2010 Trip is winding down...........

05 August, 2010

Dear Praying friends,

Thanks for your prayers for wisdom and safety. We had a safe trip to Nairobi. We went by the Mennonite guest house and got extra rooms for all of us, but they had no vacancies for Charlie and Mike for Friday, so we decided it was OK to come back to Karatina after we dropped Donna and Anna off at the airport. After arriving in Nairobi we ate lunch at the Java House which was swamped because so many businesses were closed to vote. Funny how you long for a hamburger after a while without one. They call them BEEFburgers here, since that is what they are!

We then went to the Sarit center, a 3 story building with all sorts of businesses in it, but it was closed, so we went to the curio market, and experienced haggling, watching things being made, and had a great time. I have been there many times with other friends, so they recognized me, and pastor Harrison and James. Most of the people were really wanting to make some sales as traffic in town was slow, and volume of visitors was down. I pray that as you look at the carvings we have brought through the years, that you will pray for the hundreds of people who have been, and are being impacted by the Antioch Independent Baptist fellowship of churches across Kenya. If we were as determined to reach people for Christ, and connect, and keep angling for a hearing, as these vendors are, many more people would be saved. There is a difference between non-Holy Spirit led harrassing someone, and Spirit led, prayerful pursuit of those who have not "heard" with their heart, and surrendered to the Lord Jesus.

We all went to bed early and got up at 4:30am and left for the airport at 5:30am. Traffic was light, but there was already a long line, so we waited until the girls were going through immigration and left, and they called when they got on the plane.

We were all sleepy coming back, except James Kahaia who was driving. I talked with him about many of the single Moms in his church who make $2 a day picking tea leaves, and pay $9 per month for rent in small places, with their children. With the new Church being built at Ihwagi, we anticipate the ministry to expand. There will be more room, Sunday school space, and room for Awana, which is a very successful Children's program, with fun, Scripture memory, and Bible teaching.

I felt a sore throat coming on, and Dr. Masharia gave me some antibiotics and medicine, and instructions, and I came home and went to bed. Charlie and Mike went to James Kahaia's for lunch. They had both ministered in the church.

The potential for outreach here is great. Basketball training, volleyball, Awana, helping churches own their facilities to remove the burden of rent, helping pastors have the basics to begin supporting themselves, by having goats, cows, chickens, etc. Developing accountability with the maturing congregations, and helping the experienced pastors with Bible training materials.

Mike suggested used laptops with Bible study materials installed, since they all read English, and distributed to the places with electricity. Internet hookup would be unnecessary, and the quality and volume of good Bible software is great. E-sword is a free program with lots of great tools, a Bible dictionary, word studies, a variety of translations, and commentaries. This would greatly enhance Bible training on site, not take up much space, etc. Notebook Computers are now available for $250-, that would be light to bring, and easy to set up. We are praying for certifiable Bible training materials with a recognized degree, that we could use here, that the government here will also recognize.

Each one in the team has been great, connecting with all ages, praying, and creating their own ministry opportunities. It has been a delight to get to know Anna, Donna, Charlie, Mark and Elaine. Mike and I have been close friends for years, and I look forward to their perspectives on the ongoing ministry here, as we seek to be involved with God, where HE is working.

Mike and Charlie will go with Pastor Harrison in the morning to see his farm, and talk about their ideas for the future. (I will stay here and hang out with Papa and Mama.) They will leave for Nairobi about 2pm, spend the night at Menno, then fly out at 8am Sat. morning. They have different bookings, so will arrive at different times.

We are so thankful for each family that has allowed them to come, and each person that has given, so they could come and minister. I am missing Mark and Elaine, and Donna and Anna already. Mark could have traded animals for magic tricks if he had been there, he is good.

Thanks for your prayers for each of us. We are praying for you and the churches there.

Love,
Steve, Papa, Mama and Charlie and Mike.