Hi Y'all,
What do you do when a young boy comes to you in tears saying,"My family is moving, but I don’t want to go. I want to stay here so that I don’t miss school….Please help me stay." His Dad is Masai, Mom is Kikuyu. The Dad left for another town to look for work and wants the family to come, though he doesn't have work yet. If he leaves, with the cost of school transfer, new uniforms, etc. and Dad with no work, it is unlikely he will be back in school any time soon. The mom and other kids come to church. His uncle aged sixteen is in our dorm. Rufus (this boy) was number two in his class last term.
Another case: a 13 year old girl whose mom is HIV positive recently came to live here. She wants to go back to school, but the only way for her mom to get money is by her "way of life." The girl listened with a tender heart when we met with her this past week to try to encourage her to be careful about friends and lifestyle. Carol, Ndegwa’s wife led her to the Lord recently. We ache to help, to take her from her environment. We would appreciate prayer to know God’s perfect will for both of these.
Friday and yesterday we had a soccer tournament with our group, the youth group from the church, the Children’s Home and street kids. The Lord gave us two afternoons rain-free – an answer to prayer, and accident free. There were close to 100 kids there and good attitudes, all of which are answers to prayer.
One of the Bible School ladies came yesterday to the tournament to show me the sweater she finished for her son. It is beautiful. I am SO excited for her good job, with something she has learned to do just this year.
We bought four rabbits this week to try to have meat for our boys and also they are a good income source. Well, we had them in a store room ‘til we can make a hutch for them. But, they decided the great outdoor yard was much more to their liking! I am so glad there weren’t people watching while we tried to catch the little beasties! So that we wouldn’t have to wake up and repeat the process today, we decided to send them up to where the boys live for now!
We had eleven in deaf church today and had good discussion on Truth and tradition!! Some things are so engrained in religious backgrounds that they don’t realize how much is not written in the Bible! It was good. Reminds me of Jesus’ discussion with the Scribes and Pharisees who put tradition above God’s Word.
Still no word on our work permit.
Sandy for us both
--
Terry & Sandy Washer
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Pastor Steve, 2010 Pastor/Police Conferences
Dear Friends,
We have been praying about what we should do. The economy has drastically affected our community and church community, so I was not sure about going back for a pastor's conference, and police conference. I have received permission from the church leadership and plan to go in late July through early August. The police conference will be Monday July 26-Friday, The pastor's conference will be Mon. Aug. 2-5, so they can go home for services.
Please pray for those planning to go. I have 3 policemen who want to go minister. I have 2 or 3 more who want to be there especially for pastor's conference, and just after, when the children and youth are out of school.
Pray for funds to help the pastors come from all around Kenya, as many of them live on meager incomes, and this week at camp is the best sustained eating they do all year. They get to fellowship with other pastors, pray and share together, and encourage one another. Many have been to other conferences, and were in school together at Karatina.
Pray for God to prepare our hearts, and their hearts, and for His clear leading in how we can best serve the churches there.
The time is short, so if you want to go, let me know. The ticket I priced today was $1,904 from Atlanta to Amsterdam to Nairobi, and back. Accomodations are about $10 per night, and then meals. My number at the church is 706-635-4390.
Papa and Mama are very excited that I get to come. My sister Sandra and her husband Terry will be in the USA July 15-Sept.15, for their daughter Joy's wedding, so they will feel good that I am there for at least part of the time.
Thank you for your prayers.
Love,
Steve
We have been praying about what we should do. The economy has drastically affected our community and church community, so I was not sure about going back for a pastor's conference, and police conference. I have received permission from the church leadership and plan to go in late July through early August. The police conference will be Monday July 26-Friday, The pastor's conference will be Mon. Aug. 2-5, so they can go home for services.
Please pray for those planning to go. I have 3 policemen who want to go minister. I have 2 or 3 more who want to be there especially for pastor's conference, and just after, when the children and youth are out of school.
Pray for funds to help the pastors come from all around Kenya, as many of them live on meager incomes, and this week at camp is the best sustained eating they do all year. They get to fellowship with other pastors, pray and share together, and encourage one another. Many have been to other conferences, and were in school together at Karatina.
Pray for God to prepare our hearts, and their hearts, and for His clear leading in how we can best serve the churches there.
The time is short, so if you want to go, let me know. The ticket I priced today was $1,904 from Atlanta to Amsterdam to Nairobi, and back. Accomodations are about $10 per night, and then meals. My number at the church is 706-635-4390.
Papa and Mama are very excited that I get to come. My sister Sandra and her husband Terry will be in the USA July 15-Sept.15, for their daughter Joy's wedding, so they will feel good that I am there for at least part of the time.
Thank you for your prayers.
Love,
Steve
Washers-Nairobi and Karatina
Hi Y'all,
This past week was super busy. We had several opportunities for visitation. There were no professions of faith, but the seed was planted. They were former contacts whom we had visited and talked to before.
Tuesday and Wednesday we were in Nairobi. We went down to take Papa and Mama to their doctor. Also, Terry went to have his hips x-rayed because of pain shooting down his right leg. The doctor said one of the screws in his back has come loose, but there are two there. He was quite sure the pain is referred pain from the back. He gave Terry a medicine that is really helping him sleep better.We ended up staying the night because it was so late when we got done there.
We also went and checked on our work permit. It was not listed as being "in." So, we were sent to another office. There we were sent to make a photocopy of our receipt so that they could look for it. We called brother Charles who is the Secretary for the fellowship, and he is going to look into it this week. We got our visitors visa extended , so at least we don’t have to go again this week when the other one expires.
While we were in Nairobi, Sam took Papa’s car to get the seats recovered from the van he gave us, and had them put in the new van. Papa was SO pleased with the outcome….. it really looks nice. We are thankful Papa has left the insurance on the van he gave us, to go until it expires at the end of the year, I believe.
Yesterday evening, the son of our neighbor asked me to teach him keyboard. He finished grade 12 last year and passed, but not well. So, we will see what comes of this. We have prayed for the family for a long time.
One more week before school starts again.
Sandy for us both
--
Terry & Sandy Washer
This past week was super busy. We had several opportunities for visitation. There were no professions of faith, but the seed was planted. They were former contacts whom we had visited and talked to before.
Tuesday and Wednesday we were in Nairobi. We went down to take Papa and Mama to their doctor. Also, Terry went to have his hips x-rayed because of pain shooting down his right leg. The doctor said one of the screws in his back has come loose, but there are two there. He was quite sure the pain is referred pain from the back. He gave Terry a medicine that is really helping him sleep better.We ended up staying the night because it was so late when we got done there.
We also went and checked on our work permit. It was not listed as being "in." So, we were sent to another office. There we were sent to make a photocopy of our receipt so that they could look for it. We called brother Charles who is the Secretary for the fellowship, and he is going to look into it this week. We got our visitors visa extended , so at least we don’t have to go again this week when the other one expires.
While we were in Nairobi, Sam took Papa’s car to get the seats recovered from the van he gave us, and had them put in the new van. Papa was SO pleased with the outcome….. it really looks nice. We are thankful Papa has left the insurance on the van he gave us, to go until it expires at the end of the year, I believe.
Yesterday evening, the son of our neighbor asked me to teach him keyboard. He finished grade 12 last year and passed, but not well. So, we will see what comes of this. We have prayed for the family for a long time.
One more week before school starts again.
Sandy for us both
--
Terry & Sandy Washer
Friday, April 9, 2010
ACCIDENTLY ON PURPOSE-Mama & Papa Fields
ACCIDENTLY ON PURPOSE or GOD ANSWERS PRAYER
What does that say to you in April, 2010? To me, the first part only brings memories of a song I learned many years ago. I have no idea where or why! Maybe about 70+ years later, it makes no difference! However, when we add, "GOD ANSWERS PRAYER," we rejoice in that truth.
When I had just turned 12 years of age, I was so thankful that the heavy thing which had weighed me down for eleven months was gone. Why? I had trusted Christ as my Savior. Six days later I was sure that God sent a message especially for me: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). Just after I turned thirteen, I asked the Lord if He would just take me - I meant by death. I knew I would go to be with Him when I died and I was afraid to face life as a young teenager. He took me, but not the way I had prayed. Now, only a couple months before turning 89 I can sing a song: "He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be. In only six days He made the moon and stars, the earth and skies, and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and how patient He must be for He's still working on me." "Everybody ought to know Who Jesus is!"
--This bright April morning a stranger entered our gate. He quickly identified himself by name and the person for whose house he was searching. Dave sensed that this was one of those important occasions and treated it that way. Maybe some day we will hear more about this young man who appeared "on purpose."
--Was it in March that I asked you to pray for a couple for whom I only gave initials? I sincerely believe that they are responding to whatever the Lord is saying to them - or to him at least.
-- Some years ago a young teenager introduced his uncle to me. I gave him the plan of salvation and assured him that I would not speak of that important subject again unless he mentioned it. One late afternoon many years later, he said he wanted to accept Christ as his Savior. We were not at home, I wanted to carefully explain from the Bible but circumstances did not permit that. Since that time I have never seen him but I, along with his older sister and brother-in-law, shared our burden with Bible School students. Since our last letter to you, we had the wonderful word that he seems, BEYOND DOUBT, to be God's child. Now, we beg you to pray for him as he faces the spiritual battles that he surely is having. Also we are asking for prayer for another four members of his family. GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!!
-- Without apology we ask that you join us as we ask for prayer support for the following as
We are all targets of our enemy -- devil:
A. Our four children, STEVE, PAUL, BARBIE, Sandy -- and their scattered families.
B. Deacon Fredrick, his wife, and small son.
C. Brother Godfrey not yet married.
D. Pastor Harrison, his wife and their adult children - all away from home for further education.
E. The many Antioch Ind. Baptist Churches. Their Pastors are all graduates of our own Bible School in Karatina which is in the Central Province of Kenya. Three other Antioch churches are also here. We often refer to the remaining ones as "Scattered" as they are in different provinces.
F. Our Independent Faith Mission. P.O. Box 7791 Greensboro, NC 27417-07 91.
G. Dave and Elwanda (Madison) Fields.
What does that say to you in April, 2010? To me, the first part only brings memories of a song I learned many years ago. I have no idea where or why! Maybe about 70+ years later, it makes no difference! However, when we add, "GOD ANSWERS PRAYER," we rejoice in that truth.
When I had just turned 12 years of age, I was so thankful that the heavy thing which had weighed me down for eleven months was gone. Why? I had trusted Christ as my Savior. Six days later I was sure that God sent a message especially for me: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). Just after I turned thirteen, I asked the Lord if He would just take me - I meant by death. I knew I would go to be with Him when I died and I was afraid to face life as a young teenager. He took me, but not the way I had prayed. Now, only a couple months before turning 89 I can sing a song: "He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be. In only six days He made the moon and stars, the earth and skies, and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and how patient He must be for He's still working on me." "Everybody ought to know Who Jesus is!"
--This bright April morning a stranger entered our gate. He quickly identified himself by name and the person for whose house he was searching. Dave sensed that this was one of those important occasions and treated it that way. Maybe some day we will hear more about this young man who appeared "on purpose."
--Was it in March that I asked you to pray for a couple for whom I only gave initials? I sincerely believe that they are responding to whatever the Lord is saying to them - or to him at least.
-- Some years ago a young teenager introduced his uncle to me. I gave him the plan of salvation and assured him that I would not speak of that important subject again unless he mentioned it. One late afternoon many years later, he said he wanted to accept Christ as his Savior. We were not at home, I wanted to carefully explain from the Bible but circumstances did not permit that. Since that time I have never seen him but I, along with his older sister and brother-in-law, shared our burden with Bible School students. Since our last letter to you, we had the wonderful word that he seems, BEYOND DOUBT, to be God's child. Now, we beg you to pray for him as he faces the spiritual battles that he surely is having. Also we are asking for prayer for another four members of his family. GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!!
-- Without apology we ask that you join us as we ask for prayer support for the following as
We are all targets of our enemy -- devil:
A. Our four children, STEVE, PAUL, BARBIE, Sandy -- and their scattered families.
B. Deacon Fredrick, his wife, and small son.
C. Brother Godfrey not yet married.
D. Pastor Harrison, his wife and their adult children - all away from home for further education.
E. The many Antioch Ind. Baptist Churches. Their Pastors are all graduates of our own Bible School in Karatina which is in the Central Province of Kenya. Three other Antioch churches are also here. We often refer to the remaining ones as "Scattered" as they are in different provinces.
F. Our Independent Faith Mission. P.O. Box 7791 Greensboro, NC 27417-07 91.
G. Dave and Elwanda (Madison) Fields.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter from the Washers, Karatina
It is April 4. We have had LOTS of rain this week. Friday night it poured all night, a steady, quite heavy rain. The Ragati is about three feet from the brim on the far side of the river down by the bridge…never seen it like that. We have also had hail twice in recent days.
I am so pleased with the ladies’ progress in knitting, in the YIT (Youth in Training) church, and the Bible School ladies. They are doing so well. The weather is already cold, so I am sure they are working harder to get the sweaters made. The second ones they make will be to sell, we hope, to try to get back some of the money we have put in to yarn.
We met with the YIT ladies on Tuesday, then have a break for the school holidays. Wednesday we had Bible School, and are out of school for a month there also. I was able to cut out and make Janelle’s outfit for the wedding . I trust I can get Felicia’s done this week.
Thursday we had planned to go visit, then look at a place for Ndegwa and Carol to move to. It POURED rain, which makes the roads impassable, so could not go and see the one couple. The place we looked at with Ndegwa and Carol would not be a good place.(The house they are in has been sold out from under them, so they have to move.) We would appreciate prayer this month for the right place for them to move to. The new baby also seems to have respiratory problems, so they need a place that isn't moldy!
Thursday we had planned to go visit, then look at a place for Ndegwa and Carol to move to. It POURED rain, which makes the roads impassable, so could not go and see the one couple. The place we looked at with Ndegwa and Carol would not be a good place.(The house they are in has been sold out from under them, so they have to move.) We would appreciate prayer this month for the right place for them to move to. The new baby also seems to have respiratory problems, so they need a place that isn't moldy!
We have not been able to go up the Mathaithi either due to the road. Terry has spent enough hours “in the ditch” recently that it is not worth the risk! A van just doesn’t do well up there.
Contact was finally made with the well digger this past week, and he SAYS he will be there tomorrow. we will see. He had been having family strife and problems.
One of our boys was dismissed from the dorm yesterday because of drugs. It is sad to see him go, but when he got caught he was angry and not repentant. Another has been caught smoking, but admitted and wants help. Such a difference in attitude. We know we are dealing with former street kids. Each case needs clear guidance from the Lord.
Today we had 12 in deaf church and good participation in the service. Geoffrey did a good job of telling the resurrection story, and the purpose of Christ’s death, a blessing. When I sin and have a heart heaviness due to my sin, I often think of how Jesus felt when he carried the sin weight of each of us, all at once. Not even His own wrong, and how heavy that load was.
Contact was finally made with the well digger this past week, and he SAYS he will be there tomorrow. we will see. He had been having family strife and problems.
One of our boys was dismissed from the dorm yesterday because of drugs. It is sad to see him go, but when he got caught he was angry and not repentant. Another has been caught smoking, but admitted and wants help. Such a difference in attitude. We know we are dealing with former street kids. Each case needs clear guidance from the Lord.
Today we had 12 in deaf church and good participation in the service. Geoffrey did a good job of telling the resurrection story, and the purpose of Christ’s death, a blessing. When I sin and have a heart heaviness due to my sin, I often think of how Jesus felt when he carried the sin weight of each of us, all at once. Not even His own wrong, and how heavy that load was.
Thankful today He is faithful and just to forgive sin because the PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE.
Trust you have a blessed week--
Sandy for us both
--
Terry & Sandy Washer
Sandy for us both
--
Terry & Sandy Washer
Friday, April 2, 2010
Kenya trip-Feb/March 2010-Pastor Steve
Dear Friends.
I tried to send a long, detailed email from Dad and Mom's, and it vaporized, frustrating! I arrived on Mon. pm, it was wonderful to see pastor Harrison at the airport. We went to the Mennonite guest house, to spend the night, and drove up to Karatina Tues. am. It was wonderful to see Papa and Mama at the door.
Ben Kiker and 6 others were already there, and had spent several days in the ministry there. We met for breakfast and lunch Wednesday, then I left with Pastor Harrison, and Joseph for Nairobi to take alot of the men's luggage, and to meet Randy and Janice Durden. They breezed through security with Randy explaining all the luggage as a "missions trip, and I brought my wife!". The customs agent laughed and waved them through.
We had a great breakfast, then got on the road to Kitui. After a several hour drive, seeing the increasingly dry landscape, and dry river beds (not just creeks) we arrived. This year there has been SOME rain, enough to grow some corn. Patrick Kitema showed us his little church made of roofing, and the property we had purchased. We layed hands on the building beside his property, and prayed we could buy it and convert it into a church and housing for Patrick and his family. The muslims that live there defecate (polite word) around their church, dump trash and "someone" steals materials from the church. We are praying for Patrick to find a meaningful job to allow him to be bi-vocational, and care for his family and ministry. We ate supper in their little rented home, and it was a pleasant time.
The next morning we left for the long, slow drive to Isovya orphanage, where Pastor Rueben and his wife train girls to sew dresses and suits etc., on treadle sewing machines, and sew on paper flour sacks, because they do not have material. I just received a picture of the girls wearing clothes they had made from material we brought. Tom and Patti Greathouse had sent a backpack, cap and other items for the group, and Ben Kiker had raised money for Study New Testaments "How to Find God", from Bibles at Cost. Pastor Rueben wrote that they stayed up until 10:30 that night singing and praising God for His provision, and our good, encouraging visit. It was great to see the well children from North Ga. Christian Academy had helped raise money for, and see another one being dug to provide water to make and fire bricks for a new dormitory, and later to help provide more water for the 200 people being served right now from the community.
The ladies cooked a tasty meal of rice, stew, greens etc. and then we left to drive about 4 hours to Mwingi. Joshua and Patrick (another one), who minister there greeted us, and showed us their little rented church. Jackson and Elijah and their wives also came from Katoh-ohni (phonetic spelling). We had supper at Joshua's and had a great time getting to know their families. Elijah had just been married about 2 months. The ladies do sewing to help provide for their homes. We are praying for a motorcycle for Jackson at about $1,200, and let him pay back some of it. He could be a taxi person through the week, and that would help them financially. We would like to get one for Elijah also. He expressed a heartfelt need to be able to provide a cup of porridge each week to the children who come to church, as some get very little food. An idea for such things would be to fast one day a week, and give the value of the meals, say 3x7=$21x4=$84 per month. What a difference that would make in your life, and a church in Kenya. A Sunday school class of 25, giving a $ a week each, could give $100/month. Get a picture of the church, pastor, children etc. Ask God what He wants from you.
We met with the leaders that night, and the next morning, then left for Karatina, where Papa and Mama live. Randy and Janice and I went to Karogoto on Sunday. Janice worked with the children, while I preached. We met Papa and Mama for lunch, and then went to church at Karatina, that afternoon.
Mon. am Randy and Janice left for wildlife viewing etc. and I hung out with Papa and Mama, and Terry and Sandy through Wed. pm. I got to go to class with them, and hear their teaching, share a bit, and meet the students. It was so good to get to be with Papa and Mama for that time. Once, I thought Mama was going to fall, and quickly grabbed her arms, and on one of them, the skin immediately peeled back, like on a boiled potato. We wrapped her with saran wrap, to prevent pulling more skin off later.
Thursday am we left early for Nambale, a long, but beautiful drive up to, and through the Great Rift Valley. We met pastor Harrison's daughter Esther in a town on the way, where she goes to college, and had a good lunch. We got to our hotel, but then had to go eat at Pastor Juma's and got back much later than we like to drive at night. The hotels we stayed at were fine, with clean rooms, and fairly good security. We met Fri. through Sunday noon, in a tent at pastor Juma's. He said about 90 pastors from that area came, and we were blessed to be able to give more of the New Testaments, many of you had given money for to Ben Kiker. Janice taught the kids, and they had a blast. I dressed up at a clown, that really scared everyone, but they laughed in relief that it was a joke, not a crisis. The house, Sunday school building and church were a blessing to share with Pastor Juma. We dedicated the new Sunday School building, which had amusingly to us been named "Whitepath Fabtech", in honor of Randy and Janice. The sentiment was a sweet one. Janice had this great idea to buy a developing machine for photos, and it was a real HIT! Randy had to pray, and lay hands on it to get it to work there, but being able to give each one a photo of their family, thrilled them.
We hated to leave, but rushed off after a quick lunch for Migori. What was supposed to be about 4 hours, was 6, and then our accomodations had been given away to a better paying customer. The ones we found were even better than where Randy had stayed when he went there with Colby. We had supper, slept, then toured three locations of churches our graduates are ministering in. WOW! How little goes so far over there. Pray with us as we seek to enable these hard working pastors to get a means of making a living, and using their gifting and training to minister. Another well we had helped dig still serves a good group of local people, and an effective preschool and nursery service.
We left that afternoon, again hoping for a 4 hour trip, which after coming to a flooded bridge, going through a huge herd of cattle, driving an awful road, at night, in wild country we got down on our knees, and praised God for safety, and a good place to be at Kichwa Ntembo (elephant's head). We stayed in tents, very heavy duty, sophisticated tents with showers and commodes. Warthogs roamed the grounds, and we got to see lions, elephants, rhino, cheetah, antelope, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and a Masai demonstration, it was great.
Wed. we left for Nairobi, and after a hard couple of hours, got onto a good paved road and got to Nairobi. We met with a couple who have worked for years with the Navigators in Zambia and Kenya, and had a great visit. We watched videos of his hippo hunt, and later went to the airport, and finally made it home.
It was meaningful to us to see where the men are ministring, and know better how to pray for them, and seek to help them become self-sustaining. If you would like to pray, or give, let me know, we will try to send more pictures later. Thanks for your prayers for safety, effective ministry, and for giving so we could take materials to enhance the work of God in Kenya.
If you need to call, my number is 706-889-1700.
Praise God who sent Jesus Christ, who came lovingly to buy our salvation with His lifeblood, and then left the wonderful Holy Spirit, so we could become more and more like the Lord Jesus.
HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
I tried to send a long, detailed email from Dad and Mom's, and it vaporized, frustrating! I arrived on Mon. pm, it was wonderful to see pastor Harrison at the airport. We went to the Mennonite guest house, to spend the night, and drove up to Karatina Tues. am. It was wonderful to see Papa and Mama at the door.
Ben Kiker and 6 others were already there, and had spent several days in the ministry there. We met for breakfast and lunch Wednesday, then I left with Pastor Harrison, and Joseph for Nairobi to take alot of the men's luggage, and to meet Randy and Janice Durden. They breezed through security with Randy explaining all the luggage as a "missions trip, and I brought my wife!". The customs agent laughed and waved them through.
We had a great breakfast, then got on the road to Kitui. After a several hour drive, seeing the increasingly dry landscape, and dry river beds (not just creeks) we arrived. This year there has been SOME rain, enough to grow some corn. Patrick Kitema showed us his little church made of roofing, and the property we had purchased. We layed hands on the building beside his property, and prayed we could buy it and convert it into a church and housing for Patrick and his family. The muslims that live there defecate (polite word) around their church, dump trash and "someone" steals materials from the church. We are praying for Patrick to find a meaningful job to allow him to be bi-vocational, and care for his family and ministry. We ate supper in their little rented home, and it was a pleasant time.
The next morning we left for the long, slow drive to Isovya orphanage, where Pastor Rueben and his wife train girls to sew dresses and suits etc., on treadle sewing machines, and sew on paper flour sacks, because they do not have material. I just received a picture of the girls wearing clothes they had made from material we brought. Tom and Patti Greathouse had sent a backpack, cap and other items for the group, and Ben Kiker had raised money for Study New Testaments "How to Find God", from Bibles at Cost. Pastor Rueben wrote that they stayed up until 10:30 that night singing and praising God for His provision, and our good, encouraging visit. It was great to see the well children from North Ga. Christian Academy had helped raise money for, and see another one being dug to provide water to make and fire bricks for a new dormitory, and later to help provide more water for the 200 people being served right now from the community.
The ladies cooked a tasty meal of rice, stew, greens etc. and then we left to drive about 4 hours to Mwingi. Joshua and Patrick (another one), who minister there greeted us, and showed us their little rented church. Jackson and Elijah and their wives also came from Katoh-ohni (phonetic spelling). We had supper at Joshua's and had a great time getting to know their families. Elijah had just been married about 2 months. The ladies do sewing to help provide for their homes. We are praying for a motorcycle for Jackson at about $1,200, and let him pay back some of it. He could be a taxi person through the week, and that would help them financially. We would like to get one for Elijah also. He expressed a heartfelt need to be able to provide a cup of porridge each week to the children who come to church, as some get very little food. An idea for such things would be to fast one day a week, and give the value of the meals, say 3x7=$21x4=$84 per month. What a difference that would make in your life, and a church in Kenya. A Sunday school class of 25, giving a $ a week each, could give $100/month. Get a picture of the church, pastor, children etc. Ask God what He wants from you.
We met with the leaders that night, and the next morning, then left for Karatina, where Papa and Mama live. Randy and Janice and I went to Karogoto on Sunday. Janice worked with the children, while I preached. We met Papa and Mama for lunch, and then went to church at Karatina, that afternoon.
Mon. am Randy and Janice left for wildlife viewing etc. and I hung out with Papa and Mama, and Terry and Sandy through Wed. pm. I got to go to class with them, and hear their teaching, share a bit, and meet the students. It was so good to get to be with Papa and Mama for that time. Once, I thought Mama was going to fall, and quickly grabbed her arms, and on one of them, the skin immediately peeled back, like on a boiled potato. We wrapped her with saran wrap, to prevent pulling more skin off later.
Thursday am we left early for Nambale, a long, but beautiful drive up to, and through the Great Rift Valley. We met pastor Harrison's daughter Esther in a town on the way, where she goes to college, and had a good lunch. We got to our hotel, but then had to go eat at Pastor Juma's and got back much later than we like to drive at night. The hotels we stayed at were fine, with clean rooms, and fairly good security. We met Fri. through Sunday noon, in a tent at pastor Juma's. He said about 90 pastors from that area came, and we were blessed to be able to give more of the New Testaments, many of you had given money for to Ben Kiker. Janice taught the kids, and they had a blast. I dressed up at a clown, that really scared everyone, but they laughed in relief that it was a joke, not a crisis. The house, Sunday school building and church were a blessing to share with Pastor Juma. We dedicated the new Sunday School building, which had amusingly to us been named "Whitepath Fabtech", in honor of Randy and Janice. The sentiment was a sweet one. Janice had this great idea to buy a developing machine for photos, and it was a real HIT! Randy had to pray, and lay hands on it to get it to work there, but being able to give each one a photo of their family, thrilled them.
We hated to leave, but rushed off after a quick lunch for Migori. What was supposed to be about 4 hours, was 6, and then our accomodations had been given away to a better paying customer. The ones we found were even better than where Randy had stayed when he went there with Colby. We had supper, slept, then toured three locations of churches our graduates are ministering in. WOW! How little goes so far over there. Pray with us as we seek to enable these hard working pastors to get a means of making a living, and using their gifting and training to minister. Another well we had helped dig still serves a good group of local people, and an effective preschool and nursery service.
We left that afternoon, again hoping for a 4 hour trip, which after coming to a flooded bridge, going through a huge herd of cattle, driving an awful road, at night, in wild country we got down on our knees, and praised God for safety, and a good place to be at Kichwa Ntembo (elephant's head). We stayed in tents, very heavy duty, sophisticated tents with showers and commodes. Warthogs roamed the grounds, and we got to see lions, elephants, rhino, cheetah, antelope, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and a Masai demonstration, it was great.
Wed. we left for Nairobi, and after a hard couple of hours, got onto a good paved road and got to Nairobi. We met with a couple who have worked for years with the Navigators in Zambia and Kenya, and had a great visit. We watched videos of his hippo hunt, and later went to the airport, and finally made it home.
It was meaningful to us to see where the men are ministring, and know better how to pray for them, and seek to help them become self-sustaining. If you would like to pray, or give, let me know, we will try to send more pictures later. Thanks for your prayers for safety, effective ministry, and for giving so we could take materials to enhance the work of God in Kenya.
If you need to call, my number is 706-889-1700.
Praise God who sent Jesus Christ, who came lovingly to buy our salvation with His lifeblood, and then left the wonderful Holy Spirit, so we could become more and more like the Lord Jesus.
HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
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