Prayers.

In the past month, a lot has happened not only in my personal life, but with Imani as well. I have found that this week, I am getting sick and having trouble breathing. I ask that you keep me in your prayers.

I live, breath, sleep missions and everyday my thoughts are consumed on how I can help out more. How I can spread the word about Imani better. When and where I can share my story and pray that people will join our vision. This happens everyday at every hour and I am overwhelmed with a compassionate heart. We have a small team with driven hearts and all we want to do is help, but it takes strategy, it takes a full-time team, and it takes patience.

Imani Tumaini Upendo plans to launch a scholarship program in Mombasa, Kenya in May 2012. I will be taking over a group of interns to help launch this program. We will be working with single and widowed women. We hope to teach them a trade and provide them a fair wage, in the end, hoping they can leave our program equipped with a trade they have developed.

A program like this, takes lots of preparation, lots of planning and again lots of patience. This is something that I struggle with everyday, because I want people to know what we are doing now and I want people to join our vision and be a part of an organization that over the years is going to change hundreds, if not thousands of lives.

Father God, I pray for patience. I pray for guidance and clarity for this program. I pray for good health and I lift my worries to you. I pray that in the midst of school, relationships and work, that Imani will get the care and attention it deserves. I pray that funding will come in your time and by your plan. I pray for our board and the creation of that. I give this all to you Lord.

I am overwhelmed Father and I pray that you can help me take a moment to breath. I love you and all I want to do is serve you wholeheartedly. I pray that you take my dependence away from the comforts of this world and I only look to you in all I do.

Thank you for being such a gracious Father and I am blessed to be your daughter.

Amen.

The simple things.

Today at 2:30pm, Imani Tumaini Upendo team gathered in my living room. We have a lot going on and in the midst of chaos, are trying to focus back on our roots and why Imani started.

The beginning...

I took the time to reflect in my journal. I opened it to the beginning, and began to read.

My first entry of this new journal I had purchased was on April 12, 2010. I had bought it in preparation for my next trip to Mombasa, Kenya and was preparing my heart for a month long journey with Chris and Lisa Moore of Real4Christ Ministries.

This is what part of my first entry said:

"Life is not a gift from God. ETERNAL LIFE is the gift OF God. To be filled with the Lord and the energy you receive from the Lord and people will take notice that you have been with Him, so leading by example is very important. Ephesians 3:19 says, '...and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.'

I want to be wholly filled with the Lord. By letting go, the Lord will fill us completely. I need to not hang on to the old sin, doubt, guilt or shame because the Lord is forgiving. Once I give it all to Him, I will be complete with his grace and love.

The Lord is amazing and everyday He amazes me more. I wake up with a purpose. I wake up everyday to serve the Lord."

Then the next day on April 13, 2010 I wrote:

"Psalm 55:22, 'Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.'

The Lord has such a strong love for his children and many times I feel like I lose grip of how much He cares for me. Lately, I have been praying a lot and just pouring myself into scripture and devotion. I know the Lord has a purpose for me and I trust that He will always lead me to answers. I know the Lord will always provide for me.

I know I am finally ready to accept HIS calling and follow HIS will with open arms.

I am done running away from my Lord."

So, as I reflected in my journal and on the Faith-Hope-Love of Imani...

I realized it all comes back to the simple things.

The Lord is doing big things in our hearts and we can not ignore that calling. On April 13, 2010 I stated so boldly, "I am done running away from my Lord."

What are you running away from? Where are you going? Have you brought your worries to the Lord and let Him lead?

If not, He is waiting to hear from you.

In Him,

Jenny

"The simple things. [Faith-Hope-Love]"

The Lords Kiss

It is Wednesday and I found that today is not like any other day. Normally, I would wake up and crawl out of bed (or down the stairs of my loft bed) and then I would ponder what I needed to get done for the day... so, I woke up awakened before my alarm and was ready. I was ready for the day and not dragging at all. I climbed down my loft bed and turned up the switch on my wall and BOOOOM, something happened to the breaker, so my room had no light.

At first, I was upset because I could not see and was stumbling around everything in my room, but then I smiled and turned towards my window. I pulled back my black curtains and opened the blinds and the Lords smile gleamed into my room. I felt the warm sun on my face and at that moment felt a kiss on my forehead from the Lord.

I was reminded in that moment that I am a daughter of the Lord and this is His day, not mine.

Last night, I attended Breakaway, which is a BIG gathering at Texas A&M every Tuesday night to worship God and hear his message. Last night, we had the privilege of having Breakaway in Kyle Field, which always is so awesome to see about 10,000 students worshipping the Lord at our football stadium! (www.breakawayministries.org)

One thing Ben Stuart said, is that we need to pursue the Lord because once we start pursuing the Lord, focusing our time on the Lord and getting out of this mindset of "doing everything for ourself, so we can be happy". Once we set our eyes on the Lord, He will set our eyes on them and what he meant by them... is everyone else in this world. Once we step out of OUR world and focus on the Lord, the Lord will reveal His plans for us and set our eyes on people. We were made to love people. We were made to care and reach out to people.

Like the song Hosanna says, "Break my heart for what breaks yours."

This life is not about us. It is about our Lord and Savior.

So, Open your window and let the Lord kiss you on your forehead.

In Him,

Jenny Jenkins

YOU are the heartbeat of Imani!

Imani is simple, Imani is faith. In everything we do, we put faith in Jesus Christ that all in all He will provide. He is our Father and our daddy and we put our full trust in Him.

With the event, M.O.V.E quickly approaching, we have a lot to think about and ALOT to do! and guess what, we need YOU! M.O.V.E stands for MOTIVATE others, seek OPPORTUNITY to change, use your VOICE for the Lord and EXPERIENCE God’s grace.

It is your time, It is people like YOU that are the heartbeat of Imani and keep us going! So, if you have not heard we are doing the ONE DOLLAR CHALLENGE. This is a challenge to set down that soda, sacrifice eating out for one night, and start to MOVE. Think of your everyday, what do you spend a dollar on? Can you give it up for one day and instead of using that dollar for the norm, give it up by faith and donate to Imani.

It is so true when I tell you that ONE dollar creates change, it creates a movement that will never be stopped.

Be a PART of this now. The time is now for YOU to move… Will you take that challenge?

In Him,
The Imani Team

“For we our God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” -Ephesians 2:10

ONE DOLLAR CHALLENGE!

Today I woke up excited! I know that is not rare in my life, I typically am very excited about many different things, but yesterday was a rough day and I thought that maybe it would continue into my Wednesday, but the Lord refreshed me with a wonderful sleep and woke me up this morning full of energy!!

Imani is well on its way to planning the M.O.V.E event, we have 16 days until the event and things are coming down to the nitty gritty planning, but WE NEED YOU!

Seriously, I can not express this enough! The Lord has blessed us with many doors opening, but He has blessed us with wonderful friends and family! So, I am giving you a dollar challenge!

All I ask is one dollar... give up a soda or candy bar for Imani (Faith!)

Let the work of the Lord shine through this challenge. ONE DOLLAR CHALLENGE! Spread the word to everyone!

You can donate here: http://imani-africa.com/?page_id=138

Just one dollar, how bad will that hurt??

Let's see how many one dollars we can raise in 16 days! We can do this!!

I love each one of you!

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

It is TIME to be WEIRD!

Happy Sunday!

Can you believe that we are already in the second week of August? Time is flying!

I wanted to share with all of you about this book I am reading. I am reading the book "Weird" by Craig Groeschel and in this book it talks about how Jesus calls us to be Weird, not normal. One thing that really spoke to me, was he talks about putting a "don't" list together and becoming more intentional. I laughed considering the one BIG thing I learned from Kenya was to be more intentional with others, but then I asked myself; "Have I already slacked in these past couple of weeks on not only being intentional with others, but also with my creator, my Lord!" The obvious answer is that I am human and yes I have already been slacking, but then when he talked about putting the "don't" list together, this made me think. I have plenty of to DO list, but do I have a don't list? Well obviously I have never made a DONT list, that is just not in our nature to sit down and cut things out of our life. If anything, we just keep adding more and more activities (trust me, I would know! I am the QUEEN of adding activities)

So, is this healthy or is this just NORMAL to what society expects of us? Today, in this world, the busier we are, the more successful we supposedly are, but this is not true. We need to sit, breathe and relax. We need to actually sit without having a running to do list in our heads. I had a conversation with my pastor today about being intentional by being "all there" when sharing time with someone. I was making the point that it is easy to repeat something back that someone has said in a conversation without really being "all-there", so how can you become ALL-THERE for your family and most importantly how can you be ALL-THERE for the Lord, without being distracted by this world?

As challenging as this might be, I challenge you to make a DON'T list. I have started mine and it is not easy. Sacrifices are being made, but to sacrifice your time for the Lord is such a better reward then to focus your time into more activities of this world. Trust the Lord that HE knows your plan. Cutting things out of your schedule is not going to mean that your missing out on life because God has a greater plan for all of us.

Trust and live out your Faith.

One more thing for all of you. Imani Tumaini Upendo has their first event fast approaching and are still in need of funds. The event is on August 26 in College Station, TX. If you have not been to our website and read our story, I want to challenge you to do so. The Lord is doing amazing things in this ministry and I would love for all of you to be a part of it, whether that is individually or corporately. You can contact me about becoming a sponsor or also donate on the website. The Lord calls us to go among the nations and share His good news and Imani is doing just that.

I hope you are touched by our story. http://www.imani-africa.com/

Mungu Akubariki!

(God Bless you!)

Also, as you know I am still in the process of my 24 day challenge. Today is day 11, but I have decided that I will not be blogging everyday. I am picking 3 days of the week to get on facebook and my blog. I will let you know when those days are soon. I have personally chosen to do this so that I have more time for me and the Lord. I have become distracted by technology around me and want to make sure that I am staying intentional with my Savior! I love you all!

Jenny :)

24 Day Challenge: Day 7

Alright, so I said I had BIG news! Here we go!!!

Imani Tumaini Upendo is having there first BIG event on August 26 at Wolf Penn Ampitheater in College Station, TX.

The event is called M.O.V.E, which stands for MOTIVATE others, seek OPPORTUNITY for change, use your VOICE for the Lord, and EXPERIENCE God's grace. This is going to BIG and awesome! The point of this event is for outreach and awareness, so people know exactly what is going on in Africa. So, we will along with local bands, food and fun, we will also be presenting our two wonderful projects Real4Christ and Healing Faith who will be speaking at the event!

I have several things to ask you guys, since you are my wonderful supporters! One, I ask that you keep us in prayer because that is much needed! Two, if you would like to volunteer for the event (we need over 60 volunteers!!!) please go to our website and click on the volunteer page for more information!

AND third, we need sponsors to make this event happen! There is a few different cost that we need to cover and we have less than 24 days until the event! If you would like to sponsor, please click on the donate button on this page or contact me directly. You can email me at jenny@imani-africa.com or give me a call!

I hope you all our excited because God is going to shine through this event and it is going to be glorious!

In Him,

Jenny

M.O.V.E

When: August 26, 2011 (Friday)

Where: Wolf Penn Ampitheater, College Station TX

Time: 5-11 PM

What to Expect?: FUN! Local bands, food, ministry booths, guest speakers, art for the kids and so much more! Hope to see you all come out and support Imani!

24 Day Challenge: Day 5

So I woke up this morning and seemed very restless. I am still getting back into the swing of things from being in Kenya to back home. I am a very determined and motivated young woman, but this past week has been a little hard to get out of bed. I decided to take a nap, since I had the time to (which is rare in my busy schedule) and boy oh boy I LOVE NAPS!

As for day 5 of the challenge, I am doing great! I have been eating my normal healthy food again and exercising regularly, plus I have been keeping up with the journaling!

I have some BIG news to announce, but that will come tomorrow.

I hope you all had a wonderful Monday and have a good night sleep tonight!

Until Tomorrow,
Jenny

24 Day Challenge: Day 4

Hey Everyone!

So, the challenge has been going great... I have been going through the herbal cleanse with advocare right now, started the book of John and now am on chapter 3 and have been in my journal every minute I can be, but where have a epically failed and struggled with??! THE BLOG! I know everyone does not like excuses, but here is mine. I have been in the process of moving, I started moving on Friday and well I will not have internet until Tuesday. BUT, I am going to get better at this.

Anyways, I wanted to share this with you all on Saturday..

In John 1:16-17 it says

"Out of fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given... grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

We have received grace through Christ and what is better than that. You will hear me say this a lot but I am going to say it again, Let us Rejoice in this day, for this is the day the Lord has made!

Also, this morning I read John chapter 2 and the last verse in the chapter says,

John 2:25

"He did not need human testimony about them, for He knew what was in them."

Our testimony is used to glorify the Lord in this world. We can use our struggles and sins that we have been forgiven for to show to the world that we are redeemed through Christ. What we have to remember though is that Christ already knows what is and is to come, so we can not hide from Christ. He knows our hearts and what is IN us. I believe testimony is used to help plant a seed in this world to bring others closer to HIM. We plant, the Lord grows that seed and the Lord SAVES.

God is good, all the time, all the time, God is good.

Until tomorrow,

Jenny

24 DAY CHALLENGE. Day 1

So today starts my 24 day challenge.
At first, I was just simply doing a physical challenge by doing the 24 day challenge with advocare, but then I decided to add a little twist and challenge myself even more. (I tend to push myself to the limit at times) So, I decided that in the next 24 days I am going to embark on a journey of not only physical growth, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

Along with the 24 day advocare challenge (which if you are interested, you can check online at advocare.com), I am also going to be walking through Jesus' life in the perspective of the book of John. In 24 days, I will complete the book of John and hopefully fall even more in love with Christ and grow my faith stronger. Then on challenging myself emotionally, I have decided to dig into my journal at every moment. Every time I have a thought, passion, complaint, to do list, anything I will write and document in my journal. I believe I overlook the little things of everyday and want to not take for granted these little thoughts in my head or little to do's because in the end, they make a BIG impact in my life or other lives as well. On top of journaling, I want to refocus my blog. For 24 days, I will blog everyday and maybe sometimes you will get lucky and hear from me twice a day!
So, for my blog there is a NEW voice. I started this blog in 2009, before I left for my first mission trip to Mombasa, Kenya. I was focused on raising support and keeping people connected while I was gone.
I have now changed my blog title to My love for Missions. This blog is not only going to focus on missions, but is going to focus on the newly founded non-profit Imani Tumaini Upendo. Myself, Rachel Driskell and Kaylene Ullom started Imani on April 8, 2011 and have been completely in love with what the Lord is doing with our organization. Together we are a wonderful team. Rachel is the business manager, Kaylene is the social media director and I am the missions coordinator. Together we are the founders of Imani and together we are awesome!

As missions coordinator, I want my personal blog to reflect the insight of Imani from the missions perspective. You will get to know the ends and outs of Imani Tumaini Upendo and my prayer is that you will fall in love with who we are and what we are trying to do. We want you to be a part of this family and join us in our vision!
On the side of my page their is a link to the Imani website and also the Imani Facebook, I hope you get plugged in with this ministry. Any donation that you now make through paypal on my personal site, will go directly to Imani. If at anytime you want to become a sponsor, whether for a one-time purpose, monthly, or an in-kind sponsor. Please let me know!

So, back to my challenge. In the next 24 days, I will physically, emotionally and spiritually be challenging myself. My hopes for this challenge is to reach my goals I have set and to have learned way more than I could have expected. I pray that not only my relationship with Christ grows stronger, but also my relationships with my friends and family!

Here we go!
Wish me luck!

Jenny

Off to Mombasa!

Today is the day that my little heart has been so patiently waiting for! I am very excited to be going home to Mombasa! After a crazy eventful weekend, my emotions were all over the place, but the Lord did not let me get distracted and I kept moving. I am moving forward to do His work and complete His mission for me and all of His children!

I am so blessed to have a wonderful family and gracious friends and I thank God everyday for them. I want to share with you the email my mama sent me this morning. She might be embarrassed that I am sharing this, but it was so sweet! And, after I read this message I started belting out "I hope you dance" in my car. It was priceless. Anyways, take a look of how blessed I am:

Sweetie – I could write a book to you (as you know), but sometimes less is more. I just want you to know that I always pray for you. When you were growing up one of my biggest concerns is that you would “settle” and take the path of least resistance like so many people do. I used to always sing this to you – I hope you Dance. This is just a quick email to let you know that I am so very proud of how you Dance! May your trip to Africa be just another Dance as you reach for the Stars. You are my happiness and joy that the Lord has blessed me with and I will be forever grateful for His blessings on me. Dance my Baby girl – I don’t have to hope you will anymore, all I have to say is I am proud of how proudly you Dance!

I love you with all my heart! I’ll miss you. God Speed.

Mama

I HOPE YOU DANCE

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

OH HOW SWEET! I would say I cried, but I am not much of a crier, but it definitely brought a smile to my face.

Thank you all for everything and keep up with the blog! Pictures and updates will be posted!

In Him,

Jenny!

I ask for many prayers

Hey Everyone,

Today was a beautiful day that the Lord has made, but some unexpected events happened that turned my world upside down. First, I got a call from my dad telling me that my step-mom Cindy had to go to the emergency room for immediate surgery because her appendix burst. She had been feeling sick the past couple days and they had no idea why. A little in shock, that Cindy was about to have surgery, I walked to my car after having dinner with my mom and Gregg and my car had been broken into. Since, I was visiting home this weekend before I leave for my trip next week, I had a lot of valuables in my car.
They managed to take my gps, laptop, camera, five finger running shoes, all my rock climbing equipment, my northface luggage bag that I take on missions with me, all my clothes (many of the clothes I wear on the missions field), my glasses, my pocket knife, my school books, and the list could go on.

My first reaction, I went numb and was in disbelief that items that I use everyday was just taken away from me so quickly. I lost my breath and just began to cry because I was so overwhelmed with the shock. I kept thinking of the wonderful conversation I had with my pops (gregg) and my mom in the restaurant about all the Lord is doing in my life and what amazing things He is doing with Imani, His ministry that He has provided me the vision for and to think that while I was passionately sharing my love for the Lord and talking about the trip I am about to take back to Mombasa next week, that Satan was right outside standing along with the individual(s) who took my possessions.

I felt disgusted and felt violated. That was MY stuff, not theirs. In the midst of my mental breakdown, I began to pray for strength and wisdom. Throughout tonight, I have been reminded to count my blessings. First good thing is that I had my purse, ID, debit/credit cards and passport all on me. They did not take anything of that. They did not take donations I had in my back seat for the mission trip coming up. They did not take my nalgene, lunch box and box of oatmeal :) and they did not take my vehicle. They took a lot, but I am not physically hurt, and I am okay. I have a family that loves me and friends who care for me as well.

I share this with you because I ask for prayer. The Lord is doing amazing things in not only my life, but the ministries I work with as well. Satan is not happy, he sees good and he tries to rip that from me, but he will not. Yes, I hurt, but my heart aches for the individual(s) who do not know Christ, my heart aches for our society that thinks it is okay to take what is not theirs, and my heart aches for individuals who turn to worldly possessions to fill their so called "void" in life.

I ask that you first please pray for Cindy and her surgery and that the recovery goes well. Then I ask you to pray for whoever decided to take everything from my vehicle. I ask that we pray for their health, family, and guidance that they will find Christ. I pray that they open my bag and find my mission shirt that shares scripture and has a heart where Africa is. I pray that they find the Imani Tumaini Upendo brochures in my school bag and read about our ministry and that sparks a fire in their heart to want to do better and no more about Christ. Of course, I pray that things are returned, but if I see nothing again, I pray that wherever these "worldy" possessions land, that they help someone. Maybe someone who needs clothes, a bag to travel with, or even all my toiletries.

I also ask that you pray for me. There is a lot going on with my "to do" list for the mission trip and now that this has occurred, I have another list of things added on top of that. I pray that I stay focused on the Lord and keep standing strong in my blessings and to not let Satan get me upset. I pray that I listen to the Lord and do his will, and in this terrible instance, I pray that the Lord is glorified and His name reigns.

Again, thank you for all of your support and thank you for many prayers.

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they prolong your life many years and bring peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and humankind. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
-Proverbs 3:1-6

In Him,

Jenny Jenkins
Founder/Missions Coordinator of Imani Tumaini Upendo
www.imani-africa.com

I am so Ready!

I am about to embark on a journey back home. Mombasa, has become a home that lives in my heart year round and every time I get prepared to go back, the butterflies come back. I am excited to see familiar faces, to hold the kids and just be able to bring my love that the Lord has given me to give back to these people.

This trip looks a little different because I am not just a team member, and I am not just going alone, but I am leading 11 wonderful individuals to my Home. Through training and preparation for this trip, they have all gotten to witness my excitement for the trip, but I do not believe they know how close Mombasa is to my heart. I am ready to smell the Kenya air, I am ready to see the sunset and sunrise, I am ready to eat fresh mangos, I am ready to graze my hand in the Kenyan dirt, I am ready to whisper in a childs ear mimi nakupenda rafiki(I Love you, my friend), I am ready to walk the trails and share Christ love and unending joy, and in the words of David and Kim Hayes and Chris and Lisa Moore, I am ready to portray that "I AM REAL!" (real = reaching east african lives)

The Lord has given me a peace about traveling far, a peace about leading and a peace about the unknown. He has complete control and I am blessed to know He knows my plans and I do not have to worry.

I ask that you pray for our team and each one individually. I have listed the team names below.

I thank you for all of you support and everything you all have done for me. God Bless each one of you!

We leave in 8 days!

Mission Mombasa July 2011 Team:

Jenny Jenkins
Rachel Driskell
Jaylyn Gramer
Allison Stroud
Elyse DeBuck
Stephanie Box
Cayla Newkirk
Kaylene Ullom
Whitney Cloud
Austin Lewis
Tyler Hayes
Matthew Schilling

In Him,
Jenny Jenkins

2 weeks til I go home to Mombasa!

Hey Everyone!

I wanted to let you know that it is exactly two weeks and I will be back in Mombasa, Kenya with my team! I am super excited about what all the Lord is doing in my life and it makes me excited that I get to share it with you!

First, please follow the team at missionmombasa2011.blogspot.com and see all the amazing things we are doing in Kenya!

Second, if you haven't checked out the newly founded non-profit Imani Tumaini Upendo, please visit the website and read about what we are doing and our story of how we got started at www.imani-africa.com. You can also visit our facebook at www.facebook.com/imaniafrica.

Also, in the midst of training my team and encouraging them to get donations and get money raised, I seemed to overlook myself a little. As of now, we have received many donations to fill our ministry bags to go to Kenya. What I am lacking is a few financial needs. For instance, I need to still pay for my malaria meds, few extra expenses for the team and also Real4Christ. If you have been wanting to donate, here is your chance! I love all of you and again can not thank you enough for all the support you have given me over the years.

If you want to donate, you can donate through person and contacting me at (210)421-4416, or you can donate through paypal, just follow the link to my blog and click the donate button:

http://myloveformombasa.blogspot.com/

Thanks again for everything!

Imani Tumaini Upendo: A new adventure has begun!

Today, I was flipping through my bible. Yes, that is exactly what I was doing flipping through it like a magazine trying to find some bright picture to feast my eyes on.

Obviously, I was not going to find a picture, but the Lord is pretty funny because He knows everything. He knows that I have a lot on my mind and there is a lot going on with the semester wrapping up and other exciting things occurring (I will go into detail later in the email). So as I was flipping through my bible, He brought me to the first page. This was not the first page of Genesis, but literally the first page in my bible before the table of contents and on that page I had written two phrases.

“Earning the right to be heard” and “are you a crowd follower or a disciple?”

I have no idea why I wrote these, but the Lord knew that I would find them today and it would hit hard.

I then flipped a couple pages over to Genesis 1:27 and it simply says: “So God created human beings in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

How glorious is that! I have to be reminded everyday that we are made in the image of God. So I ask you, Do you reflect the character of God?

Actions speak louder than words, so have you earned the right to be heard?

I pray for each one of you that you do not give up on the Lord, for He is our Almighty Father who is worthy of all our praise!

I want to update you on the wonderful vision the Lord presented to me a little over a month ago. It was the vision of helping small ministries in Africa and providing them financial backing. I woke up in the middle of the night with the word boutique in my head! The lord had presented the answer with so much clarity. I presented the idea to my friend Rachel about creating an online boutique where we could sell things from Africa (Kenya, Uganda, etc.) to help financially back different ministries in Africa. She was excited and joined the team! I then met a new precious friend, Kaylene on my Haiti trip in March. I shared the vision and she explained to me the Lord had been leading her to non-profit work. The Lord brought affirmation after affirmation to this ministry. So, we decided that us three girls would pull together and with the Lord’s strength and wisdom create a non-profit organization.

On April 8, 2011, Imani Tumaini Upendo (Faith-Hope-Love in Swahili) became an official corporation of the state! As of now we are in the process of filing our 501(c) 3 with IRS and are moving quickly.

I am still in the process of building our website, but would love for you to visit it!

The website is: imani-africa.com

You can also find us on facebook under Imani Tumaini Upendo.

Or twitter @imaniministries

Our mission is to support ministries who are living with, loving on, and caring for the children of Africa. In support of those wholeheartedly serving, our primary goal is to ignite a passion in individuals to join us in our vision.

If you would like to donate or become a monthly donor, all donations are tax deductible through Imani. You can donate on our webpage: imani-africa.com.

So again, as I was flipping through my bible the Lord reminded me that I am a disciple of the Lord and should live a life glorifying to Him!

Reflect God’s character and remember you are forgiven because HE IS RISEN!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and God Bless!

In Him,

Jenny

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “it is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

- John 19:30

Prayer is like taking a breath of fresh air

It has been three weeks since I went to Carrfour, Haiti and life has been moving at record speed.
I have four weeks left of school, test, projects and everything you can imagine is needing to be turned in. Can you beat the Heat 5k that Run4Change is hosting is on May 1st, so I am in the process of getting all those details together. On top of that, I have got 91 days to finalize the details for the mission team in July and I am in the process of beginning a non-profit! Everything that is happening is such a blessing in my life and coming together flawlessly, but sometimes I feel as if I do not breathe!
So, this week I have been reflecting on my trip and trying not to get caught up in this fast moving American life. I was remember flying into Port-au-Prince Haiti and seeing the sea of tarps and tents. We were surrounded by destruction, but at the same time surrounded by individuals filled with joy. The Haitians have so much love and happiness even with the worst circumstances. Me and you can leave a place of destruction and come back to this life of comfort, but they are stuck in it everyday and they still have a smile on their face. I was amazed by their great faith.

One of the days, we went for a walk to get to know our neighbors, hear their stories and learn exactly how we could pray for them. One of the houses we came to was a home of this elderly woman. Her name was Ms. Lavell and she spoke so many words of wisdom. One thing that she said that I will never forget is she spoke so highly of the importance of prayer. She said, "Prayer is like the air we breath. You can not live without Prayer."
I was in awe of these words because as Christians I believe we all struggle in this area and this is the easiest thing to overlook. I left her house and was in such peace.

I encourage you all to spend more time in prayer and to be bold in your faith. Go to your friends, family, co-workers, strangers and just ask the simple question: "How can I pray for you today?"
They might look at you and just ignore you, or they might share with you concerns on their heart. Take the chance and be strong for the Lord. Jesus died for us, so why can't we kill our pride and live everyday for Him.

God Bless
In Him,

Jenny

"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ"
- Colossians 2:2

Where does the time go?

Today, I woke up. Struggled getting out of bed. Went to school. Then threw on the sunglasses and went off to work.

When driving, I was amazed of how beautiful the day was and then realized I had not even said hi to my father today. This life is so fast paced and lately I have been running without taking one breath.

Today the Lord has taught me once again to take a breath and enjoy His creation.

The other day, one of my coworkers asked me if I kept an ongoing prayer list. I explained how I have an ongoing mental prayer list, but he challenged me to begin to write down prayer request and to begin to become intentional with prayer.

So I challenge all of you to do that! Become more disciplined with prayer and start strengthening your prayer life with the Lord and watch how it will strengthen not only your relationship with the Lord, but with everyone around you as well.

I ask that you pray for my coworkers friend, his name is Taylor Pratt. He has never smoked in his life, and is a very healthy man, but just recently got diagnosed with lung cancer. He is married and has three kids. Where the cancer is located is inoperable. It is with the strength of prayers and God's power that Taylor will be healed. I believe in miracles and I believe the Lord can do anything, so please pray for Him.

So, I ask you, where does the time go?

"Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
- Psalm 90:12

So, today as I rushed through my morning, I stepped back to realize that I am alive today, so I can glorify His name. The Lord is our creator, our rock, our savior, our father, so why don't we start giving Him more time.

"...let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
- Hebrews 10: 24-25

It is time to build one another up in prayer and fellowship and to most importantly start truly giving everything to the Lord.

God Bless,

In Him,

Jenny

I am so blessed!

I am so blessed. I just wanted to express that today.
Haiti Trip is getting paid for slowly but surely. The Lord provides and He provides in the coolest ways!

If yall do not know yet, I will be leading a team this summer to Mombasa, Kenya. We will be going over there from July 7- July 22. Our team has a blog, if you visit missionmombasa2011.blogspot.com it will take you to the site.

Through that blog, you will be able to hear from all the team members and their experiences. There is also a donate button on that blog, and you can donate to the team!

It has been such a blessing to lead this team so far and I can not wait for what the Lord has in store later down the road.

God Bless!

Jenny

I heard Him with clarity.

This morning I woke up as if someone was standing over me tapping my shoulder. Surprisingly I was not tired (considering I did not get to bed until 3am because of school work).

So, exactly at 7am, one hour before my alarm clock should have gone off, I felt a tap and literally a voice say, "Jenny, go dig into the word and come visit me this morning."

I did not hesistate, I got up and went straight to His word. I opened my TNIV and ESV bible and my journal and began to read.

I first read my devotion for the day which was about a woman of the Lord and the verse that called out to me in the passage that I read was Proverbs 31:30;

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." ESV

I should not find my worth in my beauty or clothing or appearance, but should find my value in my Lord Jesus Christ. He is my focus and my path and not anything of this world.

I was excited where the Lord was going with this mornings readings. So then I turned to Jeremiah and continued reading there. Today I read Jeremiah 2 and 3. Can you say blunt? The Lord is just throwing in our face what we have done wrong in this world and we still turn away and think we have done nothing of disgrace to the Lord. These scriptures in Jeremiah are full of such truth of how we find idols and worship this world and then come back to God and deny to Him that we have sinned.

"you say, 'I am innocent, surely his anger has turned from me.' Behold, I will bring to you judgement for saying, 'I have not sinned.'

-Jeremiah 2:35

"Yet I planted you a choice vine, wholly of pure seed." ESV

"I have planted you a choice vine of sound and reliable stock." TNIV

- Jeremiah 2:21

"Let us lie down in our shame, and let our dishonor cover us. For we have sinned against the Lord, our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day, and we have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God." ESV

- Jeremiah 3:25

I was in awe at all the Lord had to say and the fact that it was so in your face and blunt, but that is what society needs is hard TRUTH. Now the question is, how can we, as disciples of Christ, spread the truth to everyone around us?

Take the time to think of how you can start living your life around this one objective and purpose. To spread the Lord's truth. Try not to think of this as another thing to "implement" into your life because that is not what this is at all. This should BE your life. Our one purpose is to live for the Lord. We would not be here if it was not for our Lord Jesus Christ, so stop being oblivious to the Truth in your own life. Take your worth out of this world and put it all into God, our Savior.

I ended this morning, by looking back into my journal of devotions I had when in Africa or pre or post the trip and I got to this one page that brought tears to my eyes.

I have been praying lately to hear the Lord and not to be distracted of this world...

My journal read:

"Jenny, Listen. Do not fall back to the world, but lay your life for the Lord, lay your life down and be a disciple. A STRONG and humble disciple of Christ."

Then my journal said:

- "If you are reading this journal entry, take the time and read every word carefully in this verse." and it left me with the verse John 12:23-26

"And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoevee hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will be my servant also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him."

- John 12: 23-26

This morning, I heard the Lord my God with clarity and God is so good, all the time.

I hope you are encouraged this morning to go out and be a light for the Lord, even if you, yourself, cannot see. Do not walk by sight but by faith alone.

With Love,

Jenny

A Dream of Clarity.

Today, here in College Station, it is very cold. I did not want to get up this morning and I did not have the energy to put on all the layers and walk to my classes, but of course, I got up and did what I needed to do.
I bundled up and headed off to class. As I was walking across campus (starting to not feel my toes) I thought of how blessed I was just to even have socks and shoes on my feet. I get so caught up in going to school, then going to work and then doing it all over again that I lose sight in the blessings.

I challenge each one of you to count your blessings and not to take the little things for granted. The Lord is good, all the time and all the time the Lord is good :)

So let me share with you a dream I had the other day.

So this is how the dream goes:

I was laying in bed and did not want to get up. I was warm and cozy in my bed and it was freezing cold outside, but I kept hearing the Lord speak to me. He kept telling me. "Jenny, get up and go outside, I have a surprise for you." I would respond to God, "God but why? It is so cold and I am warm, Can't I just stay in bed for five more minutes." And then God would respond with a quiet collected voice, "Jenny, go outside right now, I have a surprise for you."
So, I finally agreed with God and went outside. As soon as I stepped outside, I was freezing but I saw something in a distance. There were these two little kids running my way. When they got to me they smiled and opened their hands. Each kid had $200 in their hands. They handed me the money and ran away.
The Lord then whispered, "I told you Jenny, I will provide."
I leaped for JOY! The Lord is so so good.

Soon after, I woke up. Now I know what you are thinking. MAN! What a bummer. You got $400 in your dream to go towards your missions and then you wake up with $0, but that's not it at all. I woke up with clarity and understanding that I need to cast all my worries on the Lord and trust the Lord.

I am going to Haiti March 13 for 6 days and then this summer I am leading a mission team starting July 7, 2011. In between there is a lot of funding that will need to come in order for these trips to be successful, but I am not worried.

The Lord is amazing and He has called me to the mission field and I am not afraid. In everything I do, He will provide. In all the words that I speak, He will provide. The Lord is my rock and foundation and nothing will move me because within me is the Holy Spirit and I speak His truth.

Stand Strong and Never lose sight of our Savior.

Haiti Relief Trip

Howdy my Friends!

I first want to express my love to all of you have supported me in my missions and all that I do. I have been so blessed with all the love and support I get every year.

It has been on my heart for about a year now to go on a Haiti Relief Trip. I finally decided that I needed to look into it, so I did. I found a 6 day trip that is March 13-18. As soon as I expressed an interest in this trip, the team leader emailed me and called me right away. They were looking at closing this trip on Friday, but are not finalizing until Monday due to the fact that they are waiting on my decision. This is a group of about 15 coming from all over the United States. I would pay for the trip which is $495 and then my airfare which is around $1000. I told my team leader I would give her a call on Monday if I would be joining them as a part of their team.

So, this is why I am tagging all of you in this note. It is by the support of my loved ones that I get the privilege of doing what the Lord has brought me to do and that is serve him among the nations.

If you could give $5, $10, $20, or anything that your heart desires to the Haiti Relief Trip, please let me know.

If I tell my team leader yes on Monday, that means I have to give her atleast $495.00 by the end of next week. I pray that you take the time to pray about this and contact me, so I can share more with you.

Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to support me, so I can give her an answer by Monday.

My number: 2104214416, my email: jenkins.jenny@yahoo.com

Also, so you know. I have gotten the opportunity to lead a team in July to Mombasa Kenya for two weeks, so I am very excited about that. Please be praying for my team to Kenya as well.

Thank you all so much for your love and support. Also, if you know of anyone that would love to support this trip, please let them know.

In Christ,

Jenny