Living Water in a Barren Land

Better than the hospital

2012-02-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

Praise report from Makindu:

God is good and always faithful. A baby was dumped on an old widow here and her mother ran away. This happened very recently. The mother happened to be a granddaughter of the widow and so the widow naturally took charge of the child. But this great grandchild was sick and malnourished. The widow brought her to the service and asked for prayers and anointing on behalf of the child. But the faith of the widow did not take over and she took the child to the hospital, for the wounds to be attended. But at the hospital, the doctors refused to treat the child and expelled the old widow from the hospital. She came back to prayer meeting and requested prayer for the child again. She had nowhere else to turn but to God this time. Praise the Dear Lord. Within a few days the child was healed of her wounds (it looked like boils, combined with worms and malnutrition, to us). The next Sunday service was a day of joy in the congregation for such a wonderful deed from the Lord.

Then soon after that, another lady was ill. She had been healed directly by the Lord on another occasion before. But this time she chose to go to the hospital. At the hospital, they charged her so much that she was unable to pay. So she came to our house and asked for prayer. At first, we did not feel like the Lord would heal her since she had chosen the doctors initially,* but after her persistence and weeping, we knew she had repented and the Lord would have mercy on her. So we prayed and anointed her. She left and later testified that she was healed instantly (she had been bleeding profusely). It is really wonderful to see how the Lord blesses and encourages.

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Psalm 118:8

*It is the desire of the Lord to heal all of those that come to Him in faith, but He also sees the motives of our hearts and may withhold mercy if we are asking selfishly, and not humbling our hearts before Him. Consider James 4:3. Other Scriptures on healing from God: Malachi 4:2, Matthew 8:16-17, Mark 6:12-13 & James 5:14

Interior Work

2012-02-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

Brother Lawrence has sent a few more pictures of the interior work this past weekend:

Glory to God for another moment to praise and thank Him. We had a blessed service with several visitors today, despite the wet floor and the wet cement on the walls.

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The plastering of some parts of the walls is going on while we await prayerfully to be able to fix the pipes that house the electric wiring. The doors are being welded and should be ready by the middle of the week.

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God has been so good to us. We praise and glorify His name. Without His favor, we can do nothing. We are praying the Lord for funds for electric wiring and the completion of the latrines, etc. But with grateful hearts, we are going on.

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He shall establish

2012-02-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

Brother Lawrence has sent an update on the building progress today:

Praise the Dear Lord!! He is good and faithful and will never leave nor forsake His children, as He promised. Now the building work has started again... The gaps on the walls have now been filled and the walls are ready for plaster. Glory to God. The floor work has already begun and has progressed some. It should be finished this week, if the cement will be enough, but we are going at the speed the Lord allows us to go at. He has done so much for us, we are grateful and happy. He has taken us so far, actually farther than we can be able to describe in words. Glory to God for all His love and mercies. The outside doors have been ordered and are being welded. We have to use metal doors because of the white ants which eat timber. (Our timber is not treated well enough and these ants here would have a feast). The Lord has been so good to us. Praise His holy name!

These children are excited after the Sunday service. Everyone is grateful and happy as they see the answers to prayers for the building to be finished.

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God's purposes are wonderful. They are worth waiting on. Worth suffering for and meditating on. That's because God cares much more about the process and the built-in qualities than the external results. Truly, He works to establish us in Himself.

We start out simply with "raw materials."

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It is the wise builder who sees the full potential. As we face the trials and testings of our faith, I am blessed to consider God's purpose: "But the God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (1 Peter 5:10)

The work on flooring the Bible Center gives us a view of this spiritual process at "the ground level:"

To provide a solid foundation for the cement, the "hardcore" is laid first. Each piece is put in place and beaten level.

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A good example of Ephesians 4:2: "with lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love." No place to get edgy under pressure or exalt oneself...

After the hardcore is pressed firmly together, a wheelbarrow runs down the plank and dumps its load of murram...

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Pressed and smothered? It's time to be looking at the heavenly perspective - "For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called." (1 Cor. 1:26)

Loading and spreading the murram to give a smooth surface for the concrete mix.

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When individual identity is forgotten, and God's will alone matters... that's where the work of God can really begin. "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things, and things which are despised... that no flesh should glory in His presence." (1 Cor. 1:27-29) Praise Him!

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When We Wait

2012-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

We are impatient people. We like to get what we want when we want it. Waiting seems to be something to get "over with." But God is teaching me that there is more. There is much to gain when we wait.

Those in Makindu waited for the Bible Center to get finished. But delays increase appreciation. "Makindu congregation is so grateful to have a place of shelter as they worship and study the word of God," brother Lawrence reports.

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More waiting is needed for windows, doors, and toilets. More waiting before the dream of a trade school can become reality. But the Master of the work is worth waiting on. "The costs are too much for us," the brother says, "but what is impossible for the Lord? What He has done for us so far was unimaginable when we came here. Praise the Lord."

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They waited on Him for rain... for crops to grow.

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Now they wait for the harvest of maize in another month. Expectation grows as they wait. Photo: An elderly sister with several of the orphans in their care.

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They waited for food to be stocked in the stores again - for enough money to buy some. Even these most basic necessities become precious as we wait. When we don't lack, we don't know realize the greatness of our blessings. "Meals after service in this time of famine are a great help to the congregation. We are so grateful to God for food is now available locally at a cheaper rate, as some is now being harvested."

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Yes, God has designed waiting. He has more in the mind than the end result. Delays change our perspective. Our desire may diminish - or increase. Intervening events affect us. We are tested and proved. Where are we turning for answers, for fulfillment? On whom are we waiting?

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him." Psalm 62:5

Do I value what God is able to accomplish - enough to wait on Him?

Praise Report

2011-11-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all that have been praying for the roofing project and famine needs. Brother Lawrence sent in a brief update today:

Praise the Dear Lord for all His great love and grace. We praise the Lord for helping us, at long last, to finish the most difficult part of the building project --the roofing. We are so grateful to God and all those saints who worked so close with us to get this far. Glory to God. By ourselves, we would not have gone this far. Saints here are so grateful that some are spending some time in the building praying, praising, and singing to God for all His gracious deeds to us. The rest can be done slowly and as time and funds allow. Our stalled projects can now be started in January. Praise the Dear Lord for all His goodness. We are so grateful to all of the children of God who so fervently prayed for us and did all they could for God's glory. Amen.

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Also the rains have come and have been falling for the last week. The crops (and other vegetation) are now germinating. There is a great encouragement from the Lord for every one as they see His love and look forward to getting out of the famine by January next year, Lord willing. In about two week's time, the greens will be ready for eating. Praise the Lord.

Roofing Update

2011-11-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Brother Lawrence reports that several iron sheets have now been added to the Center building this week.

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"This is the farthest we are able to go with the roofing, given the resources the Lord had put on our hands," he says. "The Dear Lord has been so gracious as to get us this far. We are now able to use the part of the building that is roofed without having to bake in the sun or getting wet as we used to do before. Praise the Lord.

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"The progress has been slow. but the blessings we have received as we have worked on have been many and wonderful. We plan to fix the iron sheets bit by bit as we get the funds, but we need the Lord's intervention so that the timber will not warp as it gets dried up by the sun. All the same, God has been so good to us. Glory, glory to His name."

Brick upon Brick

2011-11-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it seems we are doing the same thing over again. Repetition is certainly part of life, but it can be hard to find inspiration - especially when the task is difficult, dull or discouraging. It is easier to measure the aches and pains and feel the drag. It is harder to lift our eyes to see the big picture - the heavenly view.

The work begun a year ago on the Bible Center is still proceeding - brick upon brick. Each load has to be hauled up by bucket, which has proved to be heavy, slow work. The Lord has allowed the rains to hold off at this point, for which they are thankful.

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Here is the finished gable on the eastern end. As funds allow, they hope to start attaching the metal roofing sheets this week. Because masons cost more money to hire, the final brickwork may have to wait. But the brother is encouraged that God is able to complete His work in His timing. Let us be praying for this ministry, as the famine is pinching the area quite hard right now.

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Yes, we all desire to see accomplishment. Efficiency and progress are naturally inspiring. But does that mean we should be dragged down when things go slow? When all that before you is another brick, another day of unfinished work? I am encouraged to stop looking for progress and embrace God's purpose in the moment. Am I drawing nearer to Him, learning the lessons and receiving the benefits He has lovingly designed? As in the parable - it wasn't the rock that budged, but the man that grew stronger in pushing it.

Ready for Roofing

2011-11-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

Brother Lawrence updated this morning that the roof is now ready for the metal sheeting. They have enough on hand to get started - "glory to God."

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As the building is prepared for usefulness, let us be praying for those that will be involved in using it. May the work of God prosper in this barren land.

The Shadow of Rain

2011-10-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

The roof trusses are now in place, but there continues to be delay for lack of some needed supplies. Please support this effort in prayer. The rains began on Friday, so another roofless meeting might have a rather different effect this weekend. Brother Lawrence asks prayer that they would not get wet in services.

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A Shadow From the Heat

2011-10-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

So often we don't appreciate blessings until we are in need of them. We don't recognize the benefits of good health and plenty until we are afflicted or in want. And we don't realize how much we need a shadow until we sit in the baking sun.

After several months of preparation, the congregation in Makindu is looking forward to having a roof over their heads. Brother Lawrence reports, "As this, hopefully, is our last day in the hot Savannah sun, we are all so grateful to the Lord."

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The children were the first to gather for the meeting yesterday.

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A little shade is better than none...

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...and in the Lord there is always reason to rejoice.

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Several of the sisters had special songs to share.

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Lord willing, the roof will be completed this week. "Timber for roofing this house has now arrived," Lawrence reports. "Praise the Lord."

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"The trusses being made. Glory to God for all His goodness. This day has been awaited for so long. Thank you, Lord..."

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"A few of the congregation were available to help in the work," Lawrence reports. "but it goes on with the two expert carpenters available."

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Here are the bricks ready to add to the gable side of the roof.

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"The view of the building from a distance. The drainage now needs urgent attention and is our next target," he says.

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Praise the Lord that He knows what we need, and how to supply it in Himself. He is certainly "a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat..." (Isaiah 25:4)

The City of our God

2011-09-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

Jesus said, "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid" and so we see that the light of God shed abroad in our lives draws the seeking souls all around. Brother Lawrence reports: "Here at Makindu, we have many attending the services now. We are using the building even thought it is not yet roofed. God is dealing with hearts in such a way that we are sitting so many hours answering questions. Several have been coming from the other areas around Makindu. Please, pray for us to always walk in, and be led by, the Spirit as we try to feed the hungry souls." Several of the ministers that had attended the August meeting report on how the Lord has inspired and dealt with them. Praise God for His faithfulness!

The timber for roofing the center is now ready and they hope to be fixing the trusses this week. Extra time is needed to brush chemicals on the wood to prevent termite and weevil problems. They are praying that the Lord would enable them to finish before the rains, which are due in late October. Also, they have been advised to enlarge the drainage pits, which will cost extra time and money. But the vision for the work continues to unfold as God leads and blesses the labors. There is no cause to doubt His resources to carry on His work, both in the spiritual and temporal realms. May we crown Him Lord and King to "do as He will with us to advance His Kingdom," as the dear brother says.

Psalm 48 describes it well: "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Let mount Zion rejoice... because of Thy judgments. Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. Mark you well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that you may tell it to the generation following. For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death." (v. 1, 11-14)

Beyond Ourselves

2011-09-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

The work of God is always beyond our resources or abilities. Though the Makindu ministry has been strengthened and encouraged through the recent meetings, there continues to be physical hindrances. After traveling to the Mount Kenya region for some God-appointed visits at the beginning of this month, brother Lawrence states: "we were grounded with exhaustion." He and his wife suffer from head and backaches with such trips, he explains. "I believe it is fatigue that goes with old age. These things slow me somewhat. So I have a backlog of work now. Please, pray for us to be blessed with a vehicle. It would ease up matters a lot."

They were greatly encouraged that funds were provided for roofing the Bible Center, and plans were made to start last week. "However, the people we had given the order for timber did not deliver," he says. "So we had to give others the order and we are expecting the timber any time now. We have had to pay a lot more than we wanted to, which has eroded the funds we had for the iron roofing sheets. But we are hoping to make up for this in adding the iron sheets slowly, bit by bit, on the timber."

The desire for people to receive spiritual light and to live to glorify God is the burden of his heart. "I know it will come, for we have began seeing God moving in wonderful ways," he writes. "Please, please, pray on. The true church of God, where God is given the right of glory, ownership and rule is just beginning to shine forth in this area amidst the denominational organizations which have influenced the lives of the people. It will take time for the inbred habits to be cleaned out of the lives of the saints and for them to lift God always."

The counsel of Psalm 118:8-9 is true: "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes." It is better. It will end up right. Let us look beyond people and circumstances and places and things to the Author and Finisher of our faith. He alone is worthy of our confidence. Amen.

Laborers Together

2011-09-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

The Spinks have returned from their Makindu mission trip with much to tell. Sunday evening was spent recounting their experiences with a photo slide show, and we rejoice to see God at work. It is a privilege to share in His labors in this far corner of the vineyard.

The blessings flowed in little ways...

Excited children hold up their colorful "Jesus Loves Me" bookmarks.

Almonds proved to be a favorite treat.

The literature table was crowded after every service.

The intensive week of meetings brought the ministers close as they shared burdens and labored together.
Standing together in the new Bible Center building.
Inspecting drying bricks, handmade with the local clay soil.
Brothers Lawrence, Mark, and Alvin working together on technical details.
A special kinship developed with Winnie and Melvin, as the Lord united hearts for the spiritual burden-bearing.

The trips to three outlying congregations gave more insight into the great needs these people face, while providing experience in spiritual warfare.

At Mbisu Mbiu on Friday...
Brother Melvin interprets the message.
Interceding for those that came forward with prayer requests.
As typical of these places, food was cooked over a simple fire pit in the kitchen hut.

And James Benson's congregation on Saturday...

A sister shares her testimony. Here and there were those overflowing with God's goodness.
An aged man testifies to being saved from witchcraft, which is a common recourse in this land.
The simple brick meeting house and kitchen hut.

Sunday was spent with Anastasia's congregation...
There were many children and youth at the meeting here.
And the burden for spiritual substance was very heavy on the preachers.
A special meal was served outside... and Anastasia asked for a prayer of dedication for her new meeting house.

Back in Makindu, they enjoyed last visits and good-byes.
Kenyan hospitality includes handwashing before meals - here at the Lawrence home.
A family photo: Josephine & Alvin (parents of oldest boy and twins), Wilma (and son), Mike, Evalyn, Joyce and Lawrence.
Dominic with his family - the youngest a new baby that his wife was told she could never have. They praise the Lord for His healing power!
Winnie and Melvin wave good-bye. Soon it is time to leave the dusty roads for the highway north to Nairobi and the flight home.

"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." - Psalm 126:6

Let Them Come...

2011-08-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

The gospel meeting at Makindu this week was held in a rented hall, with daily services Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

People traveled from as far as Meru, near Mount Kenya (here brother Edward leads the service)

and the coastal city of Mombassa (a new young couple, Winnie and Melvin).

Some were curious, some hungry.

By God's blessing, there was food to nourish the body...

and Bread of Life to feed the soul. Here brother Lawrence translates for brother Mark. He reports, "He has been so blessed of the Lord that he preached for two days walking about in the rostrum and even jumping in praise to God. Thank you for prayers."

The ministers' wives, Joyce and Elois, served together in the kitchen.

Others shared the blessings of salvation through song.

The youth and their teacher were especially blessed to participate in the meetings.

James (center) has asked that a meeting be held at his congregation at Kawala, on Saturday. On Sunday the doors have been opened to go out to Anastasia's (in green) congregation at Kibwezi.

It is a joy and privilege to be one of those who have tasted of the living water and eaten from the tree of life. But it is even more wonderful to be able to share such blessings with the needy in the world around us.

"And the Spirit and the Bride say 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' And let anyone who is thirsty come. And let whosoever will take of the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17

And "let the little children come, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Love of God Shed Abroad

2011-08-16T09:26:00.001-07:00

It is a great privilege to know the love of God shed abroad in our hearts. Certainly it is a treasure too good to keep to ourselves, and we can say with Paul "the love of Christ contraineth us." It calls us to consider the needy, to extend our energies to distant lands and cultures, to rejoice with others who "know the joyful sound" and pray for those who are distressed and afflicted.

We thank the Lord for the report from Makindu this week. When the announcement was given for the upcoming meeting, there was "a great stir among the youth," brother Lawrence says. "They wanted to come together to learn songs to use in the meeting. They came in, and for a week they had been in prayers and preparation for the meeting."

Though the building is still unfinished, it gives opportunity for classes to be held. This young sister has consecrated to help teach the youth.

Here an older sister (already a great-grandmother) gives instruction to the class. Brother Lawrence was encouraged to see his youngest son, Mike (seated in white), participate as well. For the last few months he has been seeking God and now testifies of the Lord's salvation. Certainly, "we love Him because He first loved us." Praise Him!

From experienced teachers to enthusiastic youth, seasoned believers to babes in Christ, this week's camp meeting has been much anticipated and planned for. Thank the Lord that He is able to meet the needs of the human heart and shed abroad His love in every soul that will yield to Him!

Sunday's message was given by the visiting minister from America, Mark Spinks, on God's perfect creation and the fall of man. Here the ministers and their wives pray with those that have come forward to seek God. Please pray for the Word of God to have free course in the meetings, and that the Holy Spirit will empower and illumine human hearts.

The desire is to hold meetings all this week, as God provides. Please pray for this field of labor. We are trusting the Lord to multiply the limited resources to meet the need!

Our Little in His Hands

2011-08-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

The multitudes were hungry. They had come long distances and the wilderness didn't offer much to live on, but they had pressed out to hear Jesus. Now it was getting late and there was nothing to eat. Nothing? Well, only a little boy's lunch. Not enough for a hungry man. Certainly nothing to meet the need of the masses. But the Master said, "Bring it to me." And He gave thanks for the little that was placed in His hand, because He knew what He could do with it.

Today, as two dear children of God in America board their plane for Kenya, the image is the same. The need for these meetings in Makindu is too great for any person or group of people to ever reach. But we serve a great and mighty God. His power is not limited by famine or drought. His love is not stopped by culture or nationality. His Spirit is able to reach the deepest and most complex needs of society - and to divide between the thoughts and intents of every soul. How precious to put our little in His hands and sit down in expectation of what He can do!

Ask of Me

2011-07-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Asking. It seems a simple thing to do, but how often do we desire enough to really seek an answer?

Sometimes we are too busy to care.
Sometimes we are ashamed of being needy.
Sometimes we are afraid of being turned down.
Sometimes we think we've asked enough already.

There are limits to asking, aren't there? We've been taught that being dependent on others is avoiding our own responsibility. It isn't their job to carry our load, after all. And other people don't have all the answers, either. We all come to the end of our resources at some point... all of us humans, that is.

But there is one who says "Ask" and "Ask largely" and "Ask of Me and I will give..." Do we know that loving heart of generosity? Have we come close enough to see His vision of our need? Do we really desire to receive what He has to offer? Do we care enough for the need to ask, and ask largely?

As the needs for the August meeting in Makindu pile up, let us be asking God for what He has to give. He is not limited. And His vision of the need goes so much farther and deeper than our own.

We see the unfinished building, completed to rafter height and awaiting a roof (which cost seems prohibitive right now).

We see the people, spiritually and physically needy.

And those eager to share truth, yet still so young in their faith and understanding.

Here Alvin testifies - he is "living by his Bible" and speaks of God at every opportunity, but still needs God's equipping and sanctifying for ministry

Brother Dominic Malonza, who ministers at Mbisu Mbiu. The Lord has healed his wife, and they are now expecting a baby.

Dominic introducing the congregation to prophesy.

Brother Philip and his wife, sister Niomi, leading the singing in the Kimooini congregation.

In all these needs and burdens, what does our God see? What is possible in Him?

"Ask of Me, and I shall give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession." Psalm 2:8

The Walls Go Up!

2011-07-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord, steady progress has been made at the Bible center this past week. With the goal of having the building ready for the August camp meeting, it is encouraging to see the work prosper under God's blessing.

Since the "ring-to" beams have been remade...

and the bricks are fired and ready...

it was time to begin!

July 3
The "water man" unloads his valuable cargo after a 2 kilometer (a little over a mile) ride.

Since it was possible to purchase cement, the mud and brick partition walls have been torn down and solid new stem walls are going up.

July 7
With the skill of a crew of masons, the brick partition walls are making good progress.

The front of the center is complete and ready for the wall plate.

This happy worker carries the bricks to the masons. He has shown interest in attending the meetings, but is still unsaved.

A view of the interior subdivision from the auditorium.

It is such a blessing to see all those bricks put to good use!

July 10
A view of the center from the outside of the auditorium.

The partition walls for the interior rooms are almost ceiling high now. Brother Lawrence is especially blessed to see the quality of the rebuilt ring-to beam: "See how straight and nice it looks? Praise be to the Lord for all His goodness."

Here is the work crew that has poured their skill and time into it.

The interior walls are almost complete now...

...and the end is in sight!

There is still the roof to be done and much needed to finish the building, but we praise the Lord for help each step of the way!

Let Not a Grain Be Lost

2011-07-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth more than words sometimes. And here is one that illustrates both the value of physical food in the drought-ridden Savannah and the spiritual burden of the Makindu ministry as a whole.

Here are some of the recent labors at Mbisu Mibu (bee-soo bee-oo), where physical and spiritual food were dipped out to the hungry:

Let not a grain be lost - each one is needed to fill a hungry stomach.

Let not the Word be left unread - each holds the enduring truth of life.

Let not a soul be left untaught - each one is precious to the Father's loving heart.

Let not the seeking be despised - each has been offered an audience with the King.

Let not a joyful note be quenched - each reflects but a glimmer of His due praise.

Let not strangers (girls in uniform) be turned away - perhaps there is one "whose heart the Lord has touched."

Let not our wealth stifle our gratitude - here rice and green peas are received with gladness!

Let us not grow weary in well doing - these sisters (Lawrence's wife, Joyce, and Philip's wife, Naomi) have prospered the work of God by their faithful efforts.

Are we valuing "the day of small things" as earnestly?

Precious, hungry souls.
Let us not miss the opportunity - we don't know when it will pass.

Tested and Tried

2011-06-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

Though the labors have been long and tedious, the Bible Center continues to make progress. Like all that we endeavor in life, it is the trials that prove us and our work.

Before progress could be made, the poorly-constructed "ring-to" beams had to be demolished. This had been one of the main hindrances to the work. Lawrence states, "Parts of the walls and windows that had not been done are also going up. Praise the Lord. The happy end is in sight."

Meanwhile, firewood has been gathered to begin firing the bricks. The stack has been covered with cow dung to contain and distribute the heat.

The firing begins.

Suddenly, disaster hits! Yes, we are "tried by fire" indeed. Some weakness in the design or method has been revealed. As the dear brother puts it, "Ah, the fight is still going on. Part of the burnt bricks collapse. Even when the road seems to reach the end, the fight is hot. We must keep looking to the Lord till the end."

Lawrence in the fight. Blow by blow, the work will go on.

The fires are lighted again.

And the burning out begins as the fire does its work. Are we letting the trials in our lives perfect and purify us?

As dusk falls, Alvin is at it.

Isn't it a privilege to be part of the Lord's building? Not only in these temporal endeavors, but much more as we are made a "habitation of God" by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. With Job of old can we say, "He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold"?

This morning's update from brother Lawrence states:
We praise God for blessings on the building work so far. The "ring-to" is now half way repaired. We demolished the bad one and also the partitioning of the building. By Saturday, I am told the "ring-to" will be complete. The roofing of the building will be the next undertaking. Please, pray for this other part. The bricks are about ready now. God worked a wonder by stopping the stack from tumbling down. Praise the Lord.

Yes, thank the Lord for grace and courage to keep pressing on. It is time to count our blessings.

Meeting at Kimooini

2011-05-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

Brother Lawrence reported on a blessed meeting at Kimooini last weekend, despite the long walk to get there.

The trail (a 5 mile "short cut") took them through an area that is flourishing from underground springs that come from Mount Kilimanjaro, which is located SE of Makindu, in Tanzania.

Here is a view of Kilimanjaro, covered with clouds.

"The poor populace that lives around here uses the trees for their own survival and the area for grazing their animals," he notes. "The Lord has simply made a way for them to survive in this poor area. Glory to His name."

"For the young people, it took only two hours to get to Kimooini. But for us older people it took about three hours. But we were in time for services, praise the Lord."

Here is the youth/children's service. There are around 70 people total in the Kimooini congregation, with most being seekers and around 10 newly saved. Brother Lawrence is glad to see what God is doing among them, though time will tell where their hearts are.

Here the sisters are preparing rice for the afternoon meal.

He adds: "These people are desperate for a reasonable building. Land is so cheap that we feel we can easily acquire that in good time, but they will need a building. They are so poor that we have to train some in income generating skills. Please, pray for this as we ourselves have simply not much time to earn our own upkeep and to spare to train others freely."

Weary miles, aching legs, grains of rice, helping hands, seeking hearts... these all are part of the work of God, which we catch but the smallest glimpses of now.

What will God do when we offer Him what we have?

The Joy of the Lord is our Strength

2011-05-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

If you had stopped by the work site last week, you would have come upon a busy scene of activity:

Philip and Alvin continue to help build the firing stack...

...while a delighted group of children get their picture taken. Duncan and Dorcus (see September 2010) are among those helping. Isn't a joy to see their happy faces?

The goal of making 8,000 bricks was finally met last Saturday, and laid out to dry:

When the stacking is completed, a coating of cow manure will be added "which will help to spread the fire evenly within the stack of bricks" we are told.

Meanwhile a second drainage pit is being dug.

"The work is going on slowly," Lawrence reports, "but we are grateful to the Dear Lord for all His goodness. Please, continue to pray for us."

Yes. Whether physical or spiritual, the work does go on slowly. We need patience and endurance. And we need the joy of the Lord as our strength.

Here, a two hour walk from Makindu, brother Alvin joins the Kimooini congregation for worship. "Alvin is a friend of the children," his father says. "He loves to play with them."

Friendship and fellowship are encouraging. But it is in the presence of God that we find true refreshment for the labors of life.

Jesus is the living water and the bread of life in the midst of a weary, barren land. "Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," He says. What better reason do we have to rejoice than when we have His peace in our souls?

It is brother Philip who leads the congregation here.

Though he lives in Makindu, he travels to minister to those at Kimooini. "He was in a Penacostal Movement that had him confused," says brother Lawrence, "and the Lord led Him out. He is learning truth and doing all his best to live it. He has some way to grow, but that is the Lord's work when the individual is humble and hungry. Please, pray for him and his family."

Firing bricks

2011-05-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

To complete the brick making process, the clay blocks have to be fired. Here Philip is at work making the "firing stacks."

Brother Lawrence describes the Kenyan method of firing:
The bricks are arranged in such a way that there is a space left between the bricks at the bottom of the stack. This space is used for firewood.

A fire is lit when the stack is well arranged and covered with mud. The bricks bake to a reddish color and are very durable.

And I believe there is a parallel lesson in the making of our lives. We are only "earthen vessels" after all, but the Master knows just how to make our lives useful and durable for His purposes. He buries us so that He might burn us out.

Here is the description of one who had experienced it: "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:7) Those fiery trials don't feel like praise and honor and glory - they are steaming hot! But by believing we are promised a beautiful result. And that is something to rejoice about, isn't it?

Not in Vain

2011-05-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

We need a vision that goes beyond the present struggle. It is so easy to feel the monotony, the lack of results, the endless demands and ask ourselves "am I making any difference, after all?"

Brother Lawrence reports about progress at the building site: We are no longer expecting the heavy rains and the brick making season has come. The work has now taken a full swing at the site...We have to fetch water on bicycles and a wheel barrow some two miles away. We must be careful of the meager finances and I personally have to supervise the work most of the time (in between several weekly Bible studies). So it is going slowly, but we are blessed as we work.

It is only the red clay soil...

It is only one bicycle load of water (and two miles is a long way to carry it)...

Lawrence (below) inspects the bricks for defects. They will be used for the partition walls inside the main building.

It is only a brick... only a bit of mortar... only an earthen wall...

...but it is building upon faith in a living God.
And it is not in vain.

Brother Philip (left) has been a helpful support at the building site.

Isn't it encouraging?
When we give the little we have, whole-heartedly, into the hands of God...
When we set out to trust Him... with no turning back
When we contend in prayer, meeting each doubt with a promise...
When we come boldly to the throne of grace... acknowledging our limitations and need (no matter how great it is)...
will we be disappointed?
No, it is there our Father's full giving is only begun.

Though no rains have fallen, the water drops still send a message of Divine faithfulness. He doesn't forget.

Our little, committed into the hands of the living God, will never be in vain.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord

2011-04-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

Where does your joy come from?

I enjoy the fresh beauty of spring, with the promise of life all around me. The beautiful, the hopeful, the encouraging... these give joy. But what about the disappointments and distresses of life? What about when your best efforts fail and hope withers before your eyes?

Where can joy be found then?

I have learned that circumstances will change. People will disappoint me. Life's treasures don't endure. But the everlasting God, the Author and Finisher of my faith, remains true. Whatever I may face in this life, I can rejoice in Him.

The rainy season for the Savannah is nearly over, and Lawrence reports:
We have not yet had rains around Makindu. The crops have now began withering away. But the Dear Lord has blessed the area with underground water from the nearby plains. Several people are growing food there ...which has found its way the market, if only one can afford to pay for it. Some people find jobs in the little farms easily though the food is so expensive! We can now get green maize, vegetables and some fruits-- watermelons are plenty. Praise the Lord for all His goodness.

The cow peas are surviving. They tower above the green peas and are flowering in this drought. How wonderful the Dear Lord is!

Though rain is unheard of in May, the dear brother asks for a special mercy.

See Lord's wisdom and beautiful handiwork. Who can design better than our God? Far beyond the dark ranges on our side of Kenya, we could see the outline of the great Kilimanjaro... Do you see the snow stripes covering its top? Our God is a wonderful Master planner. See the hope of rains in the dark clouds? God is wonderful and His promises are sure. Please pray that the Dear Lord will send us rain once more.

Whether the crops dry out or not, the Lord is our shield. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2)

We are very encouraged to see the Lord blessing souls in "the midst of the storm." I was healed miraculously of some very painful spasms in my neck that have lasted about a week. Then we have seen some newly saved people showing real marks of sanctification. It is wonderful.

Oh, and how much sweeter is the eternal spring of joy than any reflection down here! The beautiful and bright and hopeful are just the smallest glimpse of that glory above. Our Heavenly Father withholds the lesser blessings that we may discover the greater. But will we? Only in turning our eyes from the temporal can we know the unending delights of heaven.

Will you find your joy in Him today?

Where are we looking?

2011-04-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

It makes a big difference.

I'm thankful that there is more to living for God than mere optimism. After all, He is the LIVING GOD. But the choice of where we look is still up to us. It is very easy to filter everything through our physical needs, instead of having our hearts softened by the spiritual. "Have ye your hearts yet hardened?" Jesus asked his disciples when their lack of food took away their spiritual perception. "Having eyes, do you not see ... or remember?" (Mark 8:17-18) How often do we forget the abundance of God's care as we look at the needs around us? It is time to turn our vision heavenward. God is not limited. Let us open our eyes to see and remember!

In the midst of drought and famine, God knows how to provide. Brother Lawrence reported on great spiritual blessings in the services on Sunday: "The Lord's presence was so much with us, for which we praise and glorify His name. I have never see the Holy Spirit so powerfully as I saw today, with a good number... crying and rejoicing for deliverance. Thank you, dear ones, for your prayers."

We are thankful that many who have been caught by a false idea of spirituality are being awakened to the cleansing and keeping power of God. The burden for ministering to these people is very great, both spiritually and physically, and continuing prayer is desired.

They plan to begin working on the center again on Wednesday, Lord willing. "Please pray that we now get a part of the building ready this time," he asks. "We look forward to using it for the glory of God."

The brother also related thanksgiving for the ability to go buy food, noting that "it is so scarce and expensive here at Makindu that we have to go far to get it. It is about finished in the stores. The rains seem to have gone again and the green young shoots that had sprouted from the few showers we got are now starting to wither... the famine is so heavy on people now."

It is time to look more to God.

When God Limits

2011-04-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write earlier, but when God limits us it is for our good. It qualifies us to share depths that far outreach our flights of fancy. And we need the deep well of living water in times like this.

After all, it is a time of crisis. Perhaps our mind rivets on the big ones. Earthquakes and tsunamis that turn society upside down. Perpetual drought and famine that drain all resources and vitality. But we all face crisis situations. We feel the stretch of being at our limit. When the stresses of life wash over our head, or a difficult situation drags out unbearably long. Crises are the things that show us our need of God more than anything else. It is at times like these that we find out where we are building - the unshaken Rock or the shifting sands.

Some dangers are harder to recognize. It is easy to see the crisis of being deprived of our resources, our loved ones, our health, or our sanity. But what struck a cord with me recently was the reality of another type of crisis altogether. I was looking over a life summary of king Hezekiah described as four crises. The first was the choice to forsake his father's idols, where he emerges as righteous king. Later, in the crises of enemy invasion and sickness, his faith takes hold of God and mighty miracles are wrought. But it is in the crisis of prosperity that he fails.

Prosperity.
That's what we are all after, aren't we?
And surely that's why we need a God who limits us. We don't know when we have too much. We don't know when we getting "too big for our britches" and setting our hopes on air castles, instead of the mansions eternal. So, in faithful love, our heavenly Father crosses our wills and reproves our attitudes.
Do we then bawl and kick like a rebellious child?
Give the cold shoulder to such cruel authority?
Let us not miss the heart of it all! He strips us "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness." (Heb. 12:10) Breaks up our rough earth and wrenches out our vain desires that He might grow His fragrant lilies there.
How are we responding to being reduced?
It is time to catch a vision of the beauty He is after!

It also puts a heavenly perspective on the recent news from Makindu. As usual, progress is painstakingly slow.

Among other spiritual labors, Lawrence updates on the Bible Center: We have been collecting the building stone for quite a long time. It is slow work as we cannot engage transport as we did at the beginning, so we transport it slowly using the bicycles. It will be some time till we will be able to collect enough at this rate. We also had to make bricks and burn them--just by ourselves as we are not able to engage paid labor. We will be sending some photographs as soon as we start the building work again.

And regarding the drought conditions: The rains came quite heavily on the night of 18th March and never came back again. It rained enough to get the vegetation sprouting again, but we could not sow until we had enough rains to get the seeds germinating. Now as I write, it is cloudy and we are expecting the rains to fall any time now. Praise the Lord.

Among the many blessings of being limited by God is our greater awareness of His mercies and goodness. It is a privilege to be small enough to fit in God's hand, and to witness Him working moment by moment. Let us not despise the day of small things.

To the Least of These

2011-02-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

Children need love, guidance, security, as any caring parent knows. How desperate is their situation when bereft of such necessary care! When we see the suffering of neglect on a little one's face, do see our call of duty? Do we respond in the love of our heavenly Father, who continually seeks to restore the desolate?

The pictures above show a group of children that gathered for a meeting in Mbisu Mbiu. "Twelve are orphans," we are told.

Ministering to the "fatherless and widow" is very much a part of the labors God has given his servants in this dry Savannah region. Besides Dorcas and Duncan and other orphans under the care of their aged grandmothers (see September 2010), Lawrence introduces us to the Musyoka family.

"We met Emily in church," the minister explains. "She described her experiences with her maimed grandmother and siblings. We were touched by her story and we went to visit them in their place of residence."

She has two brothers, David (above) and John. "The grandmother cannot work because her hands were permanently injured, and also she is old. She takes care of these three who lost both their father and mother years ago. They have been housed by a well wisher in a house he has built beside his home. They depend entirely on help for food, clothes and educational needs."

Brother Lawrence shares: "We are grateful to God to have met them, as the grandmother has given herself to the Lord after Emily. We enjoy services with them at their house in the middle of the week. Please pray for them."

It is these "least" that our Lord identifies with closest. Isn't that a precious thought? Though the demands are high and the work involved, we are promised His blessing and help to bring up and nurture them in the Lord. (Eph 6:4; Deut. 11:18-19) The brother asks for prayer to be given "the needed wisdom, strength, and consecration to spiritually care for these young and old ones, until they can be able to physically fend for themselves and stand firmly in the Lord.

We teach the poor that they should seek the Kingdom of God first, and that the earthly goods would be added to them afterward (Matt. 6:33)," he states, seeking to live to the same standard himself. His guiding principal for this outreach to these needy ones is: "'Teach a man how to catch a fish and you have fed him for life.' We have seen how the free handouts have ruined people's lives and encourage them to live in poverty, as they fail to look to God for wisdom to work to lift themselves out from poverty."

The desire is to train the orphans in self-sustaining skills that will help them be a blessing to others. Please pray for this need, as it has been stalled due to the lack of a building to work in. Based on the command in James 1:27, the brother concludes, "We have placed ourselves in the hands of the Lord to be used as He wills so that these souls are helped."

Though there be no maize in the field...

2011-02-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

The drought has settled in around Makindu. The blasted corn crop pictures the days of famine ahead for these poverty-stricken people:

From where will their help come?
Recently brother Lawrence traveled to visit some of the people in their homes.

Here Dominic shares his testimony at a Bible study. "He is a very humble brother, very keen to know the truth and live it," the minister says. "He is learning slowly, after the Lord healed his wife of a serious case of ulcers. She was hospitalized for two years, but she never got healed. When we met, she was desperate and hopeless. But the Lord has now healed her and they are rejoicing."

This sister is newly saved, and was "very happy after the service in her home."

Here brother Dominic stands in his failed maize crop. "Not a single maize cob to harvest. He had a reasonable harvest of beans however, which is family is now enjoying. He shared some with us," Lawrence says.

Despite the reality of hard times ahead, these people are finding reason to rejoice. As Habakkuk of old, is it not our privilege to lift our eyes above the circumstances...

to the Maker of heaven and earth, the God of our salvation? Let us continue to pray for these dear ones as they look to their very present Help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Strengthened for the Work

2011-01-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

There are many obstacles against progress in life. I believe discouragement is one of the worst. When the work on the new center building was begun last fall, there was much willing help and enthusiasm. Diligent effort, time, and money was poured into the effort. And the visible results cheered us all.

Then came the set backs. The fall rains eroded masonry and revealed weaknesses in the "ringto" beams. Orders for roofing timbers were delayed, and costs just kept multiplying... Time was put into other efforts and the building that was suppose to be the cornerstone of the work in Makindu has begun to take on the reproach of Jesus' parable. "All that behold it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build, and was not able to finish.'" (Luke 14:30)

Dear ones, are we looking at the crumbling walls with apathy and discouragement? Here the words of one who faced the rubble of a desolate city: "Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach." (Nehemiah 2:17) It is time to be encouraged, and remember that this is not our work, but God's. As the people of Jerusalem responded, "Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." (v. 18)

We need to be strengthened. God calls us to a good work. Not only the building up of earthly walls and buildings, but the constructing of eternal truths in lives around us. Do the "waste places" and "desolation of many generations" look impossible to restore? If we look at our resources and limitations, the obstacles are truly great. We need to look higher. We need to consider instead the ability of our God and remember that "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it" (Phil. 1:6) and "Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it." (1 Thess. 5:24) He is the Lord of all the earth. Is anything too hard for Him?

Let us pray for one another and encourage one another in the work that God has laid before us!

In God's Hands

2011-01-08T11:07:00.001-08:00

What better place to be?

It is our natural desire to change our circumstances to avoid pain and suffering. No hunger, no labor, no impossibilities. And in doing so we would lose the best things of life. Where would be compassion? Love? Faith? As the songwriter said, "If I had the choosing of my pathway, in blindness I would go astray..." How much better to trust our lives into the loving hands of our faithful Creator! He knows best how to truly satisfy our needs.

Today's update from Makindu echoes this confidence. Though the crops are drying up and God has withheld the much-desired rain, Brother Lawrence reports: God is not uncaring. We went to the garden of Bro. Dominic Malonza, and his testimony was: "God singled me out in this drought." His bean crop has done wonderfully well, whereas the crop has failed in several other gardens. Praise the Lord for all His care for His children, for He has said, "...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Heb.13:5).

We have accepted the Lord's will in these matters and have submitted to Him to learn whatever He has for us to learn in this drought, which is now taking its toll of the crops. We still have greens available and people have not become desperate yet. If the rains come, some will harvest some maize. The animals will have fodder till the next rains if they come in April/May. So we have a lot to thank and praise the Lord for.

However, we have experienced from the past that famine causes people to seek God more seriously. So we have begun asking God to work things in such a way that more will turn to Him and look to Him for help and deliverance - not only from sin, but also all other things hindering souls from getting closer to Him.

Yes, Amen. In the Father's will every request is granted. In His hands we are safe. There is no better place to be.

Will there be a Harvest?

2010-12-31T15:58:00.000-08:00

Every farmer wants a harvest. It is the purpose of all his planning and hard work. And it is the desire of every laborer in the Master's vineyard to see fruit. Yet it is not guaranteed. It is possible to spend weeks and months, even years, of labor and be disappointed at last. Do we value the harvest enough to keep contending for it?

Much spiritual sowing and laboring continues in the fields Brother Lawrence and his wife have been called to. Although the meetings mentioned in the last post were cut short, it soon became evident that God had appointed the change in plans so they could go minister to some elderly people in the Mount Kenya area.

Lawrence (standing with his wife) held several meetings for these dear folks, with a large attendance. "Please,pray for these old people and the neighborhood," he writes. He is also thankful to report that an elderly couple nearing death seemed clear with the Lord. Others, like the fig tree in the parable, are found with a fruitless profession. Please pray that God's faithful digging will bring a response.

The physical needs of the Makindu area are also much on the minister's heart. Though the maize and bean crops have grown well, a final rain is very much needed. We see in the green fields the hope of next year's food supply - if there is a harvest.

Because of the replenished water supply from the earlier rains, this brother has been able to irrigate his fruit orchard. The maturing oranges (above) and mangoes (below) promise sweet reward for his labors.

Like in most temporal cares of life, the spiritual effects are not far away. The pressing needs of life bring us to the end of our resources and require us to seek for help. We know the parable Jesus told of the poor widow and the unjust judge. Though it illustrated the need to "pray and not to faint," how often does the "unanswered yet" prayers seem in vain? Listen to our Lord's conclusion: "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." (Luke 18:7-8) Do we believe Him?

Will we neglect to pray for these dear people? There is expectant, faith-filled patience for us to learn in our labors. "Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until they receive the early and latter rain." (James 5:7)

"Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?"

The Water of Life

2010-12-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord, another season of rain has been given to the Makindu area! To those familiar with the barren outlook of continual drought, these prospering fields are a vision of hope and promise:

Though the rains were heavy enough to collapse a meeting house roof, they were a much-sought-for answer to prayer. In this land of continual struggle to survive, water is truly the source of life. Please remember them in prayer as they continue to tend their crops and trust God to supply their daily needs.

I am reminded of Ezekiel's vision (chapter 47) that describes the river that flows from the sanctuary, bringing life wherever it goes. We are told that the banks are lined with trees that produce a continual supply of fruit. Such bounty is enjoyed in the Mt. Kenya district which the minister visited recently:

Bananas

Pawpaws

Mango, Avacado, Macadamia nut trees

and Passion fruit flourishes. The possibility of having such abundance for the picking seems ideal, but it is sobering to note that it hasn't produce spirituality in the soul. Instead of the fruit of godliness and faith and love, spiritual corruption and mere profession abound in the Mt. Kenya region. How many forfeit spiritual life for the comforts of earthly wealth and prestige!

Beginning last Friday, an extended meeting began in Makindu with many traveling to attend. Let us remember this effort to offer truth to the spiritually thirsty, as the Lord lays it on our hearts. Brother Lawrence writes: "Opposition in various ways is very high, but we know the Lord never lost a battle. All is for our good. Praise the Dear Lord !!"

The potential for a fruitful harvest is possible because of the Water of Life, which is not limited by the barren circumstances. It is Jesus that makes all the difference, for He came that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

A Time to Root

2010-11-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

This season of "Thanksgiving" is a time to appreciate the abundance in our lives. Not just the plentiful food, but the comforts of home and the love of family and friends. These blessings don't just happen, do they? Many are suffering from the lack of them in very real ways. All around me I see people living in starvation in the midst of a land of plenty. Why?

It is a question worth digging into. Like in many other problems of life, the answers are buried for us to search out.

Take a look at the situation in Makindu for instance. As I marvel at the flourishing landscape, so transformed by the recent rains, it is hard to image that the famine conditions are becoming more severe.

"This is an expansive plain with an underground river that is used for animals in the dry weather," Lawrence explains. "Cows, goats and sheep graze here freely, with each person caring for his own. There is plenty of fodder coming up in the rainy weather. See how green the shrubs have become already? If the rains continue the bushes will grow higher and become more succulent."

"Goats are the main source of income for the average person here. Adult goats sell in the market for about 3000 Kenya shillings (around US $ 40)."

Grazing livestock on green pastures. Is there anything more beautiful or inspiring? This picture of abundance, like so much that is good in life, isn't mere chance. It is made possible by the unseen millions of rootlets that have thrust deep into the soil to drink. What difference would the rain make if there were no roots to claim it? It is also the result of investment and sacrifice. Please pray for the families in this area that are seeking the Lord for the means to become more self-supporting.

Here are the new maize crops after the first weeks of rain. But now the land is drying up again. The precious seed was planted and the water brought it to life, but unless it roots deep what hope does it have? Like the seed sown in the rocky ground, will it be scorched in the Kenya heat and wither away for lack of being established? "Please, pray that God returns the rains back and gives us enough. Otherwise the famine in the area will be long and painful."

I can't but think human souls are in the same condition. Unless we take hold of the water of life that God has sent our way, and root down deep, today's successes don't have much meaning. We may endure for awhile, but in time of trouble and persecution because of truth we will become offended and wither away. (Matthew 13:21) It is easy to grow when the "going is good," but the farmer knows his crop isn't established until it can stand in the heat and hold up in the wind. Now is the time to root down, so let us be praying both for ourselves and the many seekers out there.

Consider the Lord's intentions: "For as the rain comes down... and waters the earth, and makes it to bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater: so shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth... it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10-11) Do we believe that Word and let it bring life eternal to us? Here is the secret of flourishing, for what we receive at the root-level will be produced in our lives.

Delays of Mercy

2010-11-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

The work on the center building has been making slow progress recently. The roofing timber that has been ordered from Tanzania is costing more than expected and taking longer to arrive. Meanwhile, the much-needed rains are here, slowing down construction.

Here you can see how the walls are being built up between the pillars, while the roofing is being waited on.

It was a great blessing that the sewage hole has been completed! The masonry lining will prevent the heavy rains from eroding the sides, so all that is needed is the concrete cover now. Praise God!

Other inspection doesn't seem too heartening, though. Here the "ringto" is cracking, due to mistakes made by the mason. It will have to be rebuilt again.

At this corner you can see the joint is weak. Surely not strong enough to support the heavy roofing timbers! As we learn to trust the great Manager of our times and seasons, we see His hand of mercy in it all. "It is good that the timber is delayed," Lawrence acknowledges, "because if the roofing was done when this weakness was not noticed, the roof might have crumbled. It is a blessing."

Isn't this true of our lives? In mercy God sends adversity and set backs. While we might see these troubles as needless delays, they are often critical for our growth. That is, if we allow the Holy Spirit to reveal our need and restore us. I don't like having to "redo" things anymore than you. But isn't better to humble down and receive correction and alignment in our lives, than to ruthlessly pursue high attainments - only to have our building come crumbling down about us later?

"Therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy u0pon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18

Rains of Mercy

2010-11-08T19:26:00.000-08:00

The rains have come to Makindu!

Do we thank God for rain? Do we stop to consider the life-giving source sprinkled so liberally upon us? Drops of mercy, every one. Sent from the One who knows our smallest needs - "that maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust" - the One who truly cares.

The reservoirs fill with with water again.

And rivers appear in the dry gullies, where marsh vegetation flourishes.

Wells brim up with a life-giving water for the dry months ahead. "Praise God and thank Him for the rains," Brother Lawrence writes. "We have had heavy showers and the crops have begun germinating where seed has been available."

God's mercies can be overlooked. The day-to-day needs are still pressing. There are many suffering in famine, hardly able to see beyond the need of the present. They come to the meetings, glad for the food hand-outs twice a week.

Yesterday's meeting was packed with visitors. Pray that more may come hungry for the Word of life and invest in the hour of their opportunity. The heavens have been opened upon the barren Savannah in more ways than one, bringing hope for the future and a witness to God's everlasting faithfulness. Who will prepare their heart for the gospel seed?

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till He come and rain righteousness upon you." Hosea 10:12

Thank you for your patience

2010-10-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

You probably have noticed the missing photos from past posts. Thank you for your patience as we work on correcting this problem!

Brother Lawrence and Sister Joyce are up in the Mount Kenya region visiting family members who are in serious affliction at this time. The work on the Makindu "home front" continues on with many needs and demands. We hope to have more updates soon. Please pray in the meantime!

How Hungry are You?

2010-10-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

It is a wonderful thing to sit down to a full meal three times a day. That is, if you have a good appetite. True hunger is a sense that most of us have little aquaintance with. To eat until we are satisfied and renewed in energy is a great blessing. How often do we take it for granted?

I was reminded of what hunger means as I viewed some recent photos from the ministry in Makindu. Last Sunday a group made the trip out to the Kalembe settlement to hold a meeting and bring some food supplies. "Famine has now began to bite in this area as they did not harvest enough food last season," Brother Lawrence reports. "The congregation has to depend on donated food."

Daniel, along with his wife and four children, are the contact family for this area.

Here Brother Benjamin measures out the "relief maize" (white corn) which is a staple in Kenya. They will grind it into flour to cook as a porridge (called Ugali) to be eaten with vegetables, or cook it with peas, beans, and bananas as a hearty stew.

A group picture of the children. Many are priveleged to have others carry the burden of providing for their needs. A few are not.

Josphine and James are siblings that have been abandoned by their single mother. They are under the care of their old grandmother, and waiting in line for their share of maize.

These families have received their rations. "How grateful we are to have some brethren who care and love us. May the Dear Lord bless them more and more."

"Bidding us farewell after service and sharing of the relief food."

Not far away stand Josphine and James. It is noted: "They are clinging to their share of relief food given to them by the saints." Do we value our spiritual food as much, no matter how simple the truth or rough the packaging? May these precious little ones learn to claim the promise: "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up." (Psalm 27:10)

In Makindu the work on the center progresses slowly as they await timber for the rafters. Here is a gathering for a Bible lesson in the yard of one of the families. "Studying under a tree is normal here when there are no houses of worship," we are told. "The resident houses are so small that a congregation cannot usually fit in. So we hold services in the open."

As seen in the far right of the previous picture, here is "a man and his family who are keen on knowing the truth. But they are not yet saved," the brother writes. "Please, pray for them."

Yes, let us be praying. Is it not a time to be hungry, dear ones? Hungry for those lost in sin to receive the light. Hungry to see God's work prosper in our midst. Hungry to take hold of the words of life and live off of them, as Jesus did. Did not He say, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6)? The Father holds the eternal supplies. The question is, How hungry are you?

When the demands get greater

2010-10-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

In the midst of the construction of the new center building, the work of the ministry in Makindu has been expanding. Besides many people in the local vicinity needing physical and spiritual encouragement, Brother Lawrence was recently called out to the edge of a game reserve to hold a meeting. He made the trip on a rented motor bike and found a small settlement of thatched huts where a group of hungry souls were seeking God.

The couple on the right with their children were glad to host the gospel minister, and the meeting was held in the "house of prayer" shown below.

The people of the Kalembe settlement have built temporary houses on the edge of the game reserve because they have nowhere else to live.

Their income comes from selling firewood, which they collect from the surrounding countryside.

Despite their poverty and the risk of meeting up with the wild animals that roam this territory, these people have put their trust in God. Let us be praying for them.

Meanwhile, the work on the center is progressing as rapidly as time and resources will permit. The drainage pit is nearing its 20 foot limit, as the diggers are chipping at rock now:

They are planning to line it with cement walls to keep the sides from caving in during the heavy rains.

The building itself is looking more substantial now. Here we can see the cooperation and labor needed to construct the cement-and-wire beams that are being placed on the wall pillars:

"One, two, three, lift!" The wooden form for the cement beam (locally called a "ringto") is hoisted into place.

Mixing the concrete. The water has to be hauled from a distance.

"A real busy time competing to get the roof on before the rains. Please pray for us."

Here the "ringto bars" are put in alignment over the pillars.

Ready for the cement...

More willing workers.

Alvin is exhausted, but hopeful that they will be ready for the roofing soon. The roofing materials are expensive (nearly 4 thousand in US dollars), but the Lord is not limited.

Yes, the needs are abounding, and many demand time and strength and resources we don't have. In the face of such overwhelming odds, let us lift our eyes above it all to the One who supplies our help. In the words of Psalm 121 we can say boldly "the LORD is my keeper" and rely on resources and power that are unlimited. What a privelege to live in the care of the invincible God!

Built Up Together

2010-10-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

This past month has been busy for the ministry in Makindu as they work on the new center building. Their goal is to get it completed before the prayed-for fall rains arrive. Though the work is tedious and hard, the Lord has blessed this time of laboring together. Here are some snap shots of the progress.

The building is being constructed with volcanic stone cemented with clay soil, since these materials can be obtained cheaply.

The stone is gathered from a quarry 30 miles away and hauled to the building site in a rented trailer, pulled by a tractor.

"Carrying the stone blocks to the masons is done by hand, one block or two at a time," Lawrence says. "We do not have equipment such as wheel barrows." With all the heavy hauling going on, he is thankful that no one has been hurt working on the project so far.

Three-foot trenches have been dug for the perimeter of the building.

In the trenches a hired mason has been laying the foundation...

...arranging the stones as the workers bring them.

What a great blessing to have a wheelbarrow loaned for the work!

Here you can see the foundational walls emerging, as the mason mixes the "mortar" to cement the stones together.

At the end of September the stem wall is up and the corner pillars begun. This 30x60 building will be internally divided into rooms, providing a place for the training classes and other activities to be conducted in.

Brother Lawrence at work on the walls. "We mean to go right on until the crown is won..." he says.

It is a blessing to work together in unity and have so many volunteers pitching in.

Near by a drainage pit is being dug. Using simple hand-picks and shovels is hard work. The finished size will be about 20x8x6 feet, which is about as deep as they can get without tools to brake through rock.

By the end of last week the corner pillars had been erected. The building is located on a small lot (100x100 feet) purchased earlier this year. "The owner has reserved for us other 3 plots of equal size and says they will wait for at least 6 months for us to raise the needed money (equivelent to $4,800.00) for them," Brother Lawrence says. "Our God owns every thing and we trust He will provide, if it pleases Him to have that size of the property for the center."

Two of the brothers that have been daily and consistently working at the site are Benjamin, a young minister, and Alvin, Lawrence's son. "Thank God for the young people who seem so dedicated for the service," Lawrence writes. "This frees me for other duties."

In the building of this simple physical structure there is a striking parrell to how God is working to build His church. We that were once "strangers and foreigners" have the privilege of being "builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22) What a wise and able stone mason He is!

If our part seem small or the weight of our responsibility too big, let us remember this is God's building. (1 Cor. 3:9) Praise the Lord, He knows what He is doing! If we rest on the sure foundation of truth, aligned with Christ, our cornerstone, it matters not what place He has chosen to put us. We can rejoice in being a part and let the Lord do the building!

Weak, Base, Despised

2010-09-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Living conditions in this desert region of Kenya certainly don't look impressive by our affluent standards. Growing up in poverty poses many difficulties. Here we are given a glimpse into the lives of several local children that this ministry is endeavoring to help.

Grace Mbungi is in her second year of high school and has been recently saved. She is one of Tabitha's granddaughters and was home from school the last time Brother Lawrence visited for a Bible study. The school had expelled her because she couldn't meet the payments. Her desire is to study at the new Bible Center in between her acedemic studies, but she is hindered by her desparate need of money for school fees and other expenses. Like any other young person, Grace wants her life to be useful. After her own studies are complete, she hopes is to train other orphans in skills that will help them be self-supporting.

Here is the kitchen (brick building) and storeroom (thatched hut) of Alice Kimanga, a 67-year-old widow that lost her husband many years ago.

When her daughter-in-law died, and her son disappeared and never returned, Alice was left to raise her two grandchildren, Duncan and Dorcas. Their house was built by supporters, and the ministry has been supplying food and helping with school needs. At this time they have only have one pair of good clothes, which the children save for attending the worship services and other occasions.

Duncan Kimanga Mutisya is 9 years old, and shows great interest and intelligence in the children's services that he attends.

His sister, Dorcas Nzilani Mutisya, is five. She suffers from the loss of her mother and doesn't remember her father. "Dorcas is a little behind," Lawrence reports, "but the Dear Lord is able to lift."

This is Wambua Moyanga, age 13. He and his brother, Alex (next photo), lost their mother six years ago. Their father married again, but is gone most of the time looking for jobs to support his family. "The boys are attending services with us," Lawrence says. "We have been feeding and buying them clothes, as well as meeting their school needs since early this year."

Alex, age 11, has been eager to serve God, and recently witnessed to his father. He even has been helping with the construction of the first building in the center, which has required a lot of time and hard labor recently. Since they have not been able to afford to hire workers, the stone and water hauling, digging and foundation work have been all carried on by the ministry and volunteer helpers like Alex.

Weak, base, despised, yes. But such "God hath chosen" to further His work, His way. (1 Cor. 1:27-31) Do we dare despise these "small things" when God is the Champion of such? It serves us well to remember that He has called the poor of this world "Blessed... for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." It is here He delights to show His power and love. Do you know that privileged place in your life?

As the dear brother wrote just today:

Greetings in the name of the Almighty, who is sure to care for all His business. I was praying this morning and the Lord led me to Math. 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh". After reading the verse I was amazed at the great love and care that God lavishes on His own. He will certainly supply all that is needed to accomplish His errand--strength, wisdom, patience, and material. Thank you very much for prayers.

What a blessing to be an heirs together with Jesus, children of the heavenly King!

A Visit to some Makindu Orphans

2010-09-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

I've been eager to meet of the people of Makindu that we have been hearing so much about, and I expect you have, too. And now we have the opportunity to do just that, so hop on a bike and join me for a trek into the Savannah countryside.

Today's visit will be to Agnes' homestead. Since it is about a 10 kilometer (6 mile) ride, we'll need to stop and rest along the road. Here is Lawrence's son, Alvin, who is often involved in visiting the orphans in their homes.

After a good hour trip, we bump up a winding lane between barren trees and dead bushes. "It can be beautiful during the wet season," we are told, "but it is the dry season now."

Here is the house where Agnes and her grandchildren sleep. Since the death of her two daughters and their husbands (due to AIDS, which is a common but sensitive topic to these people), she has been caring for her five grandchildren in desperately poor conditions.

Agnes (who prefers to go by her second name, Tabitha) comes out to greet us with three of her grandchildren. She has no job and with the recurring drought it has been nearly impossible to provide for her family on her 10-acre homestead. She receives the food we have brought gratefully. She would like to attend the meetings in Makindu, but it is impossible because of the distance. It is a blessing when someone can come out to hold short services and have a Bible study with her.

Progress is being made on her new house, and we stop to help a little before we head on. Clay soil is common and so, with enough water to make bricks, Tabitha has been able to build cheaply. Some good neighbors have helped, and the visiting ministers give a hand when they are able.

Simon Shadrack Mbungi is Tabitha's 17-year-old grandson. He is planning to be trained at the Bible Center in basketry, a skill which could help sustain the family. Along with his grandmother, he will learn how to make food warming and cooking baskets which have a ready market here.

Until the new Center is ready, Simon lives in this little house next to his grandmother's.

Before we leave, we stop by the homestead's toilet shelter. Though these people live by the barest necessities, it is pleasure to see the courage and hope they have shown by making the best of them.

Our long ride home gives us many things to think about. The dry landscape reflects the difficult conditions that these people live under. "If we get enough rains in October, we will be blessed," our guide tells us. "Please, pray that we are blessed with them. If the rains fail, we are in for a very severe famine until the next rains come in March."

Let us pray, too, that these dear ones will be sustained by the water of Life in the midst of their loneliness and hardship. It is our place "to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction" (James 1:27). Why? Because that is where Jesus is - right among "the least of the these," carrying their load and loving them through it. Am I one with Him?

"He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man will serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be..." John 12:25-26

The Work Goes On

2010-09-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

After losing the use of the rented facility at the beginning of the month, the Lord has provided enough for the work to go on. At this time the urgent need is for the new Center building, which is being built on the property purchased earlier this summer. Here is a brief update on the ministry and work in Makindu, received yesterday:

It has been a real busy time since mid last week. We have had to make visits to the homes of the orphans and reorganize our work schedule so that we can be able to minister to them in their places of residence. We are doing it on foot and bicycles, and sometimes we have to get home late. Then we are competing with time to get the new building we have planned to put up ready before the end of this month when the rains are expected to start. It will be a very low cost building made mostly with cheap volcanic stones with soil as cement. The collecting of the stone is also a very strenuous job, but we are getting a wonderful blessing from the work. All in all, it has been a blessing to get out of the rented building. It is more satisfying to expect our own building. Glory to God.

Let us keep these dear ones in our prayers. It is a privilege to take part in this labor of love, knowing the poor and needy are on the Lord's heart, for "Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly." (Psalm 138:6)

Cast down, but not destroyed

2010-09-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

I thank the Lord that His power is made perfect in weakness. It is our part to trust Him when troubles and set backs surround us. Here is the current report from "the firing line" in Makindu:

We were not able to pay this month's rent for the Center. We pay in advance. We have been closed out and needed to remove our equipment right away to avoid a debt that would force us to lose every thing. Until we build on our new property, we have to discontinue the center's planned activities and continue to care for the orphans in their own residences, whenever possible, and to do any training in the open on our own property. However, the Dear Lord's presence is real and we are not in any way disappointed, knowing that all things work for the good of God's children. His comforting presence is just wonderful. His being with Stephen even at death point is a real encouraging reminder to us. Praise the Lord who promised that He will never leave nor forsake us.

Yes, amen.
Jeremiah 50:34

A Vision for the Wilderness

2010-08-31T14:18:00.000-07:00

The problems of any society aren't easily solved. When Lawrence and his family moved into the Savannah area early this year, they knew they were entering a difficult field of labor. The poverty and recurring famine had kept the region on the edge of survival. Many people spent their days in labor camps just to get a meal.

As ministers of God's love, they came with a vision to live the gospel among the poor and needy. A vocational school and training center would be established. It would take in paying students and market the items produced, thus covering costs and providing a base for local outreach and care for the destitute orphans and elderly. Given skills to become self-supporting and a place to meet for hope and encouragement, they believed life could be different for these people.

I know the desire to make a difference. And the set backs.
In a rented facility (pictured here in the spring) they were enabled to start the “Bible Center,” so-named because bringing students to an understanding of God's truth is at the heart of the study program.
Lawrence writes: "We were hoping to use part of this big building as classes and the other end as dormitories for girls---they are more than the boys. Unfortunately, there is no electricity and water and we have difficulties paying the rents. We are praying for a low cost alternative." They would like to board 40+ students, when they are able to equip for the undertaking.

It is hoped that operating from purchased land will give the work a better footing. At this time the Lord has enabled them to buy a piece of property, which sells for very cheap in this barren area, but there are no funds to start building on it yet.
Despite the slow progress, they are encouraged that this is the work the Lord has given them to do. Here several ministers listen as one brother expounds a scripture. The establishing of the Center has already been a blessing, providing a place for spiritual fellowship and a base for several “Applied Technology Training” sessions. In God's own way, He will provide for the rest.

These women are enjoying a meal served at the Center for trainees.

Several outdoor classes have been given this summer. Here Lawrence demonstrates the making of detergents for home use and resale.

Ministers from local communities have been learning how to process and pack food for resale and for future use. The aim is to train ministers who can train others in their congregations. Widows and orphans are also welcomed in these sessions.
These drying tables were made to show how fruits and vegetables can be safely preserved.

Besides teaching in practical skills this summer, calls to hold gospel meetings in other localities and the maintenance of the Center at Makindu have kept these dear ones very busy. With such pressing needs and slow progress, the outlook can be disheartening. You wish you could solve it once and for all – alleviate the suffering and supply every need. But God doesn't work that way, does He?

A quote on my wall is a meaningful reminder: “Jesus Christ didn't come into the world to explain away suffering or remove it. He came to fill it with His presence.” Why? Because only His presence will truly satisfy our hearts. God wants us to know Him and the power of His love. Yes – you and me – in our foolish materialism and petty pride. So when we take His hand and trust Him with our lives, should we be alarmed when He walks us into trouble?

Hear the intent of the Divine heart: “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her vineyards from thence... a door of hope” (Hosea 2:14,15).

Yes, hope in the midst of the impossibilities of life. We need this vision when the wilderness is endless and our resources have run out. It is not about our success and alleviating suffering, after all. It is knowing the eternal God as our refuge, our fountain of living water, our source of delight. In His mercy, He measures out our troubles and heeds our cries for help. But we only know the fullness of joy when we let Him sanctify to us our deepest distress.

Do you want to see your wilderness blossom as the rose? Let God lead you to find your joy and comfort in Him, and Him alone.

Water of Life in the Savannah

2010-08-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Do we value our water enough? When four of my baby bunnies died of dehydration this past week, I received a needful reminder. We rely on water more than we realize... and in the heat of summer it can be almost continually. Between laundry and showers, meal preparation and small-farm irrigation, we can keep our well pump going nearly non-stop! What must it be like to live where this precious resource is so scantily measured out?

Last fall a couple of his Makindu contacts showed Lawrence this dried dam bed. The dam had been laboriously constructed in their desperate need to store water during the short rainy season. But it couldn't stand up to the flash flood that followed their single autumn downpour, and the barricade and all the precious water was lost. These gravel ridges are all that remain of their hard work and hopes:

Touring with a rented vehicle, the ministers found local living conditions even more heart-rending. Because of lack of water, many farms were reduced to starvation rations. On this homestead the family was living off of the scarce fruit of their lone baobab tree.

Contemplating the reality of their need, Lawrence wrote: The truth, the eternal water of life, is also a very rare commodity in these areas.... As we walked over gullies and dry areas, I thought of the many homes I have seen in the rich areas. They are so pretty and comfortable and the saints in these homes seem so satisfied to enjoy what the Lord has given them. There are so few that are willing to take help to these dear souls.

As I write this, my mind rests on one woman we found toiling in a little hothouse. She was trying to make food and sell it to the hungry workers who were working in a relief center nearby. She looked up as we sat in the eating room and asked us: “Are you people preachers?” We said, yes, and that we had good news for her. We told her about Jesus and how He was ready to deliver her from sins and disease. She forgot all about her work, knelt down in the little room and prayed her soul into peace. Then she asked us: “Can Jesus heal me of AIDS?” We said, yes, for He is all powerful and can do anything. We read Luke 1:37 to her: “For with God nothing shall be impossible” and left her to believe it and get healed. We found her in church on Sunday, telling us that she had been examined and declared free from AIDS viruses. God can do the impossible. Glory to His name!! Who is willing to go out and tell the good news to the lost world?

Do we marvel at this thirst for hope? It should make us think. Why, in societies flooded with so much gospel knowledge, are so many dehydrated by doubt and indifference? You have to wonder whether our barrenness is worse.

Here is a picture of the Savannah countryside taken this April, after the Lord blessed the area with rain. The local people are very grateful for this answer to prayer. Due to the short winter rains, gardens were grown on those same barren farms this spring. The dear brother writes: See the wonderful artwork of the Lord in this area. Praise the all wise and able God! “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare” (Psa. 75:1). Oh, how true the word of God is. God’s wonderful mercies have been so graciously bestowed in this area... This season (January to June of 2010) the people have harvested enough to keep them well fed for a number of months, if not a year. Wherever we go, we see maize spread out on the ground to dry. Except in a few homes where there was a shortage of seeds and/or a shortage of labor, they have enough to eat. Praise the Dear Lord for His goodness.

Would you drink water out of this ditch? Drain-off reservoirs like this are the life supply of many people in the Savannah region. Lawrence comments: We are trying to teach the homesteads how to purify the water - a very difficult task given our situation and schedule. We need expert help, as the scanty water that is accessible is "salty" and soiled. But without a better alternative, we trust God to help us and thank Him for life.

Here you can see the pipeline used to drain water into containers for home use. The current purification system is to filter out most of the sediment through sand, then boil the water. The resulting water is still too salty to drink, so they are now looking into ways to remove the salt.

If siphoning water from a muddy ditch gives you the shivers, be glad you have access to a clean source. I agree – when it comes to drinking, there is nothing that compares with fresh, pure water. Why are so many living off of the scum of society, filtering their life source through the philosophies of this world, when they could have access to the pure water of life. It is just as real as the water in your pipelines and eternally more satisfying. I speak from experience. Since Jesus flowed into my barren waste (yes - sun-baked mud, skeletons, and all), I have found life full of beauty and refreshment. Are you thirsty? "Whosoever will, let hm take of the water of life freely." (Rev. 22:17)

By Way of Introduction...

2010-08-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

I like to keep busy being “useful.” But it is so easy to get buried in busyness, never see farther than my own little circle of activities. Yes, hard work and accomplishment are important. But what about opening my heart to another's need?

I think the second is often harder... we tend to to be selfish, and we don't even realize it most of the time. So I'm glad that the Lord opened my eyes to a little forgotten file on our USB drive earlier this year. It was the beginning of a new journey into the caring heart of God...

"The Savannah Report." Instead of being an outdated school file, I was surprised to discover an update from a Kenyan minister that we knew. For the last several years I had helped contribute toward his ministry, but somehow I had missed the last report. And one with pictures, too! Ten minutes later I was lost in a world I had only vaguely known existed... the vivid description of hunger and loss was poignant, but it was their thirst for hope that brought the tears. I was still wiping them away as I scrolled through the last page. The closing plea couldn't be shrugged off: “It will be my lot to stay with these people...I need your prayers.” And as I prayed, the Lord showed me ways that I could do more.

In a land so impoverished by famine that all able-bodied people soon flee, God had sent one of His children to enter into their needs and offer them hope. In these pages I'm thankful I can share in that ministry.

So what is it like to live on the dry Savannahs, just outside of those world-famous African wildlife preserves? The pictures of their day-to-day needs are vivid and compelling...

In a land of continual drought, there are long donkey treks for water. Some families go as far as ten miles before they can dig enough moisture out of the sand to take home.

Last winter, this agriculture-based region was suffering severely from famine. Food relief brought in from the Mt. Kenya region was a great blessing – a single banana and piece of sugar cane (food that is often discarded in wealthier societies) can keep someone alive for several days.

Traveling long distances by foot, children gathering to study under a tree... these are their common realities.

Here, in mud-brick buildings, they meet together for worship and instruction. In a dry and thirsty land, these people are looking for a way of life that will satisfy. What can they hope for amidst such poverty and extreme difficulties? If we can only step closer to find out...

Who Cares?

2010-08-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

A barren land. Desolation. Suffering. Need.

That's nothing new. We are surrounded by it. Yesterday it was an earthquake across the seas, tomorrow it will likely be a break-in down the street. We are bombarded by the news reports until we feel our middles grow cold. It is easy to stop caring. Why should I bother with their problem when I have my own to worry about?

Does God even care?

Perhaps you've wondered.

I believe He does. But looking at the barren landscape won't give you that assurance. There is no question that the ground is dry. What we need to be asking is, where is the water? Instead of looking to your resources, I want to invite you to dip into a far greater supply.

This blog isn't just another report about real people and real needs. It is also about a real God who is able to satisfy the cry of the thirsty. I trust it will be an encouragement to you and inspire you to care again... simply because there is One who cares about you.