FROM A SECULAR POINT OF VIEW

LUCY MARWA, aged 13, who lives in Ogwedhi Village, in Kisumu East Sub-County, MUST every day, with countless other girls and women, carry water through snake and baboon infested terrain far from her home.    A student who works hard at school, and also at home, she has been chosen to lead, as the FACE, of a Women's Campaign to bring WATER to the area.     The Headline in the Daily Nation reads -

Little Girl Who Brought Water to 

Thirsty Village

They will travel to Texas, USA soon for a Gala, which it is hoped will raise the cost of a Bore Hole with Lucy's name on it!!    WHY am I telling you about it.   What has it to do with us?

IT is a bit of a long story.     On Wednesday this week Daryl and I attended a Seminar conducted by the NGO Bureau which supervises Kenya's Non Governmental Organisations.      The Seminar presented a soon to be implemented new 'raft' of Rules and Regulations relative to the way NGOs in Kenya are to be Managed and Financed.      It was not encouraging, since in the first place it continues to whittle away at the private Independence of charitable activity in the Country.       It will increase the cost of Administration as an overheard by demanding more staff to cope with it as well.        AGAIN, some years ago now, the Government tried to implement a new Bill - still undealt with in Parliament - to the effect that all incoming donations from overseas for Charitable Organisations would be henceforth (if the Bill were passed in Parliament) have to be sent to a central Fund in Nairobi to be administered by the government.     Fifteen per cent of what would come monthly for any individual NGO would be sent to the NGO, and the balance kept by Government for other purposes.    Any SHORT FALL felt by the NGO would be their responsibility to FILL from self sustainable sources from within Kenya.      This would be quite impossible to actually set up.       WHY is the Government so intent to remove foreign aid towards its 'poor'?    Why do they want to continually discourage charity even from WITHIN the Country.      It is a mystery.    It is not comfortable.
The photo of Lucy is presented so admirably in the National Press - but indeed the real help is not from Lucy or even the local womenfolk in her area - it is from TEXAS USA!!!       Who are we to believe here?      And why are we getting two different viewpoints.       After all why not tell the women of Ogwedhi to build and service their own Bore Hole from the implementation of there own Self - Sustaining Project?      As far as the SEMINAR that we attended was concerned the Government is seeking to discourage foreign aid in place of helping ourselves.     Not particularly a BAD idea, but what if there is NO local help,,,,,what then?      During this last nine months we in Testimony Faith Homes have received only Sterling pounds Three thousand, odd from within Kenya, out of expenditure of more than Sterling pounds EIGHTY FIVE thousand.     Even to mount, inside Kenya, any self sustaining project which would provide this kind of money from an already economically decaying community must be seen as impossible.   We were left feeling the more depressed.

Then on Friday of this week we had our third Board Meeting of the Year.     We have not been doing too well financially, and finance had to be discussed.      The majority of our Board Members are Christian but secularly minded.     Few have really sympathetically understood or appreciated how the Ministry began or why.     After all our Constitution stated that financially we are not to appeal for funds or even make our needs known to man.    WHY
WELL, it was left to me, the Old Man fading into the background, to tell them - yet again!  
WHEN God brought the first two children in front of me, and urged me by His Spirit to care for them I was totally without funds.     And I had no regular promise of any personal support.
BUT I felt sure this was what God wanted me to do, so I took them both in.    On the next day I received funds and clothing enough to cloth, and care for these boys for the next month.      I was in the midst of reading in Mathews Gospel at the time, and that first day, when the children came in, I found myself at Chapter 6 verse 6 -

When you pray,

enter into your room, 

and when you have shut the door pray to your Father in Heaven secretly.

And your Father who hears and sees secretly 

shall reward / answer you openly /  publicly

I felt beyond all doubt that God was speaking to me, and showing me how He would provide if I would obey.     It also came to me at that time that the REAL priority in the whole matter was not so much the help of two boys but the ability to point out the TRUTH about God - He IS there for anyone, and CAN and will HEAR their prayer, any words they speak to Him, and finally WILL answer them and thus PROVE Himself.      Remember I only had taken TWO boys.     I had not initially considered starting a Children Home or Ministry.      I had come into Kenya as rather plain, dull accountant, to be involved in evangelism.        THIS is how TFH began, as a surprise.   In fact I was hi-jacked and found myself hearing God in my life.        THUS we have remained for more than 30 years on the advise of Matthew 6v6 and only asked God for what we have needed, and NOT asked Man.

At the Board Meeting I commented that I was not saying it was sin to ASK a man.    BUT I felt myself that God was MORE honoured when we depended on HIM.      After all JESUS told us to ASK,  and to KNOCK - but after all it only confirmed that our application should always be to GOD.
Also I felt what had been entrusted me to do was NOT so much to help needy kids but to DEMONSTRATE the moment by moment existence of GOD in way that could be seen and appreciated - the fact that hundred of children have been and are being helped was by the by.

Many members felt that this could be relaxed just a little.     For example we do not have to declare our needs but we OUGHT to share what God is doing and has done as a Testimony and Witness.  It was felt that we could do more in this direction, and that we should encourage those who already knew us to spread our story around.

BUT some really felt that we should open the door and say that from now on we SHOULD make our needs known, and ASK.        Finally when the vote was take on this it was found not to be the majority view even though it was not specially because of God's Honour.    The Constitution will not be changed and the way we live will not change..........But I am sure this question will come up again.

The discussion was lengthy, and felt by Esther and myself to be yet another effort to de-rail us from our first intent.       Maybe change WILL come one day,   but perhaps not yet.     The world and even the CHURCH has become less and less spiritual in its views and concepts, and more and more willing to give in to secular methods of achieving success and what it wants.     I feel more and more looked upon as an eccentric Christian, hanging on to outdated concepts based on fantasy and myth!   And indeed there are times when I have felt very shaken - but HE always 'squeezes' my hand to assure me.    

I still remain here as part of the scene, and still as General Secretary.      But there is a new wind blowing.     We wonder How God will deal with it.

TAKE CARE of your Faith!    Let no one deceive you or disturb you, or try to dislodge you from the ROCK which is the Word of God.

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

The WEATHER remains warm and dry at present.     Some rain still expected but perhaps not as much as we will still need before the end of the year.     All our children are well, and even those who are away in Boarding institutions of Higher Learning are doing very well.     

We (Esther and I) still have our dear daughter in law, Janet, and her little son Liam staying with us.   It has been good to have them to ourselves for a little, though in fact I have not been able to see SUCH a lot of them since I am busy every day out of the house.     Little Liam - a very solid and determined one year old - has also got used to his virtually unknown grandad.     Very proud of him and his Mum who is very dedicated, patient, and loving Mum

Also this week our little Granddaughter ABIGAIL returned with Helen from Nairobi, where Helena had gone to help a dear friend of hers as she delivered her baby.      So Green Cottage has currently population of four and two infants.

God Bless you all, and keep you safe through the coming week.

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol

HOW GOOD IT IS TO LIVE IN UNITY!?

THE QUESTION IS CAN WE ACTUALLY DO SO?   ARE WE ABLE TO DO SO?    When mankind WERE apparently all together of one race and tongue, they immediately set too, to climb up to where God is, in order to dispossess HIM of power and government over them.      HE threw them down from their arrogance, and confused them utterly by making each speak a different language to the one next to him - and thus they were scattered and kept apart.  (Genesis 11v1-9)   In this case it seemed GOD was against Man's Unity of purpose.   Perhaps because He knew what is in Man since his initial Rebellion in the Garden, and knew that he would forever war against himself.     Think of the havoc Men do now, even divided as they are - put them all together in ONE universal situation, and it could be much worse.    
Mr. Salmond has resigned as First Minister of Scotland, as if that were not enough for his ambition.   What more did he want - to be KING or PRESIDENT?     And a good percentage AGREED with him in Scotland.      So far no one has asked the English what THEY felt about it.   BUT Mr. Salmond has assured the English that although he is stepping down, the fight/ struggle/national determination to BE independent will go on - TODAY I am reading in the Press that in America 1 in every 4 States are also now considering seceding from the United States !!!!  Looking at the world scene in general it is clear that Man lives in a churning bucket of worms all wriggling to improve their position whilst smothering the rest as they do so.

If only we all COULD live together peacefully and of one mind, appreciating and caring for each others welfare.   If only we could so in the small parameter of our own family relationship, or within our own tribe, or nation?

King David seemed to have discovered, at least to some degree, an occasion when such unity had been experienced.    He wrote in Psalm133 -

'See how good, and how pleasant it is,

for brethren to dwell together in unity.'

Some centuries later Paul the Apostle writing to the Ephesian Church - chapter 4v3 encourages them

in following Christ in His Spirit to -

'Try to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is ONE body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called

in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism

One God and Father of ALL, who is above all, and through

all, and in you all.'

The same Apostle, writing this time to the Roman Church exhorts them in Romans 12v18 to -

If it is possible, as much as lieth in you,

live peaceable with all men

(the whole chapter is very relevant)

I wonder what he would make of to-days Christians, and their multiplicity of different 'ways' of following Christ - their endless man-made traditions, and laws, that have been heaped upon the simple Good News, and which more and more divide and separate the Family of God.

And really the way to peace and togetherness which, summed up, makes for unity amongst us all, is to simply FORGIVE one another,       BUT Man is not, it seems, very forgiving, fettered as he is by the effects of SIN, and his fall from Grace.      Even with Christ to help him out, he still seems to prefer his own opinion and self righteousness.      The very divisions of our main world religions demonstrates this thoroughly today, in what is happening among the Nations of the Middle East, egged on by politics,    Look at what is happening in world families - see the increase in Divorce, Adultery, Fornication, Human Abuse; indeed the very idea of 'family' is fading from society.

AND SO THE UNITED KINGDOM in which I grew up still survives - but how sincerely is it humanly UNITED.        Each Nation, given opportunity, makes belittling jests and puns about the other nationally - even individually.      Does the multi-racial Englishman, Welshman, Northern Irishman, or Scotsman truly VALUE each other and themselves.    Even the Olympic Games denies this, since there the United Kingdom is not displayed as a true unity, in ONENESS, but one more seen as three separate nations competing against each other.       It is so easy to put our nationality first instead of each other as human beings.  Here in Kenya it is continually stated that we are ONE Nation - not many.
This in an effort to de-tribalise our culture and attitudes.
Surely this OUGHT to apply to the United Kingdom (singular).  It is not THE UNITED KINGDOMS!    The error seems to be that each nation within the UNITY has failed to integrate.      We criticise (in the U.K.) Asians,  and Muslims from working at integration instead of hanging on to THEIR culture which often separates them from ever being British.  ( Well yes it IS also true that the English must also be blamed for not making it easy for them - at times).       Mr.Salmond's parting words were in some way threatening -   'I am leaving, but Scotland will continue the struggle against you'. (not verbatim).  Even he has set Scotland man against man.     IF ONLY all men COULD learn to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

How Little HEAVEN will resemble EARTH socially!

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

TO THE LEFT is a photo of our recently born bull calf, safely delivered of his mother, currently our ONLY cow.    His mother is quite a hefty one, but a good milker.     We hope to soon obtain another cow for her to keep company with.        We plan to sell the calf as soon as it is weaned and use the money to assist buy the envisaged second cow.      But I must say I always find it hard to think of selling such an appealing and innocent animal.    But at least we can do our best to give proper care, and kindness to those animals God entrusts us with.      In Kenya, as in many  Countries around us, animals of any kind are still considered 'dumb beasts' and therefore of little need of consideration.     They are dumb not merely because they cannot SPEAK, but because they are truly DUMB and without understanding or FEELINGS, and therefore you can treat them as badly or carelessly as you like.      It is a lie of course - they are NOT stupid, but bright and intelligent - and they do, of course, FEEL pain and kindness just as much as WE do.     I wonder how God, who sees and cares about the falling sparrow, feels about the WAY we treat the rest of creation?

TO THE RIGHT is a group of our Old Boys with Daryl taken at Esther's 70th Birthday Party.  At the Back is Pastor Anthony Bones, then Business man Richard Ochieng,,then Lucky Kiprotich,..then Pastor Christopher Kosgei, and Michael Green.  On the front row is Francis Lahol, houseparent to Drakely Cottage, Daryl Green and next to him David Koech, business man, and Steven Green.    Michael and Steven were both visiting shortly - both in the UK involved in Computer work.

Daryl continues to be our CEO and is hoping to possibly visit the U.K sometime next year (2015) and maybe also Germany very briefly in November this year.    So far he is coping fairly well.      I now have the Office next door to him as General Secretary, so we tend to be more together in the daily routines.

I have recently re-listed all those on our Address List, relative to the County in which you all live.
This partly for two reasons.   The first in order to try to discover exactly WHO is NOT having access to the Web and E-mail.    The second in order to consider increasing knowledge of this ministry.  It is some time sine Esther and I have been able to travel,  and we hope that next year Daryl will perhaps make a short visit.    We are considering him coming with a portable projector and video of the work here as an UPDATE.      ADDITIONALLY the thought has come that perhaps we might find someone who could Represent us as a Travelling Secretary.     He or she could perhaps visit little Groups of existing friends and supporters, and show the video,      Perhaps not full time but intermittently as time and opportunity allow.    I will let you all know how this develops.     If any of you might be interested to start a Coffee Group or something please let me know.      It is difficult to visit you all individually, but if there was group or place you could be with others it could be very possible to arrange a visit on a regular basis.

In future Blogs I will endeavour to include more about the children, and actual ministry that goes on here, and perhaps more from my Diary, even an extract from our Book - A Cry from the Street.

We hope and pray that you are all well,     God Bless you all so much


John and Esther & Daryl and Carol

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO GREAT BRITAIN?

TO THE LEFT is a Badge used by Queen Ann to depict the two Nations of England and Scotland springing from one stem.     I like it!   I like the implication, and I like whatever encourages unity.
Scotland was warring with England for some 600 years before their King, James V1 of Scotland found himself, on the death of Elisabeth 1st, also inheriting the Throne of England as James 1st.     Suddenly in 1603 the two Nations came together in ONE man - a Scot!  JAMES did not just want united crowns, though; he wanted the two Governments of the two Nations to also be united.    At that time there was quite a lot of public opposition to his dream.     BUT, later in 1707 England and Scotland were absorbed into the Union of GREAT BRITAIN.   Since then, for more than 300 years, it has remained so.   Of course there have been disagreements between them.    The National Character and Identity of each were not lost, or merged into some new Race or Tribe.    BUT there was a sense of togetherness.     We both settled for ONE Sovereign to Rule over us, ONE Flag to March and LIVE together under.
GROWING UP in the late 1940s I was aware with pride and satisfaction that Great Britain comprised of England, Scotland, Wales, and even a part of Ireland.     I saw this as making us a Nation Strong and Prestigious;  a Nation made up of many, working and standing together in UNITY.
YES, I know that this may not - in many ways -  have been as true as it seemed, but then I was innocent of the grumbles of men in those days, and simply saw with starry eyes  -  and what I say I admired, and was proud to be part of.       The MEDIA are saying its almost 50/50 in the race to decide the fate of the United Kingdom.     In 1707 60.5% voted FOR Union, and 39.5% voted AGAINST!!.  This was the Scottish Vote!
If Scotland decided to go it alone, then we must take UNITED out of OUR old name for Great Britain, We must change the FLAG.       And, of course there will be the BIG QUESTION - Will our mutual histories, prior to the Act of Union, again begin to sour our relations afresh until, perhaps, petty quarrels, national disagreement bring open conflict across our borders once more.?
GRADUALLY AGEING I have not found much reason to change.      I am glad to have a Flag like the Union Jack as my Flag - I do not think of myself of being 'just' English in an exclusive sense, but in the wider and all embracing sense of being a Citizen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.   Oh, and by the way in 2011 I discovered that prior to being adopted my name was JOHN ALEXANDER GRANT, my father being Scottish.     And in all the years between my teenage and now, I have always had an instinctive interest and concern for Scotland.    I would have probably been a Jacobite and fought with Bonny Prince Charlie in the Rebellion!   Certainly I would have been on the side of the William Wallace - and obviously I AGREE with England being SCOTTISH !!    Nay but I jest.  I see no good in one nation lording it over another - but to be together united for the common good - that is a desire not to be thwarted by any politician or religious bigot.     WELL, but I was adopted away from my 'Scottishness' and became William John Alexander GREEN..........yet my heart remained somehow one with Scotland.      I AM for the UNION.     I am for the QUEEN of GREAT BRITAIN - A Queen not manipulated by two bickering States, but accepted as the HEAD of the UNION of two unified States.      Just one possible reservation.....!

I would like the QUEEN of Great Britain, to be able to LEAD more than she is allowed.    She is, as the politicians have slowly forced her to be, a silent puppet in their hands.     OH that she would SPEAK out; take a STAND.      I am sure James 1st of England and V1th of Scotland would have made sure HE was heard, in his day.     IF the Union is dissolved I do not see how the Queen could properly govern Scotland in a REAL sense - even if it became a Commonwealth Country or attain Dominion status.     Scotland would decide its affairs independently of the English Parliament.       THUS the Queen would still be Queen of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but merely a tourist attraction for Scotland.  

And thus within a week we shall be confronted either by the consolidation or liquidation of a STATE.   A State which has, by amalgamation and inclusion of others within its identity, grown to be a world power even in today's eyes.       BUT Her Majesty's government has of itself slowly been eating away at this powerful cohesion of nations.
Wales has its own Parliament already.    Ireland, what is left of it for Great Britain, may soon cease to exist, and Scotland may become independent,
What is left will be the stark RED CROSS of ENGLAND and St. George, shorn of all indication of the inclusion of those other nations, till recently part of England's greatness.     The E.U. would like this to be so.    BUT, even if this all should come to be, and Scotland's over zealous First Minister, Mr. J. Salmond  be found victorious in his quest for power and fame,  ENGLAND will still not be quite DEFEATED.                  The powers around this little island set in a silver sea, may have tried to lop off her limbs, and dismember her, but she has stood ALONE before.    
OF COURSE I do not pretend to take into account all the historical and political arguments for or against Union.    I merely intrude my personal private uninformed feelings on the matter.  I AM against dismantling our history and our traditions and our FAITH.      It is the work of an Enemy.    The work of traitors.
We should all be careful, as we playfully go though life, that it is easy to wake up to desolation.

THIS WEEK I watched a Film called KAROL, A Man Who Became Pope.      Taken just as a film I thought it was brilliant.     A truly serious, challenging, and revealing portrayal.     I feel that whatever your religious persuasion you can benefit from watching this production - it is another reminder of NAZI and COMMUNIST atrocities - one that identifies with The ISLAMIC STATE (IS) and demonstrates how little we have progressed as human beings.      One begins to wonder if the word 'civilised' is becoming obsolete.         I shall do my best to find the sequel to this Film.

THE VOXY IS FINALLY BACK ON THE ROAD.    We Praise the Lord for His Kindness.

The Rains have - for the moment - gone away and the SUN is shining once more.

LIFE remains a daily walk with God.     Every Day is linked more and more to our trust in HIM.

God Bless and keep you through this next week, as we all draw nearer to the Coming of the King. The KING who will RULE the world sternly and well in Justice and Mercy.    He is not far away now,  and there will be no Referendum to decide about WHO or WHAT He will Rule.      Even so COME Lord Jesus.

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol 

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL, ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL.

THIS IS A KENYAN STRIPED SKINK! Some people might run from them, others might go further and seek to even kill them.   Others, like me, will enjoy their quiet presence, and learn to appreciate their work in keeping the garden free of pests, such as slugs, snails, Beatles and flies.
There is a fairly large colony of Skinks living on the north east side of Green Cottage.    They love to sun themselves on the rough cut volcanic blocks of the wall.     If disturbed suddenly they will make a dive for the metre high hedge below.
They probably live in small burrows or tunnels below the hedge, making themselves fairly safe from predators.    They also like our front, east facing veranda, which they patrol quite frequently, looking for insects as they enjoy the warm and sheltered sun during early mornings.   Our largest are about eight inches long, and although still quick of movement, are much slower than the younger ones.    They are not poisonous, and in no way dangerous.      Their bold presence with me as, I sit and read on the veranda, gives ME a sense of peace and safety.      Generally mid brown in colour with two light vertical stripes running to the base of their tails, they are in their own way quite attractive and admirable.       One or two manage to find their way through the front door into our sitting room, but I have not found them further inside the house.     They are of course related to the LIZARD family.     As a small boy in southern England I used to play with the English species, and had one or two regular pets among them as well.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo 

IT HAS BEEN RAINING quite a lot this week.   TORRENTIALLY at times!     A few LEAKS here and there in various roof spots relative to at least TWO of our Homes, but so far nothing too serious.

The lawns have grown apace, and so today they are being MOWED even though everywhere is still quite wet.      Some months ago the Kenya Meteorological Office warned the nation it would experience a in inverted El Nino, which would produce heavy rains through to December!!   Very unseasonable.      YESTERDAY the Met toned down their Warning.    They are now talking about 

'flash floods and disease outbreaks'  to say the least.  Their full Report amplifies this to -

'Flash floods, lightning strikes, 

disease outbreaks, water scarcity, poor pasture

and slippery roads are some of the problems Kenyans will grapple with

.......together with the likelihood of a 'weak' El Nino.'

Sounds rather unsavoury altogether

An eventful week?

Well it began with a visit from Pastor and Mrs. SPEED from Westhoughton Pentecostal Church in the U.K.    It was a very brief visit ending on Monday when they were to fly down to Nairobi Bible College.    We had a good time of fellowship with them.     Their flight from Eldoret was timed for 7.40p.m. but the plane was delayed twice until it was finally CANCELLED at 10.30p.m.    They had been, by then, at the Airport for four hours.    Apparently the Flight had gone first to Kisumu from Nairobi.   Once there it was first said to be 'delayed' then in 'need of repair' and finally immobilised! More then ten people waiting in Eldoret missed their onward flights from Nairobi.   Well, rather chilled and tired they returned to us for the night, and finally left the following morning. This time they did finally arrive and seem to be going on well.       We have about three different Airlines serving our "INTERNATIONAL" mini airport.      TWO of them do circular services from Nairobi to Kisumu, on to Eldoret, and back to Nairobi.    BOTH have become VERY unreliable, and thus rather frustrating.       Certainly Eldoret's Airport is very undeserving of the title INTERNATIONAL,   It remains a very 'domestic' and rather 'uncertain service'.

THE HOMES TOYOTA VOXY, our only truly serviceable vehicle, was also off the road this week.

This was mentioned two Saturdays back.    Wonderfully the needed funds to repair everything were donated by an old member of Testimony House who has been visiting us and others during the last week and a half.     Hendrika came to us in 1975, when she was about five years old.    She is now a Business Woman in Colarado, U.S.A.      The engine is now back in the Voxy, but it is still being tested over the week-end to ensure all is well.      Thank you Hendrika for your loving heart.

ANTHONY NDUNGU, who has been Director for Testimony School, upon the resignation of our Primary Head, is leaving his office to take over, at least for the immediate future, the post of Primary Headmaster.      Standards have not been what we have wanted over the last eighteen months and we all feel that Anthony is the one who can reverse this effectively.        I shall be moving into HIS old Office next door to Daryl's, as General Secretary (Acting).      Daryl has agreed that all this is for the good, and is himself talking about a visit to friends in Germany, and maybe a trip to the U.K. next year in the Autumn.      SO life here continues, and a lot of possibilities for the future - IF THE LORD DELAYS..........I so wish He would COME right now.

OUR SON Michael, wife Janet and son Liam arrived to be with us on Thursday of this week.  They had gone down to Nairobi to visit with Jan's parents for a few days.  Great to have them with us again.    Liam at one year is crawling well, and almost to walk.    Big privilege to have him, and them all,     Should be with us for about a week before Mike flies back to UK.    Janet may stay with her folks a little, and perhaps also have another visit with us, before SHE also flies back to UK. with Liam.     Liam is a BIG boy, and very noisy and active.     Mike is flying home to commence WORK, but it may also be a kind of rest - without Liam - if only for a short time!!!        All the rest of the family, AND Hendrika, that were visiting with us have returned safely to their homes.   We have missed them already.

WELL, suddenly the sky is pure BLUE once more, and the rain has receded.    What a difference the SUN makes.      Continue to pray on for us all here, dear friends.    Every day is, for all of us, wherever we are, a new day of adventure and challenge.     Thank God for His unspeakable GIFT to us all - the GIFT of Confidence and Assurance that walks on with us in CHRIST JESUS.

God Bless and be with you always

John and Esther. Daryl and Carol.

WHO IS GETTING WHAT, out of sight?

EXTINCT BY AGREEMENT ? - Tacitly ?

VERY RECENTLY we were told that the East African Elephant will become EXTINCT in just a few years time - given the increased incident of 'poaching' for IVORY.    In Kenya this is an excessive factor of life - not only relative to the Elephant but also the already seriously endangered Rhinoceros.      Recently, too, the Kenya Government has Agreed an offer by the Chinese Government to rebuild our Railway Services; thousands of Chinese are already flooding the Country in preparation, and alongside this.....but what is the COST going to be.    There IS always a cost to everything - in this case the continuing existence of the Elephant +.      YESTERDAY IN OUR DAILY PRESS, one headline read -

CHINESE INVOLVED IN ALL OF AFRICA'S

IVORY SMUGGLING

The Report based on the findings of a U.S. Charity known as Born Free USA, states that 'Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Port of Mombasa are major conduits for illegal ivory that drives the multi-million dollar global trade.'    Further on in the Report we read - 'East Asian nationals and in particular, the Chinese, are cited as the masterminds of the modern ivory trade.    The scale of this we found in our investigation was shocking.   Chinese traffickers are present in virtually EVERY single African range state and operate nearly every point along the ivory supply chain.'

It may well be that the Chinese influence on the Kenya economy may well cost the Country even more than was ever extracted by its old colonial exploiters!       We should take stock, and care, about where Kenya is being led.     Our biggest income derives form Tourism which itself is basically dependant on the dwindling Wild Life available.     What will happen when there is none left?     CHINA has long been pushed to exploit others purely and simply because it is a GROWING nation that needs MORE than it has within its own boundaries to support itself and its own national appetites.     One of those 'appetites' as an increasing desire for Ivory and for the Horn of the Rhinoceros!

SO SAD, though.   SO sad!      GOD put Man in Charge of His Creation, NOT to destroy it but to KEEP it safe and stable.     Yes, He also made it clear that Man could USE what God had provided and made for his own NEEDS but not for his own enrichment and aggrandisement.      We are CARETAKERS, and we are supposed to ensure nothing is used or damaged thoughtlessly or selfishly..     We are a LONG way from doing what God wants with our lives, even in this respect..      No longer are we 'miserable offenders'  doing our best to accommodate the God we have offended, but in the main humanity are a  race of 'happy sinners', living just for ourselves.

45 YEARS AGO THIS SATURDAY, Testimony Faith Homes began.
NOT in the house pictured to the right.   Nevertheless in many ways it IS this House known today as Testimony House, that the work really came together and was finally established.    HOME to many, including our very own, that all came to live under its roof and identified as Family.   It was born out of a concept that 'Children who had lost home and family' needed to have them restored.     Thus each of our homes, as they were founded, were based on 'FAMILY'   -  boys and girls together under one roof  with a married couple with them, caring for them as Mother and Father.    It worked out well, and for the most part incoming children seemed to respond fairly well to the idea.  They quickly became absorbed into their 'family'     BUT over the last ten years we have seen changes, both in new children being admitted to the Homes, AND to those already with us.  What initially seemed so easily accepted, has more lately been questioned, and a more 'AWARE' attitude has begun to arise especially where boys and girls no longer accept each other as brother and sister, but realise their individuality and Independence from one another.       This has been due to greater influence from the Media, and even from their progressive mixing with their peers in School, from outside in the neighbourhood.    This has affected discipline in the Homes, and also opened new perspectives in how the children see each other sexually.  
This has been being noticed and considered internally for the last five years in particularly, and at the same time we see that the Children's Department is also taking note generally of this 'change' and encouraging new attitudes relative to caring for boys and girls together.

THUS CURRENTLY  there may be a sense of CHANGE in the air.     We shall be coming together as a Management and Staff to discuss this and other relative aspects in the near future.      One of the immediate things will be to consider separating Boys from Girls in our four Homes.      We shall consider possibly using ONE home for GIRLS only, and putting BOYS into the remaining THREE homes.      This would be quite a BIG change in policy, and would also initially be difficult for the children to adjust to.       We think it could happen even so, and there is no doubt that there will be a change of policy.     This would make a difference to our 'Family' idea.    We would still run each home AS a Family, but no 'brothers and sisters' together in one family entity.
We need you to pray about this with us over the next weeks.      We shall not leave it long to finally ACT.   If not segregation there WILL have to be changes of attitude in discipline and the kind of co-operation we would expect from our houseparents.        Very often petty theft, and instances of immorality and deceit occur in a Home, but the houseparents instead of sharing it with us as management and seeking council, decide to deal with the matter privately within their 'family'.       This has meant that serious neglect of moral behaviour has gone on unnoticed by us as Management, and tacitly undealt with in the Home.      We feel this has to be DEALT with so that REAL supervision and parental care can go hand in hand with what is required of  by the Ministry itself, as it stands on God's Word for Christ.       I am sure you will perceive that this will mean that all aspects of how each Home will now function are in for a careful revision.

ESTHER AND I expect to continue to interact with Daryl, as Director, and with all those sharing the work here in Testimony, and in doing so to assist where we can in council and even practical ways to carry the Ministry forward into a new Chapter.       Otherwise all things continue, and there is no sense of unrest or disturbance in our day to day activities and way of life here.

RECENTLY I came across a book written in the 50's - a Christian Book.    I found it interesting, thought provoking and challenging.       In some ways not an easy 'style' of writing,,,,but nevertheless still VERY relevant for today for any Christian endeavouring to walk more truly with Christ in a very unchristian world.
It is entitled Letters to a Diminished Church     (Passionate Arguments for the Relevance of Christian Doctrine.) by DOROTHY SAYERS.     If you can find it it IS well worth the read.

Most of the Family and Friends recently staying with are back in their own homes, with the exception of our Son Michael and his wife and child.    They are with Janet's Family for a week, and then Mike will join us for a few more days before returning to the UK.     It has been a very wonderful and amazing time.   God truly Blessed us all.

May God be Close and REAL to each one of you, dear and precious as you all, each one, is to us.

John land Esther & Daryl and Carol

MY GOD LOVES THE ONE I HATE

ALL THE KILLING!     It HURTS me deep inside.    It is not just the major BLACK spots of our current world - Libya, Israel and Iraq, but ALL OVER THE WORLD, everywhere there is an increase in violence and KILLING.    A great THIRST for blood apparently.   In reality and even in fantasy, via films, electronic games, and video - the drive is on to KILL.        All through history MAN has killed of course, and not only in political or
criminal climates but also in religious ones.       If Islam is now in the news for terrorism, and tribal and schismatic massacres, so also other Religions may claim to have done the same - even Christianity.
And GOD - what is his view about it all?  
WELL, whatever may come to your mind about God's apparent inconsistencies, God has said that as far as HE is concerned He does not want ANYONE to die!   He says in Ezekiel 18v31-32 ....why will ye die....
I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth.
And JESUS, in the Garden of Gethsemane that fateful night.!...READ the words recorded in Matthew 26v51-52  '........one of those that were with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword, and striking the body servant of the high priest, cut off his ear.
THEN, Jesus, said to him, Put your sword back into its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

ALL who draw the sword

WILL DIE BY THE SWORD.

Looking at this verse this morning I noted a cross reference to Genesis 9v5-6 -

'..surely for your lifeblood I will require an accounting;

from every beast I will require it; and from every Man;

from every Man  who spills another's blood I will require a reckoning.

Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed;

for in the image of God He made man.

If I suppose that this IS God speaking and making His Mind known, then I should give His Words due regard - and that means taking them as read, and not open to adjustment or re-interpretation to satisfy myself or others.

Most of our world society, its thought and selfish practise, has done away with capital punishment - though it will still destroy the animal that hurts or kills any human being.     Why make an animal accountable that does not know what it is doing, and yet commute the Death Sentence of a man who KNOWS very well what he is doing?   God will not, ultimately be mocked, on this matter.      He will repay.     Indeed He alone has 

the right in this matter.      When Man neglects to DO what God has decreed he should do, he will be held accountable, both in the here and now, and on the Last Day Judgement.

What is happening in our world right now is a result (in part) of turning away from the Mind of God when it comes to Capital Punishment and the Death Sentence.       There is no real cost any more, to any person killing another.      What is happening in Israel and Gaza.....what is happening in Iraq with these terrorist Islaamists is WRONG.       As the United Nations, and the Leaders of the World sit and DO NOTHING, and others indulge themselves in a holiday with the family,  men, women and children are being murdered needlessly. This has nothing to do with RACE, RELIGION, or POLITICS!     It has to do with the freedom of mankind to act without reference - to act without God - and when I say GOD, I mean that very REAL spiritual Being who IS the Creator of All. The ONLY one who is truly JUST and RIGHTEOUS, and finally revealed to us all in the Person of Jesus Christ.

ALBERT EINSTIEN once wrote -

The World is a dangerous place.

Not because of those who do evil,

but because of those who look on and do nothing.

In Proverbs 24v11-13 we can read -

IF you turn away from delivering 

those that are carried away to DIE, and those waiting to be KILLED;

If you say, Behold we did not know about;

does not He that searches our mind consider it?

And He that keepeth your soul, does He not know of it?

AND shall He not give to every man according to that man's works?
(Will God not require the life of every one murdered from the one who did the crime?)

WE need the WORDS of GOD!    We need the VOICE of GOD.    We need those who KNOW God to stand up and LOUDLY DECLARE His Will land Purpose just where they are, in Government, School, and the entire community.         THIS IS THE TIME to open our mouths without fear or favour.

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THIS WEEK at Testimony the weather has continued to be good, although today the rain clouds have returned and there has been a little rain again.       The children have continued to enjoy the sunshine and warmth that has been blessing their school holiday, and so this also helped the parents in keeping the Homes a bit less congested and confining.

AND, of course, ESTHER'S 70th which was actually on Sunday 17th, was celebrated with a big Party in the School Hall on the Saturday before. (16th).     About seventy attended including all kinds of people and children who had got to know and love her over the years, including her own sister and family.   It was a great time.    

    

Children from the Homes sang and danced, a Cake was cut ( made of the 4 homes with 'Mum's Pot of Provision at the centre.     A Day to Remember!!

Hopefully, later on, I will put more photos up on Face Book.    For now this will surfice.  Green Cottage is still full with family from UK.     Eleven of us altogether plus one from the USA and another three from Mombasa - a family of 17 currently, but on the the Birthday weekend this expanded to a further EIGHT plus four children.    We have all managed to EAT together in our house, but SOME have had to sleep in one of the School Boarding facilities.        DARYL has been away this last week in Nairobi with part of his own family, but should be back Sunday/Monday.     A very special time for Esther and me, and I believe for all of us since it is the first time for many years that we have found ourselves all together again in one place.

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Please pray for the Homes VOXY Toyota which is about three years old.       Going to the Airport in Eldoret to meet visitors it ran out of oil, and the engine seized up.     We have to purchase a NEW engine as soon as possible.    This was quite unforeseeable, and has obviously caused some inconvenience since it is the only reliable vehicle the Homes has in working order.....We know the LORD is aware of this accident, but we do ask you to join with us in seeking his special help at this time.        Fortunately we do not travel a lot, but it will make our daily local transport needs rather more difficult..

Much love to you all from us all

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol

YET ANOTHER ANNIVERSARY

YES, HERE WE ARE AGAIN!    Darby and Joan (John and Esther) both stilll together for their 43rd Wedding Anniversay, celebrated in Green Cottage with almost ALL of the family present - the Green Family that is.    Steve and wife Anji and children Eric and Tonia; Prem and Elizabeth with their two children, John-Finney and Rachel;  Daryl with Carol his wife and their three children, Jesse, Becky and Jeremy, plus ourselves - John and Esther, plus James Manu, and Helen with baby.         WOW!   We had four absentees - Edward, Daryl's brother who was sick, our son Michael and his wife Janet and baby son Liam.     The latter had first said they would be with us, and then said they were unable to come.     Some idea of giving us a 'surprise' when what we needed was honesty so that we could managed to arrange ourselves accommodation and food wise.        HOWEVER they will be arriving here on Saturday in time for Esther's Birthday.

We all went out to a pleasant children's playground for lunch, and it was certainly a very wonderful chance to be together.     I will share the photo we took on Thursday evening, our Anniversary day.

When I first got Engaged to Esther I did not have funds to buy even a very cheap Engagement ring.
SO on this occassion I managed to Engage her for the next 43 years with a RING to set on her finger.
She managed to have two previous Wedding Rings lost or stolen as well, so I also gave her a NEW Wedding Ring to match.    Quite an occassion.

TODAY a few more family arrived - Mary, Esther's sister, and her husband, plus daughter Mugure,
AND one of our old girls who manages a Bank in Mombasa, with her two children.  17 adults and 9 children.    This will swell by 4 more adults, and 3 more children by tomorrow.    Quite a CROWD!

Still a busy day as most Friday's are, for the Homes, and Daryl and I were out and about in town as usual.      TOMORROW we have a Special Lunch for Esther's 70th Birthday when we hope family and friends of hers will be in attendance and spend a few special hours and memories with her.     Daryl and Francis Lahol have been also very busy with this. and we hope for a very happy day.     Some of our old boys and girls will be in attendance, our houseparents and other members of our staff, family and friend will pary in the School Hall as from 1 p.m. our time.      Each of our four Homes will also party to a lesser degree during the evening with Cake and Sodas.    

Well, I am for bed!    It is only 10.20p.m. our time, but it feels like one in the morning.    It has been a good day, and tomorrow I have to prepare to prepare a Message for Sunday before mid-day.    Hope I managed to find a quiet place.     God Bless you all, and thank you for your prayers.

Sincerely waiting for Jesus


John and Esther