... mount up on eagle's wings - to the ends of the earth

“Have you not known?  Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength.  Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”                     Isaiah 40:28-31

God is at work in the hearts of these young national missionary trainees. This week we are going along with Millicent, Jane, and Millicent’s pastor to look at an area near the Kenyan shores of Lake Victoria where the Suba people live and near the border of Tanzania among the Kuria people.




We will talk about two places, Sindo and Isebania. Sindo is on the Eastern shore (Kenya side) of Lake Victoria.  As you can see from the lines on the map, Kenya doesn’t hold much ownership of this enormous lake in East Africa.
Jane is praying about the Suba people living in the Sindo area as well as the Kuria people. Millicent is praying about the Kuria people

There are a few Baptist churches among the Kuria people who live not only in this area, but also across into Tanzania around  the town of Tarime and beyond. Years ago, the IMB had a missionary presence in Tarime.  However, financial restraints have prohibited the appointment of other personnel to the area.

This is the perfect opportunity for young national missionaries, as God communicates His vision for reaching those who have never heard and training those who are babes in the faith.

Animistic in their beliefs, the Kuria people pray to their ancestors for favor and use traditional doctors in the face of trials and difficulties, hoping to get a charm or root to cure their ills or impart good fortune or curses.

They are farmers, raising small animals such as chickens and goats for meat and for income. Living in small-enclosed family compounds, the father and mother, grandparents and married children build small huts, which comprise the boundaries of the area. Kuria men marry more than one wife and each wife will have her own hut to house herself and her children.


Experiencing a call to the area around Isebania nearer the Tanzania border, Millicent will have the opportunity of working not only with the Kuria people of Kenya, but also those who live in Tanzania as the border here, for nationals, is quite open without a need for official documentation.

*Pray for Jane and Millicent who have a desire to reach the unreached. Ask God to make clear His calling – the people group and the place.

*Pray for the logistics and the financing that they will need to have in place in order to begin the work.

*Pray for peace once they are in their place of work as they leave family and friends behind.

*Pray that Jane and Millicent will soar on wings as eagles as they make God’s redemptive salvation known to the ends of the earth. 

Ripe for harvest

A whole course on witness training can be found in John chapter four.  It is the story of the woman at the well.  Jesus talks to her about her life and the life he can give her if she would only believe.  Subsequently she returns to her town and urges people to go out to see Jesus.  

Jesus, in verses 35-36 says to his disciples, “Do you not say, ‘there are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.”

In other words, wake up! People are ready to believe – you just have to get out there and share with them.

This woman understood her responsibility to share her testimony with others immediately.  John 4:39 says, “Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony…”

On Friday, Alfred, one of the national missionary trainees, along with Jerry and two others went out to discover ways of reaching his community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

God is giving Alfred a vision for the slum areas of Nairobi right where he lives – just like the Samaritan woman.

As they walk down the dirt paths of the community, he asks Jerry how to begin. Jerry shares the concept of “a person of peace”.  Someone, whether a believer or not, with whom you feel the Holy Spirit’s nudge to begin a conversation; they are interested and want to know more.

As soon as Jerry finishes sharing these thoughts, Alfred turned right around and walks back to a group of men standing at the side of the road talking together.  Alfred had felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit as they passed, but did not know what to do about it.


Beginning a conversation that lasts quite a while and even moving to a small-enclosed area outside the man’s rooms, Alfred is able to share with this one about Jesus Christ.  He shares his testimony and the calling on his life to reach his community with the gospel story.  Seeds are planted – the sower is at work – the harvest will soon follow.

Pray for Alfred as he continues to work out God’s plan for his life.

God's plan for all of us is to share with others our testimony just as the woman at the well did in her community.  How that looks in each of our lives is the individual calling and gifting God puts within each of us.

Lift up your eyes and see that the harvest is ripe!

To Him who is able!

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen"             Ephesians 3:20-21


God gives us opportunities of service and uses us in unusual ways if we are willing to be used and flexible, allowing Him to do it His way.


Asked to preach part of a crusade – two nights of a four-night crusade – just on the outskirts of Kibera, the largest slum in East Africa, Jerry agreed.


Currently we are in the dry season here in Nairobi.  The short rains come soon, October and November mostly, and as we start out for the crusade venue, the sun is shining.  It is 4 p.m.  The praise team, standing on a wooden stage-like structure set up toward the back of a crowded shopping area is singing, the volume cranked up – it is time to get out the cotton that we use to stuff our ears!

As we walk toward the crowd clouds roll in and it begins to sprinkle a bit – ahhh well – perhaps a sprinkle or two, maybe a light shower, soon to be over.  The rain increases and before long everyone is running for cover as the sky opens up with a cloudburst. Running into a small hoteli (café), we shake the water off our clothes and order a cup of hot chai (tea) determined to wait it out –of course, we brought along no rain coat or umbrella.

Two hours later the rain begins to subside. Asked if we are willing to keep going, “of course” is our reply and we wait another 30 minutes or so while the electronic equipment is dried off.


The meeting, while down in numbers as people fled the rain, is good – the preaching, excellent – of course I am a bit bias, and we count the night a success – however, for us, it wasn’t  the actual crusade that made an impact, but a conversation over chai during the deluge.






Sitting down across the table, an older pastor begins to share his life story – a God story, and as we listen, we see the life-tapestry that God is weaving in this servant’s life.



Encouraged in our knowledge that God is faithful, we see afresh that He will do abundantly more than we can possibly imagine as we walk in faith.
Usually we won’t see the whole road ahead, but He only requires the next step from us. Walking by faith, leaving whatever is around the corner to Him, He will do far more abundantly than we can ask or think – and He will give us a peace that surpasses all understanding – Philippians 4:7


Isn’t God good?
Who could possibly refuse the incredibly awesome gift of His love through Christ?

However, not all have heard – not all have been faced with the choice yet.

Will you do your part for the Kingdom?

Will you do your part of the mission, helping mankind understand the matchless grace of Jesus?

Encouraged!

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.   Matthew 28:19-20

Do you remember this picture from a couple of weeks ago?  This was the end of the week-long school of missions for nine participating nationals with a heart to reach those who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.


Today we met again with seven of the students in attendance.
We wanted to meet to encourage them (as if they needed any encouragement!) and touch base to find out how to pray for them and to hear about the direction God is leading each one in their individual missions call.
Having already organized themselves, they have been meeting together regularly for prayer and planning since the end of the school.  They have also been going to churches as a team and sharing their burden to reach the unreached and unengaged people of East Africa.

Instead of us encouraging them – they were so encouraging to us.

Lawrence, at the far right, is praying about four unengaged people groups, three in Tanzania and one in D.R. Congo.

Julius, in the middle, is praying about a specific place in Kenya – Sege village in Nyanza province.  He made a research trip to this area and returned saying there are no churches at all in the area.

Alfred, pictured on the left, is praying about three things; a village in Kenya called Dalani and two people groups one in Tanzania and one in Rwanda.  He has also made a trip to Dalani to see for himself that there is no evangelical work in the area.




Jane, on the right, feels that God is calling her to work in the slums.  She has already begun work in Githogoro slum and has organized a group of non-believers who want to meet together to hear stories from the Bible. She is also interested in working with the Samburu of Kenya.


Millicent, seated in the middle, is interested in working with either the Suba people in Tanzania, or the Samburu in Kenya.  She also has heard of the need for workers in the North Park area of South Africa and is praying about that door of evangelism.

Fleming is seated on the left of the picture.  He is praying about God’s direction in ministry among the Taabwa people of D.R. Congo and the Tongwe people of Tanzania.  He also is praying for people groups in Burundi.

Unfortunately, George did not get into a picture.  He has been going door-to-door in Dagoretti, a slum area of Nairobi. He has had six people pray to receive Christ already and is forming a Bible study with them.  This area is notorious for crime and violence; a place where criminals stay and are recruited.  He is also praying about ministry among the Samburu of Kenya.


Are you not encouraged as well?
These young Kenyans have taken their training and are putting it to use where they are while they continue to pray for direction and the leadership of the Holy Spirit for the next steps.

Would you pray along with them?  You can use this post as a guide, praying specifically for each one and the area or people groups God is laying upon each heart.  You can refresh your memory about the School of Missions by clicking these links.  School of Missions pt. 1       School of Missions pt. 2

... and I will go with you ...

As the week of training draws to a close, these young candidates, realizing they have just seen the tip of the iceberg, are requesting an additional week of training to sharpen their skills in storying to learn how to use this method to share the Good News with those of other faiths.

Now the real work begins as they put into action all they have learned; as they try to stoke up that fire for the lost among their churches and associations and as they pray through the next steps God puts before them.

Challenges abound for these missionary candidates and they are somewhat different from the challenges western missionaries face. Here, tribalism can be compared with racism. The intolerance and skepticism between many tribes borders on hatred in some cases. With family names clear indicators of various tribes, these who are called will need to find ways to overcome the inherent prejudices they will undoubtedly face.

Logistics is another challenge they will face as they live in their field of ministry. Nairobi churches and associations do not have the finances to fund a missionary full time; but do want to support them through prayer, visits, and monetary gifts. These missionaries will need to work to survive. Just as Paul made tents to provide his living in the book of Acts, these must find ways to support themselves as they minister.



Local and national government create additional challenges. Once the missionary has targeted the people group and locale of ministry, it will be necessary for the local chiefs and chairmen to allow them to stay in that area. Especially if the ministry extends across the Kenya border, national governments need to be convinced that they will not taking jobs away from their own country’s nationals before they will grant work permits.

... but for now – this minute – the week is finished -- it is time to celebrate.
Tomorrow will take care of itself -- especially as God’s people pray!

...go to the land I will show you...

We've circled the nine students so you can recognize them as you pray for them.
The others pictured are church leaders, teachers or workers for the week.

After much prayer and preparation, the School of Missions for the Baptist Regional Convention of Nairobi is upon us. Nine students were chosen and interviewed by their respective associations. Sharing their testimonies and callings before the school began; each student clearly articulated both their salvation experience and the calling of God on their life.


 

God is impressing these young adults to go beyond themselves and their comfortable, familiar lifestyle and take the gospel to those who have never heard.

The use of storying in evangelism, church planting, and leadership development is one of the major areas of training this week, along with Baptist distinctives, dealing with cults, personal witnessing, spiritual disciplines, cross-cultural communication, and tent-making.

Surprisingly, the most popular topic is Baptist distinctives. Realizing the importance and biblical basis of these distinctives allows these young missionaries to gain a greater appreciation for Baptist identity.








Being challenged by the level of syncretism in African churches today, they are gaining a vision to confront and correct syncretism with Bible storying and Biblical truth.

The school would not have been possible with out the support of several local Baptists.

One person in particular, almost indispensable to the school, is Rose Mumu. Demonstrating her commitment to the school through servant leadership, she is driven to see these students succeed in their preparation to get to their mission field. Working tirelessly to make sure the logistics run smoothly, her hard work in buying food, helping to cook, and supervise the meals is invaluable.



Impressed with the calling and commitment of each candidate, the leaders and teachers for this week of intense learning are honored to be a part of God’s calling in the lives of these candidates.  Several local pastors and missionaries are giving of themselves and their time to these young adults willing to follow God’s call on their lives.

*Pray for these nine, young adults as they continue to search God’s calling in their lives.

*Pray for their hearts and minds to be free from the worry about how God will do it, instead being filled with the faith that God WILL do it.

*Pray that as God continues to equip them for the task, they will grasp hold of everything He is teaching them.

in this world there will be trouble

"Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, trust also in me."
John 13:1

Things happen the world over.
Things are happening in Kenya as well.  In these last weeks several bombs exploded in various locations around Nairobi. The following is a quote from the most recent U.S. embassy warning.

"In the past year and a half, there have been numerous attacks involving shootings, grenades, or other explosive devices in Kenya...  In total, over 100 people have been killed in these attacks and hundreds have been injured."  

God does not give us a spirit of fear.  We trust in Him daily.

Pray for the people of Kenya to trust in Christ -- if God is for me, what can man do to me?

Pray for the message of God's love and His gift of peace through the redemptive blood of Christ to permeate hearts and minds.

Currently, we are on a research trip -- pray for safety and open hearts as we travel that God would go before, beside, and behind us.  We depend upon your prayers!

...the church at Kasabuni

On Saturday a man died alone – with God.  He had been ill for a long time. Because of his illness, he could not work. His wife, finding work in Uganda, was living and working there when she received the news that her husband had made a turn for the worse.  She was making her way to him when he died.

Outskirts of Kasabuni

Today, we are at Kasabuni (Kah-sah-boon-ee) Baptist Church, located on the edge of Kasabuni slum; the third largest slum in Kenya. We are quite impressed with the church – the building isn't much at all, but the CHURCH – the body of Christ here is impressive. They have youth, middle school and children’s Bible studies as well as adult Bible study.

Debbie taught the story of Noah and the ark to about 40 children and Jerry shared the Word in the main service – both taught in Swahili.

Now you may be thinking this sounds familiar – just like any church in the U.S.  – well, yes and no.  The building property is walled with cement block, so they use three of those walls for the walls of their building, the remaining wall is metal roofing sheets, the floor is dirt and mice run across the front of the church during the worship service.  “We only see them during the worship time,” laughs Pastor Jecktone.

Following the service, Pastor Jecktone and three deacons take us on a prayer walk through their village, Kasabuni slum.

The outskirts of the slum area are not so bad; having weightier
issues on our minds, we didn't take the camera on our prayerwalk 

Stopping in various areas to pray, the smell of sewage is almost overwhelming.

As we pick our way around garbage, stepping carefully over open sewers and ducking under clothes lines full of laundry, children run up, sticking out their hands hoping to touch the wazungu (foreigners).—How are you?  The first English question every child learns in school.

Parking the car at an angle outside the church
on 6" - 8" of refuse.

Smiling, we shake hands with many adults and lots of children as we move slowly down the narrow winding pathways.


We end our walk through the slum at the home where our story today begins, the 18’ x 20’ room where the man lived and died. His wife arrived this morning. Singing, praying, and sharing words of comfort, there are 20 of us now crowded in this small space; Kasabuni Baptist Church sharing in the suffering, the comfort, and sharing in the joy – knowing that even while there is mourning, there is relief from suffering and life everlasting, for this one knew Christ!

Pray that this widow, mourning the death of her husband, would sense afresh the love and peace of God in her life.

Pray for Kasabuni Baptist Church as they reach out with the love of Christ to ‘the least of these’.

Click this here to link to a Baptist Press article on Kasabuni and the church.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.  Habakkuk 2:14

God is filling the earth with the knowledge of His glory – are you part of His divine filling? Are you sharing the love of Christ – filling the earth with His glory?

Inching our way through crowds of people, around motorcycles and other vehicles, down paths crowded and dusty, it feels like we are driving through a maze.  Never having been in this area of Nairobi before I am lost after the second turn – good thing we have a guide.

It is Sunday morning and we are headed to church.

Asked to preach at Kabiria Baptist Church in the Kabiria section of Nairobi, this is Jerry's first time to preach an entire sermon in KiSwahili without an interpreter.

Pastor Nzoika (N-zoe-ee-kah), our guide, instructs us to pull into a small fenced off area and park beside the fence near the metal structure that is the church building. There is only room for our car.

Greeted by a few early arrivers as we enter the church, we are grateful for the cool breeze; this all-metal structure would be unbearable if not for the cool morning temperatures.

Assured Bible study will begin soon, we sit in the plastic chairs set in rows that comprise the pews.

As the church fills up we begin to realize that not all of these folks are from Kenya, many are from the D.R. Congo, having fled from there during the years of conflict.

The choir is very good and we have the opportunity of hearing three different songs from them as well as their leading out in the congregational singing, accompanied by a guitar, drums and box-like metal shakers.
Nothing compares with African music – it is amazing!

God blesses Jerry’s hard work as the congregation interacts with him during the sermon; questions asked and answered during his preaching indicate that the congregation understands what is being said as God’s vision of filling the earth with the knowledge of His glory is imparted.

As the service ends and we are greeted by the enthusiastic members we are in awe at God’s marvelous grace -- grace that was poured out on us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  The opportunity was given to us to hear and understand the gospel message.  Now it is our responsibility to share that same message so that others may hear and believe.


Pray for the church at Kibiria.  These folks have very little, but they love God and want to serve Him.  Pray that they will obey His voice in their lives and reach the whole area of Kibiria with the gospel message.

...the kingdom of God belongs to such as these

“…’Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’  And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.”
Mark 10:14-16.


Our church has a little mission; a small room made of metal roofing sheets, in a village about five miles from Mwimuto (Mm-wee-moo-toe), the village location of our church.
Currently the little mission church is comprised of only children, no adults.  Some would say it is not worth the effort, but not David.

Some years back, David a very determined young man, had a desire to play the piano, but had no one to teach him. Determined that God wants his service through music, David listens to worship songs and practices. He now leads our congregation in music, playing the piano by ear.

Today some of our congregation come along to help and
he happily allows us to teach and lead the children in a few songs

Faithfully teaching at this little mission church which meets a short time after our own service concludes, David takes a matatu (small van – public transportation) reaching the little metal building in the afternoon.

Encouraging others to participate, he continues on whether others join him or not.







Have you noticed the pictures hanging on the metal walls?  These are pictures of Bible stories, which David’s brother drew by hand and some of the children colored. We are amazed at the effort and commitment, the determination of this young man.  We are thankful for his desire to follow Christ and to step out to minister – even to the littlest, the least – for God’s glory.

Pray that this little mission, which is not more than a Sunday School class, would grow.

As their faith develops, pray that these children would decide to make Christ the Savior and Lord of their lives. 

Pray for the parents of these young ones; that as they see a difference in the lives of their children, they too would desire to know the God of salvation.

Go ye into all the world… casting God’s vision

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation…”  Mark 16:15

Since returning from our recent research trip, Jerry has been busy with Nairobi area churches, casting God’s vision of filling the earth with the knowledge of the glory of God --- the glory of God in the face of Christ.



Understanding that God's command of reaching every people group with the gospel of Christ is given to each individual believer, no matter their circumstances, is not easy.  Indeed not everyone is sent -- but all are called -- some are called to pray, others are called to give, and still others are called to go.  


Looking at the harvest fields of East Africa in light of Matthew 9:37, we see the truth of Christ’s words, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Verse 38, “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”

In reading and praying through these verses, God is showing us that we have workers right here in Nairobi who can partner with us and help with the harvest. 

Inspirational teaching, problem solving, and combining ideas on how
best to reach the lost with the gospel was met with enthusiasm.

 God’s vision, for filling every people group with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord is being shared with some Nairobi Baptist church pastors.

God's gift of food and fellowship is a blessing and an important
way of interacting with one another.

Now a plan is in motion to train 12 national missionaries, two from each association, with the prospect of sending two out.  

Helping the new national missionaries with logistical support from the national Baptist churches is a major concern and of great importance.






Pray for this new endeavor of casting God’s vision among Nairobi churches to reach the unreached and unengaged with the Gospel message.

Pray that each believer would see their responsibility and their calling in light of God’s vision of reaching and discipling this lost and dying world.

You are called.  Where do you see God calling you – to pray – to give – to go, or perhaps all three?

Mama Jerii -- the end of an era

Mama Jerii (jerr-EE) is the constant element at our church, Mwimuto (Mwee-moo-toe) Baptist. Today, we are having a “sending off” celebration for her as she moves to a small town in the Rift Valley called Mai-Mai Huu. (My – My – Hew)
 A widow, she was married to the pastor of our church, and has been part of the church for decades.

Six years ago, when our pastor, her husband, was brutally murdered as he walked home from visitation one evening; the church decided to allow her to continue living in the three small rooms behind the church which constitute the parsonage.  In retrospect, this was a God-directed decision.
Mama Jerii’s home, always open, as the wife of the pastor, now became the hub of many activities.



Whenever we pass by we find her home full of people of all ages.  Older women, like herself, but also young women, youth and children gather to visit, pray, sing and fellowship.  She is a second mother to many, not only in the church, but also in the community.  She will be missed greatly.

At the end of the book of Romans, God inspired Paul to write personal greetings and encouragement to folks. Paul did this in many of his letters to the various churches.
Verses 1 and 2 of chapter 16 is about Phoebe, but this could also be written about Mama Jerii as she makes her move to Mai Mai Huu.

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea.  I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.”    Romans 16:1-2

*Pray for Mama Jerii, this will be a big change for her.  Ask God to give her a ministry in her new location.

*As God transplants her, pray that the people in Mai-Mai Huu will receive her and help her as she has been a great help to so many people.

2014

2014 – The year is upon us – what will you do with this new year which God has allowed you to see?

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor…”  Isaiah 61:1-2

This year will be the year of the Lord’s favor for those who hear and accept the good news of Jesus Christ.  Is God calling you, in 2014, to encourage the brokenhearted – to share His grace and mercy with someone held captive in sin – to witness to someone walking in darkness, lighting their path to the Savior?

Mwimuto Baptist Church began 2014 on just such a note!  It was decided that on the first Sunday of the New Year we would allow God to use us to encourage a broken heart.


We have been praying that not only would the English congregation continue the vision of giving and encouraging, but that the Swahili congregation would catch the vision as well.  So our small group was encouraged as the Swahili congregation also took advantage of the opportunity and participated along with us.

As hands were placed on this one and hearts were bowed, a prayer was offered up that God would be with her throughout this year, that He would be her source of strength and refresh her spirit, that she would understand that God is her loving Heavenly Father and she could trust Him with the coming days of 2014.

How about you -- will you trust your Heavenly Father with 2014?

Pray for Shosho (grandmother)  Hannah that God would make Himself known to her in amazing ways -- that she would testify to His loving kindness.

Pray for Mwimuto Baptist Church as we gather this Sunday to discuss the exciting ideas we have for ministry this year.

Pray that the Swahili congregation would catch the vision and join us as we minister to people in and around the village of Mwimuto.

A celebration of God's goodness -- a Sema leather story

Years ago, a young family, successfully involved in the business world, was led by God to bring their business knowledge and strategy to the mission field.  Unsure of how God would use them, they were obedient.

 It wasn't until today, many years later, the culmination of years of prayer and hard work have brought folks to the point of celebration and the beginnings of a small business venture confidently placed into national hands.

(An ongoing challenge on the third world mission field is the ability for a pastor to care for his family financially and pastor a church.  Most churches are small with the congregation not able to support their own families financially.  The concept of bi-vocational/tentmaker is one way to help in this area.)

As the missionary family prayed and researched different business avenues, God provided an answer for this particular business endeavor – leather goods.  With many Kenyan tribes being herdsmen, the raw materials would be available. A reliable source was found, craftsmen with ability in leather design were sourced to train leather craft apprentices, possible sales outlets were discovered, and the business plan was in place.

Now for the men who would be involved.  Talent in leatherwork was not a requirement.  The requirement was a heart for God.

Sema Leatherworks began in 2009.

The road has been rough; folks have come and gone within the project.  Yet still, people are learning a skill and are being blessed; but more importantly, many are hearing the Word of the Lord and God is being glorified through this business venture.

The model includes training in church planting, personal evangelism, storying, and discipleship along with leather-craft.  The leather workshop is open four days a week; the remaining three days these pastors go out leading Bible studies and storying groups, doing one to one evangelism, and preaching the Gospel.

Today is not the end of Sema Leatherworks, it is only the beginning…  One of the men involved in Sema from the beginning is in the process of buying the equipment and with the help of two other Sema colleagues, will continue running Sema leatherworks using the same business model. Additionally, four men who trained and worked at Sema have branched out starting their own businesses through the encouragement of Sema leatherworks.

Click here to read some fascinating stories about Sema Leatherworks.

God has certainly brought these faithful men through adversity to stand on the firm foundation of faith in Him.

Pray for the ongoing impact of the Gospel through the faithful witness of these men.

Pray for God to be glorified, keeping the hearts of these men faithful and true to Himself.

As people witness God's hand on these faithful businessmen, pray for doors to open for additional opportunities of sharing the Gospel of Christ in the community.

...a 'good' work or a 'greater' work

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.       James 1:27

There are many “good” works we can do,  but God designs “greater” works for us; works where He is glorified.

Walking down the dirt path, we hear the neighbors and children whisper, “CuCu, (show-show) they are coming to visit, CuCu.”

Meet Hanah Njeri – you can call her CuCu (show-show) or grandmother, in the Kikuyu language.  CuCu Njeri is one of the widows we are visiting today.  

As we enter the one room wooden structure, which is her home; she quickly shoves a plastic dishpan of soapy water out of the way; she has been washing her clothes, she explains.

Looking around the room, I realize how poor this woman is – the room is clean and tidy to be sure, but there is nothing beyond the very basic essentials needed for life – no extras.  She lives without electricity, water, or plumbing of any kind, which means she still carries the water she needs.  Notice on the floor the charcoal burner with the pot on it where she cooks her meals and the oil lamp hanging on the wall above it, her only light at night.  The tin cup on the table is the only cup she owns and we all sit on stools, she has no chairs.  Do you see the light coming in through the gaps in the wall?  

In her younger years, Hanah had only one child which survived, a girl.  After her husband died, Hanah was tasked with raising her daughter alone.  This daughter eventually married and had three children, but the daughter, too, died.  Now Hanah lives alone.  The grandchildren, now 15 – 19 years of age, come and visit on Saturdays every once in a while, not often.  

She has seen much disappointment and grief in her 74 years. 

We have a small gift for CuCu, some corn meal, sugar, rice, a loaf of bread, some soap and Keki (pronounced cake-ee, which is any baked goods with sugar in it) -- homemade banana bread.

While she is grateful for the gift, I believe what is most enjoyable is the visit -- the short time spent together talking about the Lord. 

Margret Atieno is the other widow we visit. She has seven children, the youngest of which still lives at home and is in high school. Her eldest son is currently without a job, it appears he is living with her now as well.

When the suggestion was raised to visit some of the widows of the church and time constraints became an issue,  it was suggested that money be put in an envelope and sent to the chosen widows – now before you gasp in horror you must realize the people in our small service are in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. They have full days of school or work and were looking only at the financial help they could provide – surely everyone could use a bit more money – a “good” work.

“Now I see”, said John, a member of the group who participated on the visitation, “I didn't realize how important the 'visit' would be to these ladies. I can go and just spend some time talking with them about Christ, I don't have to take anything to give them, the gift is my time."

 Many times in the busyness of life, we forget there are CuCu's (grandmothers) or grandfathers or other home-bound people who need a visit from us.  God can use us to demonstrate His care and concern. It could be the difference between a "good" work and a "greater" work.