THE DAY AFTER!

OUR GRIEF AND SYMPATHY goes out to the People of Japan as they grapple with the awful results and aftermath of the massive Earthquake and Tsunami of yesterday. Looking at the TV coverage it is hard for those of us living far away from such elemental forces to truly appreciate the situation, or the feelings of those caught up in it. As with CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, the sense of despair and desperation upon those who have suffered the loss of loved ones, and of their personal possessions and sometimes EVERYTHING upon which they have trusted in for life must be overwhelming. I know that many have given up even contemplating remaining in Christ Church, including my niece, Amanda, and are leaving that quake torn city for more stable ground. Looking at to-days photos from Japan I can believe that many more there will also want to find safer landfall - but WHERE? In Japan there may be nowhere to run to..................The actual horror and terror of it is hard to conceive. We are being told it is 'because of the MOON'! Well, I do not think it is the Moon that is behind this. It IS an event that is sure to increase financial pressure on the world though, and to generally hamper any return to a hoped for prosperity. As the Bible says - Things will wax worse and worse. AGAIN are we prepared to witness it, and not to lose our steadfast faith in God? We must all increasingly be on the WATCH, praying, and READY - for truly we face great and unprecedented Events.

FRIDAY THIS WEEK the Kenya Revenue Authority men (The TAX men) finally appeared with the result of their seven and a half week investigation of our Accounts, going back to 2007. They were very civil all the days they were with us and in no way discourteous.
They are demanding payment of some Ksh.6 million. This is approximately at to-days exchange rates about 46 thousand pounds sterling, or US$75,000! We are now the THIRD Charity to be confronted in this District.
Joshua and Miriam Mbithi are being asked for 12 million Kenya Shillings on foreign donations over the last three years. A Danish mission not far from us which provides aid in erecting and delivering Church Buildings throughout east Africa is being asked for even more.


WE seem to have got off lightly. They have not seemed to be taxing us on donations received however, but on what they have stated as ,understated income, (as if we have somehow 'hidden' income so as not be taxed on it) as shown in our Books. NONE of what they have put on paper has proved to be either correct or able to stand up as a hard and fast accusation. We are to see them again on TUESDAY next week and we expect to be able to dismantle ALL their current arguments with physical and legal proofs from our Bank Statement and Books of Account.


It is interesting that the basis for their demands is different in respect of each one of us that they have investigated, and their direction varies all the time. So far the other two have not co-operated or paid out any monies to the Revenue Authority. Just another irritable 'fiery dart' of the Enemy? We believe that is just what it is, and that the Lord will deflect it finally.


I DID ask the Representatives that came to make us aware of our shortcomings whether they thought, after having carefully appraised our accounts, that we would be able to PAY such a Demand? They said that this was not their concern; if cash was not available then our material assets could be liquidated! The challenge to us all though this year, since it began, has been the Threat of having to Close the Ministry. So far we have ignored the 'threat' and stood our ground. After all this is what our Lord tells us to do when under attack - 'When you have done all STAND' - just STAND. I will be with you.
HERE IS A PHOTO of a few of Testimony School SCOUT Troupe. They have just raised the National Flag on Parade. Smart boys, all a credit to the fundamental beliefs and traditions of their Founder, Baden Powell. Remember I mentioned him briefly last week. The final 'proof of a pudding is in the eating' and boys like these, committed and dedicated to the finer things of life are a good sample 'spoonful' of a very good pudding.
To allay any fears that the school is chauvinistic, I can happily share that we also have girl scouts. Regretfully they ARE now called Scouts instead of Brownies and Guides in order to draw no undue attention to gender!!! What nonsense all of it is.
I prefer still to think of BOYS as scouts, and Girls as GUIDES. I will publish a photo of some girls soon!!

The DRY weather continues. Some clouds about but it still seems that we must wait a little more for RAIN to fall upon us.
ELECTRICITY is off on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9p.m. and this week we seem to be commencing WATER rationing as well. Not so good, and of course the COST of both commodities is said to be having an increase as well. BUT it is an annual event after all, just as the availability of fruit and vegetables is predictable at this time of year. It IS hotter than usual. Rainfall, (when it comes) is usually later and less than before.
There IS the prospect of an annual worsening of our climate. We live with it. We are grateful that as yet we in Eldoret are not suffering as others further north are doing within our national frontier - where there is NO water and NO food, only starvation and death.

We Greet you ALL and convey to you our Love and Thanksgiving in Jesus Name. We are comforted in the knowledge that you are there praying for us - a great encouragement for us to continue to GO ON! Sincerely

John and Esther