ESTHER AND I are seen here standing with Edith and Anthony 'Bones' + baby daughter, outside of their new house. We were there to witness the Dedication of their home by Joshua Mbithi, and there were quite a number of old 'family' members from Testimony House and others. Anthony and his twin brother Christopher came as 4 month old babies in 1974, (and grew up with Esther and me in Testimony House - Anthony being to the right in the black and white photo below). Both are now married and pastors of different churches in Town. It was very special to be there with them on their Day - last Wednesday! It has taken them about two years to build the house, with 
Anthony being his own 'contractor' going about buying everything himself as the work progressed. They put all their savings into it, and also borrowed from the Bank, but the LORD also assisted them with a large part, and so it is very much a combined effort costing approximately 30,000 pounds sterling for a very smart, well built three bedroom house. Bones already has a house tied in with his church so is not planning to move into the new one right away. They will hope to rent it out for a few years so that they will not feel the burden of repaying the Bank Loan they took out.So many of our old family members were there, and it was very much a 'family' occasion with ample time for fellowship and reminiscing. Esther and I both felt very uplifted and glad - and we needed that little boost and injection of encouragement. Children do have this habit of growing up and rushing off to all points of the compass in pursuit of their 
own dreams and activities. Even when they live in the same town it can be hard to see much of them. SO to see and interact with so many was a special treat and blessing for us.
I don't think those who have left us and grown up (including our very own probably) realise how much they bless us when they visit, singly or together. Very special, like bursts of sunlight Such a gladness to see them well and bravely finding their way in this chancy world of ours. And especially so when they themselves have found Faith and Confidence in God. We say 'Thank you' to Jesus!
Anthony being his own 'contractor' going about buying everything himself as the work progressed. They put all their savings into it, and also borrowed from the Bank, but the LORD also assisted them with a large part, and so it is very much a combined effort costing approximately 30,000 pounds sterling for a very smart, well built three bedroom house. Bones already has a house tied in with his church so is not planning to move into the new one right away. They will hope to rent it out for a few years so that they will not feel the burden of repaying the Bank Loan they took out.So many of our old family members were there, and it was very much a 'family' occasion with ample time for fellowship and reminiscing. Esther and I both felt very uplifted and glad - and we needed that little boost and injection of encouragement. Children do have this habit of growing up and rushing off to all points of the compass in pursuit of their own dreams and activities. Even when they live in the same town it can be hard to see much of them. SO to see and interact with so many was a special treat and blessing for us.I don't think those who have left us and grown up (including our very own probably) realise how much they bless us when they visit, singly or together. Very special, like bursts of sunlight Such a gladness to see them well and bravely finding their way in this chancy world of ours. And especially so when they themselves have found Faith and Confidence in God. We say 'Thank you' to Jesus!
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THIS WEEK has otherwise been a quiet one for me. I had felt I needed time to think a few things out, and thus I kept out of the Office and spent time at home with the bible. This left Daryl at the helm more than usual, and he has been grappling with some of the hum drum human and administrative matters that usually come to me. Good for him, AND for me. May do more of it, progressively and see how things pan out. At the present time this seems the way forward since I am quite often having to attend other related Children's matters in the District, and need to be out, and also need more time for myself. This will test Daryl without injuring the daily running of the ministry. God is good, and although we have been riding the whirlwind this last month, we have found Him as present and able as ever to provide for and surprise us again and again.
Short entry this week. Keep praying very much for us all. Oh, and I should share the good news that Catherine Senge - Mum in Tyndale Cottage, - is once more expecting! They are both delighted. Hallelujah.
Lovingly to you all
John and Esther
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