PRECIOUS NEW LIFE IN NORTHERN KENYA

Congratulations to Joseph and Pauline Leleruk on the birth of their new son, Cliff Lomunyak Leleruk. 

The vote for to form Southern Sudan moves forward. Southern Sudanese Christians express their freedom to build a church. (Photo Courtesy Samaritan's Purse)

John 14:14 “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”

P R A Y E R   A L E R T!

 

Pray for Christians who have fled the percution in Durfur/Northern Sudan and are voting to form a new country.  

 

Persecuted Christians in Sudan are voting to form a new country, one where they can worship God the Father without free of losing their lives.  This is a historic event and one which require much prayer for our brothers and sisters in Sourthern Sudan. Samaritan's Purse has been doing major evangelism for several years and have a very informative website. 

"Happy Purpose of the Father for you, His child, New Year." 

08 January, 2011

Hey All:  Just thought I'd let you know I'm back in Nairobi.  What an amazing three weeks in Samburu village.  Quite an adjustment in that simple culture at such a different pace.  It was an experience of a lifetime I must say and I have had a few.  The power of the Word works in all places as the Spirit goes before us and the seed is sown.  It was something to see the gospel work in Samburu lives for the realization of the Father's love and grace through His Son, the cross, forgiveness and hope in Him forever.  I taught for some thirty-five hours to a very special group of men.  Joseph Leleruk was always at my right hand to interpret my words. I had my meals with his with his wife and three children daily.  We must pray for their continued growth and outreach to the 150,000 Samburus as they now have a good foundation of truth and faith.  The faithfulness of Christ's Spirit upheld me and gave me such freedom and desire for these ones I was led to.  I was wiped out to say the least when I finally arrived back here, but a good night's sleep and a bath and I was off to Kayole yesterday to teach Stan's group following up on his ground work in these special men.  Thanks for the prayers and love I felt and feel daily from each of you.  I will see how the Spirit flows in sending out e-mails but have much in my heart that I pray will go forth to those who it can benefit.  If I am up to it I am hiking into Westlands for a few supplies today as I cook my meals here.  Hope to get together with Stan for a little RandR tomorrow.  Will take it a day at a time as this venture of grace and love continues.  Love to each of you, Cliff

25 December, 2010 Christmas Day
 
I had a long newsy e-mail but lost the whole thing when the computer jumped and the time ran out.  There are no Christmas trees here in Suguta.  At 90 degrees it doesn't seem like that special day.  I bought all the street kids suckers yesterday and today to celebrate.  It was special for them.  My neighbors prepared goat meat, potatoes and other stuff and invited me to lunch today.  I met the goat this morning before his fate.  It goes that way somedays in the life of a goat.

I am thinking of all of you on this special today, especially the chidlren: Taylor, James, Lauren, Riley, Cameron, Benjamin Weldon, Blaze, Justin, Willow, Sienna, Angel, Summer, Hunter,-I'm thinking of each of them but don't have time to list them all. 

It's good to have our new son-in-law, Chris. We are blessed-a new son-in-law every year; this year Chris-last year Bill. Make sure you praise the Lord for me as though I was there for your celebration.
 There is a strain on one in adjusting to such a different culture and the heat but I have no complaints as I have freedom and energy in my teaching.  I am learning our Father and Lord are infinitely comforting. 

It's been a good week over ten hours of teaching and the men are always eager to learn and very responsive. Many do not read or write but draw pictures and have that look of understanding and appreciation in their eyes.

I'm going to shut this down before I run out of time again. Thanks you all for holding me up in this time in my life.  I believe it's worthwhile.  Love to all as you celebrate this special occasion- where would we all be if Christ had not come to be our Savior? Praise the Lord.  Cliff

23 December 2010
 Once again I will attempt to get an email out on this computer.  It jumps from one line to the other and there is a missing letter between w and y.  It has been an interesting morning. No class today because it's market day. The rooster and I both awoke at 5AM; one of these mornings I'm going to get up at 4AM and wake him!  I went to bed early so it was OK.  I had a great study and wanted to send a lesson but not enough computer time.  The lesson was on understanding that each of us has an ultimate purpose that is worth accomplishing.  For me I know I am not here because it was something I dreamed up, but that God wanted.  God's purpose must be understood, accepted in all of us in order to be fulfilled.  It is all relative to that grace that is in Christ for us.   Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We just got back from market day and had tea and biscuits. The market is a sight to behold! It was a privilege to be there with all the morans and Samburu men in their native garb and hear them wheeling and dealing.  One man bought two brama bulls (ng'ombe) for 60,000 shillings, about $700.  Goats (mbuzi) were going for between 2,000 to 4,000  shillings.  A short and very black man came up and wanted to sell me a rooster (kuku) for 700 shillings. I looked at the rooster and he looked at me.  I decided to pass.  Joseph thought the rooster was worth 450sh.  I thought to myself, one of these mornings I'm going to get my own rooster for the stew pot. 

The market is just outside the town under trees in an large open pasture.  There is a stream running through the pasture where naked black morans wash while the goat and cows drink.  Joseph and I talked to a moran for a while who told us the going price for the animals and then we walked back into town. All the doorways to the simple little shops were flung open and shop owners were selling goods: soap, candles, bread, twine, etc.  Life doesn't more simpler than this.  The average American would go nuts. This morning I stuck my head out the door and workmen were gathered to start work on a crude building across the dirt path. It looks like the beginnings of a tree house the grandkids would build. I said, "Praise the Lord."  They looked at me a little startled and one of them said "Amen!"  He happened to be the one who was somewhat intoxicated yesterday and was trying to tell me he knew he was a sinner and needed Jesus.  I did my best to explain, but I don't think I was got through to him.  Today is wash day. The ladies in the adjoining house washed my clothes and hung them on the line that runs in front of my room. There's lots of red dirt in those clothes!

I am enjoying the meals. It's traditional for which is plain but tasty; rice, ugali, greens, kuku, a little beef or goat meat, potatoes, flat bread, and spaghetti and souses. What a menu!  In the morning we have bananas, boiled eggs and tea.  I am careful not to drink the water.  I remember years ago getting deathly ill from drinking the water on Indian reservations.  I vowed never to do that again!  I don't know the name of the street where Joseph and I live but I told him it should be called Dirt Street.  The problem is that all the streets are dirt, so maybe our street could be called Joseph Dirt Street (see what you do for entertainment around here)? It reminds me of the times when I worked with Indian tribes.  It seems the main difference is that the Sandburu people don't have a chip on their shoulder or have a sense of entitlement. They enjoy their lives and are grateful for relationships. 

Tomorrow is Christmas Day. I think tomorrow Joseph and I will go up the mountains for a time and check out the animals, lions, (simba), antelope (korongo), giraffe (twiga), elephant (tembo ndovu), etc. We will take a few morans with us for safety.  Sunday we will go into the hills,  about two miles up, to be with the village people.  It is a very special privilege to be with them. Most do not speak English and the children don't attend school. They are strictly pastoralist who move from place to place to tend their animals. Since I don't have a video camera I will try a put some of what I see into words. When I talked to Paula she said she put pictures from here on facebook. We took them the last time we were here but nothing has changed. 
 

I'm going to close.  I suppose Merry Christmas is in order, so Merry Christmas one and all!  I pray you all will have a blessed one and enjoy being with each other.  I am with you in spirit, heart and love.  Cliff

LETTERS FROM A BARREN LAND

12 December 2010

Off we go... in the morning at 7:30 to Suguta Marmar.  The taxi driver, David, will pick me up and take me to the airport. The plane leaves at 9:30a and will arrive in at Kisima at approx. 11:00a.  Hopefully,  there will be  transportation waiting for me; those camels and donkeys may come in handy. Stan does not want to go at this time as I had hoped.    

Joseph Leleruk and I will get together to set up classes for some eighteen students and who knows what else.  To have eighteen Samburu men in this remote village wanting to learn the truth of Jesus Christ will be a spectacular sight to behold. 

Thanks for so many prayers that brought this day into reality in the purpose and will of God.  I cannot tell you the various repercussions that have passed through my soul and spirit in how best to advance what we began last time Paula and I were there. 

There may not be a plane coming through to pick me up before Jan. 11.  I am on standby. I feel you all with me-there's no one quite like you. I will communicate as I am able. Love to all,Cliff

  19December 2010 I'll make this short and sweet as I am limited to time on this computer. You pay per minute and then hope the connection stays. It is amazing that there even is internet in this remote land.  I arrived here safe and stayed in Maralal, at the Cheers Hotel the first night.  I bought school supplies for men and took the matatu to Suguta Marmar-an hour and half of bumpy dirt road.  I have a room with an indoor toilet (a luxury). I spent Sunday in a village in the hills with village people and taught them then had lunch with Joseph and Pauline, Joseph's wife. Today classes began with both village men and town men.  It was amazing!  We had three classes. I began with Genesis 1 and taught the value of the soul and benefits of Christ being in the soul, the gospel,  and new life; tomorrow I will move on.  Joseph does a great job of interpreting.  We have a little building just out of town and have a meal after the classes. 

I am comfortable in my room and discovering that Christ's life is very adaptable-if one permit; I am permitting.  It is not a sacrifice but a wonderful and exciting privilege to be here in this remote corner of Kenya.  It is very hot,  but you know me, I handle the heat well. I received a blessing from Ben's email- Pass on my love to him and all.  The  regular email teaching will have to be on hold for a while as I am limited in time. I will try to make it up when this venture is over. That probable won't be until Jan.11th when the pilot can hopefully picks me up in Kisima-this is not certain.  I am able to receive emails through Skybeam. I stay in touch with Stan in Nairobi by phone when I have a connection.

 Your prayers and care for me is a valuable asset in all that the Lord is doing here. I believer I am getting the job done the Lord brought me here to do. I love these beautiful men I am teaching. To look into their faces and share my heart with them; that's as good as it gets. Love to each one who is with me here in spirit.  Clarity and boldness is working and I am learning the power of what I teach.  Love to All, Cliff   

Art Therapy Samburu Tribe Northern Kenya

Art Therapy Samburu Tribe Northern Kenya

  

 AFRICA TIME    Hi all:  Here I am in Nairobi, Kenya,  East Africa again.  I did send facebook info.  I was welcomed by all at Hampton House and met the new manager.  Stan came by today and we had lunch and caught up-as best we could in my semi-conscious state of jet-lag.  He looks well and is in his element.  We walked to Serit Center-it was like seeing an old friend.  My suitcases haven't arrived yet.  Hopefully tomorrow. It's a good thing I stuck a couple of pair of socks and clean tee shirt to brace my laptop or I would really be in trouble.  

It's rainy, overcast with spurts of sunshine so more difficult for the "internal clock" to start ticking on it's new timezone.  There is no mistaking that one is in Africa. The trees are bursting with colorful blossoms.  Large brown birds are noisy but friendly.  The streets are bustling with blacks chattering in Swahili or other native languages. You can only define the traffic situation as thousands of drivers who at any moment, will certainly run into each other.  I'm eager to begin my teaching.  Thanks for your support to me and prayers as I await those special doors to open and share what we believe with others.

My definition of jet-lag:  a two day condition that attacks the body, mind and spirit in which you can't wake up and you can't go to sleep. Love to all, Cliff

CLIFF LEFT FOR AFRICA BUT THE DOGS AND CAT HAD TO STAY.

Cliff left for Nairobi, today, November 12th. His trip started with a wild first leg. He was to fly out of Aspen but the nivagation system was down and there was no time to drive all the way to Denver. An alternative-Grand Junction. We flew there with no time to spare and they rush him through baggage check and security.  Wheeee-he arrived in Denver with barely enought time to catch his British Airways flight to London. HOWEVER-the Lord was smiling down on him-he got three seats across....all to himself.  If you've ever been on an 9 hour flight you know what a blessing that was-more updates to follow. 

It's always exciting and a little unsetteling when listening to your Father's voice means  boarding a plane and flying off into the great unknown. However, one is only setteled by that voice.Cliff...Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.1st Corinthians 1:3 

 

Another Crossroader is making plans to leave for Africa so keep him in your prayers.

 UPDATE FROM BURUBURU

It's been a while so I thought I better let everyone know how it's going. I'm doing fine here and enjoying life in Kenya. There isn't a lot of news as life has settled down to pretty much routine although every once in a while something crops up to remind you you're not in America anymore.

The two boys I have given a home to, Derek and Isaac, are doing very well and it is good to see them smiling and happy. Derek broke his arm playing soccer so he has a cast but it healing. Most importantly they are learning how spiritual life works,  and along with the other young people in my class in Kayole,  are growing in grace.

There is a tremendous amount of religion in Kenya. When I walk around the slums of Kayole, it seems that every little nook and cranny has some type of meeting going on.  Some are frantically beating their drums to get that emotional high and some are sacrificing chickens because they think there has to be a blood sacrifice for atonement.

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Missionaries have brought the gospel but in many cases it has become mixed in with the old traditional religion and the churches are teaching strange doctrines. Because most pastors are not trained and don't understand spiritual life themselves, it becomes a hodgepodge of whatever they decide they want to teach. It's not a matter of building believers who become spiritual maturity,  but rather playing the "church game" to please the people. In spite of all that,  I am convinced that the believers here are seeking truth and I count it my privilege to carry that truth to these people.

Just as there is a gospel "good news" for the unbeliever that he doesn't have to work his way to heaven, there is also a gospel "good news" for the believers. This good news that we don't have to work in order to be spiritual! This is the message I keep sharing with the believers here - there is nothing you can do as a believer to impress God. ( Isaiah 64:6: "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" ).  God is not interested in what you are trying to do for Him, but he is interested to see his life operating in us. So the key to life for the believer is not doing but becoming. God earnestly desires that we gain his life so that from that life we can manifest the fruit. To have the fruit you have to start by planting the seed. That's why we need the Word of God - it is the implanted word that the Holy Spirit can generate into new life within us.  
 There I go preaching again-but I wanted to give you an idea of the message I am giving the people. It is truly a life-changing message. When you stop trying to be a 'good Christian' and start learning how to grow up spiritually it changes your entire relationship to the Father.

The pastors and leaders that I am teaching are now beginning to have opportunities to tell others of the concepts of spiritual life and they are finding people hungry to hear. Ultimately,  these leaders will reach Kenya with the "good new" not me. I pray that I am faithful to plant the seeds but it is encouraging  when you begin to see fruit.

I will continue teaching week in and week out, confident that that the seed is being planted and that it will ultimately bear fruit. Please continue to pray for me, those I teach,  and ones who will ultimately go forth with the truth.
 John 16:13"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Stan

Well Summer is fading fast and Fall is in front of us here in the Rockie Mountains. Everyone is trying their best to grab the last days of outdoor recreation before the snow begins to fall. This is a great time to be thinking about traveling to Africa-it is Spring.
TEAM UPDATES:
Stan is doing well and deciding if he wants to start another session of training.  Cliff and Dan are praying about heading over in the next month or so.

 Dan will go to South Africa to help Pat at Anathoth Retreat near Cape Town, then to Zimbabwe to visit the rural schools, then to Kenya to work with youth soccer.  Cliff will travel to Zimbabwe for a pastor's conference then to Kenya to do CR organization tasks and schedule Spring pastors training. Paula will hold down the fort until January and apply for a few grants for mental health training.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS (Letter from Stan)

Thanks for the email. It is always good to hear how things are going. Good to see Robbie and Katrina  doing so well.  It was kind of interesting to see how it started in someones living room with 7 students.  I had to laugh when you said Dan may be a little apprehensive about being on this side of Nairobi. I remembered when I was considering moving to Kayloe I too was a little apprehensive. I would wake up in the middle of the night wondering what in the world I was doing and if it would end in disaster. Well, now that I have been here for a while I can say there is nothing to worry about. In fact I actually prefer it here over Westlands.

The thing is once you get to know the people it changes everything. I have friends here and in Kayole and the people here appreciate me. In the Westlands you are just another Mzungu (white man) but in Kayole when I walk down the alleyways I am greeted everywhere with "How are you?, How are you?" Everybody is glad to see me and people I don't know greet me and I get a great sense of welcoming. They don't see too many whites in Kayole and especially the children are always glad to see you. I come to Kayole early on Saturdays and Sundays just to have time to talk to people.
My Swahili is coming along but it is still difficult. I should spend more time on it but it will come together with time.

Bible Classes are beginning to wind down and I am wondering what I will be doing next. I'm not sure I want to begin another session here. Will have to see what God has in store. Well, I have to go. I am trying to work on getting Vine's copies from my computer and printed out so the students will have it available but it is a big project.
Say hi to everyone. Later, Stan

 LETTER FROM JOSEPH SAMBURU PASTOR TRAINER

Hi Sister Paula,

Warmest greetings to you and your loved ones. I hope al is well with you and your family. I am really glad to receive your letter. I and my wife Pauline, would really like to see you again. All my family member are praying that you and your family may be healthy and happy all the time. I appreciate to hear you continue praying for me. To let you know Edward came to Samburu with 3 brothers in Christ to visit me they stay with me for two days.

Answers to your questions

I have 8  pastors in my class all of them they have their own ministries in my area.

1. PASTORS I AM TRAINING: There names: Pastor. Jackson Lletorai. Pst Lawrence Lenaroroi, Pst Joseph Lendoyo, Pst John Lekaira, Pst Peter Lopiala, Pst Joshua Lemarimpe, Pst Simon Lolmondoni, Pst John Lelenguya,

2. We have child evangelism  so please I need teaching materials

3. I have training center only

So  I really like to inform you that in the last 6 months the number of B.B.I. student has increased to 35. The Bible is my subject-without this book no education in life is completed.

4. I go to Maralal every end month

5. I met Stephen Letiwa who studies in Ken Black’s training program

Your brother in Christ ,

Joseph Leleruk

 ELECTIONS, CHICKENS AND CRUTCHES

(EMAIL FROM STAN) Today is election day and all of Kenya is excited. The last election in 2007 fueled a small civil war ending in 40,000 Kenyans being burned out of their homes and businesses. It doesn't look like that will happen this time because the vote is so lopsided but you never know what these corrupt people will do to hold on to power.

This is an historical day because they are voting on a new constitution. They have been trying to get this for many years but the politicians who are getting the payoff money have always kept it from happening. But the polls show it may be more than 70% who vote yes in spite of many big politicians and church leaders who are urging to vote no. I am convinced it will be a good thing for Kenya and will help to change it from a system run by corrupt politicians to the rule of law. Granted, you won't get rid of politicians and it is not automatically the answer to their problems but it will definitely help. The only down side is that the value of the Shilling will undoubtedly go up after the election and that means my money will be worth less. That's what happened to me in Slovakia. Anyway it is all in God's hands but it is interesting to see how it all plays out. So today is a national holiday so no one is working.

Classes are still going well. The students are beginning to see a totally different Christianity. It is a huge adjustment and not something that happens overnight. But little by little they are being transformed, not by me but by the power of the Word.

 
Just the other day Joshephat and I were walking back to the matatu and he said: "You see those people over there? They are sacrificing a chicken for atonement." 

After class on Sunday we were stopped by a man who wanted to talk about God. He told us how he was offered 10,000 Ksh if he would walk into a crusade with a pair of crutches and pretend to be healed.

There is so much false teaching. It's all about emitions, healing, crusades, mixing in the old traditional African religions, etc. (Sadly, most get the idea from Western preachers) Churches becomes a hodge podge of whatever their preacher is telling the congregation. It's basically the same message but just a little different from one preacher to the next. None of them are not grounded in the word so they make it up as they go along.

Well, that is changing for the few who are in my classes. They are beginning to go out and tell others as well. So the seed has been sown here and it is will be interesting to see how it grows and bears fruit.

Stan

Football fans 'targeted' in Uganda bomb attacks

Nate Henn // 1985 - 2010

THIS WORLD NEEDS PRAYER...THIS WORLD NEEDS SALVATION

How to Not Mess Up the Great Commission too Much.

I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THESE BIBLE LEARNING TOOLS...

"Equal Access to the Word of God" Faith Comes By Hearing is dedicated to reaching poor and illiterate people worldwide with the Word of God in audio, discipling them in their mother tongue.  Bible listening programs for the world’s oral majority. A passion to offer all people equal access to the Word of God so that they can experience the hope and salvation of Jesus Christ.

Faith Comes By Hearing  

is a company that offers the world's largest catalog of audio Bibles.  Currently, the company is reaching many nations around the globe, with many tools...one being their "Proclaimer" audio Bible.
"We consider the Proclaimer to be a gift from God. Why? Because the inspiration for it came during three days of fasting and prayer by the entire staff of Faith Comes By Hearing. The Proclaimer is a digital player dedicated to playing God's Word in the local heart language. See how it works!" - Faith Comes by Hearing.
The Proclaimer was developed mainly as an audio Bible device for illiterate people who may not have another source of hearing God's Word. Inside the device is an installed microchip which has the recorded New Testament in the heart language.  The sound is digital quality and loud enough to be heard by an entire village. 

The device has a battery; however, it has a solar panel.  As long as there is sunlight, the Proclaimer will run even without battery power.  It is designed to play the entire New Testament over one thousand times.

Currently, 423 languages have been recorded, spoken by people in more than 152 different countries.  "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).Another device is the BibleStick an MP3 player that contains the complete bible. It is also comes in many different languages. There is a ministry to US service men using this
 

Through the sacrificial work of the Bible Societies, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and other translation groups, more people have access to the written Word of God than at any other time in history. Tragically, the effectiveness of this tremendous work has been limited because more than 50% of the world’s population is illiterate. They cannot read the Word of God, even when it is translated in their own language. The answer to this obstacle is provided from the Scripture: “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). That’s why Faith Comes By Hearing provides Audio Bibles to poor and illiterate people around the world.

Please Remember Me