THIS IS THE TREE 

an Indian Mahogany Tree

About 100 years old now, and aging in front of Green Cottage.

A beautiful tree!

BUT IT IS DYING.    Naturally speaking it is said, as a variety of tree, to have a comparatively short life span - approximately only 80 years.    Yet it is not dying of 'old age' but from a Parasite, that will slowly deprive the tree of every drop of sap, until it dries up, and then the Parasite also, will die.   I talked about the Parasite a while back in the Blog for 24th January 2015.  The Parasite (photo to left) is called PHRAGMANTHERA CAPITATA.   It is in most of our bigger trees, and this week we have had to CUT DOWN the sister tree to the one pictured above, with was quite dead and dried out, and in danger of

falling.   THIS TREE stands BEHIND Testimony House, and clawes upwards to around 120 feet.    This photo was taken today, after two thick sub trunks had already been brought down.  To the left of the tree, out of sight behind Testimony House, is the School's Girl's Boarding Hostel, and to the right, opposite the Hostel, are the Science Laboratories.      Not much space to move, and the tree, as you see, spreads a lot.    SO far no accidents.   Three men have been engaged to demolish the tree.   They are quite expert and using ropes and a medium size chain saw they risk life and limb.   BUT the remaining half of the tree still has to be  dealt with - probably later today or tomorrow.     It is VERY  sad to see it go, especially as it is as old as the house, and a long time part of the sky-line.      The photo (right) shows how 'little' space there is to bring the remaining tree down.    You  can also see some of the lopped branches where they fell, just in front of Eunice's bedroom window.    

The foresters will now have to climb as far as they can and lop the top branches first, and then slowly descend lopping sections as they go.   

ooo0ooo

We DO Congratulate ALL our students since, apart from the Exam itself, the circumstances leading up to it, and the difficult conditions surrounding its execution, it was the worst time, nationally, the Country has so far seen - all due to Covid 19.     THE RESULT for US in Testimony, has not been the BEST so far, and there is a sense of disappointment both in the student, and the teaching body, both.  Even the Pandemic, the atmosphere, perhaps, that it has brought with it, seems have affected how staff and students have respected the school materially.   This last term especially has seen more breakages and vandalism than ever before, and a general disregard the image of the school.   But we have prayed about it, and we feel sure the Lord will restore the previously enjoyed good behaviour, and respect for  

the classrooms and buildings.

But there has been much to Thank God for, and we are, overall, encouraged, as we are now started upon a new term and hoping for a more settled and uninterrupted School Year.

It has been 'rumoured' here in Eldoret, this week, that there have been 12 Positive cases of the new Indian variety of Covid 19.    Nothing official so far.  

The current Government Figures as of 12th May 2021 are as follows{-

NEW Positive Cases 410 out of 3,788 Tested  =  10.8% Positivity.

Fatalities 22.

Total Pos. Cases 164,386  out of Total Tested 1,729,345

Total Recoveries  113,244.    Total Fatalities  2950

OUR School has completed the first week of a new Term without any major problem, and no sickness of any kind occurring.    We Thank the Lord.     However we have noted that the rate of 'wear and tear' in the Classroom and even generally with the School rose higher than ever before.   We are not sure if this has something to do with the new arrangements and surroundings we had to negotiate in order to open. OR a general attitude of careless 'bon-homme' that may have infected both students and staff, so that there was not as much responsible student behavior and teacher supervision.    Broken desks and windows;  Graffiti, vandalism of Notice Boards,  and even miss placed text books.    We will obviously now need to redress this situation, and bring in a stricter regime.     The Long Doubt and the ensuing heavy rains have also found out LEAKS in our roofing in many places, so a lot of immediate attention has had be given in stopping and repairing damage from these leaks. 

FINALLY our dear son in the Lord, is now 'DOCTOR Sammy Kirui', one time part of our Testimony House Family, learning in Wareng High School in Eldoret, and later in Kenya Highlands Bible College as it was then known.    Sam has been in the U.S.A. for some years completing his education, finalising with his Doctorate.     We are VERY happy and glad for him, and proud of him too, of course'

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LEAVING Education we will close for this week with two Birthday.    One happened way back in March, when our little grand-daughter, Abigail became 7 years of age.     She is a real bundle of activity, gayety, fun, and delight, now just about to enter into her 2nd primary Grade next term. You will remember that her mother is our daughter Helen, who is also teaching with us in Testimony Pre-School.

This photo was taken a few months before her Birthday.  She had a Cake of course, but was especially  thrilled to just BE SEVEN!  We have really been glad for them both, Helen AND Abby, to be with us during this time of the Pandemic.   Good Company, and good encouragement for us.

AND THIS IS PHOTO OF ME turning 81 just on the 11th May, with Manu to the left, Abby in the middle and my darling just to the right.  Not a very good photo in fact, but it records the event.   We did nothing special but Manu cooked us a Wonderful chicken supper which we all shared with jollity.

So many sent in their Good Wishes and many more actually came to give them in person.   I felt very honoured, and rather humbled by the remembrance 

of so many family, past and present, young and old.

It was a good day, and the rain held off.   God IS so good, and kind to us all

And YES, I also had a cake made by Helen.  It was quite enormous and quite delicious!!   And as if that was not enough - a dear friend and sister in Jesus came with her daughter to gift me yet ANOTHER beautiful cake.    So altogether I felt very spoilt and

loved - and to round it all off, Steve, Mike and Liz all video phoned  with their families and we were able to be together during the evening.

Thank you ALL for sharing and making my Day remarkably enjoyable.

And now I am ALIVE and ready to PRESS on to the whatever the LORD still has in store for me, for it is sure that EVERY day we have is God Given,  and has reason and purpose behind it.    finally I want to close with a word about the author of a hymn I have been so blessed by - Daniel W. Whittle, born in 1840 just a hundred years before me.   He was an American, and fought in the Civil War.   He was injured in one battle and treated in a field hospital.   It is said that it was there, in pain and discomfort, Whittle turned to a New Testament that his Mother sent him, and began to read.    And as he read his darkness fled away and LIGHT flooded into his soul.     The hymn I love so much is his testimony.

ONCE FAR FROM GOD, AND DEAD IN SIN,

No light my heart could see,

But in God's Word the light I found,

Now Christ liveth in me!

As rays of light from yonder sun,

The flowers of earth set free,

So life and light and love came forth

From Christ living in me.

As lives the flow'r within the seed, 
As in the cone the tree,
So, praise the God of truth and grace,
His Spirit dwelleth in me.

With longing all my heart is filled

That like Him I may be,

As on the wondrous thought I dwell,
That Christ liveth in me. 

                                                   

 

Daniel Whittle 1840-1901

So that's it !   God Bless you all, and don't forget to pray on for us, and we will be doing te same for you.  We are all networked in His Spirit.    A little early this week, but then I did not even send at all last week.  

Much Love in Jesus to you each one

John, Esther, Daryl and all at Testimony Faith Homes and School

   

 

FAKE NEWS ?

THIS is an illustration from the last Century, and shows that, even then. the Press were known for  excess in their reporting - and by excess I mean a mix between carelessness and embroidering when writing their articles.       Just recently, as I have previously shared, we have had a gross example of this in the Here and Now.     I am sure those sent to Interview me meant well.    They were very polite, and showed great interest, but it seemed they lacked the art of making sure they wrote down what was said rather than what they 'remembered' or hoped had been said.

The Article in question was entitled 'A MAN WHO CHANGED PHILANTHROPIC GAME'   I regret to say they meant me!     I have not changed anything, as far as I know, and certainly NOT a 'game'.   It was meant to tell my story, and how I came to be in Kenya, and how Testimony Faith Homes & School came to be.      To  those who had no idea who John Green is, or Testimony Faith Homes, for that matter, it was probably harmless enough, even if the facts DID stray from the truth.      BUT for me, it was very sad that they did not just print what I said, instead of something else.    For any who may read this article, printed in the the Daily Nation Business News on 23rd April 2021,  I will now set out basic facts that may contradict what was published.     I do this solely to ensure that no one is led astray in what they may be told about me or Testimony Faith Homes & School.

First of all concerning myself.

I was born in West Dulwich, London on 11th May 1940.

I was immediately given up for Adoption, since my birth parents did not want me.

I was then Adopted by William and Edith Green, who were childless.

William was given to drink and was violent.  I grew up in this violence.

William was a Civil Servant of the Government and was often posted, and we moved with him.

I attended 4 Primary Schools, 5 Secondary Schools.

I left Secondary School when I was 15 and got a job sweeping floors.

I attended Night School, and was able to improve my Academic standard, and finally  went to a Commercial College for two years, qualifying in Accounts, and Commerce.   I worked with Stratton Sons and Mead in Melksham, England first of all.    I also worked with Cambridge University as an assistant Bursar to Magdelane College, and finally with Beckenham Borough Council, in the Treasurers Office.

I then felt God seriously speak to me, and I gave up my work in 1965 to attend Bible College.

In 1968 I arrived in Kenya to work with Trinity Fellowship  in Maseno, as a volunteer missionary.

I was not paid any salary, and trusted God would provide, as I confided to Him alone my needs.

I rented a mud house in Maseno Missionary Hospital Compound.   

I was appointed Chaplain to the Hospital and also to Siriba College - all unpaid.

In August 1969 I came cross two boys.   One 12 and other 8, his brother.   The eldest was hospitalised with a broken foot, which he had willfully injured whilst under the influence of Marijuana.    They were both homeless and without support.       I offered them home and education.

They both came to stay with me, and this was the BEGINNING of Testimony Faith Homes.

Then Esther entered my life

I married Esther Wanjiru, my wife, on 14th August 1971.    She was a High School Teacher of English and Home Science at Machakos girls High School.

IT WAS AT THIS POINT that WE, as a married couple, sought the face of God as to how we would go on, and we were led to decide to continue the work of helping needy children, but in our own home and with our own family, (God gave us 3 children of our own) as ONE EXTENDED FAMILY.      Every  Home we have opened since, and we now have 4, we opened on the same plan - A married couple, Mum and Dad, in one house with about 30 children from 0 to as long as it took to put them all through school, and college, find a job, and be ready to stand alone.

In 1972, Christmas, we all moved, lock stock and barrel, to ELDORET with 28 boys and girls.

All of this time I received no salary, and my wife having given up Teaching to be Mum when she married me, also gave up her salary.    We only had our Faith in God, and that He hears and answers our prayers.     He did it for US, and for all the children He brought to our door.    We have never made our need known or held Harambee or any kind of Fund Raising activity for the needs of the Children's Homes.      BUT  the School depends on the Fees from those outside, who want their children to learn in Testimony SCHOOL

In 1981 we gained permission from the Ministry of Education to open  one Class of Nursery School.

In 1983 we gained further permission to open Primary Standard 1 - 3.   We opened this up to the Public on the understanding that Parents wanting a place would have to pay a Fee to cover Teacher's Salaries, and normal daily consumables PLUS a % toward to the cost  of given free places to the Orphans in our care at any one time - averagely 130.

In 1987 we opened Standard 4 to 8 in NEW buildings donated freely without or request by TEAR Fund in England.   John Green did not build the School,  GOD - through TEAR Fund, did.

In 1994 to 96 we opened Form 1 to 4 or High School - again all this, was done in answer to PRAYER.

Still NOT John Green who built it.

( I should lay to rest a local belief that EVERYTHING to seen here under the name Testimony Faith Homes and School - the Land and the Buildings ALL belong to John Green, and his descendants).   THIS IS NOT THE CASE.      It is all tied up under the Lands Perpetual Succession Act, and is all in the hands of Registered Trustees.     None of it can be sold for profit, or for the financial gain of ANY individual.

TO DAY Testimony School is better known than the Children's Home.     In many ways it stands apart from the Homes, and is of course Financially independent from the Homes.    It's  future reasonably settled.

But the Children's Home seems not to be the way the Government is thinking, and we are faced with closure with all other Children's Homes across the Country -  DEFINATELY IT CAN BE SEEN, that John Green, HAS NOT CHANGED THE PHILANTHROPIC GAME  -   maybe he tried to find an Answer, but that answer, so far, has not been seen as the way forward by Government.

400 boys and girls have passed through our hands since 1969.     We have 125 still resident in our Homes at the current time.      We are still in touch with the majority of those who have left us, and we are glad to say that only 5% are known to us as having fallen into criminal activity due to the use of drugs or alcohol in their adult lives.      We are constantly visited and contacted by those who are now married, with children of their own, and making their own lives by their own effort.     AND we are especially glad to say that the majority can say it is GOD who has made it all possible.    HE is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever.

THIS fairly deals with any discrepancies in the Article mentioned above, and it allows me to feel at ease to have set the record right.       BUT the photo that was published with the Article, was good enough for me to print again here.     Esther was laughing at something I had said to the Reporter when he was asking me to hold the photograph higher !.     At least THIS was  REAL, and we are there to prove it;

John and Esther holding their Wedding Photo.

taken 14th August 1971

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WE ALL CONTINUE WELL with no sign of Covid 19.    God as been, and continues to BE, very good to Kenya and we have to Praise Him with much Thanksgiving, that so little a number of our people have seemed to die from the Virus;  only 2,800 since March 2020.     Putting that next to the 30,000 dead in a day that we were told India suffered yesterday, we feel too privileged.     Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in India, and the awful tide of death and panic that has been rolling across the Nation.

DARYL has continued to be a bit 'under the weather' this week, with various aches and pains, and a general sense of unease.    But he is also undergoing a series of dental treatments, and we think that together with the possible influence of his 1st Vaccination shot, this may have affected his general system.    We all have 23 days left before our 2nd Shot.

JAMES MANU visited his Eye Clinic again yesterday;  he was in such discomfort in the eye they operated on a week ago,      However, all seems well.    The Clinic did a thorough check, and found all was well, and most of the pain had to be expected.    There was just a slight infection - expected - in the nerve.    He is home again, still in discomfort, but at least much cheered to know all is going well.  Please do continue to remember him in prayer.

ITS LABOUR DAY, here today.     Such a pity.    All the joy and happiness of MAY DAY  seems to be replaced with the 'sourness' of  labour issues.     But, thankfully, WE can forget these issues and enjoy a day of SUNSHINE and children's laughter all around us.    A Spring Day.    A DAY to be encouraged and lifted UP, and above the clouds.

Our Love and Thanksgiving to all our friends and family everywhere.   God richly BLESS you and keep you SAFE.

John, Esther, Daryl and all at Testimony Faith Homes and School