RAIN GLORIOUS RAIN!!!

AND THE RAIN GOES ON COMING DOWN, DOWN DOWN!    Well it seems to have come earlier this year, earlier and heavier, and more determined, day after day to establish its presence.  Are these Early Rains, Middle Rains, Latter Rains?     Who knows; least of all the weather men who one week tell us it will be Drought and Famine, and then the next warn us of Floods, Prolonged Rains, Mud Slides and general mayhem.     BUT one thing we CAN say right now is that IT IS RAINING WITH A VENGEANCE.    

The top left photo is of Testimony House taken from the drive gate.      When we first moved in the driveway was not tar-maced; you will imagine what it was like then in the Rainy Season.    Just a river of MUD!     Now at least the mud has gone, but the 'river' still returns whenever it rains heavily.     And the RAIN has been beating down on this old house of colonial days for almost a hundred years - a house itself made of MUD, without being swept away.    You can see how lush and green the grass has become in just over a week!   Our cows have been enjoying an occasional graze on it, to their great satisfaction.      THE NEXT PHOTO TAKEN TODAY, shows the same as before but looking the other way down from Testimony porch to the drive gate.    Here the rain has tailed off a little, but it still is producing a small river.


A SIMILAR TORRENT pours down the newly carpeted road outside our compound.    In this photo you can see it rushing downhill past Testimony School gate on its way to the river.  Not many people about !!!    NO, when it rains like this most people are sheltering wherever they can.  The air is cold, the sky grey and overcast with boiling clouds, producing an almost 'twilight' effect.
This is the OTHER side of the Tropics - the cold, dull, and WET side.     Right now I must say I am enjoying it...........BUT the time WILL come when I will find myself saying 'Rain, RAIN, Go AWAY..'   and I may well forget to invite it to come 'another day'.      Perpetual days like this do tend to remove ones cheerfulness finally - the chill, the mud, the general WETNESS, and greyness of everything day after day.        BUT I feel guilty to complain.      At least we ourselves are high and dry, well above flood waters, and to a large extent severed from immediate mud.  OUR toilets are connected to the main sewer, and not holes in the ground that slowly fill up from beneath in times like these, and overflow all around.    OUR homes have roofs that do not leak - or at least not as much as those around us.      We are fortunate.     We can enjoy and profit from the rain, without being endangered or inconvenienced too much by it.     THUS we must and WILL Praise the Lord for the Blessing of Rain upon this thirsty land; rain that brings the promise of a good harvest and LIFE with it.

This time of 'change' in the climate usually presents us with an increase in coldy-flu's and malaria, but so far, so good.   Everyone keeping well and happy.    But no doubt once School starts again next week we shall find one or two catching something.      I usually thrive in this climate!!!

TO-DAY two important decisions have been made.      The first concerns Daryl's wife, Carol.   Carol used to teach in Testimony School, but about two years ago she felt that she wanted to try something 'outside'.     It was still teaching, but teaching to assist slow learners and children with special problems.      She actually did establish herself in doing this.    However it also had its drawbacks, as she found that being self employed and away from the family longer than she would have been in a regular job routine somehow diminished family life and freedoms.      Since Daryl was appointed C.E.O. of the ministry here, he has more and more felt that she should work more closely with him, and with the Homes.     They have been talking about this for a little while now, and today Carol came to chat about returning and throwing in her endeavour with Daryl in the Work.        She will still lend a hand in teaching backward children, but from within the Homes and the School, and will also slowly get involved in other aspects of the Work such as monitoring the hygiene and housekeeping standards in the Children's Home.       We are delighted that she has felt led to do this, and we feel it will strengthen Daryl's position and support.    He is himself, very happy about it.      She will commence on 2nd May.

Secondly we have today adventured ourselves into the art of Bread making!!    Some many years ago we assisted a young woman accounts clerk who had lost her job, giving her employment in our office.     She was physically disabled, and her employer had been very unsympathetic to her case, and purposely given her more work than she was able to undertake.   Then he would abuse her and miss-treat her.     She is a Christian, and during her time of oppression happened to hear one of our Radio Program broadcast locally and came to see me for counselling and advice.     The result was that after a few more meetings we invited her to work with us in our Office.    She retired two years ago, and opened, very successfully, a little business of her own making bread, cakes and other confections.
Just a few weeks back she to came to suggest we ourselves could save a lot of money if we made and even sold our own bread; she offered to come and train, and start off such a project, free of charge.       She came today, and THREE of our out of work older boys came to begin the project with her.      So far so good - already in one afternoon 100 loaves of bread and 100 muffins have been successfully made - and MMMM - they taste good!!!         Whatever next I wonder.


Well this must be enough for this week!!!     We trust the Lord who watches over us will also continue to watch over you, and to keep you all safe from falling.     We need your prayers at this time, and we do ask you not to forget to lift up your heart to Father on our behalf.   Bless you!

With our Love always in His Glorious Name

John and Esther

THE RAINS HAVE BEGUN, and the grass is greener by the day.   And YET the skies are blue all day - what a delight; what cause for Praise and Thanksgiving.     In the photo I am visiting my many 'grandchildren' from Tyndale Cottage seen in the background.    They usually run to greet me, get a cuddle or a hug AND, maybe a balloon - if by some chance I might have one or two in my pocket.     They are all a delightsome happiness to meet with.
BUT they soon grow up, and in their growing become less innocent and teachable.   Yet it is good to see them grow, especially in the Lord.     But some grow without Him, initially, and we then make do with their natural progress, even though at times it may disappoint and give us concern.     It is the LORD who brought each one to our doors, and we believe it was because He believed it would be step in the right direction for them, and for us, and that the 'eventual' outcome would only be GOOD.     We walk by faith and not by sight, even in this area of our daily life as we observe each other.       And this reminds me of something written by John NEWTON, way back in the 1700s  - He wrote

'A Christian is not of hasty growth, like a mushroom,

but rather like the OAK, the progress of which is

hardly perceptible, but which in time becomes a

great deep rooted tree.'

A beautiful and hopeful observation which encourages patience and a merciful spirit in us as we consider not only those 'growing' around us, but indeed our own progression into His Likeness.

I also came across another poem written by the same author, and which I found a most encouraging and inspirational contribution.

'Why should I fear the darkest hour?.

Or tremble at the tempter's power?

Jesus vouchsafes to be my Tower   .

Though hot the fight, why quit the field?

Why must I either flee or yield?

Since Jesus is my mighty Shield?

When Creature comforts fade and die,

Worldlings may weep, but why should I?

Jesus still lives and still is nigh!

Though all the flocks and herds were dead,

my soul  a famine need not dread,

for Jesus is my living Bread.

I know not what may betide,
 Or how my wants shall be supplied;

   But Jesus knows, and will provide.

Against me earth and hell combine
but on my side is power Divine;

Jesus is all, and He is mine

=====================================================

We have heard from a very few that our recent newsletters, annual account, and awareness leaflet are being received.    We know you will use them all as fuel in your prayers and thoughts concerning us.   This week has sped by.   The School still on the April Vacation until 3rd May, and all the children at home and enjoying the freedom, although they still must attend to their daily house chores.    For the most part they are having a very happy time, and full of beans ( almost literally since that is a more than usual ingredient of our diet these days.)     But we rejoice to see them happy and well.      Some of the older ones are a little more sober in their re-action to vacation, but for the most part they are also happy to have a break from text books and teachers.   For their house-parents though it is a more demanding time..........!

This time last year, Esther and I were preparing to travel up to Scotland to meet my sister Pat for the first time.      It will be her Birthday next week - how time has flown.     Mine will be a week or so later too.    Quite something to know you have a soul mate you never were aware of for a lifetime!
MANY HAPPY RETURNS dear my sister!    Hope to see you back here again soon.

Tomorrow it is my day to bring the Message in our Church fellowship.    Hope to speak on Stewardship - BAD Stewardship -  of our body, life, and possessions!!     Then in the afternoon we shall be having a Fellowship for Married Couples, and in the evening our local thirty or so strong Missionary Fellowship will be meeting in Green Cottage.    A busy day for everyone one way or another

We pray God's Blessing only YOU all, and hope you also will be encouraged and heartened day by day t take advantage of the Gift of Life given - however it presents itself.    Remember ALL things do work together for good for those who own God as Lord and Master.

Lovingly

John and Esther

A RISING STAR?

MANY YEARS AGO WHEN THE MAN IN THIS PHOTO WAS A LECTURER AT MOI UNIVERSITY,   Esther and I met both him and his wife.    We have not been close friends, but YES, I think we can say that we have not forgotten each other either.     We have met at various functions, eaten together on occasion, and their children attend Testimony School.    We have always esteemed James and his wife.  Both of them are very intelligent, and James in particular impressed us as a man both lucid in communication and clear sighted in his thinking.
He and his wife are both very committed Christians, outspoken and very visible in their Christian Testimony and Witness.

He has risen to be a Professor James Kiyiapi, and has since October 2010 been Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.     He has now announced his intention to run for President, the highest office in the land, at the next General Election.      To do this he has to resign his Government Job, and this he has now done and Registered his Party - RBK (Restore and Build Kenya).   But he is by no means a front runner - he comes from a comparatively small tribal community unlike the current main contenders.     He does not command wealth as his competitors do.     Does he have any real hope of winning?
He has over the last few months made various statements such as the ones now quoted below.

Capital News   -   February 2012 
'My running for president has nothing to do with the other people running.   My running is because I have a vision for Kenya; I believe it is a cause for our nation.   It is about leadership and destiny of the nation and I am offering my service as a public official who has served Kenyans all these years'


'There comes a time when it is necessary to be bold enough and have the courage to express your opinion in a way everybody will understand.   It is a very clear that the successes and challenges our Kenyan people are facing are of great significance to any leader wishing to pursue justice and the needs of the citizens and that is why I am embarking on this journey.'

Professor Kiyiapi was born on 17th May 1961.    As a University Don and well known motivational speaker, with years of political public service experience as a Permanent Secretary, he is more qualified to run than any that preceded him.     He is still a young man with a youthful personality and appeal.     He feels that the youth of Kenya need to be given opportunity and encouragement to harness their energy and expertise to BUILD the Nation.      Many are leaving Kenya for greener fields overseas, discouraged in believing they have a prosperous and meaningful future here.    Kiyiapi believes and feels otherwise - that there is a hope and future for them here in Kenya.  If he can get his vision before the young people of Kenya in a way that can draw their attention and belief - then  who knows what might happen.  

Testimony Faith Homes is not a political organisation or society of any kind.     We shall take no part in the Professor's Campaign in any way.    BUT we shall be praying for him because we see that it may well be that he could be a breath of fresh air from a very unbiased quarter, that might be just what the doctor ordered to lift us all up into a new era of hope and spiritual revival.   You might like to pray along with us?

IT IS RAINING.     We hope it is the beginning of the LONG rain.      If not we are still very glad of it, and it will surely help us all to see the soil come to life again.     We also received promise of a little finance this week which will certainly assist us in other more material and immediate ways to make ends meet.      Still waiting the advent of our third cow's calf - any day now!

We do hope that you all received and were able to print out our Awareness Leaflet sent a few weeks back?     Did not hear from more than four of you, but we trust it did manage to get through.      We have been advised there was ONE error noticed on it.    On what should fold to become the 'back 'page   it is written that 'in JUNE 2012' Daryl was appointed as Director Overall In fact this should be corrected to 2011.      We managed to correct the remaining printing.    We have also just posted another 200 copies to friends that are unable to access the Internet or E-mail.
This leaves us with about 800 to distribute in our locale.      We hope the Lord will use this outreach at this time.       We hope, if you are able, you will also hand on or even print more leaflets to hand on in order to increase awareness of this little known ministry.   Prayer changes things, and if we can get MORE prayer behind and with us we know the Holy Spirit will move on our behalf.

SCHOOL shut yesterday for the April Holiday - just two weeks.

God Bless you all.      We do pray for you ourselves.    We all need encouragement and strength to face each day.     We realise this, and we have great need to remember each other and to pray for each other .

Lovingly in Jesus

John and Esther

HERE WE ARE ONCE MORE, IN THE MIDST OF EASTER!     We have been trying over the last few years to focus more and more on this time of year.       We still do remember the Lord's Birth at Christmas, but EASTER has become the Time of greatest celebration to us all.    Our plans for Thursday's Supper unfolded well, and each of our Homes were truly blessed as they followed the narration of the Last Supper.      And then on Good Friday all the children and staff came together in the School Hall for a Service of Readings.     There were EIGHT readings from St. Matthew's Gospel.     I was the reader of all of them, but there were also eight others that came and gave a brief insight or commentary on each consecutive Reading.    It went really well, and caught everyones attention.      About 50 of our High School  boarders also attended.     Daryl had also put together a portrayal of the Crucifixion using a number of our children.    This took place about halfway through the service.      Thereafter there was a low key fellowship with tea and hot cross buns.  And at 7pm in the evening we showed the film 'THE PASSION' on a big screen - again in the School Hall with everyone attending and even some locals.
TODAY IS SATURDAY of course, and all is quiet.     Nothing happening.     We wait for tomorrow and the promise of His Resurrection.      We shall have a Service at 10.a.m. and we hope this will be the beginning of joyful activities arranged for the day.     MONDAY has been set as a 'Family Day' and although it has begun to rain we are hoping that we can use the day to emphasise being a family.    Many of our College youngsters have returned home to spend Easter with us, and it is really good to have them with us, and to hear the many stories they have to tell about being away from home, and dealing with life away from here.

ABOVE is an old photo of the FIRST group of kids - a very mixed bunch indeed and of all ages - that constituted the first Testimony House Family, taken way back in 1970,  42 years ago.  We were often short of clothing in those days - as we sometimes still are - and living in rented    property; the house at that time was rented from the then Archbishop of Kenya, Festo Olang.  Many of these kids were in their teenage, and had been into drugs and glue and a whole host of other bad habits.     Some were run-a-ways, orphans, and street kids.    They were unruly and hard to understand at times.      I was still unmarried, and looking back I believe it could only have been Jesus that gave me the strength and vision to want to go on caring for them all.    This picture was taken around Easter Time 1970.      All of those in the photo have become swallowed up in the Kenya community.     A few did not do well, and we lost touch with them, but many others - against all probability - took off to successful lives and futures.     We remain in touch with a good many of them still.       BUT I must say it was a real challenge, and the fact that we are still existing as a Children's Ministry in 2012 is nothing short of a Miracle.       God remains faithful.

TWELVE YEARS LATER, we had moved into our own house and the general scene and image had changed considerably.      We still had older boys, but also a good many younger ones.  Not many girls by then.     Our population still not much more than 35.      But now we have more than a 130 resident.     Hardly any of them still living with us from the photo above.    All are new and  live goes on.    The young boy on the front row, and the last to be wearing a yellow tea-shirt, is Daryl Green who is now the current Director and Chief Executive of Testimony Faith Homes.   Amazing!         Always wonderful to look BACK, and to realise how a LIVING CHRIST has kept us going, and progressing.

As we look at our present BIG FAMILY of children and carers we cannot but REJOICE at this living proof and testimony to the reality of the Resurrection, and the constant Presence and Fellowship of a Risen Saviour - even JESUS!        In the Supermarket this morning I was greeted by a young lady I did not recognise.    She said 'Oh!  Its Mr. Green isn't it?    I was in Testimony School in 2004.  I will never forget the time spent, and you are still here doing do such good work'
BUT my immediate thought was NO!    This has never been ME doing such a good work - it has had to be, and always has been JESUS doing a good work - in and through me, maybe - but NEVER me on my own.      It has been, and will always be wonder to me.     And it all began by reading a book, and finding myself on a plane to Kenya in 1968 - my only capital an English six-penny piece, my only Promise and Hope pinned to One I could not see, but Who I knew held my hand.       Thank you Jesus.    

BE BLESSED dear friends and family members this Easter Time.     Cast ALL your care upon HIM, and see what He will do in and through you as the days unfold before you.

With our love and prayers

John and Esther