From A to Z and many more

Testimony House Family in 1983 whilst John and Esther were visiting UK

MOST OF THESE YOUNGSTERS  came to be with us when they were very young, some like  Sara and Catherine Senge in the middle row, when they were babies.     In 1983 many of them were already in College or finished with School and ready to fly!      Top left in this photos is Nicholas Mwangi, my Deputy at the time, and now a Business man (Electronics) of his own in Eldoret Town.    At the far right of that same top row is Peter Kalulu who was then one of our Teachers on the Motor Mechanic Course that we were then running.   Peter sadly became seriously ill shortly afterwards and died.  The Course closed that year in fact, and we then used the premises to commence Primary School classes 1 to 3.      Amongst the rest in the photo, one has  passed on - Ezekiel Kipchumba (2nd fro left in front row). 

For the rest all except one is married with a family, all employed, and all, with just one exception, going on in their Christian life and faith.      We are always glad to look BACK and see where so many have GONE ON to!

TOP ROW - left to right - Nicholas Mwangi.     John Ngugi, an Accountant in town.   Moses Ongonga, and ordained pastor with Africa Inland Church here in Eldoret.    David Koech, an Accountant in the USA.    Joseph Kihara, a Gardener here in TFH.   Daniel Kinyanjui,  Hotel Waiter in Nairobi.    Anthony Wanyama, Business man in Eldoret (Repairs and Maintenance).

Mwangi Macharia, Taxi Driver here in Eldoret.   Peter Kalulu, deceased

MIDDLE ROW - left to right -  Sarah Njere, Bank Manager in Mombasa.     Catherine Senge, House parent with TFH in Tydale Cottage.

BOTTOM ROW - left to right - Jotham Chege, an ordained Clergyman with the Anglican Church here locally.   Ezekiel Kipchumba, deceased.    Sammy Macho,  Security Guard in Mombasa.    Christopher Kosgei, pastor with the Pentecostal Church in Eldoret.    Peter Wangolo, Chef here in Eldore.     Anthony Bones, pastor with the Africa Gospel Church in Nairobi.      David Senoga, Business Man(Refuse Disposal) in Nakuru Town.   Richard Ochieng, Business Man in Eldoret (Road Surfacing).    William Lomyrot.  Dairy man.   Charles Salim (Green). Evangelist with YWAM in Ethiopia.    Daryl P. Green. Director Testimony Faith Homes.    Sammy Kirui, pursuing a Ph.D in the USA.

These are of course just a small sample of the more than 300 that have in fact come and gone their way.    Pretty representative though, and perhaps especially encouraging to Esther and me because we brought these (plus quite a few others ) up ourselves in our own home.    They are all 'family'.

Days and years go by, often in a hum drum and similar way, and it is often surprising to understand just how many differing personalities and characters have arrived and spent years with us growing up..........   Amazing that we could all live together, and that God in His Grace and Compassion made a way for us all through the years.

WE HAD GIRLS as well growing up with the boys in the four Homes.       We taught them all to see each other as brothers and sisters, and for the most part they have done so;   no romances or immoral incidents in the years gone by. None chose to marry anyone they grew up with.          BUT girls need more insight, patience and grace to bring up than boys WE think!      Definitely more complicated than the average boy.      YET even so, a delight to have around, and we are glad we took the risk in making each Home a true family of all ages of both sexes.      It seems to have worked very well indeed.       Our own two sons and one daughter also managed to survive unscathed.

I WONDER if these three girls in the  photo, remember who won the race that day in 1981.       We had not yet started our own school but we did have our own Annual Sports Day, and this was the occasion of the photo.     Hendrika, aged 11 is on the extreme left - now working and living in the USA.     Milka Wairimu and Jane Wanjiru both about 13 to the right in the photo, both married now and busy.   Milka is basically a mother and housewife while Jane is working as an Administrator with Moi University, not far from us.      Again just a small sample of the many  - right now we have Thirty-nine girls and 95 boys resident in the four Homes.

AND the pseudo China-man to the left is Richard Ochieng, NOW managing director of his own small Company employed in Road Works.    He re-carpets and lays down minor roads and driveways with tarmacadam, and is making quite a name for himself.        These are a handful of children God has been bringing to us over the years; children He had a plan and mind to rescue and secure for His Name's Sake.      A lot of LAUGHTER along the way, and oh yes, quite a few tears as well, when untoward pranks and jokes went too far for Mum and Dad to overlook.       BUT looking back we can say with full hearts - our souls feel satisfied and GLAD that we were willing and available to be here; to be parents where there were none.

THESE children have left us to LIVE their own lives.      NONE would have had the chance to do so naturally speaking.     They would not have had the chance to go to school, play and laugh, and feel secured and cared for.   No, if God had not stepped in and made a way there could have been no JOY.             Thank you all for taking us and THEM upon your hearts, as Father prompted you by His Spirit.     We want to share our joy at the outcome of your love and help.       We want you to feel glad for the prayer lifted up, the gift sent, and the life rescued.

God be with you constantly into the coming week.      

John and Esther