village

The day could not have started better than having breakfast served to us by the one and only Jeremy Callaway.  It was soooo Goood! 

On this Sunday together, We chose to attend a congregation in the community nearby called Mwi' Hungeri - a small congregation Cottonwood Creek has become very fond of over the past 4 years.  Along with many of the children from Naomi's Village, Bonface took our team over to worship with this amazing community and church.  Because of the recent rainy season, the roads are very difficult to drive, so half our team had to walk 3 miles to church.  Yes, imagine that - walking to church - it was so fun and great!  Just made a great experience for us all.

The worship time was God-inspired and God-ordained.  Even though us Americans cannot understand Swahili,  we definitely understood God's Spirit in the room and the power of God as we worshipped together.  It was so unique and simple.  It was confusing, yet inspiring.  Camille Williams shared her testimony, Girls lead worship together, and Keith got to preach. 

On a personal note - my life was changed 4 years ago in this building, so I have a very special place in my journey with the community of Mwi' Hungeri.  From Pastor Samuel, Auntie Grace and all the faithful men and women of this community, you are a testimony of faithfulness as a people of God, who put all of their trust in the Lord for everything.  Thank you for your example and how you are changing lives for eternity!

After worship, we stayed at the church for craft time and lunch, along with visiting the new homes God provided this community last year.  They were so excited and proud to show them to each one of us on our team.  What a blessing to be with them on this day.

Afternoon was spent at Naomi's Village catching our breathe from the morning and spending with the children.  Evening devotional was once again, a God-inspiring time for our team to share with the children, and tucking the kids in at night is a special joy only one can experience to explain.

We are all good, safe and experiencing God move among our team.  Our share time at nights have just been authentic and encouraging.  We are so thankful to be here to learn, love and share Jesus!

In Christ - Keith

#hopebegins
#cottonwoodfamily
#iamgoingnaomisvillage

Day 1 - Saturday, June23 - Philippians 2:4

Our team got off to a start in perfect fashion on our first day - Kenya Time!  Yes, our bus was planning on picking us up at 10am and did not show up until 11am, then we headed to ABC place for our traditional exchanging of Dollars into Shillings - which took another hour and longer and finally traveled through Nairobi, north to the Rift Valley Area.  This was exactly the plan God had for us because we were all enjoying our time together, building unity and friendship along the way.  Take a minute to see our pictures from the view over the Rift Valley.  Words cannot describe it!

Once we found ourselves entering Naomi's Village gates, we were met with the warmest greeting from the three amazing interns here at NV.  We took a quick pic, got oriented with the complex by Mark Sisler, then spent the rest of the day with the children of Naomi's Village with a bonfire and time singing, dancing and sharing life.  Lauren gave her testimony tonight and the Lord used it in a tremendous way to encourage us!  So proud of her.

Our passage from Philippians today encouraged us to share with one another, care for one another and serve one another, and man, the Lord answered our prayers.  The unity in our team is tremendous and the time we had today only shows us all what God is going to do the rest of the week.

Please keep praying for us as we look the the Lord and seek His heart together.

In Christ - Keith

Saturday, June 23 - Getting Started

What a beautiful morning in Kenya, Africa. The Lord has blessed our team with a great night sleep and we are about to embark on the rest of the week here in Africa.

Our devotional time today set the focus for our week together by reading Philippians 2 and looking to Jesus and following His example for our lives through serving others more than ourselves, for thinking of others more than we think of ourselves and serving others more than we serve ourselves - and to do it without grumbling or complaining.

Nairobi has given us the opportunity to live life today and to soak in the beauty of God's great creation.

Join us in praying for our schedule and day today as we journey to Naomi's Village in the Rift Valley area, go through orientation and most importantly - seek and love on the kids and have s'mores tonight, worship, dance and sing!! It is going to be a great day.

Please check in daily to read and see our pictures from our experiences we have while in Kenya this week.

What a Beautiful Name

What a Beautiful Name

This weekend in our worship service at Cottonwood Creek Church we are debuting a new song to our people called "What a Beautiful Name"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5GbDeQvYKU

This song was written a couple of years ago and is somewhat familiar to those who listen to Christian Worship Music or Contemporary Christian Music.  Even though it has been around a couple of years, this will be the very first time our church as worshipped corporately with it.

The foundation of this song comes from Colossians 1 speaking of the supremacy of Christ.

The Supremacy of the Son of God

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Verse 26 of this chapter speaks to the concept of Christ being disclosed now to the people of God - CHRIST IN YOU!  The hope of glory is in Christ and Christ alone.  With all the pain, suffering, hardship and more that we experience in our lives, we are not alone because Christ is living inside of us as the hope of Glory!  

All of us encounter sin in our lives (Romans 3:23).  The sin we have can pull us away from Christ and cause us separation from His love in our lives, but the beautiful name of Jesus through forgiveness and repentance of sin bridges this gap so we can experience the power of God and share in His glory forever.  

Join us this weekend in worship as we experience the power of God moving and working through our time of worship and teaching.  We are praying and desiring God to move as we experience His glory together in worship.  www.cottonwoodcreek.org

Keith Tyler

Worship & Arts Pastor

Happy Father's Day - Day 6

Naomi’s Village Day 6– Sunday, June 18

Sunday around Naomi’s Village are very special.  Our entire team had an opportunity to worship with all the kids, Anties and Uncles.  It was also special because today was Father’s Day.  Uncle Bob Mendonsa, Bonface and other men leaders of NV were sung to by all the Anties and children.  McKinley was able to lead worship, Tori Grace gave her testimony, and Paul and Millicent from NV led for one of the songs as well.  After our time of worship, we broke into small groups and had “Sunday School”, where Patti, Laura, Dana and Bailey lead out with support from our entire team.  What a great opportunity to share Jesus with all of the children.

Lunch was really good as we had Squash Soup with HOMEMADE BREAD!  I think we are all working on carb overload!  It is so good!  Afterwards we played with the kids up on the soccer field, along with balloon games and more.  Truly, today was a great Sabbath for us – not a lot planned for us to do except hang out and spend time – KENYA TIME – with everyone.  We are preparing for a very busy next couple of days before we head home on Wednesday.

Please continue to pray for us all.  A couple of “issues” with tummys, but other than that, we are all doing great!  Tomorrow is Safe House again followed up by 3 Community Outreach  Opportunities with the families from Cornerstone Preparatory Academy.  It will be a fantastic opportunity for us to be in the community and share Jesus.

Happy Father’s Day – and a personal Happy Birthday to my son back home – Mitchell. 

On Mission Team 

Final Blog from Kenya

Dear Friends and Family,

One of my favorite items to do on each trip is to Blog and share about our experiences. If you have been following us in Kenya, you might be wondering why you have not heard from me since Saturday night. Well, God threw us a curve ball and I spent 3 days in the Kijabe Hospital with one of our team members, Jeremy Callaway. He had Kidney Stones and man did he suffer. So, with no Internet from the hospital and not good way of communication, I could not write you. Jeremy is back to his old self and doing great. Thanks for those who prayed for us!

So, I will quickly catch you up...

Sunday - worship at Naomis Village with all the children!  Afternoon of rest, then Keith and Jeremy went to ER. We have some stories to tell you about being admitted to a third world hospital. We got the best care in the country - truly!!!  Amazing doctors and care. God was looking out for us!!

Monday - Safe House in the morning where McKinley lead worship and Dana taught the lesson. These courageous kids had so much fun playing games and playing with crafts. Afterwards we divided into 3 teams to go into 3 homes of children from Cornerstone. It was called Cornerstone Outreach. Cottonwood Creek raised money for this ministry opportunity where you purchased beds, mattress, bench, table and solar lighting to students. It was one of the most impactful times we experienced. Thank you Cottonwood for making this happen. Lives are changed forecer.

Tuesday - Safe House the morning again where we shared the Gospel in our teaching time and mark kids prayed to receive Jesus. It was heartbreaking to leave them and continue to know God is in control of their lives. We thank God for this opportunity to be at Safe House!  Afternoon was spent shopping in Kijabe and final "see you later" events as we packed for the trip home.

Wednesday - woke up early to get to airport, but stopped off at the Giraffe Sanctuary on the way!  So much fun. Look at pictures!!!  Got on plane and now in Dubai waiting to catch out 15 hour flight to see all of you.

His trip has been unforgettable. Thanks for all the prayer and support. We love you and cannot wait to see you at 9:50am in the morning!

Bless you!  So good!!!

On mission team.

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Naomi's Village 2017 - Day 5 Update

Naomi’s Village Day 5 – Saturday, June 17

HUGE day filled with laughter, tears, joy and exhaustion.

Our team spent the first part of the morning talking about the cultural difference between the Kenyan and American way of living life, then reflected on Paul’s writings that tell us to win some (to Christ) we must become like them.  If we are ever going to relate to the culture and people in Kenya, we must learn from them, be like them and relate to them, then God can open up opportunities for the Gospel.  We practiced this all day long.  Thank you Lord for your faithfulness to your people today.

Morning games, crafts and soccer with the little ones!  3 hours of it!  We could not get enough of the laughter and smiles we got to experience during this time.  Face painting was the big hit, along with duck, duck, goose!  Loved the time of investing in their lives today.

Delicious lunch then we hiked 6 miles up 2000ft elevation to Kijabe – yes – it was a hike to remember!  Not only was it a difficult stretch for the team, but the sights were amazing!  We ended up at Mark and Liz Sisler home and they made us all kettle corn!  So good, then Bob Mendonsa got a birthday wish my getting drenched by water for a Naoimi’s Village tradition then sung to by the kids.  It was hilarious!

Bonfire was a fun dance party, filled with smores and worship, ending with the guys and girls dividing up for hang out time.  It was a long and amazing day to be with these kids. 

Worship in the morning then an afternoon of rest and preparing for the rest of the week.  We miss you family and thanks for the prayers!

OnMission Team

Naomi’s Village Day 4 – Friday, June 16

Naomi’s Village Day 4 – Friday, June 16

Our team woke at 5am this morning to prepare for a 2 hour trip to Lake Navaisha National Forest – our Safari trip for the week.  WOW!  Beautiful, majestic, breath-taking, awe-inspiring day experiencing God’s creation.  We were able to see just about everything that could be seen – 2 male lions, zebras, flamingos, wilda beast, water buffalo, rhinos, beautiful birds, impalas, more and more and more.  It was just beautiful!  So thankful we got to go.

We returned to Naomi’s Village to a room filled with joy – children playing and so happy to see us.  I think the most precious event of the day is praying over each child before they go to bed.  I mean, it is truly God’s presence in that dorm.  Bob and Julie Mendonsa are raising up young girls and boys to be future leaders of this great area called the Rift Valley!  I am so honored to be here.

Thanks for reading – please pray for Joel tonight, one of the children, who had surgery this week on his eye.  Thanks.  Talk to you tomorrow.

On Mission Team at Cottonwood Creek

Naomi's Village 2017 - Day 3

Naomi's Village 2017 - Day 3

A day to remember...

Our team began the day off by reading Ephesians 2:8-10 together, understanding that today was not about us or the good works we do, but all about the handiwork of the Lord THROUGH us for His glory.  And man, did our team experience this in a significant way today.

Safe House in Naivasha with 23 kids honestly just broke our hearts.  Yet in this place of tragedy and heartbreak, a joy rises up.  Laura lead our VBS teaching today, sharing with all of the kids how fearfully and wonderfully made we are, and wow, she did such a great job.  We sang fun songs about the joy of the Lord and played games - I think the jump rope was the greatest hit.  It was all a great morning.  By the time we left, lasting relationships were build.  We get to go back Monday and Tuesday, so we are thrilled to have more time with our friends at Safe House.

After lunch at Ubuntu, where Boniface put on a comedy show for the team, we headed to Mwi' Hanguri to see the village we have invested with over the past 3 years as Cottonwood Creek.  One of the lead families that lives in the village, Grace and David, shared with our team the history behind the 24 families that live there.  By the end of our time, everyone was broken with the devastation and tragedy this community has faced since 2007; overcoming many obstacles and hardships, trusting in GOd the entire time.  They prayed God would give them a home one day, and today we sat in one of the 24 homes build with the help of Naomi's Village to celebrate the victory of the Lord and the HOPE this community has in the Lord going forward.

God has placed our team here for a purpose, and today we experience the true HOPE of Christ and how Naomi's Village involvement with these two communities are changing a generation forever!  It is a joy to be here and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve today.

Tomorrow - SAFARI!  Lake Nakuru!

Your OnMission Team!

Naomi's Village Day 2

Naomi's Village Day 2 - Cornerstone and Naomi's Village Worship Time

Hello friends and Family,

Our second day as a team began by gathering together for our morning devotional remembering the reason we are in Africa - to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the humble fact that God would use us for His purpose - we are reconciled in Christ for His plans!  This time really focused our attention on the day and for sharing with those we encountered, and wow, what a day it has been.

We traveled to Cornerstone Preparatory Academy to lead chapel for the entire school - the younger kids at 10am and the older kids at 11am.  With the brand new sound system we brought from Texas, Chapel was LOUD and fun.  McKinley, Jeremy and Keith led with songs, Heather and Anna Grace shared their testimony and Patti went through the Gospel Beads and every child made their own!  It was a tremendous day of sharing, laughing and learning more about Cornerstone.  Lizz got an unexpected opportunity to assess some children for the teachers.  God used our team to share Jesus with EVERY CHILD today.  Thank you Lord for that opportunity.

Our afternoon met us with an unexpected surprise when we worshipped with the staff at Naomi's Village.  Bob and Julie Mendonsa joined us as met the staff and shared life with them.  McKinley led worship as Bailey shared her testimony, then Margaret from Naomi's Village, let us in worship - AND WOW - What an amazing experience.  God is at work in their lives and the entire campus at Naomi's Village.

Our afternoon was spent playing with kids, reading to them, holding them and laughing a lot.  Bob and Julie got to hang out for a couple of hours and catching up with them and hearing stories of these children just made our hearts melt.  It has been a great day.

Tomorrow, off to Safe House and then visiting our friends at Mwi' Hanguri - with lunch at Ubuntu!!!  Please keep praying for our team!

OnMission Team!

Naomi's Village Day 1

Naomi’s Village Day 1 – Tuesday, June 13

The theme verse for our trip is from the writings of the Apostle Paul, as he instructs the people in 2 Corinthians 5:20 to be an ambassador for Christ – to lead by your example and represent Jesus wherever you go.  It is our calling as believers in Christ, and it is our calling as an OnMission Trip Team to carry this calling to anyone and everyone we are encountering in Kenya.  We ask your prayers for us as we begin this journey together.

First of all, God answered so many prayer request for this trip already – safe travels, getting through customs with all the Christmas Gifts and donations for the kids and new sound system for Cornerstone Prep. Academy; to a safe journey through Nairobi until we arrived at Naomi’s Village for lunch.  God’s hand of grace has truly been extended to us already.  We are still in awe that we are in Kenya, Africa.  We have to pinch ourselves for sure at times.

Had the opportunity to meet Steve Sisler from Cornerstone Preparatory Academy today as we toured the school and learned the valuable and life changing vision Bob and Julie Mendonsa have for this area of the world.  This school is a true beacon for the entire community called the Rift Valley.  Its desire is to raise up the next generational leader in this area and change a generation one person and family at a time.  Tomorrow we will speak into the lives of every child as we lead in chapel time for them.  McKinley and I are leading music while Anna Grace, Heather and Patti share their testimony and the Gospel to the entire school.  Cannot wait to share with you tomorrow how that went!  Lives will be changed tomorrow for eternity.

Got to see all the Naomi’s Village kids tonight and hold, hug, kiss, wrestle, poke, laugh and smile with all of them!  What a joy it is to be here.  Chapata, Lintel Beans and veggies for dinner.  The mark of a true Kenyan!  We are definitely in Kenya, my friends!

All of us are somewhat jetlagged and going to bed really early – like 9pm here.  Our younger crew are still giggling, but us older and more seasoned group are calling it a night.  Thanks for reading and caring to pray for us.  Tomorrow begins our time to share Jesus with all of these amazing lives at Cornerstone.  Please join us in prayer!

Until then, have a great day – The OnMission Team at Cottonwood Creek Church

My Dad

My Dad

Robert Dean Tyler - my dad, turns 80 years old today.  Putting this into perspective, he was born in 1936, after the great depression when unemployment continued to fall and Germany's Hitler reign was building momentum leading into World War II.  The average cost of a new home in America was $4000, a loaf of bread was 8 cents, the Studebaker Car cost $665 and life was moving right along without the internet.

Dad was born in North Texas in the town of Honey Grove.  He has always been nostalgic about his humble upbringing - my Granddad farmed the land and took care of the homestead.  He is the youngest of all his brothers, John, Ed and Charlie, but has always seemed to be that glue that brought the family together.

Dad has done the same for our family - he is the glue and the foundation for who I am today - who we are as a family!  Dad has worked diligently all his life to honor the Lord with his life - through being a leader in the church, an educator, to serving others all the time.  He has taught me the value of how a man should live his life - honor the Lord in all I do, put family first and never settle for second best.  You see, my dad loves life and loves to encourage others.  As a child, I can never remember a time that my dad was not my biggest hero - at every single game I ever played and at every single performance I was ever in.  Even when he did not agree with me, he always supported me and was my biggest fan.  I can never replace the value of having a father love me the way my dad loves me.

So, on this day - His 80th Birthday, I day to you...I love you Dad.  You have always been there for me and today I celebrate your live and the legacy you have built for me and my family to follow.  I look forward to many more great years together!  

Psalm 103:13 says, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him."  My father has shown this his entire life and I am forever changed.

Thanks Dad

Your Son - Keith 

Headed Home! Last Day at Naomi's Village

Day 8!  Our last day at Naomi's Village was spent on campus investing in the children on this 5 acres of land.  This is an anointed place sent by God.  Miracles happen on this campus 24/7.  The way God uses caregivers, Aunties, Uncles, leadership and more to bring honor to God is truly ordained by God.  The slogan for Naomi's Village is "Where Hope Begins".  What a privileged it has been to experience it first hand this week.

As we prepare to leave this place of hope, we ask for you to please pray for our safe return to Dallas.  It will be a grueling 22 hours of travel for our team.  We are all pretty spent, so I think we will get sleep on the plane as best as we can, but we covet your prayers.

Thank you for your investment through prayer and thoughts for us this week.  We get to lead Sunday morning worship for the children then head to Nairobi for our 4:35pm flight - 8am your time.  We cannot wait to see you all and share what God has done in our lives through this trip.

Thanks for reading - On Mission Team at Cottonwood Creek.