The 410 Bridge

Hi Kids,
I can start this article like that because, for the most part, I am older than almost all of you who attend or read catalyst stuff.  That’s good and bad. I’ve been around long enough to know what you think is entertaining and what engages you and how the heck a program ought to be produced. 

So, thanks to Catalyst I get to put that 93 years of experience to use…and then they let me come out on stage with a camel or an elephant, or a llama…I conducted the Guinness book of world records famous biggest pillow fight in the world, most whoopee cushions sat on at once, largest dodge ball match, most Frisbees ever thrown at one time in one building and of course, the time when we broke the record of breaking the most records.

 So…the question is…what is the most memorable time I have ever had at Catalyst?

Here it is.
I stood on the stage with 24 kids from Kenya who were either orphans or in very vulnerable situations at home.  I stood there and watched and listened as they led 12,000 people in worship and I wept almost uncontrollably, realizing how incredible our God is.

Those kids are part of our ministry called the 410 Bridge.

I know…a lot of you thought I was the director of Bigstuf Camps and some of you just thought I was the full time enhancer to help Andy Stanley write his sermons and books. All of the above were circumstances that eventually caused me to find myself on the streets of Kenya wondering why in the world God had put me there.

The answer is…I have a tendency to think differently than a lot of people and it seems like God wanted me to use that gift to create a unique kind of approach to making a difference on a dying, somewhat hopeless continent.

So I am writing this article to influence you. You have a chance to make a difference in the lives of millions of people…not an exaggeration

1 Peter 4:10 says this:
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

That’s where we get our name—at least the 410 part. The “Bridge” reference, though, is what makes us unique. Our passion lies in connecting people and organizations within the body of Christ to enable the self-developing capabilities of the Kenyan people through long-term relationships. This approach does not involve quick fixes overseas before retreating back to the States. Instead, it lays a foundation across the Atlantic, building a long-term bridge that significantly impacts both sides. It’s a vision of sustainable transformation. It’s a merger of hope and purpose.

The 410 Bridge partners with Kenyan communities and their leadership councils to assess specific medical, educational, nutritional, economic or other needs, and assists the community as they progress through growth and stability. It is a philosophy that helps pull them along towards success in what they are already doing (rather than pushing something on them that is unlikely to be completed) thereby creating hope.

I appreciate your laughter and all your notes of encouragement about the fun stuff that we do at Catalyst. I love that. But, If you were there when our Daraja Childrens Choir sang, then you know what it feels like to see God doing something extraordinary. I would love for you to join us and support us as we pursue a vision that shakes the planet.

3 Comments »

1. 1 Peter 4:10 says this:
   “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

   This 410 idea sounds just great and definitely doable. My life as a Pastor has always been blessed with the transformation we see taking place in people’s lives as the Lord comes in and makes a difference. One question I have always had was, “How can we see more of the practical application of God’s truths in the lives of the believers… all of them, and not just a few?”
   This 410 idea holds some hope for us. The secret is spelled: RELATIONSHIP. When we develop long lasting relationships, we can begin to apply the WORD in our everyday experiences.  Let us work together to achieve 410 in the lives of the brethren.
   Thank you so very much Baba or Mzee,

   One of your kids

   Comment by John Sikobe - Jun 18, 2009 @ 07:39 AM

2. Hi. This is good ministry. I want to know more,please let me know more about the ministry. I am a Kenyan minister.
                       The Lord bless you .

   Comment by Sarah Kimani - Jul 06, 2009 @ 07:34 AM

3. Hi,

   I’m not entirely sure of what resources you are looking to utilize in the African communities that you work in. However, I have come across a great company that manufactures a very new kind of wind turbine (Windtamerturbines.com) that when I saw the turbine I immediatley thought of the communities you’ve talked about and thought - how cool would it be for the communities to generate their own power and not have it cost a fortune - plus be safe and attractive.  Just thought you might want to check out what they are doing and see if it would work for the 410 communities.
   What you’re doing is so wonderful - keep up the great work.

   Comment by Faith Jones - Jul 15, 2009 @ 07:18 AM

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