The recent trip got off to an encouraging start as we boarded with much literature and materials. We were enabled to distribute 100 Bibles, 40 New Testaments over 90 Swahili books and hundreds of Bible study notes and materials including a preaching plan and calendar for the year 2000. Also because of the generosity of God's people we were able to feed at the conferences in Arusha, Mombassa, Nairobi (Buru Buru and Soweto) 300 plus Pastors which adds up to a lot of meals! Next year we will need a lot of wisdom to handle the practical needs of the Pastors as well as feeding them spiritually. In Africa, Living Hope is compared to other ministries as to what is provided beyond the Bible teaching, but we have made it clear what our objectives are, and I am so grateful for the very large number who come to be taught and trained and not for financial gain.

ARUSHA, TANZANIA

THE ARUSHA CONFERENCE

We were so encouraged to see the increase in the numbers of Pastors. Over 80 registered and they came from a number of churches, not all knowing each other. They were appreciative and responsive to the Word of God. We were with Pastor Maina's church in the evening (not a crusade) as the country had been in mourning for their President. They were so welcoming and receptive.

NAIROBI

Peter preached in Stephen's church and eventually I was taken to Salmon's church. His wife had given birth a day or two before and they named him Richard.

MOMBASA

Having left the road and heading into the jungle we eventually came to a little church and house where we were warmly welcomed. We were late but by 10pm a number gathered for a meeting. Later we were taken to Glory Guest House, which though adequate, I am confident was a pale reflection of the glory to come! The next 2 days were very useful in establishing some good relations and laying a foundation of Bible teaching. Again the desire to be taught was very apparent. It proved again that a willingness to go off the beaten track gathers people who do not make the big centres but who are equally needy of being trained and equipped to serve God's people. Praise God 3 accepted Jesus as their Saviour!

NAIROBI / PASTORS

We saw the largest numbers ever as 138 pastors registered over the 3 days. The teaching sessions went well and the Lord touched the lives of many of the Pastors. We were aware that in the area of practical support some had travelled with an expectation that was not possible or appropriate to respond too. However it was very good to see brothers respond very supportively to us, we left knowing there are excellent people to build with now Joseph is with the LORD.

NAIROBI / SOWETO

The crusade at Soweto was very encouraging. This area is so poor and terribly needy. Words cannot adequately describe the conditions that people live in and we were told that other parts of Nairobi were worse. Following the preaching of the Gospel over 3 nights we saw at least 30 profess faith in Christ and 2 testified to God healing them in the area of hearing.

We prayed for a number terminally ill and really felt very humbled to have the opportunity to take the message of Jesus who gives eternal life to them. When we gathered Pastors in this place they were encouraged and again the value of going out to them was emphasized.

SUNDAY / NAIROBI

BAPTISING IN THE POOL

It was good for Peter, David, Sarah and me to be together. We were in Stephen's church in the morning where one professed salvation, then on to another fellowship where unknown to me the text and sermon was the very same preached the previous Sunday! A couple from that church blessed us by taking us to a very nice hotel and paying for a splendid buffet lunch. Fortunately only our luggage was weighed later at the airport, not us! My old friends at Kangemi had asked us to baptise believers in the afternoon. Peter and I baptised 8 and it was a great joy to see the Holy Spirit come on some so evidently as they obeyed the command of the Lord Jesus.

INTO 2000AD

It was so good to have Rev Peter Ali as an active teacher of the Word alongside me. Peter's contribution was very significant and I know the brothers appreciated the variety of having two of us. This is a pattern which I believe is very important for the future. The Lord has clearly blessed the evangelistic contribution of Living Hope this year and so that needs prayer as to how to develop it alongside the teaching and equipping of Pastors. Living Hope has grown so much since 1994 and much prayer about developing and structuring the vast opportunities that GOD has opened up is needed. The TV Saturdays have been good but next year we aim to do some filming or teaching/sharing on Tuesday February 29th, May 30th, Oct 31st & Sat Sept 2nd. More details will be available soon but please book Feb 29th 7.45pm Lancing Tab and then we will share more.

Thank you for all your love and support in 1999. We pray that you and your families will know the peace that Jesus alone can bring this Christmas and in the coming year. We look forward to serving Jesus, the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace and the Everlasting Father with you in the days to come.

GOD BLESS YOU

Elaine, Richard, Paul, Philip, Matthew, Stephen and Jonathan.

 

CHICKEN TAKE-AWAY AFRICAN STYLE

 

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