Twins! That single word evokes change in how we plan for the birth of a baby. Medically, it means more frequent visits to the doctor, ultrasounds, measurements, blood work, and vital signs checks. We determine the sex of the babies, their positioning in the womb, their sizes, and how mom’s body is handling carrying two little ones. From this information the doctors, staff, and parents determine when the birth will occur to ensure optimum health for mom and twins.
In Kenya, Mapacha (Swahili for twins) is often not realized until birth. In fact, in some tribes, twins is not a blessing but a curse, and it is the job of the family or midwife to kill the mother and babies. If the twins are not detected or the tribe doesn’t follow this barbaric practice, there is no prenatal care—no doctor visits, no ultrasounds. Most homes have no running water and only a hole in the ground for a toilet. When a woman begins her labor, the midwife or “helper” is summoned. The father is sent away, and the woman is assisted with birth in her own bed. The current charge for the midwife is about $50 American or 4,352 shillings.
Kilgoris, Kenya, is a tiny village eight hours by taxi west of Nairobi. You may have to share your ride with chickens. Zebras graze along the road. Baboons sit in groups as if they are “people watching.” Some motorists toss them food. They dart out, retrieve the food, and run back to the side of the road.
On a January Sunday, I received a call from our head intercessor from our ministry, Team Seasoned Heart. I could tell in her voice something was amiss. She had received a text message that one of the wives of the Kilgoris mission team was in labor, and there were complications. When I left in December- three of the team’s wives were pregnant.
Caroline had begun her labor six hours before. This was her fourth child. She had everything ready, and the midwife was called. When the midwife arrived and assessed Caroline, she realized something was wrong and that she was carrying twins. Samwel, Caroline’s husband, called for Dan, the leader of the mission team. He came and stood watch at the door of the house and prayed. He also put a call in to his whole team to pray. At the same time, a text was sent across 7,000 miles to Pennsylvania to pray. As is Dan’s custom, it was a terse message with few details. Caroline was moved to the local hospital accompanied by Samwel and Dan. Four doctors determined one baby was “transverse lie” meaning the baby was lying sideways and blocking the birth canal so neither child could emerge. Doctors painted a grim picture for mom and babies.
This team of holy men began to gather and intercede. The team is made up of all Kenyan-born men with their wives and families. Their mandate is to restore to widows, orphans, prisoners, and drug addicts their God-given inheritance. They also rescue little girls from FGM (female genital mutilation). We here in the U.S. who love this team, prayed and waited.
Caroline had to endure five more hours of labor, while doctors consulted, the mission team there interceded, and we in America prayed and kept our cell phones close. The doctors then performed a Caesarean section. God in His infinite mercy called forth David first. His cries were lusty and could be heard echoing up and down the halls. Jonathan soon was born and a duet of cries followed.
They each were about 2.26 kg or five pounds. Good weights for twins. Both had the chubby cheeks of their dad. We all thanked God and breathed a sigh of relief.
There were those in the community and hospital who began to murmur, “How come she can have two babies? Some women have none and have lost babies. They should give one or both up for women who have none. She already has three children.” In Kenya, babies have been stolen from the hospital with the help of hospital attendants. Some are never recovered. The family had to set a watch on these twin boys. Servants of God, as they honorably call their pastors and bishops, showed up and gave prayers and blessings. The hospital began to realize God was the one who gave the blessing of the twins and their healthy birth. The team assembled, prayed over the twins and prophetically named them.
The drama did not end there. In Kenya, the hospital keeps the mother and the babies until the bill is paid in full. Sometimes patients or families have to do work by cleaning rooms or bathrooms until the bill is paid in full. Normally, mom and babies are sent home after three days, even with a Caesarean birth. Nearly a week had passed, and Caroline and her newborn twins were being held at the hospital because of their upaid bill. Again, we went to God for His mercy. Sovereignly, God laid it on the heart of an American mom with twins to pay the bill, and we rejoiced as pictures of Caroline, David, and Jonathan safe at home were posted.
Mapacha, parents, and siblings are doing well. What a privilege it was to hold them last month while in Kilgoris. God placed them in the perfect home and place on earth HE chose for them to be able to fulfill the purposes God has for them.
Update: Hard to believe these little guys are now in school, and have a little sister. They are more social and pudgy delightful little fellows. GOD is more than faithful.
Psalms 139:13-16 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
TSH June Newsletter
Hannah Hunter
6/20/2024
What Cultural Mountain is Yours?
Hannah Hunter
6/1/2024
Good News for all creation
Hannah Hunter
5/18/2024
Iron Rod
Hannah Hunter
1/13/2024
Betrayed
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1/8/2024
War Paused
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12/23/2023
A Song of Hope
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12/16/2023
Home
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12/2/2023
Touchstone
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11/25/2023
earthquake and gentle breezes
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11/18/2023
Bulwark and Fortresses
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11/11/2023
Thanksgiving of November
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11/4/2023
Angels in Africa
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10/31/2023
Northern Gate of Africa
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10/31/2023
Fires of Revival
Hannah Hunter
10/31/2023
The Scepter and the Rod
Hannah Hunter
2/6/2023
The Secret Place
Zachary Hunter
2/2/2023
Labeling People as False Prophets
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1/24/2023
Healing Rifts
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1/16/2023
Expect Angel Visitations
Hannah Hunter
1/9/2023
January 2023 Newsletter
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1/5/2023
Human Perfected
Zachary J. Hunter
9/27/2021
Something Different
Zachary J. Hunter
8/28/2021
God's Movement Week 4
Zachary J. Hunter
8/10/2021
God's Movement Week 3
Zachary J. Hunter
7/31/2021
God's Movement Week 2
Zachary J. Hunter
7/24/2021
God's Movement Week 1
Zachary J. Hunter and Hannah S. Hunter
7/14/2021
Be the Change
Zachary J. Hunter
5/27/2021
Our Pledge and Declaration
Zachary J. Hunter
1/28/2021
The Cup of Iniquity
Zachary J. Hunter
1/15/2021
The Father's Heart
Zachary J. Hunter
1/6/2021
Joshua and Caleb
Zachary J. Hunter
12/31/2020
Elijah
Zachary J. Hunter
12/18/2020
How Important is Worship
Zachary J. Hunter
12/11/2020
Believe
Zachary J. Hunter
12/2/2020
Our Focus
Zachary J. Hunter
11/24/2020
Taking a Beating
Zachary J. Hunter
11/11/2020
2020: American Presidential Election and Aftermath
Zachary J. Hunter
11/4/2020
Daniel 10
Zachary J. Hunter
10/28/2020
Daniel 9 and What it Means.
Zachary J. Hunter
10/22/2020
Respect for God's Authority
Zachary J. Hunter
10/15/2020
What It is to be a Seeker?
Zach J Hunter
10/8/2020
Non-Debate
Hannah S. Hunter
9/30/2020
Odyssey Observations
Hannah S. Hunter
9/11/2020
Miracles in Motion
Hannah S. Hunter
8/27/2020
Unplug and Reset
Hannah S. Hunter
8/20/2020
Set Apart Not Aside
Hannah S. Hunter
8/12/2020
Did I Really Say That?
Hannah S. Hunter
8/6/2020
Silence, Stillness, Solitude, the Secret Place, and the Supernatural
Hannah S. Hunter
7/30/2020
Supernatural Season
Hannah S. Hunter
7/21/2020
tachycardia
Hannah S. Hunter
7/16/2020
Peaceful Protest
Hannah S. Hunter
7/6/2020
Piercings
Hannah S. Hunter
7/2/2020
Unshareable Glory
Hannah S. Hunter
6/24/2020
Ancient Roots
Hannah S. Hunter
6/16/2020
Perfect Love
Hannah S. Hunter
6/9/2020
Mountains Tossed into the Sea
Hannah S. Hunter
6/1/2020
Genesis of Nations
Hannah S. Hunter
5/26/2020
Torchbearers
Hannah S. Hunter
5/18/2020
Trilling and Aflutter
Hannah S. Hunter
5/12/2020
Mchungaji
Hannah S. Hunter
5/5/2020
Mountain Top to Mountain Top in Lockdown
Hannah S. Hunter
4/29/2020
Observations from the Shadows
Hannah S. Hunter
4/21/2020
He Called It! His Fast!
Hannah S.Hunter
4/13/2020
When Being Passed Over is Good
Hannah S. Hunter
4/7/2020
Alternate New Normal
Hannah S. Hunter
4/2/2020
Nor'easter Wheels Within Wheels
Hannah S. Hunter
3/24/2020
Stillness- the posture of Reshaping and Remolding
Hannah S. Hunter
3/17/2020
Dwelling in the Everlasting Flow
Hannah S. Hunter
3/10/2020
Godly Reprimand, Removal of Shame, and Redemptive Restoration
hannah hunter
3/3/2020
Essential Oil is Love
hannah hunter
2/25/2020
Going Into the Deeper....
hannah hunter
2/17/2020
Feet of Your Soul
Hannah Hunter
2/11/2020
Activating Our Children
hannah hunter
2/3/2020
Vigilant Observations
Hannah Hunter
1/28/2020
Commander in Chief
hannah hunter
1/21/2020
Heights of Hope
Hannah Hunter
1/16/2020
Shepherds Shielding in Storms
Hannah Hunter
12/12/2019
Shepherds Shielding in Storms
Hannah Hunter
12/12/2019
How did Jesus Celebrate His Birthday on Earth?
Hannah Hunter
11/27/2019
Paul and Pauline in this Season
Hannah Hunter
11/19/2019
A Day in the life of an Expat in Kenya
Hannah Hunter
11/11/2019
Conquerors in the Nest
Hannah Hunter
10/30/2019
A Look at Fear
Zach Hunter
2/22/2019
The Beauty of the Cross
Zach Hunter
2/15/2019
Turning Disgust into Grace
Zach Hunter
2/8/2019
Take My Faith
Tyler Robertson
1/12/2019
Love is really REALLY hard (but totally worth it)
Zach Hunter
1/5/2019
Is He Lost or Am I?
Tyler Robertson
12/29/2018
Pointing Fingers
Zach Hunter
12/22/2018
Sold Out Slaves
Tyler Robertson
12/15/2018
Stirring Deep Wells
Tyler Robertson
12/1/2018
Seasonal Suffering
Hannah Hunter
11/24/2018
God's Play Room
Hannah Hunter
11/17/2018
Voting Day
Hannah Hunter
11/10/2018
Homework
Tyler Robertson
11/3/2018
The Way
Tyler Robertson
10/21/2018
Battle Fronts
Tyler Robertson
10/6/2018
True Love
Tyler Robertson
9/22/2018
Mapacha "The Twins"
Hannah Hunter
9/15/2018
Venomous Snakes Thwarted
Hannah Hunter
9/10/2018
In His Arms
Hannah Hunter
9/1/2018
Follow Love’s Thread
Hannah Hunter
8/25/2018
Remanded Rest
Hannah Hunter
8/18/2018
Clueless Obedience
Hannah S. Hunter
8/11/2018
Same Old Days
Tyler Robertson
8/4/2018
A Child of Mine
Tyler Robertson
7/29/2018
He is I Am
Tyler Robertson
7/24/2018
Joy's Calm
Tyler Robertson
7/7/2018
The Dire Hour
Tyler Robertson
6/30/2018
Joyful Warriors for the Kingdom
Hannah Hunter
6/23/2018
Daughters of the Mountain
Tyler Robertson
6/16/2018
Daniel and Malicious Intent
Hannah Hunter
6/9/2018
Forge Me
Tyler Robertson
6/2/2018
Grieving Grace
Hannah Hunter
5/26/2018
His Revelation
Tyler Robertson
5/19/2018
Micaiah - I Stand With Him!
Hannah Hunter
5/12/2018
The Sense of God
Tyler Robertson
5/5/2018
Removing Junk from your Treasure Chest.
Hannah Hunter
4/28/2018
To know the pain.
Tyler Robertson
4/21/2018
Meeting my Maker
Tyler Robertson
4/14/2018
Stop! In the name of Love!
Tyler Robertson
4/7/2018
For Such a Time
Tyler Robertson
3/31/2018
Rejoice in the Fear!
Tyler Robertson
3/24/2018
In the Blood
Tyler Robertson
3/17/2018
Can't Fight the Need
Tyler Robertson
3/10/2018
In Everything
Tyler Robertson
3/3/2018
Let Freedom Ring
Tyler Robertson
2/24/2018
IT'S Coming.
Tyler Robertson
2/17/2018
Nailed It!
Tyler Robertson
2/10/2018
Complacency Kills
Tyler Robertson
2/3/2018
Measure of Faith
Tyler Robertson
1/27/2018
Darkest of Nights
Tyler Robertson
1/20/2018
Destination: Church Unknown
Hannah Hunter
1/13/2018
Peace 2018
Hannah Hunter
1/6/2018
Blessed Are the Servant Healers
Hannah Hunter
12/30/2017
Honoring HIS Wishes
Hannah S. Hunter
12/23/2017
How is Your Shine?
Lori Meed
12/16/2017
Beatrice-Bringer of Joy
Hannah S. Hunter
12/9/2017
Smooth Stones
Tyler Robertson
11/18/2017
Littered Valley
Tyler Robertson
11/11/2017
What Happened to the Church?
Tyler Robertson
11/4/2017
Antithesis of Rage
Hannah S. Hunter
10/28/2017
Truth Prevails
Hannah S. Hunter
10/21/2017
False Pretenses
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2017
Eye of the Needle
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2017
Wells Every Where
Hannah S. Hunter
9/11/2017
Underestimated Army
Hannah S. Hunter
9/11/2017
Third World Eyes
Hannah S. Hunter
9/11/2017
Songs of Joy in Drudgery
Hannah S. Hunter
9/11/2017
Spirit of Sanballat
Hannah S. Hunter
8/11/2017
Guardian in the Night
Hannah S. Hunter
8/11/2017
Sacredness from Kenya’s Wilderness
Hannah S. Hunter
7/11/2017
Pause
Hannah S. Hunter
11/7/2016
Perception, Prayers and Purpose
Hannah S. Hunter
11/7/2016
Tribes
Hannah S. Hunter
11/7/2016
Take Courage!
Hannah S. Hunter
10/21/2016
Kenya Elections 2017
Hannah S. Hunter
10/12/2016
Define Rest and Refuge
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2016
Soaring or Sailing
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2016
Life Threatening Worms
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2016
Mapacha, The Twins, and Micronutrients
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2016
Angel Awareness
Hannah S. Hunter
10/10/2016
When Seasons Come Too Early
Hannah S. Hunter
8/6/2016
RVP (Restoration Village Project) Kilgoris, Kenya
Hannah S. Hunter
6/15/2016
Kinsman Redeemer
Hannah S. Hunter
1/23/2016
Free Flow, Clarity, and Airlift
Hannah S. Hunter
1/16/2016
Synergy
Hannah S. Hunter
1/9/2016
Wilderness Base Camp
Hannah S. Hunter
1/2/2016
The General’s Tent – 2015 Posts
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12/29/2015
Control Held by None
Hannah S. Hunter
12/25/2015
Qualifications for Vessels of Honor
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12/19/2015