January, 2009 Nairobi, Kenya
We arrived back in Nairobi January 8 from 61 days in Johannesburg and were home 3 days before coming to Brackenhurst Conference Center, near Nairobi, for 3 weeks of strategy training. This has been beneficial training and we are grateful for the focus it has given to guide us in work among a special unreached people group. The grounds are lovely here and we have had fun enjoying fires in fireplaces. Our little cottage has no heat except for a fireplace and for about $1.50 they will bring the wood and start the fire, which lasts for about 5 hours; so we have enjoyed that at night. It is not winter here but we are at a higher elevation so it is just cooler and when it rains, it is cold. It is quite refreshing though for us.
We had a wonderful time at MK Camp and our sessions with seniors focusing on their reentry to the US was such a great experience. They were a wonderful group and we enjoyed our time with them. Thank you for praying for us and for the MKs. They are a very special group of young people. They were happy, well mannered, had good sportsmanship and relished having long visits with their MK friends. PRAY for all the children of missionaries. They have many challenges as they live in a different culture.
Our little granddaughter, Lealla, is gaining weight rapidly and Timothy continues to rejoice over the fact that she likes to be cuddled. Isaac is quickly learning to talk and some of his favorite words are “No, No.” Our hearts long to see all of them and Jason too, who is 34 today, but we continue to be blessed in the work we are doing.
We have been with 4 couples from Kampala during our time at Brackenhurst as they are here for the same training. It has been wonderful to hear reports of Kampala and the saints there. Also, a volunteer group from Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Alexandria, AL, who have been in Kampala yearly for the past 4 years, are there at this time and have seen over 250 professions of faith this past week. A new ministry in Luzira Prison has opened up in past months and over 130 prisoners were saved last week when the team visited the prison. They will continue to minister in Kampala for a few days next week and we are anxious to see the work of the Lord through them. Thank you so much MZBC!! Please PRAY for their continued witnessing next week and also for these new believers to be discipled in the truths of walking in the Christian life.
Please PRAY for Danny in early February as he travels outside Africa to attend some specialized training on how to share the gospel among Muslims. We still have a heart for this aspect of ministry and he is grateful for this opportunity. Upon his return he will be involved in some Leadership Development Training among some of our missionaries and also a meeting with strategy facilitators in our area. There are new directional and organizational changes in the International Mission Board and we ask you to PRAY for a clear understanding of the leadership of the Holy Spirit as our Board implements those changes by June or July. PRAY for our leader, Tim Tidenberg, who is over Equatorial Africa, which is one of the 5 clusters of the Sub-Sahara, and encompasses 11-12 countries. Danny is assisting him and there is much direction and focus that Tim must give to over 200+ missionaries. He and his wife, Annie, are great leaders and there is much to be done in the new organizational changes. We are privileged to work alongside them at this time.
Lastly, PRAY for a little Kenyan congregation, Rugiri Baptist Church, where we have been going when we are in Nairobi. It is a small group but some seem to have a heart for the Lord and for discipleship. Remember a lady, Joyce, and the pastor, Moses, as we seek to see how we might do some leadership training there and also go out with them to evangelize in their village.
Thank you to each one of you who gave to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We have heard many good reports of giving and were especially proud to hear that our home church, Kathleen Baptist, gave over $55,000. That is a great amount considering the economic issues at this time. We love you for being so generous.
We are now marching quickly into 2009 and we look forward to being in touch with you throughout this year. WE continue to covet your prayers as we know that you are such a part of our work here. Also, we want to learn of your prayer requests and thank you for sharing with us. Please remember our perpetual love for you and may your new year be a year of rejoicing in knowing and serving our Lord Jesus Christ.
