REMEMBER to PRAY for the MISSIONARIES who caRRY the good news of Jesus TO tHose who don't know HIM in Dangerous, hostile areas around the world. 

 

This video gives you a glimpse into the area where Cliff and I stood in the streets and told children about Jesus Christ-how HE loves them and made a way for them to reach HIM.

REMEMBERING THE SAMBURU DISABLED CHILDREN 
It has been over a year since I was with the Samburu children but not a day goes by that I don't pray for them and remember their great spirit. Let us not forget or become desensitized to the plight of all  disabled children in developing countries, for they have no voice but ours.  SPEAK LOUDLY! 

GOD'S LIFE IS GOOD AND SO ARE SHOWERS!

May marks my 18th month in Kenya. God has been good and provided every need. I have been very comfortable personally and have been content that I am where God wants me to be and doing what He wants me to do.

The teaching continues to go well and I get feedback that the pastors and leaders are understanding more and more of God's grace and His Word. I am taking care that they understand what the Word teaches - not a theological system or a denominational creed. I want to be sure that at the end of the day they can say with confidence I believe this because this is what God says in His Word - not I believe this because my teacher said it.

January saw several of the teens which I have been teaching go off to high school. Here it is different than America in that most kids go away from home to boarding schools for high school. This is true even of the poorer families in the slums. So I have started over with basically a new group of teens teaching the basics.

I mentioned in my last letter how I have undertaken to help two boys, Derek and Isaac, who otherwise would have nowhere to go. This is not what I consider to be my 'ministry' but rather what I have decided to do personally. My ministry remains first and foremost the teaching of the Word.  Anybody who comes to Africa can't help but be aware of the great physical needs of the people here. As a minister I have to know what my priority is and maintain that priority. Otherwise the needs of the people become the priority and we become just another humanitarian organization. As a minister of the Word I know the greatest need is spiritual and I have to maintain and teach the Word as a priority both in the churches and the individual believers.

Having said that, I as an individual believer can't shut up my compassion toward the physical needs I see around me. I decided that the way I could help was not to spread limited resources around but to concentrate on helping two boys and making a difference in their lives. I can't help everybody but I can help these two boys have a home and hope for the future. It also gives me the opportunity to teach them spiritual things so 10 years from now by God's grace these two young boys may be strong spiritual men giving light in the midst of darkness. I say this because I believe in the power of the Word. Religion ultimately has no power except to enslave, but the Word of God taken into the soul and generated by the Holy Spirit does have the power to transform lives. So I believe and so I teach which gives me great confidence -- not in my ability but in the power of the Word of which I am privileged to be a minister. 

1 Corinthians 2:4-5  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

Thanks to your generous giving and help we were able to have another retreat for the teens this April. I think it was Cliff who told me once not to call it a retreat but an advance. We definitely didn't retreat and those kids are advancing spiritually thanks to the teaching of the Word. So let's just say we took the kids camping at a place on Lake Naivasha called 'Fishermen's Camp' It was a great facility and the kids were able to bike, swim, play soccer, and do things they don't get a chance to do in the slums. Even the fact that they had hot showers available was the source of great enjoyment as this was a luxury they don't have at home.

There were 8 girls, 7 boys, Joshephat and I and a driver. We rented a vehicle which was nice because we were able to drive around the lake and take the kids to Hells Gate National Park for a day of hiking through some great scenery and wildlife. We were not able to take the vehicle into the park so we all walked 8 km to the place where the spectacular gorge begins. Yes, you read that correctly, I actually walked 8 km although it was difficult and my leg was hurting. I had to get a ride back but the kids had to walk back another 8 km after hiking the gorge. Needless to say they were pretty tired that night. We were able to see quite a bit of wildlife including lots of zebras, gazelles, antelope, warthogs, giraffe, storks, monkeys, baboons, etc.

The campground set up two big tents for us and the girls cooked our meals on the campfire - including the live chicken we brought along. I told Joshephat there was no way one chicken was going to feed 17 people but somehow it did. So it was a great time for everybody and most importantly we were able to give the gospel and teach the Word to these great kids.

I managed a few pictures which I will attach although the quality is not the greatest. Stan

SPRINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES

It's springtime here in the Rockies.  The birds are everywhere and even though we may get a slight overnight snow, it dosen't chase the Robins away. Every year they are an omen that soon the patches of snow on the hillside that are holding onto winter, will give way to the sunlight. Many e-writers are relating their impression of  Spring-how it's a time for renewal, reflection-out with the old-in with the new. But one of the best I've read is by  Chere Williams. Need I say more....

Luke 5: 37-39

37And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘The old is better.” 

As I cheerfully bid adieu to old man winter and welcome spring with open arms, I’m reminded of how we undergo different seasons in our own lives. Spring ushers in a time for renewal, possibilities, and optimism. The sun warms the earth, the flowers begin to bloom and signs of new life surprise us around every corner. This is a wonderful occasion to reflect upon our personal and spiritual growth. This is an ideal time to plant internal seeds that lead to personal transformation. God’s desire for his children is for them to spiritually mature and shed their fleshly skin to mirror his image and his works. He wants us to obey his instruction and examine our spiritual life to gage our Christian progression. He doesn’t want us to resume behaviors or thoughts that aren’t serving him or hinder his purpose for our life.
This spring don’t commit only to spring cleaning your home, commit to cleaning your spirit. Dust the cobwebs from your mind, throw bad habits in the trash, thoroughly clean your heart and discard any bitterness, anger, or negativity. Spring into a new season of your life with a sense of enthusiasm to do God’s will. Start your journey by pursuing the 3 R’s, Reflect, Renewal, and Rebirth

Thanks for the emails and pictures of the Red Hill Bible class. It's really good to see everyone. Things here is fine and moving along on "African Time." It was a good week of classes and is always encouraging to see the Lord using the Word to build up the men. Isaac, Derek and Isaac are doing great and adjusting more every day. Attached are a couple of pictures which will give you an idea of just how big their smiles are now that they have something to smile about.

It's especially good to see Isaac smiling. Joshephat related some of the stories of abuse he's endured so it's understandable why he didn't have much to smile about when he first arrived. He's starting to feel safe and secure for the first time since his mother and father's death. He knows that now there are people who truly care about him. He and Isaac really enjoy going to school (you'd think they're attending a first-rate boarding school). Slum kids realize how important an education is. They realize without it, they don't have a chance to ever get out of poverty. 

I bought them some drawing paper and colored pencils and they are enjoying drawing-it's not actually Paula's quality of 'art therapy' but I think it helps. They try to copy pictures they see in magazine and book but don't really know how to draw from their imagination.

It always amazes me to see how people here the Kayole don’t even have the simpelest thing of life, like paper. Even Joshaphat will write on little scraps of paper because it's in such short supply. I'm going to buy them a ream so they'll have it available for a while.

Joshephat came by the house Friday because his school was out for the day and we sat and talked. I made him a sandwich, which is novelty for Kenyans. He had never had mayonnaise, olives, tomato juice, or broccoli. 

Hope you guys are able to make it over soon. There's a lot of teaching needed and it would be great to see you. Well, I'm off to pay my bills, which as you know,  is a process. Go to the post office or designated place-walk in and show the security guard the bill you're there to pay a bill-have the exact cash in hand-wait in line-which is always long-explain to the next person what bill you want to pay-go to the next person and pay-go to the next person to get the receipt. In Nairobi they use at least three or four people to do what one person does in the states. I guess there's plenty of cheap labor but it sure makes doing business a headache.   

Stan

P.S. first pic -Derek is on the left and Isaac on the right, second pic -Derek.

---

We met with Isaac and his sister today and told them we would take Isaac. To say they were happy is an understatement! The sister said after I had told she and Isaac to go home and pray about the situation that Isaac prayed very hard and was crying. This really puts it all in perspective, hey?  This just goes to show that when these kids are given a chance, they thrive. Isaac wants to be here which is important. He is a little reserved and at times seems sad but if you coax him,  he has a great smile. I guess I would be sad too if I had gone through what he has at such a young age. Derek is thriving in the school. He has made friends and seems very happy. Dixon, the older boy,  told Joshephat that he was amazed at the way God is providing for them all and that they are so grateful.  

With the money you sent we were able to buy mattresses, pillows, blankets,  personal things like toothbrushes,  a rug and cushions for the couch. We placed an order for bunk beds.  This is going to be life-changing for these boys and a blessing. You can't help but give thanks when you see such overwhelming positive changes in these boys lives. I managed to take some pics with my broken camcorder. Without a screen I can't tell what menu is on the screen so I just kept pointing and shooting hoping to get something. I took about 150 shots and all that came out was 10.

We will continue to look to God to provide.

Stan PHOTOS:  1. kids at the school and me 2. Dixon and Purity (Josephat's daughter) 3. Derek and Isaac 4. Isaac

Good to hear what's happening there and that the burgers at Chili’s are still good.  It's amazing how much I miss the simple things like a good old fashion American hamburger and other thing  I took for granted in the states.  I found a couple of things at the local market and got all excited-dill pickles and tomato juice-two of my favorite things.  It doesn't take much to get excited over here.  

I  wanted to let you know how encouraging it was to hear that you guys are trying to raise money for the boys to have beds and a rug-they are sleeping on the cement floor which is cold and hard.  To me this was definitely a sign that the Lord is in this outreach.

Here's a breakdown of costs:

Rug -              3,000 

Bunk beds    6,000

Mattress -     1,000

TOTAL        10,000 Ksh (about $125 USD).

The figure for the beds may not be accurate-I will have to check with Joshephat tomorrow. The boys room is starting to shape up (Paula, I could use your artist touch). As I mentioned, by American standards it's pretty crude but by Kayole standards it fine and compared to living on the streets, it's a palace! Joshephat found a kerosene stove, some pots and other things so now they can cook their meals. We put a curtain across the middle of the room as a divider and found an old couch but it doesn't have cushions (remember those college days). Anyway, like I said-it's a palace to them and more importantly, a home.

I was there today and the new boy, Derek is settling in and seems happy. Dixon is always happy.  If you pass this on... here's the background on Dixon. He's a 14-year-old boy from my teen bible class who came to me in August with his desperate situation. He had passed his exams to enter high school but since high school isn't free, needed money to pay tuition.  I didn't want to simply pay his school fees;  I thought it important that since he's on his own he learn how to take care of himself. We made a deal that he would do my laundry and cut my grass and I would pay him.   I helped him rent a small room where he lived until the other boy came into the picture and we rented the larger one.

Things seemed to be rolling along so the other day Joshephat and I we talking about the possibility of finding a third boy sine we had the space. We decided we wouldn't until we saw how things developed.  Then the day after we talked a young woman came to see him about her brother,  Isaac. She said their parents were dead and he'd been living her until she got married and the husband threw him out (this is common and how a lot of kids end up on the street). 

Friday I met with them and explained that  I didn't have the funds to take him in at this time.  I asked if they were believers and they said they were.  I told them to pray for the provision and if something changed we would take Isaac. I wanted them to know the power of prayer and that God has a perfect plan for each of his children.  I told them we would wait a week and see if a provision came through.

Well....when I got home and had the email from you and Paula about sending  the $ for the beds, a rug and extras, I was so grateful. This is the first help from America so I feel this qualifies as the  "provision" for taking Isaac.

As you know, I didn't start out with the intentions of starting a boy's home. But as you also know, this had been on my heart for a long time.  I knew if it was the Lord's will He would make a way.  It started simple,  helping Dixon,  now it's taken on a life of its' own. At no time did I want to stop the process if the Lord was working. It's been such a blessing and fulfillment, even though it's stretched my personal budget to the max. Maybe it's because I never had children of my own or that helping one boy over the long haul may change the course of his life.  Whatever, I am confident this work will have an eternal payoff as boys learn how to have a personal relationship with and depend totally on their Heavenly Father.  For boys without an earthly father or anyone to care for them,  this is huge!

It's late and I'm off to bed. Thanks again and hope to see you soon.
Stan

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