BOXING DAY is a holiday celebration in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It is also , Saint Stephen's Day, rembering the first Christian to die for his faith, mentioned in the Bible (The Book of Acts 7 and 8)

Boxing Day is so called because on this day it was customary for tradesmen to collect their Christmas Box (gift or tip) in return for their good service through the past year. Also it included giving money and other gifts to charitable institutions, and the needy.

FOR us in Testimony it is usually a day when all the children in the four Homes, with their carers, all come together with us for a pic-nic ......usually in a neighbouring school's Swimming Pool. TO-DAY the skies are cloudy and grey, no sign of sunshine. It has RAINED all night! BUT the children still clamour for the chance of a swim......SO it looks as if we shall all pile into a couple of our school buses and make our way to what looks to be a rather damp and chilly venue!!! Is this WISE? Surely NOT, the children will catch a chill - us as well....... BUT this is part of the fun and joy of being ONE FAMILY for a few hours together, Granpa and Granma as well. The children want to have the chance to show off and make a splash. It has happened before on colder occasions - and no ill effects - just laughter and high jinks. It's already noon as I type this, and by 1p.m. we should all be together having lunch amidst the shouts and screams of excited kids. It will be a good time - they will play till they are tired, then back to their family homes for a quiet evening and probably an early night!

Yesterday, Christmas Day, we were all in church together, and there was Carol Singing - the group that had gone singing all around our neighbourhood on the 23rd treated us to many beautiful carols that had been in their presentations. There were testimonies and words of Thanksgiving for the year behind us. AND our two new little boys, now resident in Testimony House were there with us all. Did I mention last week that they were to come? I think I did.....Yes.... Their names are Ezekiel and Noah. We have about four other Ezekiel's but this is the first Noah that has ever come to stay with us. It has taken them a few days to get used to so many new faces, and a new environment, but they are already looking settled. They are brothers aged 10 and 9 years old. This photo was taken just a day after they arrived.

I shared a while on Luke 2v7 - '..there was no room or place for them in the inn.'

When the Son said to the Father, in Heaven, "Lo I have come to do Thy will -prepare me a body..." did he know he would be born in a cattle shed, unable to communicate or fend for himself? Did he know what 'Doing the Will of His Father' would in fact expose him to? Did our Father in Heaven know? Yes HE knew. They both knew, and they did not shrink from it. They both new that 'In the VOLUME of the Book it was written (of God's Son - and ever consecutive child of god) that he had come to do God's Will'. It IS written through all Scripture, through ALL of the Word of God, both written and demonstrated in Christ, that we are ALL brought into existence - each one of us - to DO the Will of God. To DO what God wants done, no matter where or how, or how difficult or how costly it might be to our own fleshly inclination. The ONLY way for any of us to get back to God, back home to where we belong, IS the way of the Cross; the way of doing what GOD needs doing - even if it means death......... Remember not only those that die like Stephen the evangelist are in fact MARTYRES. A Martyr is one basically anyone who sets him or herself to die to self's desires in order to DO the Will of God. These and only these are the True SAINTS of GOD. Baby Jesus is the first of MANY BRETHREN born to fulfill the Words of the BOOK, and to DO the Will of God. Jesus did not always enjoy doing it. BUT He did it, and we are told that - looking back on the pains, sorrows and anguish of his human sufferings - he would be satisfied that it was for a right and profitable reason. - Isaiah 53v10-11.

It is 1.45p.m. The sun has come out! The clouds are dispersing! The children are already splashing and shrieking with delight in the pool. Isn't God Good, all the time! Yes He is. This Christmas has been full of good things for Esther and me - but not without some distress and disquiet brought by the Evil One. Yet this is not to be always avoided, and He who has suffered with and for us, stands with us still to give us of HIS strength and faith to bear all things for the Father.

Next Saturday it will be the 2nd day of a new year. May our God prepare each one of us for this unique year of 2010 A.D. We hope it will be HAPPY, but if it is not always so, we know the Father will have known of our hurt and pain and disappointment before it came upon us, and that He allowed it for a purpose - that His Will might be DONE in us and by us.

God Bless you all with His Love

John and Esther

A CHANGE OF IMAGE ?

HERE WE ARE AGAIN AT CHRISTMAS! Yet it is almost seems surprising to see Christmas images represented on our stamps. The topmost group here depicted are not too bad - the two at the left presumably being 'angels'. But the three lower ones, which are the ones we have been receiving here, might be almost anything or anyone. The 90 could almost be a terrorist as much as a shepherd. What was being stuck on envelopes at Christmas FORTY years back in 1969?

This 5d is very colourful, and somehow carries a more relative idea - We immediately are taken out of the picture to the 'heavenly choir of angels' as we follow the gaze of the shepherds upward, and the lamb does not merely add to the idea of 'shepherds' but carries us to the Stable and beyond to the Cross on which was slain God's Lamb for the sins of the world.

The one below from USA merely reminds us of the Christmas Season with nostalgic glimpse of a winter scene. Nothing there of Christ except for the church. It could have been almost any time of worship. But even so, it does quietly remind us that there is a GOD.

AND finally the 5c from Australia once more portrays Mary and baby Jesus the Saviour of the world. It is encouraging to observe that HE is still in some way remembered as we write to one another. But for how long? In our Kenya Daily Nation we find a warning of the changes that might completely eradicate Christ from our pictorial correspondence. Why even stamps altogether might soon be merely a passing

memory. Today's DAILY NATION here in Kenya, tells us that .......

'Only a handful of people

are sending Christmas Cards!

The majority have embraced the new

technological marvels..'

It is obvious that with the advent of Electronic mail, mobile phones and SMS, Face Book and other such facilities, personal correspondence in writing is on the way out - including perhaps what we have understood as acceptable language and grammar. Certainly the need for stamps may also become less and less needful.

The GREAT SLIDE into change really begun in the 60s. I must say that I preferred the Christmases of the 40 and 50s to those of today. The pace and insecurity of life in the 2nd millennium has taken Peace and Joy further away.

MY OFFICE SHUT yesterday. Only a few of our total staff remaining on duty until the 23rd December when they too will leave us to enjoy Christmas with their families. returning on the 28th.

I attended the Graduation of the Students who had completed their Certificate Course on Early Childhood Development - including two of our current staff, and one of our old boys now married and running a Charitable Children's Home of his own. I had been one of the lecturers, and the Lord helped me through - though five hours a day for eight days was quite much. I spent the mornings there at the college and then spent the afternoons attending to Homes business.

I had not looked forward to the eight days extra work, and was very relieved to have the Lord bring me through unscathed! But perhaps a little tired.

A very large number of our children are busy this week rehearsing for the Christmas Concert which will in fact take place TONIGHT in the School Hall. There will be Carols, and a Christmas Play all arranged and directed by Carol Green. She has worked tirelessly and done well. We expect the 500 seat hall to be packed out with friends and well wishers who annually like to attend.

Last night our NEW Toyota Voxy 8 seater was crashed into by an eleven seater Mini-bus (a matatu) used as a public taxi. No one was hurt, and we were able to retrieve it from the Police until Monday when we have to go back to them with it for examination. The drivers side rear sliding door was completely destroyed. Nothing else was damaged. We may not be able to get a replacement in Kenya, which will mean ordering a complete door from Japan! We hope the Insurance will pay up since it was very definitely not our fault - the Matatu had no breaks, and the driver was drunk!!! Christmas Cheer!. Well it WAS very upsetting but once again we have to remember that 'GOD is good all the time' and that even in this happening good can and no doubt WILL come. Praise the Lord!

TWO new children will be admitted on Monday. Two boys aged 8 and 10 years. Both orphaned by Aids which took their parents. Both have other relatives, but none of them will offer to care for them since they are convinced the children will pass on the AIDS to them (even though the boys themselves do not have the virus!). They have been bounced from place to place for the last eight months living out of a shared suitcase. We hope they will find JESUS as a friend and Saviour this Christmas time.

NEXT Saturday will be Boxing Day.......Christmas will almost be over. All the children and staff from all four Homes should be together that day for an 'aqua pic-nic'!! We usually all go off to a Swimming pool complex about 4 kilometres away for swimming and a pic-nic. It has been a kind of annual event for years, and even some of our old boys and girls join us.

God Bless and wrap you each around with His Love and Favour.

John and Esther

Rain! RAIN????

IT HAS RAINED! It RAINED all of last night! It rained heavily, lengthily and noisily.........

The Paper quoted the Meteorological people as saying the rain had GONE, and none could now be expected. I read it yesterday morning and as I walked in the sunshine and heat an hour later, I looked up and said ' LORD, you rule the clouds, and the thunder and lightening obey you. Men are saying it is impossible it will rain here now. Send the Rain Lord. SEND RAIN TODAY'

Well it came! During the evening under cover of darkness, the clouds crept over Eldoret and it began to rain. It started gently almost imperceptibly, then in leaps and bounds to a thunderous deluge, so heavy we wondered if the tin room of our little house might not give in. Great crashings of thunder preceded by bolts and sheets of lightening electrifying and brightening even the interiors of our rooms. SO dramatic, so thrilling, so WONDERFUL! SUCH an ANSWER to PRAYER!!

THE DAILY NATION stated that 2009 was the FIFTH warmest year ever recorded! And the projected outlook for 2010 seems very dire indeed with an almost emphatic statement to the effect that the expect EL NINYO and the usual Short Rains will not materialise - leaving us to endure a continuing Dry Period into the middle of the coming year. WOW. We are further encouraged in the knowledge that right now 75% of the population depend on Bore-holes for their water whilst other usually available sources are continuing to dry up. Many are now wondering how long they can live in a land soon - according to the experts - to be waterless!!

WELL AS I WRITE it is has begun to RAIN SOME MORE, heavily, almost malevolently with malicious enjoyment at proving itself beyond the hand of man to manipulate. I must say I just ENJOY the sound of it, though it has come perhaps too late to provide more food, and maybe will flood a lot of people out of their homes. BUT it brings the hope that at least we shall not go THIRSTY, and the rivers and dams will revive for a time. The NOISE of it on our roof has blotted out the MUSIC on our music centre. ITS RAINING. I AM RAINING!!

ASK what you will in My Name and it shall be DONE! Any one of YOU, why don't you just ASK - loudly, even desperately believing with PASSIONATE desire?

JOHN AND GWYNNETH COOPER left us Wednesday. The were due to fly from Eldoret Airport at 5.30p.m. but when they arrived there they were told they were not booked on the flight! They had a return ticket, but there was no note of it with the Airline. BIG FLAP with the airline authority and a lot of anxiety, but eventually - at the very last minute - there were allowed ON to the flight, and travelled safely on to Nairobi. They were due to fly on from there to UK at about 11p.m. that evening. When they arrived they found the Airport runway lights had failed, and their flight to UK had been diverted to Entebbe in Uganda!! SO they waited....... The lights finally were repaired and at about 1.30a.m. on Thursday morning, they finally boarded a flight to the UK at 5.30a.m. - eleven hours after they had arrived from Eldoret . NOT a good experience. But the Lord mightily used them to Testimony Faith Homes and to ourselves.

I was unable to go with them to Eldoret Airport as I had begun my stint as a Lecturer at a nearby Academic College. I had to be there from 2 - 5 p.m. that afternoon. I did not enjoy myself too much as I felt a little out of my depth. The next day I had to be there at 8am until 1p.m. and did not feel too happy about the way things went. I just did not feel I was getting through to my students (I am teaching Administration and Finance of a Children's Institution at a professional level). Afterwards I felt really TIRED. That was Thursday evening, and it was on Friday morning that I woke up refreshed and renewed and looked UP at that cloudless and almost brazen sky. I taught through Friday morning, and have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to complete. Still having full afternoons ensuring that TFH is up to day and holding together at the same time. BUT it is proving to be a GOOD time, and a LEARNING time. The Lord my God has been with me. But I know that will not surprise you!.

Thank you for praying for me. I have been in need of much prayer. And I feel Blessed and Strengthened on every hand. Bless you so much. Esther and I also do our best to remember you as well, and to carry you upon our shoulders and upon our hearts as good brothers and sisters of the Lord our High Priest should do. And so may we ever seek to undertake for each other.

Just received funds from Allan and the AENON Trust. So many kind gifts from so many of you in time for Christmas and the New Year soon to come. Our very real Thanksgiving both to those of you that have sent, and to the Lord for moving you to do so at this time.

Lovingly till next time - The Lord giving us all life

John and Esther

HERE WE ARE AGAIN IN DECEMBER. We are only now beginning to re-visit Christmas and all that it means to us relative to JESUS - and that is certainly not what the media and the world is out to celebrate. JESUS will probably largely be forgotten in the drinking, eating, and spending binges around the globe generally set to make some rich and the majority poorer. And, for the sake of political - or is it religious - correctness the least said about JESUS the better it will all be.

IN ELDORET since mid November, a lonely plastic pre-fabricated Christmas Tree has adorned the entrance to our Supermarket - undecorated, and with a price tag. NOTHING else to be seen here concerning this Festive Season. No Christmas music, no decorations anywhere, and nothing to suggest that a Special Season of Everlasting Joy is soon to break upon us. You can tell that here, at least, the universal rat race to make money is a little slow to take off - or is it that people just are not that interested, or financially motivated to spend?

As I have often shared, children here generally do not receive presents at Christmas. Slightly more middle class rich might now be beginning to observe such extravagances. Money is scarce, with a 60% unemployment rate, and soaring food prices. Most parents have to consider their daily bread before anything, and after that it will be School Fees and the need to provide and buy school uniform, books, and other incidental necessities. This year, before January, Testimony Faith Homes will expect to spend in the region of at least Khs.150,000 on school uniform alone. This usually comprises of leather shoes, socks, shirts / dress for girls, shorts or trousers, sweater (yes they ARE worn through the year!), ties, and games kit for each child. ALL children MUST attend school in full uniform. This puts a toy car or doll or some other attractive gift quite unable to be thought about. BUT most children are VERY happy even with a new pair of socks - I talk of the poorer majority of our nation. The minority middle and upper class tends to follow a world trend and provide mobile phones, computers, digital watches and cameras plus whatever other trendy electrical gadget may be being advertised and lusted after by their children. Their children are less thankful than those getting a pair of new or sometimes second hand shoes, and less conscientious in looking after what they receive. Certainly we have not noticed discontent or disappointment on the faces of our kids during Christmas time. They are mostly excited to remember the amazing and wonderful story of the Birth of JESUS, Saviour of the World, and to enter into the JOY of it, and the Thanksgiving for it, and the realisation that the LOVE of God is more to be desired than anything else. At least it has been so in the past, although NOW we do begin to see the affect of hearing and seeing what the RICHER families look forward to (from their School acquaintances). BUT still we have not found ourselves wanting to yield to this kind of pressure.
In the words of the Oliver Twist song 'Food, glorious food...' we have given in just a little to our normal staple diets constrictions, and at Christmas there is turkey for everyone, and if we are lucky even some Ice Cream just to emphasise the enrichment of the inner man that JESUS was born to offer each and every one. We shall watch various portrayals of His Birth on video and worship Him on Christmas Day, and spend a lot of time just enjoying each other's fellowship. There will be laughter, fun, and happiness. AMAZINGLY this still was the case in 2007 through into the New Year, when it looked as if blood and violence might engulf us all. We ARE Blessed.

SO FAR, this year, we have not heard of any 'guests' coming for Christmas - but that does not mean we shall not receive some! We live an Open House life, and rejoice to see visitors. Esther and I will miss our three children living in the UK, but we shall no doubt be talking to them on the Phone lines. We will be sure to have Daryl, Carol and their little family with us part of the time, and of course Manu and Helen our two youngest adopted children will be with us too.

We hope to catch sight - at the very least - of Joshua and Miriam Mbithi as well. Joshua has continued to be unwell and discomforted by his back. He needs prayer very much for his total recovery. He and Miriam remain very caught up in the ministry of caring for the 30 or so AIDS babies and infants that they look after. They continue to walk in Faith with the Lord, and we believe He will provide for them as He has done for us. I know that we together raise our continual Ebenezer for the Moving of His Spirit upon the hearts of so many that respond to His call to make a way for us here to LIVE.

I have just put on some Carols played and sung by members of the Salvation Army. A very beautiful recording. No decorations yet even in Green Cottage. We usually all put up a Christmas Tree in our homes on the 18th December and dress our sitting rooms up to look a little festive and jolly. Some days to go yet......but good to have words and music to begin to direct our thoughts and spirits towards once more looking for His Coming.

I was reading in Matthew 1, and noticed especially verse 17 once again -

'All the generations from Abraham to David

are fourteen generations,

From David to the Babylonian Exile,

are fourteen generations,

And from the Babylonian Exile to the Christ,

are fourteen generations.'

I have discovered that many eminent Christians have sought to forecast the Coming of Christ the Second Time by concluding that a further 14 generation would elapse from his Birth until 'NOW'.

Of course, the 'NOW' factor has varied with different mathematical calculations based on different ideas of exactly when the commencement of the 14 generations began. And of course also how long a 'generation' might be. BUT at least we seem to have most of them agreeing that if would bring us to the late 1900s or early to mid 2000s. During my investigations I also discovered just how many have been proved WRONG in their predictions - ALL of them so far!

Yes you are right, I am not going to make the same mistake - but I must say that it has underlined to my heart the fact that we should all BE expectant AND ready - for truly we know not WHEN He will come this time - BUT it really COULD be SOON. All my Christian Life I have looked for Him to COME, wanted and needed Him to come, and NOW in my elder days I am the more exhorted from within myself to pray and long for His Coming; not because I am, old, but because the world around me is worse, and failing fast. Many might label me as a pessimist, but I am more likely to be a realist, than an ostrich. The world would rather see nothing wrong; and those living in these last days the more willing to drug themselves into a state of false euphoria with sport, pleasures, and riotous living - is that why the world is plagued with drug and substances abuse, as well as sexual and other violence world wide - blind and deaf in the midst of all their activities to the inevitable End of All things coming upon this Generation? NOW more than ever, THIS CHRISTMAS more than any other that has past, we need to Watch and Pray that we are not caught out - UNREADY when He come. I want to be READY, wide awake, on the look-out, for the One who rescued ME from sin and sadness. I want to SEE Him Who died for me......... And I want my Family, all the children He has allowed us to find shelter with us, all our loved and dear friends far and wide - to BE WITH me on that Day not one lost, or found to be condemned. So I continue to testify to His Goodness, to His Everlasting Love, and to His present reality and to His sure coming to meet with us all in the Air. Be Excited! Let the Spirit of God thrill you.

This is obviously not the last Saturday before Christmas. I SHALL be writing again, and I merely ask you to join us in prayer together all and to WAIT upon the Lord. God richly Bless and Keep you in perfect Peace..

Lovingly in Him

John and Esther

ARCHBISHOP GILBERT DEYA has been hitting headlines since 2004. A Biography has been written about him, but otherwise I have not been able to discover much about him prior to that date. TODAY he is exposed as a con artist of the first degree, and perhaps amongst the worst ever. And, very sad to say, he is a Kenyan, and a man who has pretended to be a follower of the Christian Faith. In the Press we are told that he was even in line to be appointed Kenya's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom!! Even though his name was already being polluted! How terrible is our world. A world where all our values and standards are being eroded and cast aside. But of course the Archbishop is a self made man - he founded his own Denomination, and appointed himself Archbishop. Perhaps he never had any real personal values and standards of his own - at least none that put God and a Holy life first. It is said that his wife and others have been trafficking in children - some of them no doubt then also became 'miracle babies' produced by previously infertile or otherwise barren women that Mr. Deya prayed for. But now he is discovered as a charlatan who has consistently enriched himself at the expense of 'silly women'. The amazing thing is that he has been enabled to delude so many for so long, building a fast growing denomination in a Country not his own on an apparent gimmick! In accomplishing it all he has been well used in assisting to promote the general discreditisation of the Christian Faith as a whole.

Sixty years ago - in England - the Christian Faith was respected and its preachers honoured. Today this attitude has crumbled. At every opportunity the media has exposed the duplicity of those espousing Christ, accusing them of being dishonest, money grasping, sensationalist, immoral and perverted - both relative to the Laity and the Priesthood. Hard for a sincere Christian to accept - BUT, after all the Christian knows better than any, that in the Last Days FALSE teachers and preachers will arise out of the Christian Community; vile pretenders seeking to destroy and pull down all faith in Christ. Empowered and inspired by the Devil himself, they are today multiplied and implanted everywhere - and yes EVEN more to be found within the Church.
Have you realised that some of those who have clamoured the loudest for licentious reforms that tone down the Word of God, and downgrade public morality are not only pastors and bishops, but even Archbishops? Consider this extract of dialogue from the Consecration (in the Church of England) of an Archbishop -

Question - (put to the one being Consecrated) 'Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain, sufficiently. all doctrine required of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ?

Answer - I am so persuaded and determined by God's Grace.

Question - Will you then faithfully exercise yourself in the same Holy Scriptures and call upon God by prayer for the true understanding of them; so you may be able to teach and exhort them and to withstand and convince the gainsayers?

Answer - I will do so, by the help of God

Question - Be you ready, with all faithful diligence, to drive away and banish all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to God's Word; and both privately and openly to call and encourage others to do the same?

Answer - I am ready, the Lord being my helper

BUT actions speak louder than words it seems, and for all the Vows and Promises that are made, the actual EXAMPLE that is given often proves them false.

'FOR THE TIME has come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.

INSTEAD

to suit their own desire

they will gather around them a great number of teachers

to say what their itching ears want to hear.

They will turn their ears away from the Truth and turn aside to myths.'

2. Timothy 4v3-4

It is in these very days that we might well consider the words of Peter in 2.Peter 2 where he says

'False teachers are among the people,

even as there shall be false teachers among you,

who privily shall bring in damnable heresies...

having their eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin;

beguiling unstable souls; an heart they have exercised

with covetous practices; cursed children

which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray

......servants of corruption.'

YET all this BEGAN at the very birth of the Church, and Paul on leaving the early Church at Ephesus says -

'Take heed to yourselves and all the flock,

among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers,

to shepherd the church of God which He purchased

with His own blood.

For I KNOW this,

that after my departure savage wolves will come among you,

not sparing the flock.

Also from among yourselves men will ruse up,

speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves.'

We should then be VERY alert and diligent to ensure that we put ourselves under the teaching of those who aspire to adhere to the Word of God alone, and to live by it. We should not run after every doctrine, every new 'revelation' or 'sighting' of Christ, but soberly measure all that is said and done by the very WORD of God.

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PRAY FOR KENYA ! She needs your prayers! Prayers for political wisdom and stability. Prayers for Political LEADERS who will lead with integrity and with regard to the Law of God. Prayers for NEW leaders untarnished by the sins of the past and unaligned to the party politics and tribal affiliations that have so far been the cause of so much distress and economic collapse. Prayers for the state of our climate and weather. All the sensational predictions of an 'El Nino' has produced little in regard to a meaningful supply of RAIN. DRYNESS is setting in, and for example here in Eldoret the river is less than a stinking trickle, and the air dry and parched so that already every green thing is turning brown, and the very grass becoming as dust - and this is only December. No sign of the needed Short Rains, and with an increasingly HOT season already making itself felt - a season that could easily continue through to May next year!

RIGHT NOW the prospects do not look good for the year ahead - BUT one thing is SURE, Those who KNOW the Lord Jesus will not walk through it alone, for HE will be with each one - and THEY will do great things with Him by their side - indeed THEY will overcome.

AND NOW AT LAST a few photos of STEVEN EROT YEGO taken TODAY just for you. Hope they will be visible. Mum and son both doing very well, and looking forward to Christmas. Dad Yego is still 'tickled pink' as they say, and is a truly doting father and husband in ever way. AND all the children seem just as happy and pleased by this special and long awaited addition to the family.

Dates ahead into December =
1-3rd Children to town to purchase shoes and school uniform for the New Year. A VERY demanding exercise in every way.
4-5th Christmas shopping
10-18th JOHN will be teaching every morning from 8a.m. to 1p.m. at Discipleship College Eldoret - Subject - Administration of a Children's Home - about 4 lessons per morning.. I really am NOT looking forward to it for a number of reasons, some purely intellectual and a few physical!
18th - the Homes will be putting up Christmas Decorations. We have always done this since we began on the same date each year.
We shall also be having our Annual Christmas Dinner for all our subordinate staff including our Houseparents. We have a good meal and a lot of fellowship.
23rd - A BIG Carol Party will be visiting neighbours and local groups singing carols from about 3 to 8p.m.
24th Christmas Eve
25th Christmas Day
We hope to have accomplished all the hard work before the 15th including the Christmas Shopping (just food for the Christmas time - we cannot go to buying presents, but the children don't seem to miss them at all, and enjoy a little extra special food on the menu AND new school clothes.)
NOVEMBER is at an end. Our friend John Cooper will be ministering at the last Meeting of the month in our Sunday Fellowship. I shall be Breaking Bread at the Communion. And then we are into December. God has been SO good to us.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you also make ready for the Christmas Festival. We trust He will give you all joy and happiness together even as you prepare.
Lovingly in Him

John and Esther

GRADUALLY GRADUATING!!!

WHAT A HAPPY FACE! Great Joy for us to see our little girl Graduate from her Teaching Course today. We were not able to be there with her in Nairobi, but some of our family were, and she seems to have had a happy day, and ready to face the next step - a teaching job - perhaps in the big city. It seems only yesterday she was a babe in arms. Her birth mother walked into our District Hospital twenty years ago, gave birth and immediately left - without the baby. She never came back. In fact Helen was two months early, and so tiny and lifeless, that midwife was on the way to the disposal unit to get rid of her thinking she was 'still- born' - but halfway there she suddenly moved and whimpered. She was ALIVE. She was eventually to be adopted by Esther and me. An affectionate, shy, and initially with a definite likeness to the little bird in the Tom & Jerry Cartoons - Tweety-pie - a name that has stuck too her as a nick-name. She attended Michael & Janet's Wedding in August, and thus there she is snuggling up to him.

We are VERY happy to see her now grown up, and ready to take hold of her own life, and future.

BENSON LAGUINA, one of our senior boys from Testimony House also Graduated yesterday from his University College with a BA in Christian Ministries. He has done very well, and hopes now to go into full time service for Jesus. He is brother to Beverly (now working in Tourism) Jesse (waiting to go into Nursing)

Melvis who is still seeking a career in Business Management. It was a joyful occasion.

LAST WEEK I mentioned the Primary School top class Graduating and getting ready to enter High School. THIS WEEK our top class in High School (Form IV) also Graduated, getting ready to enter College or University. There was a formal Luncheon for Students and Staff, speeches, and a lot of enjoyment . I gave a short Address was given as below -

'THIS IS THE LAST DAY for you in this School. You have learnt for a minimum of twelve years already, and NOW you are poised to continue on in C0llege or University for a further four years.

You have been confronted with countless choices and decisions that needed to be made, and you have had to make them - good or bad.

As life continues on, slowly, we inevitably reap the effects of those choices and decisions. We grow up from infancy to childhood, from childhood to teenage, and from teenage to adulthood.

WHEN YOU commenced Form 1 of High School you were already teenagers, and most of you still are. What kind of teenager are you today? How would you describe yourself.

As you now launch out into man and womanhood in front of your peers in a place of higher learning will you be known as a person of integrity? Will you be the kind of person that will be known as Honest and ever Truthful? Will you be known for your sense of Fair Play, and Responsibility? Will you be RESPECTED? It is a sure thing that not all you peers will be

demonstrating these qualities - perhaps even your teachers and lecturers may not demonstrate them! Will you go along with the crowd, career along with the herd?

IN THE BIBLE a man called JOB was suddenly plunged into material ruin and physical illness. He lost everything on earth dear to him, and was racked with pain from head to foot. In the midst of all this suffering he said -

'As long as my breath is in me,

And the Holy Spirit of God is in my nostrils,

my lips will not speak wickedness, nor by tongue utter deceit.

Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me!

My righteousness I will hold fast, and will not let it go!

My heart will not reproach me as long as I live.'

Job 27v3-4

Job's priority in life was to do, and to be right in his life - whether it was seen or not.

His three oldest, closest friends, told him that his suffering was due to his personal sin, but he would have none of it. He admitted that he was suffering, but he would not agree it was due to his own wrongdoing; he insisted he always did what God wanted. Even in the very midst of his pain and anguish of body and spirit, he HELD ON to the living out of a blameless and upright life. And he did it without bitterness or in speaking against God. His wife could see no sense in it at all. She mocked him and said, in the midst of his personal pain -

"Do you STILL hold on to your INTEGRITY?

Why not curse God and die?"

YOUR PEERS in the world around you, and in the Colleges and Universities you will be joining, may not be so concerned about their integrity - may have never even heard of integrity! Indeed it may well be that you will find that the majority will have no interest in such matters having flung all moral values out of their lives whilst they embrace every unrighteous and dishonest way of life. Can there be INTEGRITY in using the hard found money of parents and others in order to party and drink the days and nights away instead of putting it to the use it was given for - to complete your education, and prepare you for the life ahead? Can there be integrity in forming relationships and making promises to others with no intention of keeping them when someone more attractive or influential passes by?

When your parents have struggled to earn the money to feed, clothe, and educate you, and your teachers have dedicated their lives to passing on knowledge they themselves have sacrificed to learn for YOUR profit - IS IT RIGHT, can there be integrity in wasting it all with drugs and riotous living, and dishonest practices?

EACH ONE OF US IS RESPONSIBLE for his brother/sister in the world around us. We, Ourselves, are to be Leaders and Guides in the society around us. How shall we guide and lead without INTEGRITY, and remain blameless for the chaos that will follow? NOW is the time to be determined and to make up our minds to BE RIGHT in what we do no matter what the pressure to do the wrong may be.

ONE who studied in this very School, and who continued on to University, found plenty of friends to welcome him, and to show him the delights of alcohol and sex. He graduated poorly and found no employment. He had begun with a brilliant mind, good looks, attractive personality, but now must take casual labour - to support a drinking habit. Instead of honour and integrity he has become a bum without a future. A WASTED life.

BUT we pray this will not be the future end of any of YOU! We hope that you have wiser hearts, appreciating all the hard work, faith and sacrifice that has brought you to this hour. DO NOT demonstrate the lowest, least commendable, and most demeaning aspects of a fallen human nature. That instead you will lift up your dear heads and hearts to God, and take your cue from Him, willing to stand in front of Him, and all Mankind, tall, strong, and determined to demonstrate what is RIGHT .....

Finally young ladies and gentlemen -

Whatsoever things are TRUE,

Whatsoever things are HONEST,

Whatsoever things are JUST,

Whatsoever things are PURE,

Whatsoever things are LOVELY.

Whatsoever things are of GOOD REPORT,

If there be any VIRTUE, and if there be any PRAISE,

THINK ON THESE THINGS!

Philippians 4v8

CATHERINE SENGE'S baby - Steven Erot YEGO has now completely recovered and both Mum and baby are back home in Tyndale Cottage. Both doing well. Many thanks for all those who joined us in prayer for them both. School is not closed for the Holiday. The children all at home, and plans for Christmas beginning to be considered.\

John and Gwynneth COOPER have worked hard to become a welcome part of each of our four Homes - Gwynneth occupying all the little ones, and John playing chess and being used in conversation and counselling. We have benefited greatly from their input - and still some weeks to go before they return to UK.

VERY HOT today, clear skies, no sign of RAIN. Things will now dry up the more.

God Bless you all, and every day convince you of His Presence with you.

John and Esther

FAREWELL TO A HEADMISTRESS!

IN SERIOUS MODE, Esther as Headmistress judiciously views the proceedings at a Meeting of the student body in Testimony Primary School this year. Once Head Teacher in the Nursery Section of the School, she was promoted to Head of Primary in 2004. She found the School wavering a little in public popularity, but with prayer and determination she took over with firmness of conviction that she could build it up. And this she has done, so that the Primary School today is filled to capacity and high in the esteem of aspiring parents.

She has done this with discipline in administration, and with wisdom from God. She is an excellent counsellor and skilled in PR. In this photo there is little sign of -compromise! But behind that no-nonsense face has always been a heart of deep compassion and understanding. She has, over the six years of her unpaid labour, earned the respect and affection of both students and parents alike, as well as the admiration of her Staff of more than 20 teachers. The Official Announcement of her Retirement was given yesterday on the last School Assembly of the year. But a previous statement was given on the 12th November at the Farewell Party of the Graduating Standard V111 Class of 2009. She will be greatly missed,, but on the other hand time moves on and none of us can go on for ever in these finite bodies of ours. She will of course still be on the compound living in Green Cottage as before. She will not be idle, and will still be very much available for many new calls upon her life both in respect of the School AND the Homes. WE, as husband and wife, might also find ourselves able to do a few more things TOGETHER!! I am already 'retired' in one sense - at least from being a Houseparent - but still have quite a load of odds and ends to take care of most days. BUT I have had more spare time than Esther these past years, and it will now hopefully be a joy to be able to share more good times with each other. Well we are both SAYING this, but knowing Esther I am waiting for the New Year to see how it actually works out. Retirement is not something either of us are really cut out for !! But she WILL relax and be less stressed.

NOW a long serving member of her staff has been Appointed Headmaster; an excellent man of faith in God, and an excellent teacher. The School will continue well! Primary School has closed for the Top Class whose students now await the Result of the National Examinations - The Kenya Primary Certificate of Education which should be out in the New Year. The SEVEN lower Classes will continue to attend school for a further week or two whilst the internal Termly exams are given and marked.
NEXT week, on Thursday the Graduating 4th Form of the High will have own their Leaving Party, having themselves completed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. Their Headmaster, Mr. Zacaria Mbatia will also retire this year and his replacement Mrs. Angela Omobe will be Appointed. She also has served the School for many years. SO changes all round.
HUNDREDS of children have gone through the School since it opened in 1981. Almost 200 are still in touch with us, and we hope next year to form a Testimony School Old Student's Association and arrange to have periodic Reunions. We hope the first of these will take place in December 2010. Altogether we have a total School Population of 800 - Nursery through to Form 1V.

000--------------------000

AS REPORTED LAST WEEK, Catherine Senge and Micah YEGO received their first born son named Steven Erot Yego amidst great rejoicing all round, especially in their own Family at Tyndale Cottage. Regretfully complications followed on, and by Sunday little Steven was having a fever, and Catherine was feeling anxious and afraid. Her condition was not helped by the fact that THREE other babies with her in the same Ward all passed away at that time.

Little Steven Erot had an infection of his umbilical cord - careless and neglectful nurses in the Delivery room! This has progressed to a problem with his blood, and there is talk today of a Blood-transfusion. This has alarmed Catherine the more, though of course she has many with her praying for them both, and seeking to give strength and counsel. A first pregnancy is always full of possible alarms and excursions - for Catherine they seem to have all come at once; aggravated by the fact that she gave birth in a NEW hospital that is very well equipped and clean, but not quite 'run in' as it were, with untried nursing staff, and more patients than had been expected. Anyway baby is eating well, and we feel the Lord has it all well in hand for them all. But I know your prayers will be welcome at this time.

On the 9th we received John and Gwynneth COOPER from Whitby in Yorkshire, England. But they did not actually arrive from Whitby direct. They had come from Tristan da Cunha in the Atlantic Ocean, perhaps the most far away place on earth from other humankind - a little dot of an island, with a community of about 200 souls. Previous to their visit there they were both working in Thailand......Both have a professional history in education.........HOW did WE come to know of them? Well their daughter Anna, then about 16, came to spend some time with us here in Testimony House in 1991. She had won a competition with TEAR FUND - UK which took her visiting some of their Projects world wide. She was so attracted by us that she asked to come back to spend more time with us. Ever since her parents, John and Gwynneth have kept in touch and prayed for us. It is just wonderful to have the both with us after all these years. We are of similar age, and get on really well. They will be with us for a month, and have already toured the School, visited and become 'family' with each of the four Homes, and John will also be speaking at our Fellowship this coming Sunday.

Tomorrow we shall be visiting Joshua and Miriam. Joshua had his expected operation a week or more ago; they found nothing. He has continued to suffer with his back, and right leg, and many more exploratory tests have been done in the intervening days. Today we hear that all tests are negative and that no 'cause' for his distress can be found so far - many telling him to his face that it is all in his 'mind'!! But he and Miriam are holding on to the LORD in all of this, and are trusting Him to justify AND to heal in the days ahead. This is now a 'trial' of more than a year's duration. We do commend them both to you all, and ask you to remember them also in your prayers.

We have not seen any rain now for some three weeks. Things are drying out again as the temperature slowly rises. Other areas are reeling from torrential rain storms and flooding. No one can predict what will happen now. But the prospect of further food and water shortages loom large. Nevertheless we live for the Day, and our Thanksgiving is day by day as He walks with us.

God be with you all as days go by.

John and Esther

LITTLE GIRLS ALSO GROW BIGGER EVERY DAY!

OUR DAUGHTER ELISABETH, aged about 6 years, with two close friends from the Testimony House Family. Sarah to the left and Catherine Senge on the right - both a little younger. This was taken in the year 1982, twenty seven years ago. Time goes by, and children GROW up. Elisabeth now with two children of her own, Sarah also a mother of (twins) working in Mombasa in Banking, and Catherine working with TFH as the Mother of Tyndale Cottage. Catherine is married to Mika Yego, and they have worked together in Tyndale Cottage as Mum and Dad to 30 children since they married in 2003. TODAY Catherine has given birth to their own FIRSTBORN SON. SUCH joy ! Such very real HAPPINESS. ALL their thirty children already shouting and laughing with sheer delight at having a NEW baby brother in the family!

SARAH with her twins, to the left is working with the Co-op Bank Ltd. She is in fact heading up a new Branch in Mombasa, but home is still in Eldoret. So, at least for the moment her twins are still in Nursery School here in Testimony. And LIZ is back in the UK with HER family, all still living and working in Rochdale, Lancashire. All remain friends and 'sisters'. GREAT to see all three grown into motherhood, and into such wonderful people. It is the LORD our God that has enabled them to GROW. We feel SO proud of them all. Esther and I are blessed to have so many of our 'babies' grown up around us, but we DO also feel the miss of our very own who are so far away. And for me, I guess I miss my Lizzy the most - hope all my sons will forgive that little bias on my part. I guess daughters ARE special, and perhaps they are (from a father's point of view) a bit more doting or affectionate than our manly sons.......? But we love and appreciate each and every one. AND even those who remained in our Family Homes after they became 18 did not seem to have caused those growing up behind them in the family any undue suffering or imposition. Nor have any of them seemed to be any the worse for staying on until they felt strong enough and equipped enough to leave. For the most part most seem to be very normal, well balanced, responsible adults. This is what we expected would be the case; it is the result of a normal upbringing under as near normal circumstances as possible. It has worked. SOCIOLOGISTS please take note - Child Welfare Services TAKE NOTE.

THIS WEEK a woman living in northern Italy obtained Judgement and damages from the E.U. Court in which 7 judges agreed she was right to object to her child having to sit in school classrooms adorned with a crucifix. She is an atheist, felt it was unjust for her son to have to learn under a religious symbol to which he did not subscribe. It was an abuse of his human rights, and a risk to his psychological and sociological development. General outcry from the Catholic populace, but it seems the Judgment might carry even - after an Appeal........ IS CHRISTIANITY UNDER ATTACK? Certainly it might seem that it is not a popular religion or even philosophy. And now the European Union is poised to RULE on its practice and presentation within the confines of a constitutionally Christian Nation. Going that way in the UK as well. We may not wear jewelery such as a gold cross, or in any way draw attention to Christ or even our personal faith if it 'might' offend another viewpoint. Christianity could seem to be being put to death, rather like the Jewish People who went to the Gas Chambers, sheepishly without a protest or a visible concern. Yet RELIGION generally seems still to be tolerated.......... And of course when Antichrist finally becomes identifiable on our world scene HE will want to be worshipped.......there will still be religion - NOT Christian or Jewish, perhaps not even Islamic or any other either - but a form of religion for all that. WHERE is the world going? Where is Europe going - and the United Kingdom, and the United States ? Christianity is slowly being diluted, dismantled, and even obliterated worldwide. And I am not going to get started on any kind of religious or nationally divisive argument. I do not need to do so, since what is happening is bringing upon us all such complexity of DIVISION that together with the general collapse of the natural world in which we exist, will also come social degeneration and conflict on an increasing scale. What we have now called Human Rights is now more than all LAW and Order.

The dwindling Christian Presence in the world, even in the WEST has lost its way and its VOICE. In Islamic Countries all other religious pronouncements are suppressed, even disallowed. Not so in Christian Countries, where it seems it is fashionable to be religiously self effacing and accommodating, even to the extent of permitting one's own national identity to be in question. But then perhaps Christianity has actually lost ground, and individual significance ignored nationally in those Countries nominally known to be 'Christian'. Unlike Islam for example, our children in the UK and North America are not brought up in the Faith of their fathers - are not taught the Word of God and are increasingly unable to celebrate Christian Festivals or to even observe them. The fault of our Governments, or ourselves?

BUT, I AM for GOD! I want to Honour God, and to see Him sought after by ALL. One does not need to observe religion for that to happen. Should one lift up the Cross in the face of those who do not believe in what it speaks to the Christian about, even though it 'might' to offend them or their 'feelings'? YES - I cannot reason otherwise, because the CROSS is central to the Salvation of ALL men - all men that ARE sinners! All men, women and children NEED to be saved from their sin, whether they know it or not. To HIDE the cross is to hide the TRUTH, and to diminish it, and perhaps even to silence it. The Apostle Paul once wrote these words -

'I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing

to make a display of the knowledge of nothing,

and to be conscious of nothing) among you

except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.'

1. Corinthians 2v2 - The Bible.

It is the CROSS on which Christ paid the price for ALL our SIN which, when it is lifted up and drawn attention to, draws all Men (all Men that seek GOD, and are conscious of their sinfulness). It is not a church, a mosque, a synagogue or temple; it is not a set of religious rules and traditions that can achieve this. It is through the Cross we all come to the knowledge of sins forgiven as we look, appreciate, and own what was done there for each and every human being in and for the Love of God. There we LEARN of God's Love, Mercy and Justice. There we learn that God has no favourites, and that His mercy is for all men everywhere. Nothing barrs Him from loving any one of us from any tribe, nation or faith. He died to ransom me, and you, and all mankind past, present and future. All we need to do is to believe, and then we can embrace each other as brothers and sisters equally before God. We need to humble ourselves and say Thank you God for loving me, NOW give me a life and heart to love everyone else.

WE love you all too!

John & Esther

A CRIME OF CHOICE?

ON THURSDAY LUNCHTIME, the wife of one of our respected Asian Doctors was kidnapped. In her sixties and on the way to the Hospital in which she works with her husband, Mrs. Lodhia's chauffeur driven car was stopped at gunpoint, her driver bundled into the boot of another car, and she herself driven off with her kidnappers. All this happened very quickly on a fairly busy road - just a hundred metres from our School main entrance - a time when vehicles and people were passing by. The action in fact was observed by many but no one risked being shot themselves by these gunmen. This dear lady and her husband have worked for more than 40 years here in Eldoret, and we have known them for most of that time, beeing treated at their hospital, and their daughter attending Testimony School. She has strongly supported and encouraged the school, and is well known in the community. So far nothing seems to have been heard of her since she was driven away. The Police say they are sure she is being held in a local housing estate, and it seems a Ransom of some kind is, or will be, demanded. We are appalled that such a thing can happen on our very doorstep in broad daylight. BUT as a crime it is in fact increasing in Kenya. Very NEW but definitely on the increase. NOT new in the world, as our picture portrays - but NEW in Kenya. SO, how safe IS Kenya today?

Perhaps this up to the minute ADVICE from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade might set the scene as at 31st October 2009 -

'WE ADVISE YOU TO EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF CAUTION in Kenya at this time due to the high risk of terrorist attack, civil unrest, and high crime levels.' Not very encouraging or inviting - and this advice may not be taken to refer only to expatriates but to our own citizens as well! This extract from a further Article found in the Kenyan Newspaper - The STANDARD - for 20th October specifically comments on Kidnapping!

'Abductors are on the prowl....... IF THEY GET YOU, they can hold you at will as they work out how much freedom should cost. Kidnappers, who have found an almost effortless route to wealth, last week pocketed Ksh.10 million (about nine thousand sterling) by way of ransom from an Asian businessman in Nairobi. The money changed hands to the fury of the police who had insisted the man's family did not part with a single cent. But the man had been in captivity for five days, and there was no sign he would be found. In fact the only sign he was alive and might be freed unharmed, were the desperate phone calls demanding payment to his captors, and threats that no payment would mean his death.
Our (new) Police Commissioner Matthew Iteere, concedes that his Force is now dealing with as many as five cases of this 'Cash for Freedom' trade each week! Iteere says this is 'unacceptable.'
But Security Forces are worried; they lack adequate information to trace these kidnappers. The families of those in captivity are often not willing to negotiate the ransom to reasonable levels, and often mistrust the police.

THIS is the NEW FACE of crime in Kenya - hitherto just accustomed to robberies and carjackings.

The business community and middle-class Kenyans are the targets of choice, although children are not out of. A six-year old Sudanese boy, Emmanuel Agwar Adar, in Komarock abducted last month, the subsequent demand for ransom from his captors, and his eventual killing would just have been a painful pointer as to how this new crime could get
vicious. The latest Ransom demand for a captive is for Ksh.78 million.........(Cyrus Ombati of The STANDARD)

AND SO ELDORET'S first Kidnapping has happened. What now? This morning two Police Land rovers, full of Police are parked outside our main gate stopping all vehicles passing by and also, it seems, all pedestrians as well. NO news so far of Mrs. Lodhia. Are WE more fearful, more anxious about our personal safety? NO; not at all. A number have come in trepidation to ask if we FEEL safe, and whether or not we think that THEY should feel safe! We say YES, of course. The Lord our God is with us all, and He WILL save all who look to HIM.

TESTIMONY FAITH HOMES IS STILL CONTINUING, even though some one is putting it about that the Government has already CLOSED all the Children's Homes. This is not true of course, and shows how bad we all are at communicating what we hear or are told faithfully and honestly NO! WE ARE all still here and functioning well. The government has NOT, yet, closed and Children's Homes in our district.

On MONDAY there was a District Meeting of CCI Managers laid on at District Headquarters by the District Children's Officer. Out of 14 Registered Homes the Managers of only THREE turned up. This was disappointing for the District Officer who was anxious to soften my Memorandum on recent legislative changes in the Children's Act.

ON WEDNESDAY we entered into the 33 monthly Meeting of the Children's Services Forum. Some 40 Members turned up as well at Representatives from the Children's Department, Probation and Social Services. It was a a lengthy Meeting and it unanimously questioned the Governments good sense in taking these steps (please see previous Blob for two weeks ago.) I have now written on behalf of the Forum to the Area Advisory Council asking them to table discussion of the Government's proposed changes in the ACT. Could be quite interesting - even explosive! We need the Wisdom of God in this. It seems clear that the Government is miss-led in in its information and in its policies.

TODAY our School is selecting Next Year's Primary Class 1. The whole place crawling with prospective parents that want their children to study here. A real scramble - though it is the children who are interviewed and not the parents! Esther very busy indeed. Still it is remarkable to seek how the Name of our School has become so famous.

It is also the LAST day of the month, and for the first time ever we have been unable to pay any part of the monthly salaries of any of the Homes staff. Funds just have not reached us, though we know they may be on the way - especially from AENON Trust - BUT even the lowest in the order of service here with us stands trusting in the Lord, and the work continues. NO MATTER what happens, how completely hopeless things may see m to be - we SHALL ALL BELIEVE and Rejoice in Him Who is our Life and our Saviour.

Still RAINING. Quite COOL as well.

God Bless and Keep you all through the week ahead

John & Esther