STAN - Living and teaching in Kenya

JUNE 3rd, 2009: Hello Everyone. It looks like there's a little catching up to do. (It’s much more difficult to send emails from the Internet café than the convenience and comfort of my own home). I was telling you about the 'retreat' for the young people. It was a great fun and spiritually uplifting. There were 18 of us - 9 girls, 6 boys, Joshephat, the pastor and headmaster of the group, his wife Nelly and their daughter, Purity. You couldn't ask for a better group of kids. We took a public bus so it was a long, bumpy, 12-hour trip. We stayed in a church compound that had a clinic and several buildings with beds so everyone was comfortable. It was located in a beautiful rural area so we were able to hikes through an equatorial forest and to the top of a mountain. I didn't make it to the top but some of the kids did and said you could see all the way to Lake Victoria. The countryside was beautiful and lush. It was quite an adventure for these slum kids, many of whom had never been out of the city. Joshephat said that even the bus ride was an adventure as they had never been on a trip lasting more than 30 minutes. They were so appreciative and when we returned some showed their appreciation by cleaning my house and writing “thank you” letters.

After getting back from the retreat, I was in Kayole for my regular classes and some of the kids asked if I would teach them regularly like I did on the retreat. So now I have started a class for teens on Sunday afternoons. I was excited to see their interest and now to see them learning about the grace of God is amazing. I told Joshephat I hope I am around to see these kids grow up because it will be interesting to see the spiritual impact they have if they keep on like growing.

The adult classes continue to go well. I added another adult class in Kayole which brings the total to over 50 students. I am finding that it is hard work and I think I have reached the limit of classes I can teach. I’ve learned not to wear dress shoes as my feet were killing me after teaching 2 hours Friday night, 2 hours Saturday and 3 hours Sunday.

My six month visa expired the first of June and it was nip and tuck to see if my work permit would go through in time. The guy doing my paperwork was not very responsive and he waited until the last possible moment to get it done. But I am now legal for three years. I only have one more thing to do-go to the city and register as an alien but that is not difficult.

I can't think of anything else right now. I am sitting in my back yard writing this out long hand and Rafi (my dog) is pestering me to play with her. So I guess I will go and get this on the computer and sent out. I will include a few photos of the retreat in case you haven't seen them. Pray that God will give me the strength I need. He continues to take care of me and is teaching me as well as those in my classes.

PAULA: SAMBURU DISABLED CHILDREN

http://www.mojamojafilm.com/mojamojafilm.com/Moja_Moja_TraIler.html

CLIFF: March 1, 09-Meeting the Samburu Tribe-Northern Kenya

March 1. 09
Hello All: Joseph Leleruk and I have been translating scriptures in Samburu today. We've finished about forty verses, mainly the ones I gave the classes to memorize. We will use these verses when we go there to teach on the 7th. He is now working on some passages and will be back Monday and Tuesday to translate more.

March 5.09
Hi all: This is an urgent request. Please read the information on the Samburu people Paula sent me. For weeks I have been teaching a Samburu man named Joseph Leleru. He is coming today at 10:30a. I am grounding him in presenting the message and the power of the gospel to his people. If it is arranged I will go with him to Maralal to help in evangelism and training some of the Samburu men. I cannot tell you how important this. Few have been able to make a gospel impact on this group. Joseph Leleru could well be the answer to many being trained. Remember him specifically by name today before our Father Who has brought me together with him. He must fully grasp and be a pure man of the gospel. 11 Cor. 4:4,5; 1 Cor. 4:15; Rom. 1:16.

The opportunity I am having with him is so unique. The thought of what may be possible for the Samburu people through the gospel is overwhelming. I can only proceed a step at a time and make sure it is in the Lord's hands and I am in His hands. As I train this one man, Joseph Leleru, I am blessed to know that he may train many more. Love, C. and D.

Feb. 10,2009

Hi All, Many of the people have never seen these scriptures written in their language. Joseph is excited about this project. So am I. I will run off copies along with notes. We will get the "Mechanics of the Spiritual Life" in Samburu and the "The Two Sides of the Cross" along with doctirnes on incarnation, substitution, reconciliation, regeneration, sanctification, justification, and redemption. Joseph and I have a great times studying these things. The Samburus may become a special outreach for our family and friends. 
 Its quiet around here today. Joseph and I had a prayer together. I prayed in English and he prayed in Swahili. He prayed for us and Dick Casey and Bill Roberts. I did spend some time talking to Sid, the director.

I'm waiting to hear from the missionaries in Maralal about a place to stay and the best way to get there from Nairobi. It can be a little tricky because of there are bandits on the road from Wamba to Maralal. Joseph said they were Pokot. We need prayers for safe trip and to find favor in the sight of those we meet. The missionaries I am in contact with are Ken and Susan Black, A.I.M. missionaries. They have started a Bible school in Maralal. It will be a good opportunities to encourage others working there. Thanks for all your prayers and the love that goes with it.

Here's some verses we translated in Samburu. Usually the words are pronounced like just like they read and each vowel is pronounced.

John 3:16 - ketaasa tongan poki nkop neitai ngerai eye nasham metua kore poki loruk nemin dake notum kishue etarusi

Romans 5:8,9 - kake kore ngai naa ketoduwa iyoo ajo kesham amuu kore a paa kira lu ngokok neye yeso tenyaraki iyoo metua koretutu naa kira tongan supati tolodo le yeso metaa ikyolo ajo ketejeu iyoo tengudii e ngai

You may recognize yeso - CHRIST