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
....................................................................................................................................................................................
 

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

PRAY FOR RAIN IN KENYA - PRAY FOR RAIN IN KENYA - PLEASE, PRAY FOR RAIN IN KENYA

Easter Sunday,  after a long flight back from Zimbabwe on Sat., Cliff and I visited our Maasia friends to deliver sacks of beans and rice. Our hearts went out to them. We wished we could have help all the Maasai but of course that would have been impossible so we pray the Lord will care for them until the rains arrive.

The drought in east Africa's is so severe that the government has declared a state of emergency. Thousands of people face hunger and starvation after a poor harvest, crop failure, a lack of rain and the rising cost of food.

The economy is still recovering from post-election violence last year and facing fallout from the global slowdown on export markets. Kenyans have been horrified by multi-million dollar government graft scandals in the maize and fuel sectors in the middle of the food shortage, and at a time when the administration is appealing for international food aid. So goes Africa. 


Last month as Cliff and I waited in the bush plane in the dry barren Samburu area,  we gave thanks-thanks for the mercy God shows to those who heard and believed the gospel. Their simple faith is a beautiful thing to see.




We also gave thanks for Joseph, a bright young Samburu man who connects the Word of God through culture and language as no Western missionary can.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in ur time of need.

STAN'S EVERYDAY LIFE IN NAIROBI

8/15/09

Just a quick note before I am off to Kayole to teach. Sorry I haven't been writing much lately but this electricity thing is really throwing me for a loop. It has really put a wrench in my schedule. Since all my studies are on the computer, I can only work on the days it’s on. I have to hassle to get as much printing, etc. done as I can on Tuesdays and sometimes Thursdays. Since all my entertainment is also on the computer - movies, games, etc. – it’s quite an adjustment. Well, so far I am surviving but it’s a real pain.

What makes it worse is that most of the problem is caused not by a lack of rain, as the government would have everyone believe, but by corruption. If the people in charge would only allocate things correctly instead of according to who bribes them, there wouldn't be a problem. I think I told you that there was an article in the paper that one half of Nairobi's water supply was being illegally diverted by those who are selling it. Oh well. I don't understand why the Kenyans put up with this sort of government like the Zimbabweans did except they have the guns and the power. Well enough of that. I am fine as the Lord always takes care of us. I have to go get some lunch before I head out. See you all later. Stan

8/18/09

Thanks for the email Cliff. I'm glad to hear you all had a good visit with Pat. I hope she is well. I am back at the cyber-cafe today as my internet is not working. (long story). I was feeling a little isolated this morning since my phone is also not working. Today is MY day for electricity so at least this morning I was able to make progress on my studies. But then, instead of staying home and enjoying the luxury of having electricity, I had to come to the shops and try to get my phone and internet working again. Dennis is out of town for the week so he can’t help me this time. But in spite of the minor hardships I am in good spirits as God continues to give me His sufficient grace. I had to buy a gas stove so that I could cook when I don't have electricity. I can also heat water to bathe and shave, etc. so it is really a necessity at this time.

Not much to report except we had a good weekend of classes and God is continuing to minister to these men. I continue to be blessed by being used in the process. I need to get going and get some things done so I will see you all later. Stan

SALVATION ARMY-ZIMBABWE

SALVATION ARMY-ZIMBABWE

Our friends and hosts in Zimbabwe, the Pennys, are members of the Salvation Army Church. The Salvation Army Church in Zimbabwe does much more than just ring the bell at Christmas. It struggles daily with life and death issues: finding grain for starving families to keep them alive for one more day or a bottle of aspirin to help alleviate pain caused by a third degree burn, or broken bone. Many Salvation Army pastors walk up to 16 miles to comfort their flock. They rely on their congregations for income and are as needy as those they help.

During the Easter holiday the members of the SA church gather together for a three day camp meetings of celebration, evangelism and fellowship. The organize into groups and visit villagers to share the good news of Jesus Christ and encourage them in the faith. We had the privilege of being a part of this which was a great blessing. We never stopped being amazed at the courageous spirit of the Zimbabwe people.

ZIMBABWE and GOOD FRIENDS

While we were in Africa during 2008-09 we felt it necessary to make a trip to Zimbabwe to see how friends are making it as the country struggles to reestablish itself after a complete social and economic meltdown. Things were somewhat better than our last visit in 2007. The noticeable difference-food on the shelves and bread no longer costs $2.00US, a Zimbabwean’s monthly salary. The local currency presently being used in Zimbabwe is the US dollar. While Mugabe continues to blame the West, his coalition partner Morgan Tsvangirai is on a drive to restore full ties with Western governments that are crucial for financial aid to fix the battered economy.

Our time was with our friends, the Pennys, was truly a blessing. It was the Easter holidays so many of their relatives from the rural areas, and children who were away at school, returned to the family home in Harare to be together. It was a full house with no running water and sporadic electricity, but the wonderful time together made up for any inconvenience.

The Pennys are members of the Salvation Army church which was having a huge gathering, a type of old time camp meeting. Members came from all over Zimbabwe and camped on the grounds of a rural school. It was a week-end of singing, teaching, and reaching out to the surrounding villagers. We also traveled to Chinhoyi, a farm town in one of the “hot zone” of farm invasions. After visiting and encouraging friends there, Cliff and I drove to Lake Kariba, a huge lake build by damming up the Zambezi River. It is very beautiful area and Zambia is just a short distance across the border. During better days in Zimbabwe, it was a wonderful tourist destinations. There were lots of animal and miles of water for sailing. Presently the area is struggling to make a comeback but the beauty of Lake Kariba is unsurpassed.

LAKE KARIBA

EVERYDAY LIFE OF MISSIONARIES IN THE FIELD AND AT HOME

Everyday life of missionaries when they’re NOT IN THE FIELD.
Today is a beautiful day here in Carbondale Colorado. Cliff, Dan and DJ are busy pounding nails building the new horse fence. The weather is beautiful-not too terribly hot. It has been in the high 90's and when you’re a mile higher-closer to the sun-it can be scorching. We do not mind because this property is a blessing so we all work together to keep it in shape. It was an interesting process to watch the auger dig the holes for the big cedar post-much better than digging them by hand.

We just found a huge leak somewhere underground-right under my 10 year old herb garden-bye bye herb garden!

Everyday life of missionaries when they're IN THE FIELD

Stan settles into the daily chaotic life of Nairobi a little more each day. He now obtained a three-piece wicker set for his living room, something most of us would buy for our deck but in Africa it's great to j

ust to have a comfortable place to set. Previously his living room only had four plastic chairs

so this is definitely a step up. It will make a much more pleasant place to relax and counsel.