Hi,
It is June 27th, and BRRRR it is cold. We spent quite a few days this week literally walking in the clouds. Its been a long time that I have felt frozen even in church and found it hard to concentrate. It was probably about 58-60 inside the church. Papa is having trouble with arthritis in one knee, so came to church with a woolen blanket to wrap around his knees… good idea! The sun shone a little this evening, but not long enough to warm the air or dry the ground.
On Tuesday, the ladies from the Youth in Training church and I drove to Karogoto to show them how to make cake on a charcoal stove. With our nine and their 20+ we were quite a group. We sat on benches outside, and they watched while Brother Kennedy’s wife stirred as I explained. It went very well and the cake turned out beautifully, though was hardly enough for the group! Carol (Pastor Ndegwa’s wife) gave a good word from the Bible. The tea was most welcome!
When we got ready to leave, our van wouldn’t start, so I called Terry, and he and Sam came to help us jump start it. (I had left the parking lights on by mistake, and there was a corroded battery terminal) It was so sweet that many of the ladies from Karogoto stayed and sat on the grass to wait for us to make sure we got away safely. It was a nice time of fellowship with them… an added blessing. We also were able to see how they operate their knitting machines…. Maybe some day we will be able to learn. It was good for our ladies to see.
Thursday was a very difficult day in school…. I think the hardest I have ever had as far as noise and distractions with kids goes! I Cor.15:58 was my comfort when I got home.
That afternoon we received a phone call from the lady at Immigration to say our work permit had been renewed for three years. Praise the Lord with us! That is just the part of the process. The six times to check on the permit, having the permit stamped in our passport, security bonds, aliens cards, and re-entry permits are all part of the process. We are thankful for the progress made. Thank-you for praying. We were able to get the security bonds on Friday. It is paid to an insurance company so that if it is deemed best that we leave the country, the ticket is paid. It took the whole day, and we are thankful to have them in hand. Tomorrow we are to go down to complete the necessary procedures, Lord willing.
Saturday was our Daniel’s birthday (in Zambia – Kristie’s husband). It was good to talk to them a few minutes.
Today when church started we were only three. We went ahead, and before we were done, we were ten. Geoffrey gave a good lesson.
Thankful for victory and strength through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Cor. 15:57,58
Sandy for us both
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
On Tuesday we drove to Nairobi...........
On Tuesday we drove to Nairobi to check on our work permit again… again we were told by the same lady that it is not ready. She asked us to wait while they searched. We waited about an hour, then she asked that we stay overnight and check again on Wednesday. We had not gone prepared to do that. She was very nice, and promised we would have the permits in hand before we leave in July. So, we pray to that end.
I had a special blessing in class with the ladies this week. We were to start the Wordless Book on Friday, starting with the gold page about reminding us of heaven. I sometimes take hot tea to the ladies for a treat and did that day along with some cake. I knew one had lost an uncle this week. When I got there, heard that another had just received word that her grandmother who had had a big influence in her life, had died the night before. She knew the Lord. It was such a blessing to share the truths of heaven in class, and knowing there is no parting with those knowing Him, there. The timing was a special reassurance. The lady in class is to go to the funeral later this week.
Saturday we went with Papa and Mama to put a downpayment for the visitors going to the Ark at the end of July. We were welcomed very warmly by the staff. We hadn’t been up there in almost one year. I had called ahead and asked if they could have a cake for Mama for her birthday as a surprise. They did! The beauty we enjoyed in the view on top of the hill, of the foothills of Mt. Kenya, the beautiful trees, flowers and a few giraffe and impala, while seated in an old colonial style hotel with a cassette of Jim Reeves being played over their p.a. system , while eating a delicious lunch, were all together quite a juggle for the senses! The cooks came out of the kitchen and sang, “Happy Birthday,” to Mama. She was so pleased.
Today we were blessed after our deaf service, to be able to “remember the Lord’s death…” together with the main church member family. It was Geoffrey’s first time to have communion with the church (he is deaf) family.
So thankful to be part of the family of the Living God… what manner of love He has given us to give us that privilege.
Sandy for us both
--
Terry & Sandy Washer
tswasher@gmail.com
I had a special blessing in class with the ladies this week. We were to start the Wordless Book on Friday, starting with the gold page about reminding us of heaven. I sometimes take hot tea to the ladies for a treat and did that day along with some cake. I knew one had lost an uncle this week. When I got there, heard that another had just received word that her grandmother who had had a big influence in her life, had died the night before. She knew the Lord. It was such a blessing to share the truths of heaven in class, and knowing there is no parting with those knowing Him, there. The timing was a special reassurance. The lady in class is to go to the funeral later this week.
Saturday we went with Papa and Mama to put a downpayment for the visitors going to the Ark at the end of July. We were welcomed very warmly by the staff. We hadn’t been up there in almost one year. I had called ahead and asked if they could have a cake for Mama for her birthday as a surprise. They did! The beauty we enjoyed in the view on top of the hill, of the foothills of Mt. Kenya, the beautiful trees, flowers and a few giraffe and impala, while seated in an old colonial style hotel with a cassette of Jim Reeves being played over their p.a. system , while eating a delicious lunch, were all together quite a juggle for the senses! The cooks came out of the kitchen and sang, “Happy Birthday,” to Mama. She was so pleased.
Today we were blessed after our deaf service, to be able to “remember the Lord’s death…” together with the main church member family. It was Geoffrey’s first time to have communion with the church (he is deaf) family.
So thankful to be part of the family of the Living God… what manner of love He has given us to give us that privilege.
Sandy for us both
--
Terry & Sandy Washer
tswasher@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
CAUGHT not TAUGHT
15 June, 2010 07:41 AM
Our IFM Mission address is:
Independent Faith Mission
P.O. Box 7791
Greensboro, NC 27417-0791.
That is not our personal address here. We, Dave and Elwanda Fields have the following address:
P.O. Box 1082
Karatina 10101, Kenya, East Africa 0722212314.
So what is caught not taught? When I was a kid and at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church on Rally Day I was told to say, “I’m almost always catching things like whooping cough and the flu, scarlet fever and chicken pox. I’ve caught some scolding too. I’ve had the measles and the mumps – all that comes my way. NOW I’ve caught the enthusiasm ‘cause you’re here today.”
That is not what our son Paul David had in mind. He wrote that as he and Marla are missionaries in Paraguay, South America, their children would not know Dave and me who are their Grandparents. They planned a visit for them. We were here in Karatina.
They faced taking anti-malarial drugs and the result if instructions are not followed. Also singing songs that had to be interpreted, leaving a name that was given to a new born baby, talking with people of several different dialects and finding those who respond with an unspoken oneness.
Paul said that their young daughters CAUGHT something that they were not TAUGHT: a vision for reaching other lands with the wonderful message of salvation. Where are they now? Jenna Fields Wright with her husband Jim and their three children are in upper Cameroon, Africa. Michelle (Shellie) with husband Arnaldo Silva and their four children are looking toward Uruguay, South America.
SOME of YOU WHO WILL RECEIVE THS LETTER have CAUGHT that same vision! How do we know? You send financial help for our Bible School voluntarily, or for us, as BIBLE SCHOOL is an important part of each day Monday through Friday. We thank you. We are also very grateful for those who PRAY for us and for our Bible Schools scattered through-out Kenya.
Dave called me just now for a wonderful blessing. A former student in Bible School was here. He is now a Pastor. His older sister prayed so much for him when he was in Bible School because he was very slow in speaking. Even after he was married and the first baby was born. That same sister named the baby while he was still thinking. The name is “Jenna.” The same Jenna that I mentioned earlier – Paul and Marla’s second daughter.
More blessing arrived just after Pastor left. Someone who is very important to us came with his fiancée. We had never met her. She seems like a sweet girl and is very attractive. They even brought the material for the wedding dress. No one even thinks I am a seamstress as I am not, but we are interested in that material. Why? Dave is 83 years old and I am almost 89. At this age others are our children, grandchildren or great-grand-children. They are all special to us.
As you go on in life, do enjoy people. They are so precious.
The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). May you have that joy day by day.
Sincerely,
Dave and Elwanda
Our IFM Mission address is:
Independent Faith Mission
P.O. Box 7791
Greensboro, NC 27417-0791.
That is not our personal address here. We, Dave and Elwanda Fields have the following address:
P.O. Box 1082
Karatina 10101, Kenya, East Africa 0722212314.
So what is caught not taught? When I was a kid and at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church on Rally Day I was told to say, “I’m almost always catching things like whooping cough and the flu, scarlet fever and chicken pox. I’ve caught some scolding too. I’ve had the measles and the mumps – all that comes my way. NOW I’ve caught the enthusiasm ‘cause you’re here today.”
That is not what our son Paul David had in mind. He wrote that as he and Marla are missionaries in Paraguay, South America, their children would not know Dave and me who are their Grandparents. They planned a visit for them. We were here in Karatina.
They faced taking anti-malarial drugs and the result if instructions are not followed. Also singing songs that had to be interpreted, leaving a name that was given to a new born baby, talking with people of several different dialects and finding those who respond with an unspoken oneness.
Paul said that their young daughters CAUGHT something that they were not TAUGHT: a vision for reaching other lands with the wonderful message of salvation. Where are they now? Jenna Fields Wright with her husband Jim and their three children are in upper Cameroon, Africa. Michelle (Shellie) with husband Arnaldo Silva and their four children are looking toward Uruguay, South America.
SOME of YOU WHO WILL RECEIVE THS LETTER have CAUGHT that same vision! How do we know? You send financial help for our Bible School voluntarily, or for us, as BIBLE SCHOOL is an important part of each day Monday through Friday. We thank you. We are also very grateful for those who PRAY for us and for our Bible Schools scattered through-out Kenya.
Dave called me just now for a wonderful blessing. A former student in Bible School was here. He is now a Pastor. His older sister prayed so much for him when he was in Bible School because he was very slow in speaking. Even after he was married and the first baby was born. That same sister named the baby while he was still thinking. The name is “Jenna.” The same Jenna that I mentioned earlier – Paul and Marla’s second daughter.
More blessing arrived just after Pastor left. Someone who is very important to us came with his fiancée. We had never met her. She seems like a sweet girl and is very attractive. They even brought the material for the wedding dress. No one even thinks I am a seamstress as I am not, but we are interested in that material. Why? Dave is 83 years old and I am almost 89. At this age others are our children, grandchildren or great-grand-children. They are all special to us.
As you go on in life, do enjoy people. They are so precious.
The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). May you have that joy day by day.
Sincerely,
Dave and Elwanda
Monday, June 14, 2010
Happy Father's Day!
It is June 13. We thought it was Father’s Day today… I have looked and see no place where we have it marked, as it isn’t celebrated here. We made this same mistake last year…. Oh well!
The church fellowship last week at Ihwagi raised about $5-600 between the six congregations, for that church to use in building. We are thankful with them for this start towards their goal.
Sometimes the Lord just amazes me (me of little faith!) how He keeps bringing ladies to the YIT ladies group whom I had really “given up on”. One girl has come to church and the fellowship and I thank the Lord. On Tuesday we cut our Bible study/knitting class short and all walked together to visit ladies who hadn’t come to class. We were able to share the gospel with a good number in a lower class area where several ladies come from. There now is a “witness” there, so we trust they live right and will bring others to know the Lord.
Thursday afternoon we were able to go out to a farm to visit the parents of Martin who works with us in the YIT ministry. He deliberately didn’t tell us that his parents live half way down the side of a steep hill, reached by narrow, winding footpath!! If he had, we probably would not have gone. The Lord kept the rain off for two days, so that was a big help. I was Dad’s “living crutch” as we walked down very slowly! The house, once reached, was built on a level area cut out of the side of the hill…. Compact but nice.
Martin’s parents greeted us warmly and listened to the Word though they are Catholic. His younger brother was NOT happy to see us and refused to listen. We were served tea and arrow root (yum!) before hiking back up the hill. Going up Dad had a stick in one hand and a cane given to him by Martin’s Dad in the other. We arrived home safely close to dark.
Saturday we had a good class with teen girls at Ndegwa and Carol’s house. I enjoyed it, then came home and prepared Father’s Day lunch for today…. After we ate it we found out Father’s Day is next week!
A lady at Immigration gave me her phone number to contact her. I tried three times this week and didn’t succeed. So, we have to go again on Tuesday because that is the day she told us to come. So again this is a matter for prayer. Thank-you.
We were twelve in deaf church today and enjoyed a good time in the Word. This afternoon we had about 30 in our YIT evening service.
The weather is getting really cold.
Sandy for us both
--
Terry & Sandy Washer
Monday, June 7, 2010
Hi Y'all,
It is June 6, 2010.
God encouraged my heart through a devotional by Oswald Chambers taken from Hebrews 13:5,6: “… He hath said, ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee….’ That is why I can boldly say, ‘The Lord is my Helper…’ Isn’t that special?
Monday we left early with the three visitors (Luke, Phillip and Trey) for Nairobi. We went to Immigrations to see if our work permits were in. THEY STILL ARE NOT IN. The lady told us she would personally look into what has gone wrong, and even gave me her phone number, which may save us a trip down if it is not ready June 15 when she told us to go back. It now is down to the last five weeks before we are to leave for the States for a few weeks. We were told that if it still isn’t in before we leave, that we just come back in with a tourist visa. WE WOULD LIKE AN ANSWER BEFORE WE GO IF POSSIBLE, SO WOULD APPRECIATE PRAYER TO THAT END.
We were able to get major things done on Monday, so Tuesday were able to come home after leaving the three visitors to catch a ride to go and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro!
We had three special small amounts of income this past week:
1. The DC (government official) gave us a load of firewood to help cook food for our boys.
2. We try to collect every bit of scrap metal that we can, to sell. This week we sold some and were able to get about $4. Sound little? It is by itself, but just every dollar helps to meet needs. This isn’t a complaint but to thank the Lord for how He helps meet needs locally even from unlikely sources.
3. A Bible School couple gave us about $3 to help the ministry. The hearts from which it came left me in tears of thanksgiving for what God did for them to be willing to share out of their meager funds.
Another HUGE surprise came in form of an early Father’s Day note from our Joy. We had checked into going to Israel with a tour that is tailored to allow those in wheelchairs to go. Pastor John Vaughn suggested to Joy to ask our mission if they would help write friends and family to see if, putting funds together, our way could be paid. Joy wrote to say that Lord willing we will be able to go on the tour at the end of the year. How do you express surprise, joy, excitement, along with being humbled by the opportunity made possible by others? All of the above have been emotions we have experienced, along with thanksgiving to those involved in making this possible. We thank the Lord also.
Today was a special day as people from the six different congregations in the area, met at Ihwagi for fellowship and to put money together to help the church out there raise money for a church structure. It went very well and was a blessing, though we don’t know how much was raised.
To see the ministries going forward with good Kenyan leadership is a blessing,
Sandy for us both
--
Terry & Sandy Washer
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Karatina, Kibirigwi, Karogoto
Hi,
It is May 30. Tomorrow we are to leave for Nairobi to check on our work permits and to submit Papa and Mama’s.Would appreciate prayer about both.
Well, let’s see. Monday we Bible School ladies went down to see Sam’s wife and the new baby. It was a good time together.
Tuesday Terry and I went with the visitors (Luke Mosley of East Ellijay Baptist and University of Georgia friends Phillip and Trey) to visit a private clinic in Kibirigwi at the bottom of the big hill. While they asked questions, saw a couple of patients, Ndegwa went with one visitor to hand out tracts.
I was called to…. I didn’t know where I was going, but ended up at a nursery school. I had our large evangecube along and was able to share it in Swahili (except verses in Kikuyu), and the teacher spoke in Kikuyu. It was such a good, enjoyable opportunity, and we were asked to, “Please come again anytime.” I got home in time to go to ladies’ class, which went very well. I am so thankful. Two girls were there who need the Lord, one of whom has resisted help in the past. She asked me to pray for her mom who is in prison, which was an encouragement to me, that she opened even that much.
Saturday we had games, and a meal with our dorm kids, all our YIT (Youth in Training) leaders and their families, and our three visitors. It went so well…. And enjoyed the fellowship.
Today we took the visitors out to church. I am to go back with the ladies from our YIT church on June 22, Lord willing, to make cake on a charcoal burner, Bible study, and for our ladies to see the knitting machines they have there. I would love to see our ladies learn how to use those to help them make a living. I had a knitting machine in Zambia, but it got burned in the fire we had there.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you through HIM,
Sandy for us both
--
Terry & Sandy Washer
tswasher@gmail.com
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