CROSSROADA AFRICA EXPEDITION: 04/01/2015

THE PEOPLE OF MT ELGON, KENYA

UPDATE FROM STAN: Greetings from Mt. Elgon, a rural, mountainous area in Kenya. It is a somewhat dangerous area as well because of fighting between tribal groups. Just last night there was a man attacked in his home and hacked with a machete. Because of the remoteness and danger we have to stay in the town of Kitale, 70 km away. The condition of the roads makes it a two hours trip every day - more if it is raining. So far it has been a very interesting, exhausting, exhilarating time. There are four of my former students who came with me to teach -- Harrison, Joshephat, Steve and myself. There is also another man, Crispus, who is from this area and came with his wife and son and who helps with translating.

We are staying in a guesthouse which is quite nice and comfortable for us. It is run by a man from the Netherlands and his Kenyan wife. We are enjoying our time of fellowship together. We have so far had two days of teaching the people in this area. There were 76 who had signed up in advance to attend the classes but half have shown up. This isn't surprising since some come from 40 km away and must walk over the mountains. They are very anxious to be taught. These people have been subjected to all kinds of tribal violence and wrong teaching by so-called prophets. For an example, some in this area have been taught that it is a sin to use soap, either on themselves or on their clothing. So far I haven't
noticed the odor :) They are great people and receptive to the truth which makes them very special.

For me personally, the greatest thing has been watching the men who came with me teach their countrymen the truth. It has been very powerful in the lives of the ones we are ministering to. I told the men before we left that it would be more important for them to teach than me because they are able to teach in their own language and relate better than an outsider. We have four sessions a day and each of us teach a session. We start with the basics and explaining the foundation of the gospel and the cross. I was thrilled yesterday during a break to see Harrison answering someone's question. Before I knew it 15 people gathered around trying to hear what he was saying in spite of the heavy rain pounding on the tin roof. He was having such a great time answering their questions that we had a hard time getting back for class.

I wish I had the word to communicate to you the significance of what is happening here in Kenya. We only see the tip of the iceberg. I am finding out that there are many more men being taught the principles of the two sides of the cross and more advanced things as well. The ones who have graduated are teaching others in ways that I had not even realized. All of you who have been a part of this can realize that there are ones who will stand up in heaven when our works are being evaluated, and say that because of you we have been saved, because of you we have been built up in the faith. Keep praying for us that we can make the message clear and precise. Stan

ART AID FOR KENYA NOW

"In Kenya, an estimated three million, mostly poor, people live with intellectual and mental disabilities, according to NGO and United Nations figures. At the same time, the ratio of psychiatrists to the population is dismal -- just one psychiatrist to half a million people."

Those who have survives the many terrorist attacks in the last two years need care now! Through training local caregivers how to use simple art therapy activities, they can offer counseling anywhere, anytime with the simple tools of crayon and paper.

With your help ART AID for KENYA will put together art kits and training books to be given to all those who attend training workshops. They in turn, will return to their villages and begin their own art therapy counseling program and train others in their communities.