Dear Friends,

The recent trip was very encouraging in many ways and we thank you so much for praying. Travel in Africa by road is very arduous and the roads are quite a challenge, but the brothers arrived safely at Kasumi (though at 1am Friday) and I arrived safely in Biseruka at 8.30pm and found myself almost immediately in a meeting. This time in Western Uganda was a great opportunity as it is a remote place not used to visitors from the West. Apparently it could have been the first time a conference like this was arranged for them - and to receive Bibles, tapes and studies was unusual.

ATTENTIVE CHILDREN RECEIVE THE WORD OF GOD

The hunger was great for GOD’s word, and 150 gathered - it seemed out of nowhere, to drink in everything they could. They love question times, and it was a real challenge to answer their questions not knowing entirely their position, but I survived and, as long as you are faithful to GOD’s word fend or please that is the priority. It was significant, I feel, to discover pastors, evangelists but very few teachers and scarcely no prophets or apostolic figures. How necessary to build the church with all ministries emerging and functioning.

GOD IS GOOD - WE SING AND SHOUT IT!

The journey from there to Kisumu took 13 hours with just 6 hours break in Kampala. We arrived for a crusade and it was such a joy to see 50 profess faith in Christ and many testify to healing. It was good to see the whole team functioning as people moved among the crowd praying and ministering. We were due to finish Sunday night but they urged us to go back. That evening was also memorable as 22 professed faith in Christ, and many more testified of healing in their bodies.

The pastors’ time in Kisumu had gone well, and 100 had gathered. Many certainly key leaders did not normally come together, so it was a great joy to discover the seminars had brought them to hear the word of GOD. They are keen for some regular training, which is a challenge I need to think through.

BIBLES FREELY GIVEN AT BISERUKA

Back to Nairobi and 3 days with Pastors there. 80 gathered by the last day, which was very encouraging. I aim to send them a preaching plan to try to encourage a wider coverage of scripture. There is a danger of no consecutive teaching and so, of course, one does not want to restrict the flow of the Spirit, but rather encourage a diet embracing the whole counsel of GOD.

TAPES TO TEACH YOUNG LEADERS

The last day in Kawangare was important. Joyce Omollo is doing well and is looking to set up a small business to provide for her, Jairus and Sharon in the future. We will be watching this carefully, and she was very grateful for gifts and expressions of love from you here in the UK. The church was in good heart coming to terms with the loss of Joseph, but it is very difficult indeed in these poor areas. Please pray for Pastor Silla as he and Pastor James seek to carry on the work.

There were many challenges. Clearly resourcing unexpected needs and overcoming the mentality that people from the west have infinite resources is always there, but so many things pointed to GOD’s clear blessing. Even since my return emails, phone calls and letters show that so many really value being taught the Word and receiving materials to equip them to lead their churches.

We distributed 160 bibles, many tapes and hundreds of Studies, plus thousands of gospel leaflets and some Swahili books because of the generosity of GOD’s people here in the UK. Favour with the airline was a great blessing, and being granted resident rates in one hotel because of our missionary work all helped. However, to see pastors hungry for the word and souls saved, bodies healed is a great joy. Thank you for praying for us.

"WE WANT TO BE FED THE WORD OF GOD!"

Now we prepare for November 9-22. I trust to have a TV programme in Kenya by the end of the year. Some resources have come which encouraged me to explore this but we need more and to find favour with the Christian channel called Family TV Kenya.