A dozen members from Living Faith Lutheran Church in Clive are bound for Kenya.  Six native Iowans and six native Kenyans left this afternoon for a nearly two-week long mission trip.

“When they first came to us, they were just looking for a place to worship,” says Pastor Luke Timm.

It didn’t take long for the Swahili congregation to become part of the church.

“After a few months, they just became part of the family and we just kind of grew together,” says Timm.

For half of the group, the mission trip is a homecoming of sorts.

“We are not only going to Kenya to visit our family, but we are going to spread the gospel.   That is the main thing we are excited about,” says Felistas Njenge.

She is returning home for the first time in three years.   Njenge says many are in need in her homeland.

Nominations are wanted for the the 2013 Master Pork Producer and Environmental Steward awards.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association began the program in 1942.

“Iowa’s pork producers represent some of the most efficient, innovative and adaptive in the industry,” said Tyler Bettin, IPPA producer education director. “It is important that we continue to recognize the efforts of our best and brightest producers. Doing this demonstrates to consumers our commitment to the environment and production of safe food while also educating other producers of best management practices and industry opportunities.”

Award recipients will be recognized at the 2014 Iowa Pork Congress in January and will receive a $1,000 cash award.

Nomination forms and instructions can be found at iowapork.org.

The first Lunch on the Plaza in Clive is set to take place.

On Friday, May 31st, a Free lunch will be served by the Clive Historical Society from 11:30 to 1:00 pm at the Aasheim Plaza located at 8575 University Blvd.

There will be music and is open to the public.

“Lunch on the Plaza” will be held the last Friday of each month until September and are sponsored by local businesses and groups.