THE INBETWEENIES!!

CHRISTMAS has passed once more, and we are, as it were, in between the Past and the Future. Christmas 'not quite' ended, and the New Year not yet begun!       Green Cottage, so FULL over the holiday is now empty; family and friends all departed and returned to the UK. But the Cards, the decorations, and the Tree still remain, somehow rather forlornly. OUTSIDE the day has dawned drab and grey.    The skies'  opened yesterday afternoon and spewed down a deluge of RAIN that continued non-stop through the rest of the day, through the night until now even.  Truly INCHES of rain must have fallen, yet still the Eldoret Weather Station insists we have only received one millimetre!! Amazing, but rather typical of the kind of 'miss-information' for which Kenya is famous. It does feel a somewhat precarious - 'hanging' - position to be in after the joy and happiness of Christmas itself, and the sunshine and good fellowship - WILL the sun shine ever again? Will life go on into another year? The photo above just had to be included here as it is so expressive. A quite amazing illustration of how life can be. However in another way it is rather depressing since the unfortunate sheep seems unable to go back or forward, but must just wait for the inevitable disaster or experience an unexpected miracle! WELL, but WE must expect the miracle of life to continue for us, and I hope that NEXT Saturday, God Willing, I will be able to express Good Wishes and Hope for the New Year so nearby.

THIS IS THE FIFTH CHRISTMAS since I commenced compiling this BLOG.    Looking back I find each one to have been an amazing experienced of God's delight in delighting!     We have each time found ourselves without any prospect of a comfortable or easy time, yet by Christmas Eve, we have found ourselves with food enough,  and funds enough not be embarrassed financially or unable to give a special 'shine' to the Festival of Christ's Birth.     God has been SO good and faithful - not to us only we hope, but we believe also to ALL those who have looked to Him for help and providence.
THIS year, as I have previously shared in previous days, we (Esther and I ) have had the special blessing of having family and and friends with us.     Green Cottage quite crammed with life; life that overflowed into all the four Homes around us to intermingle and enliven the lives of the rest of the staff and children here.
LAST WEEK I shared how that Daryl slipped an fell about 40 feet from a ladder in the School Hall.   He suffered no lasting damage, but has had to cope with quite a lot of latent pain and bruising - which he has not allowed to interfere with his own continuing drive to bring a lot of active good cheer and enjoyment to everyone.     As our old friend Pastor Stan Hyde would say - a 'good soldier for Jesus'.   He continues to be fine though his left hand is still a pain, and he still has to visit the dentist about his jaw and lost teeth!!

Christmas Day was warm with a good deal of sunshine.    We enjoyed a glad Morning Service together; only a small group since most people that usually worship with us were away visiting their own families, and of course the School Boarders were away on holiday.     For all that it was blessing, and a joy to have with a number of old boys.        A light lunch, various groups out walking, playing board and outdoor games. THEN each house managed its own Family Supper - especially enjoying our own CHICKEN.   Thank you Lord

BOXING DAY began very cloudy with the threat of rain.    Daryl and Carol had arranged for ALL the children AND staff (including ourselves) to travel 20 kilometres beyond Eldoret to a Camp and Recreational Centre known as the SOY Country Club.      Thirty years ago it had been a very beautiful and quiet place to enjoy.  The day we visited ( having especially booked to have it all to ourselves ) we found it quite run down, and in ruins.    The mini Swimming Pool and dressing rooms all in disarray, and in a general state of neglect, as also every other facility.     A grate pity and sadness.     However the children were glad to have a change, and entered into the spirit of a pic-nic and spent the time in recreation, entered into and led by Daryl and the houseparents.      Finally a successful day - even though we found the Managers of the place had not closed it and kept the facility just for us - the locals also were let in with us!      BUT it WAS a good time, and cost very little in fact even  though we had to bring everyone in TWO Bus loads (our School buses),    ALSO it had a special significance for some of us since it was on THIS day in 1972 that I arrived in Testimony House, Eldoret with 28 kids.     We moved that day from 130 kilometres away in Siaya District.    SO it was  another 40th Anniversary - and it did not rain - in fact the sky remained BLUE above us all the time we were there.    And the kids loved every minute of it.        On Wednesday Simon and Rhianna Hogley left us, and on Friday Steven and our two grandchildren also left.         All is quiet and sodden outside now as I type this.  The sky a kind of dirty grey colour, a light COLD wind stirring the trees, and wrapping itself around the houses.     A few irrepressible kids playing in heavy jackets and sweaters........ Looks a winters day indeed.

I am reading a book just now - a paperback.

It was published by COLLINS - Fontana Books 1969 at a cost of 6/-

It is entitled

JESUS REDISCOVERED

by

Malcolm Muggeridge

I recommend it - though perhaps with a little trepidation; it might not suit or appeal to everyone, but it is a book thata certainly makes you THINK and I personally find a great deal worth reading and considering

The Grandchildren

afresh.    Muggeridge gives his own testimony in the book together with his 'christian' views on many other matters relative to his understanding of salvation and the Christian Life.     It is very individual, and not very 'orthodox' in it approach, but I am persuaded of great sincerity behind its writing; an honesty as well.    NO, it is NOT without fault perhaps, but then nothing is, is it.     I recommend it to any who might like to read - in itself a not very common pursuit in the younger generation at least - all my grandchildren seem to prefer their mobile phone, i-pad, or the internet.

My own Book, reprinted and updated in 2010

A CRY FROM THE STREET

ISBN 978-184426-861-0

may still be obtained from 

FASTPRINT

www.fast-print.net/store.php

This must be about all for this week.     We are glad to say that each member of each Family here are well and happy.     School will open in one week, and so some business beginning as we consider school uniform needs and other clothing with which to commence the Year.    Always something extra to consider in a family isn't there?    But this is life.    Nothing seems to last for ever, and certainly not things like shoes and socks!!

Poor parents have all these things to worry about whilst their carefree kids consider their lives gladly.   Oh to be a CHILD - so why do we find it SO hard to BE as a child with our Father in Heaven......HE wants to take ALL the CARES of our lives upon Himself and to let us BE free of them  - why IS that so hard to accept and believe for?        When we get to heaven we will no doubt wonder why we insisted on taking care of ourselves so religiously!!

With our Love and Affection to you all in Christ Jesus as 2012 ends and the Year of 2013 Begins.
May God Bless you and give you confidence and hope as you - with us - cross the line to NEWNESS!

John and Esther, Daryl and Carol 

WHO ARE WE REALLY?

WE THREE KINGS FROM ORIENT ARE....I am quite drawn to this illustration.    I like the way the artist has used colour to somehow enrich the scene.     Yet, initially, I felt somewhat put off by the questionable character that the faces depict.   I see nothing holy or pious a about them.    They are each one very human, very real - and perhaps a little 'questionable'!!   Wise and kingly they maybe, with Gifts in their hands...but a little doubtful, character-wise!    But then kings or wise they also were sinners just like any others, and they came to worship and to proclaim their faith in the One that could take AWAY their sin.    I always think they so accurately read the mind and heart of King Herod because they knew themselves so well.   YES  I am rather glad to have found this painting!      And the discovery came at the right time for me since, last night, we had a mini presentation of the Nativity during our Christmas Concert.     This is an Annual event that takes place in our School Hall during the evening hours -  about one hour in length.      It is attended by ALL the children, plus also between one and two hundred adults from the locality.     Always very well received and enjoyed.     This year we had a Narrator in front of the curtains which were closed upon a darkened stage.      He set the scene and then began to tell the story of the nativity to the audience.     Mary and Joseph helped by the inn-keepers wife came our of the darkness - spotlighted - as they made their way (with dialogue) to the stage centre where they slipped between the curtain into the darkness behind.       THEN two shepherds from the fields appeared searching for the place where they had laid the young child (with dialogue) and were met on stage in front of the curtain by the inn-keepers wife who was found willing to show them the very place.  They then also disappeared behind the curtain.     FINALLY the three Magi,(kings / wise men) appeared carrying their gifts (also with dialogue) and made their way to the front of stage and then through the curtain into the darkness behind.      All of this took only 10 minutes or so.      THEN the stage lights went on, and the curtains drawn to reveal the stable with Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the inn-keepers wife and the three kings.    There was a little dialogue during which the three gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were presented to baby Jesus, and finally a carol sung by a choir of angels.    The rest of the program included carols and Bible readings and concluded with a short message.

No sign of HEROD the King, waiting in the coldness of his Palace in Jerusalem.

YESTERDAY, Friday, our son Steven took us (Esther, myself, Simon and Rhianna Hogley, and our two grandchildren, Tonia and Eric) to visit RONDO in the Kakamega Rain Forest about a 100 kilometres away, and a two hour journey on VERY rough roads.     Kakamega is west of us in Eldoret.
Many years ago TFH owned the property, but eventually sold it back to the present owners who use it as a Christian Retreat Centre - it is a renowned place for those interested in BIRDS and BUTTERFLIES to come since both love to congregate there and many different species of both kinds may be seen.

Rondo House, Rondo Retreat Centre, Kakamega Forerst

It is beautifully kept and Godfrey and Elisabeth Dawkins who manage it were both there to meet us.  It was a very pleasant afternoon and a time to reminisce.      A fairly well known film 'THE KITCHEN TOTO' was shot in Rondo, circa 1987 just before we handed over the property to Trinity Fellowship.

BUT, while we were away Daryl and Carol and other staff were busy decorating the School in readiness for the Concert.     High up upon a ladder perched on the Stage, trying to fix lighting, Daryl suddenly slipped on the rung he was standing on, and the ladder slid sideways and both came tumbling down.     Daryl hit his head on a log of wood and hit his left arm heavily.   He was unsciouse on landing, and an immediate outcry from those with him, including many of the children rushed to where he had fallen.      Some thought he might have killed himself!      However he soon revived and was then taken to hospital - X-rays have shown no bones were broken, although it is thought that the left side of his jaw might be fractured, and two teeth were knocked out.    Uncomfortable and hurting, but not fatal - and we can only thank God that an Angel was on hand to give him a helping hand as he fell from that great height to the ground.       Quite a shock to him, and rather sobering.     He is up and about and we have just had lunch with him and Carol and all the Houseparents.

King Herod depicted by Peter Ustinov

TOMORROW I am giving a Message on the sin of Hypocrisy - and I am going to use HEROD the King of Israel as an example.       So GLAD on the one hand to hear of Jesus, so filled with ANIMOSITY against Him on the other.       Then on Christmas Eve we shall be with the Shepherds in their fields, and on Christmas Day to the Birth of Baby Jesus in the Stable.       THUS we shall have come to the BEGINNING of a story that STILL had not ended.       BUT the End is in sight.   All the 'signs' of His Coming Again are about us - SO we must look up and BE READY ANY TIME.

God be with you ALL through the days ahead, and may He Keep you SAFE and full of PEACE and JOY

With Love from all your Family here in Eldoret


John and Esther,   Daryl and Carol
              The Greens

OH THE WONDER OF IT ALL!

THIS PICTURE of Mary the Virgin being greeted by her cousin Elisabeth    really rejoices my heart!   Such JOY and exhilaration on the part of Elisabeth (right) and a kind of excited wonder with Mary (left).    Everything seems just right about it - just as I would imagine it to have happened.
Why did Mary go to visit her cousin.     It was not too long after she became pregnant.    She was engaged -  but Joseph was not with her.     Had she decided to 'hide' and avoid unwanted gossip and stares?    Or was it that she wanted to share the wonder of her situation with someone else who had been pregnant longer - someone who had been pronounced barren, yet now when she was beyond the usual age for child baring had suddenly found herself with child - through the intervention of God as foretold by that same Angel (Gabriel) that had spoken to Mary a little while before?      Whatever the reason there was refuge and welcome there, and one can sense that great happiness when two people who trust and value one another meet.     Yet this was BEYOND all that either had expected I think.
Elisabeth, as soon as she had heard Mary's Greeting, felt her own baby LEAP in her womb, and she herself was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit.      Such an unexpected and spontaneous happening, and Elisabeth found herself involuntarily proclaiming -

Blessed are YOU among women

and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

What will this mean to me -

that the mother of my Lord has come to me?

FOR 

as soon as your voice was heard in my ears

the baby leapt in my womb for joy.

Blessed is she that believed;

for there shall be a performance of those things

which were told her from the Lord

Whatever WERE Mary's personal reasons for making this journey to visit her cousin, God meant to use it to wonderfully confirm her faith, and to increase it.        After much trepidation, heart searching and perhaps even doubt, Mary now finally felt freed to truly believe ALL that the Angel had said to her.  As her cousin testified to realising God to be with Mary,  Mary herself felt strengthened within herself

Now she could take hold of Joseph's hand, and together they could face the world around them, and walk in faith with God!      We do not know how long she stayed with her cousin - but it may not have been very long....!

Two things impress me, looking once more at this friendly encounter.     One is that from the first JESUS within Mary was able to make His Presence felt by others.   The other that the Spirit that was within HIM was able to overflow to another.       TRULY His conceptional name IMMANUEL - 'God with us' was clearly demonstrated in this meeting.......... and I believe this is something that even now in our own experience is able to be apprehended.       Look out for GOD - He IS with us in Christ Jesus.

Come to HIM and you will find GOD.       Seek for God and you will consider this Holy Child JESUS, who grew to Manhood,  and put to death on a Cross too all our punishment for all our sin upon Himself, descended into Hell, and ROSE again from the grave, Victorious and Alive for ever, our Saviour, Lord, and KING.

********************************** 

Christmas Trees are now UP in all our houses here in Testimony.    And yes, they are adorned with lights and tinsel.

And yes, they have provided a sense of celebration and joy to everyone.      This is a Special Time; a special occasion,   the DAY will soon be here with us when we remember the 'Birthday' of the one who came to secure us for Eternity.   And YES, we know it is not really His Birthday - but it the day we choose to REMEMBER it.     And we will do it with joy and not with sorrow or theological debate.

The Nativity Play is in Rehearsal, and on Monday I will be in the School Hall for a peak at how it is looking.    The date for the Concert is Friday 21st December.    Not too many days to polish everything, but the children are very enthusiastic and glad to have an opportunity to declare their joy in Jesus.

Suddenly Carols and other Christmas music (even Handel's Messiah) is being heard within our two compounds. and at last we have become aware - despite heat and sunshine - that Christmas is with us.    The story has begun and is unfolding........soon it will reach its climax!

Some of our old boys have just called in to give us two 90kgs sacks of beans, and to say more is on the way.   Wonderful to have them remember us.    And there will be others.      Love and Thanksgiving also to all who, through AENON Trust, have recently sent to us, in Jesus Name.     God has helped us to be able bring the children into Season's Joy and Happiness for this Advent .      Thank you all that partner with us in this wonderful privilege of bring hope and life to children who had NO hope, and little life expectancy.       This is a MIRACLE, that by the Grace of God, we can, and do,  all share in.

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THANK YOU also for taking on the Burden I shared with you on behalf of Joshua and Miriam and their  problem with the Inland Revenue.       SO FAR nothing more has happened.     The Letter threatening acting remains - but they remain in their home, and the children remain in theirs.     This will not be the end of the matter, but we will be believing and praying with them that the LORD will keep what is HIS against all comers.       Joshua and Miriam are both well, and firm in their convictions.    We hope to see them during the Christmas days ahead.     We shall encourage each other as always.

Much Love in He Who is our LIFE.      May He give you peace and quietness in the midst of joy and worship as the world whirls itself into a shopping and spending frenzy.

Affectionately

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol  (The Greens)

plus all those labouring with us, and living as 'family' with us

LOOK OUT FOR AN ANGEL !

BE NOT AFRAID, MARY!         That she WAS both shocked and speechless, was  no doubt an understatement, yet the impression is that she took it all in her stride.     The astounding words recited by Gabriel, and the implications of them must surely have filled her with confusion and moral trepidation.     She was probably still in her teens - a virgin!    And now ENGAGED.
What was this that God was putting upon her?   Who would believe her story?    Would even Joseph her fiancee believe it.     Shame would come upon her AND upon him..........The Angel saw into her thoughts and thus he encouraged her - Be NOT afraid Mary.

LATER in life, when Jesus had grown to manhood, she said to some  who were found lacking and in need  'WHATEVER He says to you DO IT.  (John 2v5).      She had been obedient to the Word given to her, and been blessed.      God had brought her through all the challenge He knew would attend Mary's obedience.   Gave her the strength to endure the doubt, scorn and mockery of others who, observed her life, judging her.      It is not always easy or straightforward to OBEY God.    I mean it is not without challenge to ones sensibilities and cultural beliefs.       I think a fair amount of courage and bravery is needed in order to just get up and GO ............. How do you see it?      I feel sure this is why Jesus told the disciples to WAIT for empowerment BEFORE going out to witness.     They did as HE told them and WAITED, and God the Father poured out the Holy Spirit upon them in a way they could never forget or repudiate.     THEN they began immediately to GO and Witness to what they KNEW of Him.    God likes us to be SURE - is willing to provide evidence and proof even today in this often faithless and unbelieving generation.        I suppose it WAS sensational for Mary to be confronted by the Angel, yet it was not something hyped up before it happened.      She was not READY or EXPECTING such a thing to happen.  

WHATEVER He says to YOU to do this Christmas - however way out, unlikely, impossible - just go ahead, accept, and do it!    

Dan and Esther

We - the Greens - have just returned from the Engagement of Esther (Joshua and Miriam's daughter) which took place in the grounds of Neema Children's Homes just a few kilometres from us.      They are now beautiful grounds adorned with lawns, a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers setting of the Children's Home built, the School now growing, and the family home where Joshua and Miriam live and where they began the work nine years ago.
Crowds of friends and well wishers were there, and us who count ourselves family.      Joshua also graduated yesterday with an MA degree which he has been working on part time over four years.   Wonderful.    A lot of joy ?    YES indeed..........BUT yesterday evening they had a new communication from the Inland Revenue who have for some time been trying to get some £12,000 out of them in TAX.
They have never had that kind of money, and they have not paid it.         Yesterday they were advised that on MONDAY the Revenue Bailiffs would take possession of their family home - NOT the children's home, but their own family home.        They spent a sleepless night filled with apprehension.    The MA seemed to mean suddenly nothing, and the Engagement Party scheduled for day lost all it's shine and happiness.  
They had not expected such a pronouncement against them.  

Miriam and Joshua

They were stunned,    What could be done?   If they do not pay they will lose their home, risk the future of all the children they are caring for.   What will people say about them?     They trust in God for all their need.
And God says to THEM.....FEAR NOT!         And I reminded them of this, this afternoon.   God ha,s over years, proved and evidenced Himself to them - they KNOW He is real.       He will not fail them now, nor let any man or men to come in to destroy what HE has built and established.
We left them rejoicing.    We will be praying for them that come Monday, they will SEE the Lord with the Victory in His Hand.

Our next Blog will be on 15th December.       Probably we shall have decorated each Home by then, here in TFH and there will be strings of Cards, paper chains, a tree complete with lights and a whole lot more.  I am sure carols and other Christmas music will begin to be heard all around.      OUR Christmas Season will have finally begun.      I have described how we hope for it to be in our Christmas Letter sent out a few days back with our Christmas Card.
BUT this month began with many waiting bills to be paid.       Funds did arrived, and some of those bills have been paid and dealt with, as also the provision of our daily need,    We can all together once more join in and say with a heart full of Joy 'GOD IS GOOD'.          Yesterday I suggested to Daryl that we go ahead and BUY what we need for Christmas now before the Town is too busy and prices rise even further.    He said he would prefer to wait and see how much we would have by Christmas Eve!!    Every Christmas we have done our best to have wonderful spiritual time together AND an opportunity to eat and have fun together.
We do not buy presents as such, but there is plenty to enjoy in fellowship and company.    Sometimes though we provide a small sack of sweets, balloons, sports equipment and indoor games that the children in each house can share and have fun with.       This year the feeling was we might not be able to achieve this.  Things  are tight - but we know we will still have a good time for all that.
THEN, after talking with Daryl, a sister in Christ from our Church Fellowship who lives kilometre or two away called on me and Esther unexpectedly. She brought with her 200 brown paper pockets (5 pbi) each with candy, small toys, balloons, and other kick knacks for Christmas - one for each child.    She and her family had stayed up all night packing them up, and now here they were.    What a delight !   What a truly kind and inspirational thought that prompted her - surely it came from GOD.     How He does delight to surprise us above our expectations.    NONE of us need to worry about what man or circumstances may threaten us with IF we KNOW that GOD is with us, and involved in what we are doing.      He WILL provide, overcome, and even DEFEAT every fear and anxiety that is set before us.

SO take heart dear friends, and lift up your heads ready to ACCEPT and RECEIVE from His Loving Hands all that YOU need to experience a truly Blessed Christmas - no matter WHAT may arise - or has even arisen - to surprise you out of your Faith.      What was it that Mary finally said to the Angel?

'BEHOLD the handmaid of the Lord

be it unto me according to thy word.'

The word 'handmaid' there speaks of a personal servant - in the feminine.     But we should apply it to all of us really and not be afraid, when we are confronted by anything untoward, to also say

BEHOLD the servant of the Lord

be it unto me according to thy word.

And to then go forward in faith willing for whatever may betide.     It can only be GOOD  in the end!!!

Much love in Him from us all here in Testimony Faith Homes, and especially from the Green's

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol

TESTIMONY SCHOOL GROWTH

THIS IS THE LATEST photo of what has been taking time to build.   The NEW Dormitory and Classroom Block for Testimony School.    The Block will provide Boarding for 60 boys in the Secondary Section of the School, together with FOUR new classrooms providing for a SECOND stream of Secondary Classrooms, PLUS a new Library.      All built in a light grey volcanic lava stone.     The dorm will be on the ground floor and the classrooms above,     All should be completed and ready for use by early January.     This will, it is hoped bring more patronage to the School as our area has been short of high school places for some time.       Since the late 1990s the high school has limped along with just one stream of Form 1 to 4,  and it has not paid its way, having to rely on the Primary Section to prop it up financially  -  you should know that the School (though private) subsists from incoming Fees from outside families wishing their children to attend.
The entire cost is taken care of in this way - teachers salaries, text books, consummables and development all paid for by parents of local children seeking to learn in the School.       These Fees also provide for all the Orphans resident in our four Homes to learn FREE from Nursery to the final year of High School.
NOW with the provision of a 2nd Stream in High School it is hoped that the School will be able to take care of all of its running costs without any part of it running at a loss.      

THE SWIMMING POOL is situated to the left of the photo above, where our old Basket Ball Court was   (now re-sited to the School Field.   To the right of the NEW building  opposite you can catch a glimpse of the Nursery School beyond /and just behind the tree the school laboratories.
As you can see the Pool has been excavated.   It is a standard 'school' pool of 25v14 meters with a depth at the shallow end of 1.5 meters running to 3 meters at the deep end.
A great deal of EARTH and ROCK came out of the hole - much of which we have been able to use for other purposes.      The Maintenance Worshop and stone house that used to be on the right side of the pool have been re-sited or knocked down to make room for more space.      The toddlers 'Paddle and Splash' pool will be bottom right of the photo, just out of sight.        We hope and expect other schools and groups to use the pool, and we also hope we encourage a competitive interest in the sport.    We will be one of the FEW schools having a pool of their own.         AND during week-ends and holidays the Children from the Homes will be able at times to have free use of the fascility just for themselves.    WOW.

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Naomi 10,  Dominic 8,  and Janet 12 and caption

THREE VERY HAPPY FACES!!      Yet these three children have come through the loss of a caring mother, loss of home and security, and times of what must have been fear and anxiety.     Even now they are still, technically, in transit to the unknown!         They lived together with their unmarried mother in poor, but caring circumstances in a suburb of Eldoret, until one day, quite suddenly their mother was taken ill and admitted to hospital.      She suffered from AIDS, but had managed to survive quite well until recently.       It seemed she had no time to leave word of instruction to any concerning her children, and so they remained living in their small house alone, and increasingly hungry.      Eventually their situation became so noticeable that it was reported to the District Children's Office.  Many weeks had be then gone by, and their Mother had passed away in the hospital.      Finding the children near to starvation and quite forlorn and scared, the Children's Office brought them to us early this week.       They had made a quick search to see if there were any family members existing that might want to care for the children, but had come up with nothing.    But they wanted more time to extend their search before finally committing the children to an institution - could WE have them until the end of December when they would make a final decision as to what should happen to them?  We said YES, of course, and well I think you can see the total happiness in these youngsters - even though the future remains uncertain.      NOW at least they feel SAFE, and protected - even though they know their Mum has passed away.   Please spare a prayer for them.    We hope they will have a very happy Christmas with us, and catch sight  even more of God, and His Love for them.

This year we have Admitted 13 children into the Homes, including the three above.      About the same number of left us to start their own lives as working men and women.       Most of them are working in and around town, and call in often to have a chat, and to encourage themselves.    It is not an easy transition to leave a family home of 30 or more and suddenly fend for yourself in a small rented room, rather scantily furnished and lonely.      They have all made that transition in the end, and prospered enough to marry and start making their own home with their own little family.       We try to be available in this transition period, and make visits and invite visits.         

Currently we have 133 resident in our FOUR homes.

In TESTIMONY HOUSE

 Hesketh and Alice Muli and their three children have 31 with them, fourteen 

of whom are girls and eighteen are boys.

In JACARANDA COTTAGE

 Joseph and Beatrice Rop have 34 children, 

 of whom six are girls and twenty-eight are boys.

In DRAKELEY COTTAGE

 Francis and Eunice Lahol and their two children have 30 with them, nine 

of whom are girls and twenty-one are boys.

And in TYNDALE COTTAGE

 Micha and Senge Yego and their two children have 37 with them, twelve

 of whom are girls and 25 are boys.

Our current Age groups now range as follows -

0   -   5 =  2  boys   2  girls

6  -  13 = 40 boys  18 girls

13 -  17 = 29 boys  12 girls

 18 ++    = 22 boys    8 girls

All the children from Nursery to Form 1V of Secondary attend Testimony School FREE of charge - the School covering the cost of each child via the Fees paid by the parents whose children attend the school from the District.     THUS the Homes only have to find the Fees of those attending College or University after completing their Secondary Education.     WE usually have an average of about 20 in Higher Education at any one time.

The School has a population in excess of those attending from our Homes of approximately 600 students.

AND NOW CHRISTMAS WILL soon be with us - unlike most of the world WE do not start to observe or notice it until about the 18th December - except in the Supermarkets !!      For our 13 newest children it will be the first time to have a Christmas with us and usually it is a real experience for  them, and one in which they have their first revelation of Jesus and God's love for them all.      Much prayer goes into this time of year, and usually quite a lot of activity both spiritual AND secular.     A lot of play and a lot of laughter as well as just enjoyment of being AT HOME and NOT ALONE.

God Bless you all during the week to come, and Thank you for praying for us, and for being part of the continuing demonstration of His Love and Care.    

Much Love in Him

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol

                  'The Greens'

                                                    

HOME AND AWAY?

WELL TODAY I definitely do not feel as if I am on a 'Picnic'.     DOWN in the woods - or is it the 'dumps' today, and no other 'bears' in sight - ALL ALONE.......my wife has GONE and departed 400 kilometres AWAY and left me all alone!     It has not happened often, but each time it has I know how lonely I am without her.     So strange don't you think?  And she will be back, God Willing, on Sunday!!

And sometimes,s even when she is with me these days I feel STILL alone, just because she is on the phone, or spending time in some other corner of the compound talking to others.     I must be entering into my second childhood........BUT I am jealous for her company always.    Am I being over 'romantic' or 'Idyllic'?    No - it is just that I have got 'used to her face'.   I know her 'step', her voice, her laugh, from far.    She fills up my life, and completes it.    Recently I read that a man alone is like a 'vase without flowers'.     And yes I can identify with this for I do today feel empty and unattractive without her who is my one true earthly companion.     Without her around to tell me she loves me, to chide me and even encourage me I feel definitely 'down in the WOODS' alone and rather futile.       When we are together she is my sounding board, a stamp of confirmation that I am right or wrong  -  my critique and my commentary.     But when I am alone in the woods my words and thoughts remain unheard by her and fall unnoticed, quickly swallowed by an enormous silence.
I am speaking as if I am ALONE WITHOUT GOD, but of course this is not so - I KNOW God is with me always - BUT there ARE times when HE is silent, then I am the MORE alone, and King David knew this and often cried out to God, saying -

'..be not silent to me:

lest if thou be silent to me, 

                 I become like them that go down into the pit. - Psalm 28v1

Castaways, separated, cut off!    He hated to be in that condition and situation, because he KNEW  how different it was when God was WITH him, close to him, in communion and in love.   YET there are times we DO 'feel' His 'silence' and wear it like a garment of discomfort and neglect.

She has just rung me up - she will ring again later.     I cannot phone her since my phone is dead to outgoing calls since last week.    I can only receive calls.    Bit like that with FATHER this week as well - Quite a lot going out but nothing coming back in.......but HE is still there and thinking of me, just as SHE, by little Esther, is there too.     Sunday will soon be here.

WHAT AM I DOING crooning over wives and women?     Surely not in character with my usual stance against - for example - women in the church -  the dominance (over men) of women in general.     I am one of the LAITY that cannot agree with women bishops, even pastors - as a rule.
YET I began this Blog today insisting that men are ALONE without them.........What would my wife say about that..........I think (as a woman who has in the past taught high school and headed a Primary School) she would at least be tempted to believe she could pastor a church.......but she also feels that this would not be God's will for her.       At least, if nothing else, for the sake of the 'angels' and the 'powers' above!

THE LATEST GOVERNMENT APPOINTED  Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby (left) has just 'INSISTED that women will eventually be ordained as bishops despite the Church (the laity) being against it.'    I find this very interesting.      I personally feel it WILL happen, and I do not see the general climate changing that applauds the equality of women - lock, stock, and barrel  (body, soul, and spirit).       I think it is not necessarily RIGHT.      Basically the doctrine of our 21st Century is that there must be NO DIFFERENCE between the sexes - and already this has opened the door to same sex (homosexual and lesbian) 'marriage'  -   a variation of 'marriage' or human union, that was never purposely contemplated by GOD.     It is unnatural, and I believe that this alone should alert men and women everywhere in taking care just how equal they should be.
C.S.LEWIS, the well known Christian writer and theologian writing in 1948 was of the opinion that if ever the Church of the England (the Anglican Church) allowed women to be ordained priests it would split it asunder - but they have managed to do so without a 'split' so far.    LEWIS did not consider that 'equality' of the sexes necessarily implied interchangeability, and he spoke and wrote as a Christian from a Christ centred perspective.      He also touched on the impropriety of women acting as priests on the basis that God did not send His 'daughter' but His SON to die on the cross, and that this needed to be appreciated and demonstrated clearly in the Church which is the Bride of Christ!!.       Arguments not expected to cut much ice with non committed Christians, but surely ones that still ought to be considered seriously by those that are.
The Church worldwide is on a slippery slope downwards.      The Foundations are shaking.   If Christ does not come there may soon be NO Church.  NO TRUTH either.   NO respect for Man or Woman, but instead only a devalued appreciation of both together with an intrinsic LOSS in our idea of humanity as a whole.

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AND HERE IS MY ESTHER, with our Little daughter of 23 years, Helen at her Graduation yesterday in Nairobi.     She now has her DIPLOMA in Early Childhood Development which we trust will open the door to a good post as a Nursery School Teacher.    She did not know Esther would attend the function, so I guess she got a surprise.    Esther looks a little travel worn - they left here at 5a.m. to travel up to Nairobi in time for the Graduation at about 10am.      Daryl drove the VOXY up with Esther, two of Helen's friends from the homes, and also Jesse and Jeremy, Daryl's two sons.

Quite a posse.    Carol was left behind to finish up on her Vocational Bible School week for the children from the Homes and locality.   Final Day Will be tomorrow.

The new School building is almost finished, and the Swimming Pool is being excavated as I type.   Almost three quarters of it has been done already in about a day.   Will send up to date photos next week.     Should also be admitting three more children on Monday as well.

Locally Esther and I, and Daryl and Carol, all share in a Missionary Fellowship from the locality which meets weekly in each others houses.     We are a fraternity of about 30 from many nations - mainly American.    Thus on the 22nd we all came together for the USA Thanksgiving, and shared a meal together.     There must have been more than 80 present!!      Actually I did not attend this year as our Secondary Form 4 Examination Class were having their Farewell, and I always attend it.    This year it was later than usual and coincided with Thanksgiving.      It was a good time, and we were proud of these students, some of whom had been with us in the School from Nursery - almost 14 years.     Now they will wait for their Results in February next year and hopefully find a place in College or University.     Wow.

God Bless you all.    Time is moving fast.    Soon be Christmas!!      

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER?    Yes!  Very much so though, in fact, Baby Hellen is not one of our very own children, but the youngest of our adopted ones.
One would never know, since the ties that bind, and have bound almost from birth, are deeply founded in a Mother's loving heart.
Helen came to us in June 1990.  She was then eight  months old, having been born two months premature and immediately deserted by her birth mother at the hospital.   At the time of her birth she was thought to be dead, and was on her way to a disposal unit in a tiny kidney dish when the nurse noticed movement.
She immediately changed direction and headed for the Intensive Care Unit.    Surely that day, God looked down and saw her in her blood, and said LIVE!    (Ezekiel 16v4-6.)    BUT she had to fight to live, and even as she grew we could see that her 'beginnings' had affected her.   She was very insecure and introspective.    She was not very talkative, and easily dispirited.    ESTHER took her under her wing, and over the years the two drew closely together, in so much that Hellen obviously saw in Esther the Mother she had lost.     We decided to adopt her, and to give her a name (we had no note of her real name which had been denied to her.)      She is now 23 and will graduate this month with a Diploma in Early Child Development.  I personally am very fond of her indeed.  She adores little children, and being short and cuddly herself,  is quickly trusted and loved by all she meets.      She has studied in Nairobi for two years, and this month has been with us for a week's holiday prior to Graduating.       We celebrated her 23rd Birthday at the same time.  
She will return to College briefly on Sunday (tomorrow).      She already has employment in Nairobi as a Nursery Teacher, and will no doubt continue.     But here will always be home, and no doubt we shall see a lot of her whenever she is free.    In the small photo opposite Hellen (right) is with her long time friend Betty who is part of the current Testimony House Family, and is studying Accounts in College.   Betty and her four brothers have lived together in Testimony since their Dad passed on in 1998.   All of them grew up to follow Accounts, and all of them continue to do so.     There father was already widowed when he passed away, and unprecidently Willed his five children into our care, being fearful that on his death they would be disposessed of their rights and left to die!!!    It turned our very much an act of wisdom.

LAST WEEK, Daryl was told by the Deputy Director of the Kenya National Council of Children's Services that by 2030 all Children's Homes will have been closed down due to a lack of need.   (Of course we have heard this before - the last time it was going to be 2020). It seems the Government is still persuing a dream of seeing ALL orphans fostered out or adopted by that date.   It is not all Kenya's fault that such a policy is in vogue - the United Nations, and even 1st World Countries have been advising and even forcibly dictating such a course.       However, we ourselves, together with others have seen no positive evidence that such a dream will or can happen - not by 2030 at least.    The ecomony of the Country is still declining, and the numbers of children on the streets, and without shelter also increases.
Current figures put only 525,000 children out of more than 2.8 million who are in fact being so far fostered by Government funded schemes.     The CASH inducement has been some Ksh.1,500/- per month to any one family taking in ONE orphan or destitute child!!      The given 'Responability' of this family is stated as including -

• That children from 0 - 5 are taken for immunization and growth monitoring
• That children from 6 - 17 regularly attend basic education.
• That all children in their care obtain Birth Certificates.
• That all Family Carers should attend 'Awareness Sessions'.

NOWHERE is it suggested that these children should be affectionately loved or seen as legitimate members of the Carer's blood family.

These 'rumblings' of change which have been increasingly heard over the last five years remain rumblings, but none the less we must expect the 'quake' to engulf us in the end.      The 'STIGMA' of  a Nation being referred to as part of the 3rd World is increasingly becoming unnacceptible, and there is a progressive move to hurry the process of being promoted to 1st World Status!!       In the Business News of the Daily Nation this week there as an Article headlined  'AFRICA MAY ATTAIN FIRST  WORLD STATUS BY  2048'   -  'THE CONTINENT MAY skip SOME DEVELOPMENT STAGES TO BECOME AN ECONOMIC ENGINE IN A DECADE, SAYS STUDY!.     One Mr. Charles Robertson, author of a book entitled 'The Fastest Billion - The Story Behind Africa's Economic Revolution' is reported as saying (in this article) -

Charles Robertson

'The Continent has the unique advantage of 'leapfrogging' through 

various stages of economic development,

which the more developed western states had to go through

in growing their economies.

THIS is in  continent where only a few years ago everyone thought it was

too poor for people to have mobile phones!

Whatever has happened in the technicological world

is enough proof that Africa will skip several stages

and become an economic engine;

competing with countries like Germany, and the U.S.A. by 2048

Of course their ought to be growth - but FORCED growth can be dangerous.    We used to 'force' Rhubarb in our English gardens by putting the plants under glass to increase sunlight and warmth.   And the plants DID grow - and grow FAST - but for some reason the Rhubarb never tasted as good as that grown at its own speed, grappling with normal weather.        I think there may well be a 'law' at work in this.   Thus likewise it may not be good to take short cuts to induce GROWTH.       More haste can mean LESS speed, and the old Proverb 'Hurry SLOWLY' may in the end have the greatest wisdom of all.     I don't say this because I do not believe in the Third World being able to draw level with the First, but I am not convinced that to force the pace of getting there will, in the end, produce the same equality.        

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John & Moray

THIS WEEK we have been visited by DAVID ISGROVE   of  Riverside Church in Birmingham.   He came with a team of young people from UK and Kenya, and we were able to have very good and enjoyable fellowship with them for about an HOUR!       Then, for TWO days we enjoyed the visit of Rev. MORAY THOMAS, Vicar of St. Lukes. Grayshott.       St. Lukes has been in touch with us for MANY years, supporting us with prayer and material help as the Spirit has led them.    Moray had been visiting friends in Southern Sudan, and thought to also spend a little time with us on the way home.    We are very glad and happy that he did as it made it possible for him to at least prove we are here, and to take back a more real and personal view of TFH to the saints that make up the congregation of St Lukes.      We hope he will be able to visit again for longer.    

Nothing more to talk about really, this week.    The children seem VERY happy to be out of school, and the weather has been reasonably good to them with only a few heavy showers to interrupt good periods of sunshine and warmth.      One of the senior boys in Jacaranda Cottage finally Graduated yesterday from his University with a Lower 2nd Batchelor's Degree in Commerce.    Now we have to help him find a job.   His Houseparent, Joseph Rop was there to see him Graduate.      This was Peter Wangila, and both he and Bethuel Kiplagat from Testimony House are now leaving the Homes to set up independant lives - still part of their families here, but no longer resident.  
LAST Saturday I had woken up with a dull kind of intermittant ACHE in my right breast area.   It got worse and I had to see the Doc on Monday and Tuesday - did I have a lump anywhere ?   Had I lifted anything too heavy for me..?   But nothing to be seen, felt or found!    Heart good and strong.   Lungs healthy.    Just a MUSCLE that had reacted to something.......all very vague.     Very painful on Wednesday, but it slowly has eased and almost completely gone away now!      The Enemy is full of endless tricks to stop us in our tracks, and to somehow divert our attention.      Thank God we do not walk alone.    Thank God we have One who in times of sudden fright will squeeze our hand, and reassure us and tell us not to fear.    Hallelujah!

Our Love again to you all.      Have a peace filled WEEK with Joy and revelation.

John and Esther  & Daryl and Carol
                     Green

ALL FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

OLD MOTHER AND FATHER GREEN seen here once more with a group of their dear and beloved children - a jumble of family members from all four 'homes'.        We recently received financial help from friends in UK, but these were all eaten up on arrival paying Bills!    So we still WERE waiting on the Lord just an hour before this huge donation of FOOD arrived!     Have we been going through a time of stringency?   Yes, in fact we often do so!
My own first ten years on earth were very stringent times, and I remember my mother had two rhymes she was fond of quoting to underline such times to me.     One was 'Old Mother Hubbard'.....

Old Mother Hubbard

Went to the cupboard

to get her poor dog a bone.

when she came there

the cupboard was bare

and so the poor dog had none

It  conjured up to my child's eye a house totally devoid of every comfort, bare and emptied of its contents in order to pay the Rent!   Scary!

The other was perhaps even worse since with the picture of poverty and the anxiety, and worry attending it, came a harassed and irritable grandmotherly figure unable to love or comfort.

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe!

She had so many children she didn't know what to do!

She gave them some brother without any bread;

then whipped them all soundly and put them to bed.

THE BLACK AND WHITE OF IT ALL!

President Obama and Governor Romney

TWO HUMAN BEINGS contending to be President of the United States of America.    Both intent on being seen as the best man regardless, of course, of their colour.    Both ready to put the other in a more inauspicious light than themselves, and both more than encouraged to do so by the rest of mankind.    Why is it that we so love to tear one another to bits in order to promote ourselves or our own opinion?     Man so rarely shows respect to Man.     In fact I think in the last 50 years there has been a generally universal effort to debunk, dismantle and altogether destroy the reputations of other man and women who previously have been admired, looked up to, and honoured; it has become the fashion to discover the faults of every man and to then show none to be trusted, or to be beyond any moral failure or sin.  
Of course GOD has told us that mankind have ALL gone astray and followed their own way;  ALL have sinned - all ARE sinners.    There is NONE that doeth good, no not ONE!!     A terrible condemnation and pronouncement.     BUT in the past we have held one or two, here and there, to have struggled enough in their lives to have achieved something humanly praiseworthy; something brave and courageous; something honourable and true, something beautiful and humane.     But now we delight in giving in to criticism, even hatred and bitterness  
NEITHER of these two men claim a lot for themselves spiritually, and both hold views that many 'god fearing' folk consider anathema; godless - whether Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or whatever.     There is therefore every excuse for an observer to speak his mind about them, perhaps even to condemn them ....
BUT PAUL writes in Galatians 5v15

'But if you bite and devour one another,

take care that you be not consumed one of another'

This advice is not only to be taken by 'Christians' but indeed by ALL mankind.    We are members one of another humanly.      We should be looking out for each other, caring for one another, willing to help each other from fault and error out of respect and love for each other.       All war and strife come from jealousies and hatreds stirred up by pride and vindictiveness.    Such attitudes find their origin in the flesh.  In the Old Man of the Flesh.          

Should such an attitude be allowed to hold sway in the thought and speech of a Christian;  one whose Lord and Master encourages us to love one another?   Of course we ARE all different, and will vary in the way we see things  and  express ourselves, but should we fuel of our opinions with bitterness and anger?  I must HONOUR ALL men/women.        PAUL in Romans 12v10 .... (Amplified bible) writes -

Love one another as members of one family;

giving precedence and showing honour to one another...

NATIONAL ELECTIONS in any Nation, always seem to bring out the worst in people as they jostle to take sides.     Everyone insisting on their viewpoint, not caring how vitriolic and UNLOVING their words may be about one made in the image of GOD!        Can I hear JESUS in their words; can I catch a glimpse even of the LOVE of God?      What and WHO do I demonstrate and represent when I give in to MY fallen and faulty judgement about another?

AND, when all is said and done, these two men are just sinners like me.     I cannot expect more from them than I expect from myself, and ALL of US who claim to have been cleansed from sin, STILL live with sin, in our flesh, and in fact continue at times to err and sin........NONE are perfect.     

These two men are both politicians playing a game with words for high stakes.     They may not hate each other as they hope their followers will.     They are out for votes any way they can - they are out to GET YOU stirred up about THEIR opponent enough NOT to vote in their favour but in their own.   Race, Religion and Politics are all there to be USED in this struggle for ultimate power - and it seems we are all in danger of being chewed up and spat out in the process, as they use themselves and the media to involve the electorate.   Brothers and Sisters refrain your tongue from evil - let GRACE be upon your lips.    Speak evil of NO MAN!   GOD knows who will govern, and he chooses who He will to provide for what is needed.   Good or BAD,  God will use a Leader to finally DO HIS WILL for the good of all.     

Lighten your hearts and Love your enemy and those that might offend you, praying for them, that they too may receive the Mercy of God as we ourselves have done.  

WHY have I written so much on this?    Because I listen to the words and watch the faces of my brethren in Christ when they speak of these frail men, their own countrymen and 'kind', and my heart fails me.    It IS so easy to forget Jesus is with us and IN us,  -   so easy to be ignorant of being WITHOUT His Spirit.   O Lord have mercy on me, on all of us, that we might pray for one another, for ourselves, that we might remember Who We are in CHRIST.

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THESE ARE PHOTOS of some of the children receiving this and that with joy, and thanksgiving.    We have rejoiced together to see the kindness of many of our Asian neighbours who have recently come to give food to us.      The last months have been often a severe trial to us all, yet moments of real joy and happiness.   I think our Father in Heaven knows that TOO MUCH is not always good for us; we can become too used to having it, and then forget to be thankful for it, or even to seek HIM who is our life for it.     We tend to live in the answer to this prayer found in Proverbs 30v8 -

'..........Give me neither poverty nor riches;

feed me with food convenient for me

lest I be full, and deny thee, and say Who is the Lord?

or lest I be poor and steal
 and take the name of my God in vain'

THIS week the Lord again provided through so many brothers and sisters via AENON, and we WERE waiting - and not just us but also the families of the many that spend their days here working and serving us and God.     Truly Testimony is a Refuge for so many, a source and provision of SO MUCH.   Thank you all.          

ALSO here is a photo of our latest, fast growing calf, a heifer.     She is different to the rest of our cows.  She eats a great deal MORE, but she is a lovely animal.      She was recently supplanted as the youngest addition to our 'herd' by a black white bull calf.      He will probably be sold of for meat later on.......

Milk flows out from out cows to all the school children in the school and to the Homes.    God has BLESSED

LASTLY a mention of the School NEW buildings that are still coming up.     The NEW BOARDING HOSTEL which we hope will open in January is almost finished now and ready to be painted and so on.    It will cater for 60 beds, and for those who have visited and know about us the building is situated at the lower end of our present Nursery School Block.     At the end of the Hostel where our Basketball Court is now situated the NEW SWIMMING POOL is to be built.   Work should start any day now, and expectations are that it will open in February.       The School is financing all these developments with the help both of the their bank, and parents, all of who have been very much behind this development.     The School has won great approval and praise over the years to the honour and praise of God.        Over the past year the School has been renting premises outside its own compound to accommodate Boarding students from out of town.      But now with its own Hostel within its own grounds a lot of expense will be avoided.        There is only ONE swimming pool in town bigger enough to provide our School with space enough to give opportunity for all our students to learn to swim.    By building its own the School will now provide the safest facility for itself and be able to make it pay by letting it out to other school and so on.     During the Holidays the Homes will be offered full free use.    We thank God for that.

BUT, there are time we feel jealous of all the grown of the School, whilst the Homes seem to be at a standstill, and often in need.       The numbers of needy children is not decreasing.    But the LORD knows and understand this problem, and we are confident that all is well and right for us.

TODAY is the first day of the School Holiday.     The School is virtually SHUT except for about 70 Primary Scholars and about 30 High Schoolers - all in the midst of the their FINAL EXAMINATIONS.   Now the fun begins - and also quite a lot of activities.      

Our hearts go out to you all, and our prayers never fail to reach the Heavenly Throne for you.

God Bless and keep you in His Love and Mercy

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol 

                       Green