STUCK ON GLUE :- ( UPDATE FROM STAN

Well, the orphan thing is in the process of changing. The video you put on the blog about glue-sniffing epidemic turned out to be prophetic. Both of the boys we had provided a home for ran away back to the streets. Either they were into the glue or as Joshephat thinks, there is someone that is there that uses them to get money for them and threatens them. Like the Slumdog Millionaire movie. Either way they chose to go back and we have had to re-evaluate. It breaks your heart when you think of the future for these kids. Nevertheless, we provided them an opportunity and they didn't take it.

We talked and decided that the old cliche - God works in mysterious ways - applies. Maybe this is God's way of having us open this home and get it started and he has two other boys in mind. We really didn't feel like shutting it down when we had just got it started. At least Dixon has a home which he didn't have before. I don't know his situation in detail but between the flooding and a mother that doesn't take care of him, this is a definite step up for him.

Well, no sooner had we talked about possibly getting another boy, someone came to Joshephat and said they had a boy whose father had died and his guardian is ill and they were looking for somewhere to put the boy. This is a different problem than the streets but one just as needy. The homes that are available for children are so overcrowded that the children don't get good care and in some cases don't even get food. The good thing from our perspective is that these children have not been on the streets and therefore haven't picked up the street mentality nor the glue addiction.

So in just a few minutes I am off to Kayole to meet this boy and his guardian and find out what the situation is. Pray for this new boy and for someone else to be a companion. I don't even know his name right now. I will try to get photos but I am not too optimistic. I asked Joshephat and he didn't know anyone with a camera. The people in Kayole are too poor for that luxury. So eventually I am sure I will get photos but I don't know how.

I will fill you in when I get back. STAN

 Photo 1 Reaching Hearts for Kids

(Teenage mother with one child in the Reaching Hearts for Kids orphanage in Nairobi )

Photo 2  The Mothers Movement-James Njoroge, executive director, Dagoretti4kids

NAIROBI STREET KIDS

UPDATE FROM STAN
I want to give everyone an update on what is going on here and let you know how your prayers are being answered daily. I am doing fine here in Buruburu. I feel at home here and my needs are continually met as I study and teach the people that God has given me to teach. There are naturally some frustrations but overall I am very happy and fulfilled in doing what God has given me to do. The feedback I get from those I teach is very positive and they continue to tell me they are seeing the Word in a new light and are able to see how God's grace is effective in their lives. One of the men told me yesterday he had an opportunity to speak at a government girls school and when he gave the gospel using the teachings of grace, there were about 50 girls that responded! He was quite excited.

As far as the prayer requests I mentioned to you: I haven't seen Hammond but Joshephat tells me he is doing fine and will be going away to High School in a couple of weeks. Joshsephat's school is ok for now. The city has given the landlord an additional two months to come up with the tax money so we will see. The kids that took the school exam and graduated from 8th grade will be finding out this week where the government is sending them for high school. It is not like America in that they usually go somewhere else for High School and it is usually a boarding situation. I am going to miss them in my classes but there are new ones coming in to take their place.


Some of you haven't heard of my trip to the Western Province over Christmas break so here is a report I wrote earlier:

Well I had an interesting week. I have been to the Western Province (Kakamega is the town) and just got back last night. Dennis has a friend who rents cars. He rented us a nice 4 wheel drive Toyota for 2500 Ksh per day (thats $30 so it was a good price). Joshephat had a friend that drove for us so I didn't have to drive. We went to Joshephat's traditional homestead near Kakamega. It was like being back on the farm again.  I slept in one of the traditional mud huts with thatched roof and it was actually nice. The mattress was a straw tick and the sheets felt like burlap but I slept pretty good. This was just down the road from where we went for the retreat with the kids last April. It is really a beautiful area, mountainous but lush green instead of all the dry brown in Colorado. Joshephat's grandfather got quite a bit of land back in the 1940's when you could just trade a cow for some land. Now it is divided up between Joshephat's father and three brothers. So everybody in the area is related and when we got there Sunday evening all the kids showed up to scope out the Mzungu (white man). There were about 25 kids sitting in a semi-circle just watching every move I made so of course I did my magic trick for them and they got a big kick out of it. The rural kids don't speak English very good like the city kids so when I get my Swahili down it will come in handy out in the rural areas.


Monday we took a drive to Kisumu and had lunch at a resort on the shores of Lake Victoria. Kisumu is about an hour from where we were staying. Then on Tuesday we drove back to Nairobi which turned into a six hour trip because of traffic. I brought back a kitten that they gave me so now Rafi (my dog) will have a friend. They are getting used to each other now.

Before we went to Kakamega I had witnessed a disturbing event. Joshephat and I were returning to my house from Tusky's on the day before Christmas. As we turned a corner there was a group of a dozen people and two or three of them were beating the tar out of man on the ground. I asked Joshephat what was going on and he said the man had been caught trying to break into a house. The people here tend to take the law into their own hands because they know if the police take him he can just pay a bribe and go free. I thought this was disturbing enough but then Joshephat said the man was as good as dead because by the time the police get there they will have beaten him to death. Pretty brutal! It's one thing to know this happens, but another when you witness it firsthand. Kind of reminded me of the Old West in America.

Now I am going to do something I normally don't do - ask for financial help. I am not doing it for myself but for two boys named Ian and Isaac. Around the area where I live there are street kids who have no parents and live from hand to mouth so to speak. When I go to the market they come around wanting a hand-out. I almost always give them something just because I have a soft spot for kids in this predicament through no fault of their own. There are also grown men who want money and mothers who bring their babies and sit there waiting for a handout - I usually pass them by and use my money to give to the kids. The scripture mentions giving to the widows and orphans - not grown men who could get a job or women who could get a husband. If one gave to everyone what you would like you would soon go broke. With most of the kids it is just a matter of giving them a few shillings to try to help them get some bread. There is one kid though, who I kind of made a connection with. He would see me and come running with a big smile on his face and shake hands. He's a cute kid with a smile that would melt a glacier. His name is Ian, he is 10 years old and he sleeps in one of the stalls at the market at night when it closes. So I see him around and I have been praying for him for some time as I give him a little money to eat. Every time I wonder if it is the last time I will see him and if I shouldn't be doing something to help him.

One day after the first of the year he came up to me quite somber and was trying to ask me something. My Swahili is just good enough to understand that he was trying to ask me about school. I didn't know what to tell him even if I could communicate so I had to just let him go. The next day I had my phone with me so I sought him out and had him talk to Joshephat on the phone so he could translate to me and we found out what their situation was and that he and his friend Isaac both want very much to go to school. The next day I took them on the matatu (small bus) with me to Joshephat's school so we could all talk face to face. Bottom line is that we are arranging it so that they can live in Kayole where Joshephat is and go to school there. Joshephat has rented a room close to where he lives and arranged for Dixon to help him supervise them. Dixon is the high school boy that comes to my classes and helps me at my house. He is responsible and is a good student so I feel good that he will be helping supervise - I think he will be very good for the younger boys. 

This is something I feel like I need to do and I feel like this is the result of the leading of the Spirit. It is a little scary not knowing where the provision will come from but it is so exciting and a privilege to know that it is making such a huge difference in a couple of young lives. Without help these boy's future is very bleak. So I know things are tough economically now but if anyone has any funds available and feels led, I would appreciate some help with this. We need funds to set up a room (mattresses, stove, blankets, etc.) and get the kids some clothes. Then on an on-going basis I am going to need at least $150/month for rent, food, school fees, necessities. This is for the bare necessities and any extra will be able to make their lives a little better. I am willing to pay this out of my own pocket but it will make it financially difficult for me so like I say if any of you feel like you would like to help please do so.

I guess I should tell you how to donate. You can go to our old website which unfortunately hasn't been updated since I came to Africa:

 http://www.crossroadsafrica.org

Click on 'About Us' and then 'Donate' where you will find an address you can send donations to or you can follow the Paypal link to give with a credit card. Guess that is it for now. I can't think of anything else so GOD BLESS, 
Stan

Thousand TEN or Twenty TEN - HAPPY NEW YEAR

Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. John 4:35

(this verse is the focus of the new Crossroads documentary -coming soon to a mailbox near you).

Have you decided how you'll refer to the new year? Twenty TEN or Thousand TEN? For me personally I like Twenty TEN but this is the least of the problems that face us as Americans and as believers.

This year has started off with a bang-well not as big of a bang as it would have if the terrorist on the Detroit flight would have been successful. Time and time again I am so thankful that those I love are God's child-therefore His responsibility and not mine.

What is happening with the Crossroads members?

•  Stan is moving along with the Crossroads Bible School in Nairobi.  The classes will complete their nine month training in April and are looking forward to graduating.  New classes will resume after a break. Stan has been looking into properties for sale,  outside of the city, that would house the training center and a small residential school for boys.
  

• Cliff has started an online ministry-sending out short bible lessons and his thought-provoking poems on spiritual life (soon to be posted on his blog). He has also been in close contact with our Samburu rep., Joseph.  They are working together to develop a simple curriculum for the Samburu pastors. This is truly an amazing opportunity! He is praying about returning to Africa to continue follow-up teaching with the men who graduated last year and to assist Joseph and Gabriel. 

•  Joseph in Samburu land continues to present the gospel message to his fellow Samburu tribesmen . As well as training new pastors at the Crossroads Bible Training Center in Suguta Mara.

• Gabriel in Zimbabwe, begins the year with a renewed hope that the country is on its way to crawling out of economic collapse.  The children who live on Redmile Farm (see previous posts) are now able to go to school and Gabriel has managed to stretch the funds we send him for the feeding program to feed 40 more orphans. 

•  Paula has spend months editing the hundreds of hours of video footage shot on the 2008-09 mission trips and will be sending out the short documentary, "FIELDS RIPE FOR HARVEST" in February. It has truly been a labor of love and many thanks for the patience of friends and family while she has been involved (more like consumed) in this project!

• Daniel continues to be the Crossroads Ambassador on the slopes of Aspen Mountain while instructing for Challenge Aspen and the Aspen Ski Company. This ski season Challenge Aspen,  offering outdoor sports to the disabled, has their new program for vets going full steam ahead.  The new program,  C.A.M.O. will bring joy to many returning vets and their families. 

GOD PROMISES, "NEVER WILL I LEAVE YOU!"

Money is tight, Christmas is coming, people are out of work, food pantries are stretched to the limits... REMEMBER who's really in control of our lives.

Hebrews 13:5,6

5. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
Never will I forsake you."
6. So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"

PRAYERS FOR HAMMOND AND THE SCHOOL-STAN

I want to share a couple of special requests for prayer with all of you. The first is Hammond, a young boy who has been coming to my classes. He is only 13 years old and lost his mother the other day. I can't imagine how devastated I would have been had I lost my mother at that age. I am also concerned that he may not be able to continue to receive teaching to help him cope. He may have to go live with his aunt in the Western Province (about 4 hours from Nairobi). Please pray for him as he goes through this difficult time.

 
The second request is to pray or Joshephat, headmaster of the school in Kayole. He is in danger of losing the school. It's kind of long story, but as I understand the person that he rents the property from has not been paying taxes and the city threatened to take it over unless the taxes are paid in the next couple of weeks. If he loses the school it is unclear what will. He is looking into options for another place to meet but it is difficult to find one that is affordable. As you know the school is a big part of my ministry. It is where the teen class meets and where I teach one of my pastor's classes. I don't know what to tell you to pray for specifically, other than that God's will be done in this situation. If we are to keep the place, that funds will be provided and if we are to find another place that it be an good transition. Thanks in advance for your prayers. Stan

SCHOOL - AFRICAN STYLE

I can't believe it's been two months since I sent an update to everyone. It seems more like a week or two. Time is flying by and in two weeks I will have been in Kenya for one year! I am enjoying life here for the most part. The water and electricity rationing has ended for now although the electricity still goes off occasionally. I know many of you were praying for the Masaai and the Samburus because they were hit so hard by the drought. Well, that has now past and the rains have come so they are now in the process of recovering. Joseph, the Samburu man, is coming to Nairobi today and we are meeting this afternoon so it will be good to see how he is doing and also to help him in his ministry there with his people.

The classes here are going very well and as it progresses the students are understanding things more and more from a grace perspective. They are learning what it means to live the spiritual life as a result of God's Word established in their hearts by the Holy Spirit and not from their own works. I am getting a lot of feedback that these pastors and leaders are beginning to see through the false teaching that is so prevalent here in Africa and see how they need to change their approach.  I really don't get involved directly in their churches or what they are doing. That is between them and God. I just continue to teach them as God gives me strength and the Holy Spirit leads. But I do see a great change coming over them and it is very gratifying to see.

The young people who come to class on Sunday afternoon are special to me. Many of them have just finished their national exams. Here in Kenya their educational system is different in that their placement in high school is not dependent on a continual grade system like in America, but rather on the European system where they are given one final exam which determines everything (sort of like taking the S.A.T.'s in the states to determine which college you'll get into). So it was a really big deal leading up to the exam. The exam itself took several days. Now they are on holiday until January when they will hopefully be able to go to high school somewhere. Joshephat and I are praying that one day we will be able to have a school for them and keep them together so we can continue to develop them spiritually as well as mentally.

I want to tell you about Dixon, one of my students who is already in high school and is faithful to come to my classes and growing spiritually. He is very bright and has gotten into a school here in Buruburu. Dixon has no father and his mother is not able to provide a stable home. He somehow exists day to day by the grace of God. He came to my house one day and didn't know what to do because the school was needing money for him to continue. (Here education is not free. The government pays part and the parents pay part. Some simply cannot afford it.) So I have made a deal with him - he comes to my house once a week after school and works for a couple of hours doing lawn work or laundry (both of which are by hand - no lawn mowers or washing machines here) - and I give him some money for his schooling and meals. He was thrilled and so this has come to be mutually beneficial.

Pray for Dixon as he continues his education but especially as he develops spiritually. Also pray for the students who have completed their exams and are now looking to an uncertain future. I am concerned that if they go off somewhere to high school that they will no longer be able to take advantage of the Bible classes here. God knows but please pray for them as well as the pastors and adults in the classes as well. Don't forget to pray for me as I teach and minister.

Stan

THINK ABOUT THIS

The next time you want to argue to prove your point with a fellow believer... think about this...

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

I REMEMBER YOU I PRAY FOR YOU

It has been a few days since the last blog entry. For us here in the states we become involved with daily duties and relationships and our brothers and sisters in Africa seem far away.  Then we quickly return to them in our hearts through a simple faith-filled email.

We pray for Joseph and for our return to the Samburu-Joseph prays for us and that we will return to the Samburu-AMAZING, the wonderful grace gift of intercessory prayer-Thank you Father.

From:  Joseph Leleruk
Subject:  Re: THANKS
Date:  Fri 10/30/2009 05:39 AM
Hi Cliff,

First,  warm greetings in the name of our lord  Jesus Christ. I am hoping that you are okay through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am also quite fine and I thank you for the gift you sent me.  God bless you. I am doing well and happy to let you know that my people in my ministry are growing in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I would like to tell you that they have a need for Bibles in Swahili. We pray it will be on someone's heart to give.

I am also happy to inform you that we have received rain. We thank God for the rain.

I pray for you to have another trip to come to the Samburu.

Greet Paula and your children, and may the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Yours brother in Christ,

 Joseph Leleruk

"Love is not written on paper for paper can be erased. Love is not etched in stone for stone can be broken. But it is inscribed on a heart and there it shall remain forever."

MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, & SUNDAY WORSHIP

Another weekend of classes completed. It was another good weekend of teaching and am preparing for the coming weekend. I am still in the process of teaching dispensations and just finished teaching about the tribulation and millennium. These things are eye-opening to the men as they have not been taught this systematically. I am now going back and teaching the Old Testament and the concept of law as contrasted with grace.

I am also starting a survey of the entire Old Testament but with emphasis on categorizing it to get an overview. Most survey courses don't really categorize the OT so it is understandable from an overall perspective. It is good they are beginning to understand the dispensations and realize they are not responsible for keeping OT law. Before, they were trying to keep the law of the Sabbath, give a their tithe, etc.

One of the young people asked about the Sabbath the other day so we spent some time going over the principle of rest.  I explained why today the church worships on Sunday. Anyway, it was good that they are asking questions which gives me the chance to explain.
 
It's been raining which is good as they are still rationing water but it doesn't affect me much as I have a big water tank. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday when I have water the tank fills up and I just use water from the tank for the rest of the week when I don't have city water. The only time I have a problem is if I try to do laundry or something on a day when I don't have water and use all the water in my tank. 

Speaking of which, Dennis and Dixon were both here yesterday. Dennis did my laundry and Dixon finished my lawn after school. Now Dixon has money for his school fees,  Dennis for his needs, my house and clothes are  clean,  and my lawn is cut. Life is good here in Nairobi and in the will of my Father.

Tonight when I got home the house was dark. My electricity was out again. This time it stayed out all night but it on today. That's the problem, you never know if it will come back on in 15 minutes or 15 hours. There was a full moon so I just sat in my backyard with Rafi and watched the moon and clouds. Stan

(Christian Apologetics Research Ministry) "Upon the completion of Creation God rested... on the seventh day. But, since God is all powerful, He doesn’t get tired. He doesn’t need to take a break and rest. So, why did does it say that He rested? The reason is simple: Mark 2:27 says, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." In other words, God established the Sabbath as a rest for His people, not because He needed a break, but because we are mortal and need a time of rest, a time to focus on God. 

In this, our spirits and bodies are both renewed. The Old Testament system of Law required keeping the Sabbath as part of the overall moral, legal, and sacrificial system

by which the Jewish people satisfied God’s requirements for behavior, government, and forgiveness of sins. 

The Sabbath was part of the Law in that sense. In order to "remain" in favor with God, you had to also keep the Sabbath. If it was not kept, then the person was in sin and would often be punished (Ezekiel 18:4; Rom. 6:23; Deut. 13:1-9; Num. 35:31; Lev. 20:2, etc.).

But with Jesus’ atonement, we are no longer required to keep the Law. We are not under Law, but grace (Rom. 6:14-15). The Sabbath is fulfilled in Jesus. He is our rest. We are not under obligation, by Law, to keep it and this goes for the Sabbath as well. It is not a requirement that we keep the Sabbath. If it were, then we would still be under the Law, but we are not.

I hope this is evidence enough to show you that the Bible does not require that we worship on Saturday or Sunday. If anything, we have the freedom (Rom. 14:1-12) to worship on the day that we believe we should. And, no one should judge us in regard to the day we keep. We are free in Christ, not under law (Rom. 6:14).  Today most churches around the world have their main service on Sunday because of tradition and the labor force,  work week.

LETTER FROM JOSEPH -SAMBURU DISTRICT & MESSAGE OF THE CROSS

To start with warmest greetings to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am hoping that you are quite fine and we are also fine through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I appreciate the gift you sent me. Thank you and God bless you. I would like to inform you that the believers of the gospel in my ministry continue to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, and understanding the message of the Cross of Jesus Christ. 

At this time I have a class for pastors, deacons and evangelist that I started last month on 7th September, 2009. Continue praying for us so that the school can keep increasing as God wills. I have found a bigger room because of the increase of believers of the gospel. I am spending more time to teach them the Word of God.

I would like to share with you the topic I teach the new class

"The calling of God" ROMANS 8:30"

God's calling take place on three different levels:

1. God through Christ, invites all humans to believe His Good news of salvation. His invitation comes through His Word and Spirit. He calls equips and send messenger with the joyful news of what Christ has done.

2. God accompanies this call to individuals with the inner ability to respond in faith. In this sense, calling becomes the link in the chain that begins with God's love, our being with Christ in the new heaven and the new earth.

3. Finally Christians receive a calling to live a holy life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Specifically this mean being patient in suffering working for peace, serving one another in freedom and love and working to spread the gospel.

READ

Rom 8:28-30 -Christians called by God

Rom 12:12 -Patience expected of us

Matt 24: 14 - Responsibility to preach the good news

PRAY FOR THESE PEOPLE

1. JACKSON LETEROI

2. JOSEPH LENDONYO

3. PETER LOPIALA

4. JOHN LEKARAH

5. LAWRENCE LENAROROI

6. PETER LOLKIDENYE

7. MUSA LENENEYO

8. SAMUEL LELENGUYA

9. MISHECK KINYUA

10. CATHERINE LEDONYO

11. BEATRICE LOPIALA

12. JECINTA LEKIKUNIT

13. SUSAN LENSAAT

14. JOSPHINE LETEROI

15. ROSE LEKARAB

16. DORCAS LETIREN

Yours bro in Christ,

Joseph

PRAISE GOD!! IT'S RAINING IN AFRICA!!

Hi All, 
I know that since you have been praying for the Samburus and Massai, you will be interested to know that the rains have finally come. Joshephat tells me it is falling all over Kenya, even in the areas that get very little rain. Even to the point of flooding. 
Stan
I looked for just the right song to celebrate the rains falling in Africa and thought this one was pretty amazing-like the people who have survived through this horrid time. THANK YOU LORD FOR ANSWERED PRAYER!

HEALING RAIN FOR KENYA

We spent Easter Sunday with a Maasai  family who attended the church that Cliff used for pastor trainings. We listened to their stories of desperation, trying to hold on through one of the worst drought in years. It has been three years since there's been a normal rainy season in the area; for nomadic pastoralists this can destroy an entire family.

It was a wonderful to see it rain during Cliff’s sermon on resurrection. The Maasai got up from the benches, two or three at a time, and walked outside and held their heads toward the sky and feel the wonderful downpour. It was an answer to pray. However, the rains were not enough to make a dent in the amount needed to grow crops and green up the pastures for the cattle. As to date, rains have still been sparse.

WHAT DOES DAN DO?? -ONE SOCCER BALL

I've had a few comments from readers, after they've seen Dan's "Morocco monkey"  photo,  wanting to know, "What does Dan do?"
Dan is the "youthful energy" of Crossroads Africa. 
He's CA's vice-presidents and director of the  Adventure/Sports Evangelism program. Dan is a "children magnet" wherever he goes and carries the love of Christ to the mission field with great zeal. 

Dan's "day job" (in the winter months) is professional ski instructor. He works for the Aspen Ski Company http://www.aspensnowmass.com/onmountain/default.cfm   and Challenge Aspen   http://www.challengeaspen.com/ . 
In the summer CA is busy taking groups fly fishing, mountain climbing and horseback ridding. 

He can also do wonders with one soccer ball but the best way to explain what Dan does is to watch the video- Zimbabwe School and One Soccer Ball. 

REMBEMBER A MISSIONARY DAY - MINISTRY COLLEGUES

TODAY WE REMEMBER THE MISSIONARY. There are many independent missionaries serving in Africa and around the world. Some serve long-term, living away from family and 

friends for years, only returning home for brief periods of time.

REMEMBER to pray for missionaries at your local church and those serving with independent organizations-those not affiliated with and subsequently regularly funded by a Christian denomination. Independent missions truly operate by faith, not knowing where their funding will come from but depending on the Lord to provide.   Some of the more well known: Wylcliffe Bible Translators, Mission Aviation Fellowship, and Global Outreach-there are over 1000 around the world and  thousands of missionaries serving. They ALL need and feel your prayers.

MORNING AND EVENING IN AFRICA - HELLO FROM NAIROB, STAN

LIFE IS SACRED - DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SAMBURU DISABLED CHILDREN

Psalm 139:12-14 Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

IT HAS BEEN SIX MONTHS since my last visit to at the SHERP (Samburu Handicapped Education and Rehabilitation Programme) in Northern Kenya, home to 125 Samburu disabled children. The expressive art therapy workshop I taught the staff is being put to good use to help these severely traumatized children. 

As in many African tribes, the Samburu consider disability is a curse, caused by wrongdoing, a punishment from God. A disabled child can be feared like an evil spirit, hidden away, isolated, and abused. Among nomadic tribes the child is often left behind, given posion leaves to eat which insure certain death. Thanks God for SHERP and their work with the disabled child.

ONE SHERP CHILD'S STORY 
Lengees' father instructed his mother to kill him before they moved their cattle but instead a family friend brought him to SHERP.  Initially he could not move his legs. He has not had formal physical therapy but the staff encourages him get around by pushing himself along the ground. His legs are getting stronger and with proper physical therapy treatment he would probably be able to walk. The first time I visited SHERP and met Lengees and his friend they were fascinated by my hiking stick. As you can see by the photo his friend was born without a hand-a reason to be thrown away.

Lengees is seen in the first part of the video scooting up the hill to see me and also drawing on the floor during art.  He wanted to draw like the other children so I tapped paper to the floor and showed him how to hold and move a crayon. He proceeded to draw his first picture : -)

EXACTLY WHERE THE GOD WANTS YOU TO BE

        Hi Everyone,

It's been some time since I have written to so I wanted to give everyone an update. Life is fine in Buruburu! I am enjoying it here - the weather is pleasent, the people are generally great and most of all- it is a real blessing knowing you are exactly where God wants you to be.

There are some challenges. Especially with water and electricity. But I have it relatively good compared to some. The problems are getting better every day. I am finding that I feel right at home here in spite of the conditions which in America would be considered a slum. Sometimes I hear automatic gunfire at night and the next morning read of a shoot-outs with police.  I haven't felt threatened at all. I feel secure in my home with my dog, Raf.

I am missing American football a little, although since my team is losing pretty badly it is just as well I am not watching. I don't miss other TV though and I find that the only time I am close to being bored is when the electricity is out and I can't use my computer. I do have the internet in my home now so I can keep in touch with everyone on facebook, etc. I tried to download a movie the other day and the program came up and started to download it. The only problem was it had a little notice about how long it would take and it said it would take 23 years! I guess that gives you some idea of my internet connection speed.

The classes are going great and the people are understanding the grace principles of God. Yesterday I had a message on my phone from an unassuming young man who comes to the Buruburu class and he is quiet so you almost forget he is there.

His message was: "Hi teacher. I thank the Lord for the Bible classes. They have really changed my life. I believe God brought you to Africa for people like me. Francis."  Thank God for the men like Francis here who are learning of the grace of God and are being transformed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

I especially enjoy the teen class because these teenagers are so eager to hear and learn and they have less of the false teaching that is so prevalent here in Africa. Last week I bought them a soccer ball as that is the only recreation they have in Kayole slum. Pray for the people in my classes and for these teenagers. Pray especially for Joshephat in Kayole and Dennis in Buruburu - the two leaders who help me so much.

I continue to ask for your prayers.

Stan

WATER - TAKEN FOR GRANTED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLeFZfi3T7I

 

October 2, 2009  Muchemi Wachira, Casper Waithaka and Kenneth Ogosia

Nairobi has tightened water rationing following declining dam levels. At Ndakaini Dam, which is the main source for Nairobi, water levels have been going down by five centimetres a day. “This has forced us to revise our water rationing programme,” said Mr Mbaruku Vyakweli, the Nairobi Water Company (NWC) communications manager. Water rationing in the city started early last month. This was after water levels at the dam drastically declined owing to poor rains in the Aberdare region.

Sasumwa Dam, the other source that also relies on rivers originating from the same area, has been undergoing construction. It is expected to be complete by October this year. With the revised rationing programme, Mr Vyakweli said city residents will suffer more. NWC will, however, try to do everything possible to alleviate the problem, he added.

 From boreholes

This year, many Nairobi residents have been relying on water from boreholes (wells). And it is usually delivered to them by owners of browsers and cart pullers, who sell the commodity at an exorbitant price. Owing to the acute shortage of the commodity, some water-borne diseases have been reported in Embakasi and Ongata Rongai estates.

Residents of Doonholm and Greenfields estates in Nairobi’s Eastlands area are among those most affected by the water shortage. They have been getting water only on Sundays. This has raised fears of a cholera outbreak. “And the water is not enough since it only comes for a few hours. So we are forced to buy water for the whole week,” said Catherine, who lives in the area.

Another Doonholm resident, Ms Peres Nelima, said: “We wake up as early as 4am to look for water from vendors and distant kiosks while the water company continues to charge us.” Residents usually scramble for the commodity whenever they find it. “What is happening is that the transmission supply for the two estates, which is in Gigiri, has been interfered with and so there is very low water pressure,” said Mr Vyakweli, adding that they were working to restore the supply line.

An official of the water firm who declined to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the press said some unscrupulous people had diverted water lines for illegal use. “Hands of powerful people came back to haunt us, especially before the mayoral elections. Rich people sponsoring the candidates took advantage and destroyed our rationing programme by diverting water to their kiosks,” he said

LETTER FROM A MAASAI FRIEND -WE MISS YOU AND CHICKEN AND CHIPS

How are you ? Jambo sana?
I  hope that all is well with you. Thanks for praying for us. On the streets of Nairobi and in the country side I also made sure that all was well so that one day you could say that Peter taxi was a good friend. Men of God are judged by what they do and say.

Thank you for  spreading the word of  God in Maaisailand. You taught Pastors and Church Elders clearly about the cross more than anyone else and we will live to appreciate it. The Lord will also inspire us and help us learn more on our own till you come back to Kenya.

Currently the drought is still terrible! It is as before when you were in Kenya. The little rain that poured before you left was the last. However it was so little that nothing grew. If you could be in Kenya now you could be shocked by the magnitude of the the drought. Daily, the livestock are falling down one by one .There is no grass nor green forage anywhere. The land is dry and windy! Keep  praying for us as you normally do.

I miss your  lunch of chicken and chips as you came from the shopping mall. The people down in the village also remember your gift of corn and beans. Now we have to pray for one another opportunity to comes.

My children are well  and so are all my family members. Pass my my best regards to Paula and all the Taylors. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

God bless you,
Peter Taxi (Peter Lekerian)
 

Philippians 4:7  "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus".

THE ENCOURAGING WORDS OF OUR  FAITH

It is hard to see those we love suffer-a son or daughter's first broken heart, a spouse loses a job and can't pay the bills, a friend confides the horrifying fear of terminal illness. These situations tare our heart into but as believer we have a hope that reaches beyond the sufferings and limitations of this world.  For many Samburu they must face their fears alone-they have no Heavenly Father, no eternal hope.  Our desire is to give the Samburu a chance to share our faith-the reason we do what we do. There will never be peace in this world-but there is a world of peace in Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” John 15:18-20 NIV

"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. ”
Article 1  UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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32 slaughtered by bandits in Samburu
Updated on: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Story by: Obadiah Ayoti and Husein Salesa
At least 32 people were yesterday morning killed and 12 others seriously injured when armed Pokot bandits raided the Pauline Range in Samburu District. Among those killed in the 5 am incident were eight children, three women and 11 suspected Pokot raiders.
The injured were admitted at Maralal District Hospital with serious gunshot wounds. Last evening, eight people who were in critical condition were airlifted to the Nairobi Hospital for specialised treatment. The bandits had earlier driven away over 3000 heads of cattle before the shooting ensued, leaving 31 people dead.

By last evening some of the bodies were still strewn all over the scene of the incident even after Internal Security Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode toured the area. Ojode landed in the area at 4pm accompanied by fellow assistant minister Simon Lesirma who comes from the area, Internal Security Permanent Secretary Francis Kimemia, Deputy Police Commissioner Francis Okonya, Samburu East Raphael Letimalo and former Speaker of the National Assembly Francis ole Kaparo.
The killings in Mogurak come five days after Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton raised a red flag over increased insecurity in Northern Kenya. Mr Letimalo, a Samburu, put the number of the dead herdsmen from his community at 24 but did not include the death from the Pokot side. The MP has previously accused the Government of selective disarmament saying, “It (disarmament) only targets the Samburu.”
He donated Sh100,000 to assist in the burial and ordered that the affected families be supplied with food and water. On his part, Lesirma attributed the violence to land ownership where the Pokots want to evict the Samburus from the Pauline Ranch. “This clash is about land ownership and not about pasture and water. The Pokots want to forcefully uproot Samburus from their land,” said the assistant minister. He asked the Government to beef up security in the area to protect lives and property.
Tension remained high in the area despite the fact that a contingent of regular and Administration Police officers were deployed to maintain law and order. Although police had launched investigations into the incident, no suspect had been arrested by last evening. Earlier, Samburu Central District Commissioner Tom Macharia said the incident was an isolated case of cattle rustling by armed bandits.
The killings come barely days after Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton warned of impending attacks in pastoral regions as competition for water and pasture heighten due to prolonged drought. Last week, there was fighting between Borana and Samburu in Isiolo District in what was attributed to the competition for pasture and water.

PRAY FOR CALM IN SAMBURU LAND and CROSSROADS SAMBURU TEAM MEMBER, JOSEPH

Please pray for our Crossroads Samburu representative in Maralal, Joseph Leleruk. He has a wife, two little girls, and an elder mother he is responsible to protect.

Hi All,

"Todays paper has a story about a raid on a Samburu village in which 32 people died including women and children. The raiders were Pokot trying to steal cattle. It was somewhere not too far from Maralal because the wounded were taken to hospital in Maralal".  We'll pray for Joseph and his family, Stan