THINGS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE - REALY?

YESTERDAY I was writing to friends saying that the RAINS had come at last!      TODAY the Weather Men are telling us it is NOT so.    The Rains they say have failed and, though there may be a few sporadic showers and heavy thunder storms, the HEAVY  RAIN is not coming !!   INSTEAD  we are to expect a prolongation of DROUGHT,   food shortages and rising prices - in fact FAMINE threatens.   The old lady in the photo to the left is one of many who are already finding life impossible.    She cannot afford the increased price of basic foodstuffs.   How will she feed her family?   How will she feed her self?
in 1972, just 45 years ago, Eldoret had plenty of water.   True there were only 40,000 people here then, but the Rain Fall was immense, regular and predictable.      Then, within a few years, the huge areas of forest were cut down.     Nothing of any significance was replanted.    President Moi made an effort to reverse the trend, and personally encouraged tree planting.      But it did not last, and the trees gave place to small scale farming and a slow and steady reduction in RAIN.  
Because of the increase in population, and the desire for LAND to live, the forests have been sacrificed, without so much as even a moment's regret.   Successive Governments seem to have been unable to plan for the future; for the ongoing increase in population, and its needs.   Kenya grows Tea, Sugar, Maize, and even some Rice.    But today it is all  generally exported, and we have to import OUR need from other Countries.    NOW, suddenly, prices on all these basic commodities are shooting up.    This week Sugar has been increased from 200 to 395 shillings per  2 Kilo  pack, more than 100%.     WE usually by 50kgs per week which means for US an in increase of of more than 4.000/- per sack, (approx 30 Sterling) per week on just ONE commodity.    Generally the supply of maize, beans, milk, vegetables, tomatoes and onions among other food items dwindles almost daily, thus encouraging hikes in prices.     Currently there is still food to buy - but due to the price increases no money to buy it.    This will, expectedly, bring famine.   The President has announced that salaries should be increased be 18%.    Yes, most people employed do not have enough to live even now, it would be good to get a pay rise - but most employers will be unable to pay it - for us, if we were to raiser ALL our salaries for those working in the Homes by 18% we would have to find another Ksh.117,000 or nine hundred pounds a month.
FOR OURSELVES in TFH this is a Challenge both sudden and unexpected at this time.   Currently we are spending on Groceries and related provisions to cover three basic meals a day for 130 children plus 10 staff, approximately 300,000/- per month.     Daryl has just dropped in to say that after discussion with some of his Staff, they were considering taking ONE meal away each day from each person.     WELL,  yes, one should consider how to deal with inflation I suppose.    BUT reading and listening today in our media, it seems we are facing civil unrest, increasing inflation, famine, and continued drought.     IF we face it all head on then it is likely we shall feel overwhelmed, and maybe forget GOD is with us!!!         What is it the Scripture says in Philippians 4v6 -

'Be careful (anxious) for nothing;

but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, 

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your heats and minds through Jesus Christ'

This does not promise going through life unscathed, but it DOES mean without fear and trembling.The Scripture continuing tells us NOT to be AFRAID!   Why, because GOD is with us, those of us who are believing in His very REAL Presence with us; - If GOD be with you, WHO and WHAT can (suceed) against you.        Hallelujah!      We need to work at letting these TRUTHS live in, and with us moment by moment.     Remember, the Word of GOD is TRUE, and will  not deceive us.    Only BELIEVE.

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Since 2011 The Lord has guided us and prospered us in setting apart two plots for Market Gard-ening.    With little rainfall and limited underground supply we have seen very good returns of vegetable crops, plus onions and tomatoes.    Thank Lord for open-ing our eyes and walking with us.

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A dear friend of ours wrote today of her husband, now 85.   She writes '......Our travelling days seem to be over as 'D' has reached the stage where all he wants is home and his chair. He will be 85 in a few months and having problem with balance and travel generally.'
I shall be 77 this month, and although I still get about the compound and the Town,  I am not as energetic as I was, and am beginning to look for MY chair, and more of a 'stay at home' with my computer and books.

To hear that Prince Phillip is 'retiring' at 96 rather puts us both in the shade.    A man of indomitable spirit.  But on the other hand we are all different, and he really has been and is a man apart.     He will be missed. He has been so faithfully there, 'the Man behind the Monarch and the Throne' for all my lifetime.   Even in hearing he is slowing down, almost to a standstill, seems to mark the immanent end of an Era.   But then the whole world is poised for CHANGE - we must indeed be prepared for it.      AND I thank His Royal Highness for doing his Duty through the years, and thus being an Example to all who might care to take notice.     He has been, and remains, an Encouragement.     We remember Her Majesty as she now must face public life without him; without the knowledge of his presence just behind her; without the fortitude and and strength engendered by his just being 'there' for her.    And she is 91, not out!     Well we are told there will be a family 'stand-in' but it will not 'feel' the same.

Time to close again.      Thank you all for your prayers through the week.   We are encouraged and strengthened!    The Lord, our coming King, persuade you of His Nearness always.

Lovingly in Him
John, Esther and Daryl Green