BACK FROM DOWN UNDER

NEVER TOO OLD FOR A BEAR HUG!!   This is of course Carol Green being hugged by a Koala Bear in Adelaide, Australia.   She looks a little surprised  !  -  As also Daryl -   Well I promised to get some photos eventually to give a little glimpse of the new Greens that have come to succeed Esther and me in running TFH., in their first representation of the ministry overseas.
They were three weeks away and travelled around Adelaide in South Australia and also to Sydney, Capital of New South Wales.     The were not Fund Raising, but they were presenting Testimony Faith Homes to students, parents and staff of Tyndale Christian School in Adelaide.     Mike Potter and his wife Dani have over many years been motivating the School in having an interest in Kenya where they had previously worked, and also in US, and the ministry of Joshua and Miriam Mbithi who once worked with us.       This year marks TEN years of our friendship and association with Tyndale, and they threw a Celebration in Remembrance.   Daryl and Carol were their invited Guests together with Joshua and Miriam, whom they were wonderfully able to fete with abundant fellowship, food and festivity.     These were three weeks to remember, and I know that Carol and Daryl will always carry these Memories with them through the rest of their lives.     A very Special occasion and Experience which in many ways, we feel, has been a New Beginning for us all.

Whilst there in Australia they were shown around the beautiful sea and country-side.    They were flown to Sydney to see the sights there, and spent prime time meeting past staff, students and friends from the School who were there to remember their Visits going back to 2002.
Two BIG luncheons took place with opportunity for the School, and Testimony and Neema Homes to inter relate, sharing information and experiences going back over the last ten years.       Already a group of more than 35 is preparing to come again next year in July, AND more than 50 in 2014!!!     The interest and sincere desire to come and help just grows and grows.     Daryl and Carol being right there in the midst of it all were truly moved by all those they met.    

On the way back home to us, Daryl managed to contract some kind of heavy cold.     Flying from Adelaide they first of all had to call in at PERTH on the west coast for a five hour stop-over.     THERE they both managed to meet up with Daryl's aunt.     Neither had ever met before;  she is the youngest sister of Daryls real father.     I think it must have been almost as exciting a moment as it was for me to meet my sister first time.      She has lived in Nollamara, a suburb of Perth for most of her married life.    And it was really a small miracle that she was able to get permission to enter the Airport and spend time with Daryl and Carol.   Another 'special' to add to those happy memories.


Both are now back, as you know, and have settled into the work, although Daryl is still coughing a lot, but otherwise recovered from his 'cold'.     We are GLAD to have them back.  As also their little 'family'.    The Homes have been suffering from their own brand of Recession, and the School has been under attack as well with students from outside being found bringing in soft drugs such as Marijuana, and one having to be expelled for immorality.    One or two of our own boys also mixed up in trouble at school.     It has been a rather oppressive month that has brought all of us to our knees seeking the Lord to lift up His Standard and rebuke the Enemy.
BUT, on the other side, we see souls brought into the Kingdom every Sunday as the gospel is preached.
God IS good.      And, wonderfully, our morning staff prayer times have included readings from the Psalms, full of encouragement and strength for the day.     Hallelujah.  (Psalms 30 - 34)
There are many Christian folk today that turn back because the going is often tough, strewn with giant trials, sorrow and pain.     The way of Salvation that leads to Heaven is not a bed of roses - it is not PAVED all the way, sometimes not even part of the way - there are human and spiritual pot holes, traffic jams, accidents and  even unexpected diversions along the way.     When cash dries up, loved ones and even we ourselves get to die or become painfully sick, when everything collapses and life seems insupportable  -  the ROAD goes on,  AND, wonder of wonders, we DO come through into sunlight, calm, and peace of mind and body just because The LORD of Heaven and Earth, JESUS is with us, alongside us, together with us bearing all things, suffering all things, overcoming all things.      Without HIM in us and WITH us, we are unable to make it; we will fail to run the course, win the race.      Thank you my Father in Heaven for the GIFT of Jesus.   Thank you for guaranteeing MY / OUR race will be FINISHED and WON.
The Apostle PAUL says in 2.Timothy3v2 ,,,,,,,,,,'what persecutions I endured; but out of them all  the LORD delivered ME.'
Consider King David's testimony in Psalm 34v1-9

                          l WILL bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear thereof and be glad.

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from ALL my fears.

They looked upon him, and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of ALL his troubles.

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delievereth them.

O TASTE AND SEE the the LORD is good

Blessed is the man that trusteth in HIM!

O fear the LORD ye saints, for there is no want to them that fear Him.

WE have been travelling, and continue to travel, on this Road.   Often not at all comfortable, fearful even, BUT the LORD is with us, and with you.     FEAR not.    He will not let go your hand, and has power and strength to pull you up, out and onward from every obstacle.

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IN ELDORET, the sun shines - but only in between more RAIN clouds and rain.    School shuts on the 2nd November until the 13th January - 10-11 weeks!! - the longest holiday ever, due to the Teachers strike upsetting the normal curriculum, and having to accommodate National Examinations.    Quite a challenge for parents.         

TWO new boys have just arrived to stay with us plus one new girl (actually I have mentioned them before but this is the first time I could put photos up),     Our doors are ALWAYS open of course, as long as we have a vacancy, and we accept more children even when times are hard and food hard to find.   We trust God has directed their steps to us, and that He will be Faithful in providing for them.
DAISY is 13 and attempting her National Primary final examination in about three weeks time.    She is older than our normal admittance age, but she is the younger sister of a boy already resident with us.    We did not admit her when we admitted the boy as she had HIV and the grandmother wanted her at home with her.  BUT now the grandmother has grown old and unwell, and has not been supervising Daisy's medical health well.      SO we agreed to take her in - she was very obviously much worse and we felt seriously concerned.
Taking her immediately to our local HIVE/AIDS Clinic we were told she had not been attending and was now very run down.    She lives in Jacaranda Cottage with her brother Reuben now.  She is much more healthy since her arrival.     REUBEN, her brother came in February 2005 aged 8.  He has a severe learning problem, but just a few months ago he apprehended Jesus and everything changed.     He is now making up for lost time, and it has been like a flower blossoming.   God truly works in strange ways - Daisy resembles Reuben a lot, but she is academically very bright and of a very loving disposition.    

STEVEN, 5yrs & VICTOR 7yrs    They also have a young sister whom we may also take in later.
Their mother died of AIDS in 2008 and the Father, though alive, is bedridden with AIDS, and living in abject poverty in one room.     The three children lived there with him.     One of them VICTOR has HIV as well.     The Children's Department were informed and on visitation agreed with the father who is not expected to live long, to transfer the two boys to us and the sister to an aunt.    VICTOR was quite run down on arrival here, and had not been treated for his HIV.     He and Steve came in September, and we already see a sustained improvement in Victor.    They both live in Testimony House, and I have just returned from there - where I was immediately beset upon by both these scamps, bright eyed and happy, looking for a hug and cuddle - and possibly hoping for a balloon or two that I often have about me.      MORE are expected as others prepare to leave........and so the ebb and flow continues.

I am speaking in Church here tomorrow - the last Sunday before School closes, and 160 School Boarders leave to return to their homes far and wide.      We shall feel rather 'small' as a fellowship till they return in January - just about 150 of us and a few from the locality.    But God will be with us, as we prepare for Christmas.       Continue to pray for us, as we will for you all, and we believe He will come freshly once more into our lives and hearts as we remember His Birth.

Love from us all

John and Esther  and also Daryl and Carol

A BUSINESS LUNCH ? NOOOO!

NO, THIS WAS A 'FRIENDSHIP' & 'FAMILY' LUNCH!     A Lunch party seldom enjoyed, and only when certain friends come to indulge us.    On this occasion our host was Samuel KIRUI who has been revisiting Kenya and his home and family friends since the end of September.    He will be flying back to Oklahoma in just a few days from now.     Sam has been part of our extended family since way back in his Secondary School days.     Since then he attended Theological College (the then Kenya Highlands Bible College here in Kenya),  pastored various Africa Full Gospel Churches, and more recently been engaged in obtaining his second Degree and now a Phd in the United States - he will finally graduate once more next year, God Willing.      All these years Sam has remained a close member of the Testimony Faith Homes Family, and especially of that part  connected with mine and Esther's years as Dad and Mum in Testimony House.      It has been a real joy to have him stay with us in Green Cottage.   WHENEVER Sam has been home he usually finds an opportunity to take us (me and Esther, Daryl and Carol, and all the houseparents) out for lunch and fellowship.     Thus on Friday of this week he took us to a local children's recreational centre and entertainment facility (Poa Place).   A good, well run, and pleasant place for 'Time Out' from our normal busy life.       It was the first public function for Daryl and Carol to attend since they returned from OZ on Tuesday evening.      Daryl came back with some kind of throat and chest infection with nose bleeds and dizziness which have kept him a bit low, but on Friday he was feeling a little better - we got a really nice photo of them both -

They really had a great time in Adelaide, and have returned to us with a new perspective and more  zeal to get back into the work and ministry of TFH.     Real joy to see them so happy and together as they consider carrying the Flag even further afield.       There is an invitation on the table for them to go to Oklahoma already - perhaps in the Spring of next year; maybe in March, and then perhaps visit friends in the UK and Europe in the summer on the way back to Kenya.  (please see footnote at the end of this letter today).

NOT SO LONG AGO I put up a lot of photos of our houseparents, and there were many that wrote back delighted that I had done so.   It seemed many of you were glad to SEE faces you could at last put names to and thus make a difference tor prayer times.    SOoooo!   I thought you might also like ANOTHER little personal glimpse of them all once more as they enjoyed their lunch on Friday.     So here we go -

FIRST OFF is Catherine and Micah Yego from Tyndale Cottage.     We asked Catherine take her glasses off so that we could see her eyes!    It is so good to see joyful faces and smiles isn't, and to know they are not just 'put on' for the occasion, but are a true reflection of REAL emotions that were enjoyed both before and after the camera surprised them.
THEN to the right is Eunice and Francis Lahol from Drakeley Cottage.   I think that one of mine and Esther's special delights is in witnessing such loving and caring marriages amongst our houseparents.
They are all so happy and contented generally, and this goes to make happy homes, where children observe the love and respect of Dad and Mum for each other, and for themselves.    This has not always been the case, but now we have such a good situation throughout the ministry.
ALSO to the right is Joseph and Beatrice Rop from Jacaranda Cottage.     Their Home is currently in need of a lot of work relative to maintenance and repair.        Paintwork, plastering, and also refurbishing of the kitchen and bathroom areas altogether.      They are waiting their turn which we hope will now soon come, as for the current year we have been working on the other three homes.  We usually go round by rote, house by house.
AND FINALLY here below is Alice and Hesketh Mully from Testimony House.    This was the first Home to open, and Esther and I were there first, then Daryl and Carol, and now Hesketh and Alice.   It is still strange to enter in as a visitor for us (me and Esther) and to see everything as we left it.   Still very much a family home, both for those currently living in it an for those who have lived their in the past and return  to visit.

Well Esther and I were also at the Luncheon, so I guess I must include below the latest photo of us!  We are both fine and dandy, thank you.       In our 41st year, more than happy with each other.  More than glad to be alive.      Thank you for praying for us all.      We need every word.     We depend upon them for they do indeed move the hand of God on our behalf.

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LAST NIGHT our youngest cow gave birth to a healthy bull calf - the fourth calf to be born since we began having the Dairy last May.  We are glad to report all four cows and two existing calves are doing well, as also the chickens.   Thank you Jesus.

Promised photographs of Junior Green's trip to Australia and also of the NEWLY ADMITTED children to Testimony House and Jacaranda Cottage had still not come to hand in time to print today - hopefully a resume NEXT Saturday.

DARYL & CAROL's possible 2013 travels - As mentioned above it seems possible they may indeed travel abroad for the Homes, not to appeal for funds, but to advertise the work, and tell of the miracle involved in our continued existence.       Sammy Kirui has made a firm offer and request to arrange a small itinerary in the Oklahoma area for them, and we hope something similar might be achieved in the UK.

If any of our friends and associates might be interested in them visiting their town or church, and perhaps also able to arrange a meeting, then we would be glad if you would write in and let us know.     Daryl will have a digital Presentation with him which can be shown on a portable screen, TV or computer.    He and Carol are good speakers and presenters. 

We would consider the to be in England by MAY/JUNE-JULY

CONTACT CAN BE MADE to our usual E-mail address here in Kenya OR you can write, telephone or e-mail our son Steven in Accrington or son in law Prem Joseph in Rochdale - addresses here below

STEVE GREEN      -       E-mail - s1green@o2.co.uk

                                        Phone - 7596355115

PREM JOSEPH      -       E-mail - premadakein@yahoo.co.uk
                                        Phone - 7717578540

We feel that if enough interested parties were to be interested and able to let us know before Christmas then a definite small itinerary might be made.     We feel that in the event that Esther and I may not be able to travel so well in the future it would be good for Daryl especially as the one now in charge of the work here to try to become known by all those of you that have prayed and helped us over all the years.

God Bless and be with you all

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol

   

WHERE ARE ALL THE FATHERS?

AN AFRICAN MOTHER carries her baby with her.   That baby goes where she goes, and shares in most of what she does, tied to her back.     A mark of devotion?   Just the burden and responsibility of motherhood.     It can be tiresome in every way.     But there is that which speaks of deep devotion and care.
Looking at this drawing on the left,  there seems such  security; the baby is so safe, and confident, and the mother so watchful and aware of the child.   But I also catch sight of' 'aloneness and worry' in the face of the mother.....
There are many mothers in Kenya - unmarried mothers.    No husband to be seen, no father to the child in evidence.    More and more women (and girls) becoming pregnant - in the family way,  but without the 'family'!      Is it enough for a child to be brought up by a woman alone, by its mother alone?       Is the motherly instinct to care and protect and love enough to provide everything a child needs to become become an adult?      
An elderly Danish missionary more than eighty, single and alone in her ministry here in Kenya  (Elisabeth Boye) once said to me 'I feel like a motherless child'      She was missing love and care of a mother at this time in her life.    Not even the concern and affection of friends could replace it.        But do children miss their fathers?    Is their a GAP in their human experience and development when Dad is away, or just not there?
In KENYA there are more and more fatherless children.   In the United Kingdom, the Centre for Social Justice has recently stated that 'Britain's record on family breakdown is now the worst in Europe.  The absence of fathers has become an issue of special concern to the CSJ.    Three quarters of households on social housing estates in the UK are  now headed by lone parents - usually mothers.   Only 15% of social-renting households are headed by a couple with children.   Nationwide 15% of babies are currently born without a resident biological father, and approximately 7  percent are born with no registered father on their Birth Certificate.    The consequences for children are toxic.   CJS has collated the evidence and now conclusively demonstrated that children who grow up without fathers, in a one parent environment, are 75% more likely to fail at school, 70% more likely to be drug addicts, 50% more likely to develop an alcohol problem, 40% more likely to have serious problems with debt, and 35% more likely to experience unemployment and a need for social welfare.    FATHERLESSNESS IS NOW REAPING A WHIRLWIND OF DESTRUCTION IN UK SOCIETY.         In 2007 UNICEF's Report on childhood development found that, out of all the industrialised nations, Britain is the worst country for a child to grow up in (it then came 21st of 21) - far worse than all the other countries in terms of poverty, happiness, relationships and risk.'   (Mark Stibbs 'I Am Your Father'  Monarch Books 2010  (www.fathershousetrust.com)

These figures will vary in 3rd world countries - but not for the better.     Family life is being systematically challenged by divorce, same sex marriage(?), 'come-we-stay' relationships, and just plain rape, adultery, and fornication all rife and growing worldwide.      The old social structures and traditions worldwide are being rejected together with a real knowledge of God.        The LAW of GOD is no longer known or understood - it is not taught in our schools, nor in our crumbling family structures.        BUT YES, there are pockets of Resistance to this trend - there is a REMNANT left that will stand for GOD and TRUTH, but to be sure things WILL get worse, descend lower, and hit bottom.        This little Remnant still standing will soon be sought out, hunted down, and expelled from this world  -   and then cometh the END.
BUT, and UNTIL the END comes we should seek to promote Family Life;  a Father and Mother living together with their children in a God conscious, stable and loving home.    A home in which children may be nurtured and brought up with regard to God, and what pleases HIM,  and with clear demonstration of the character and role of a husband and wife,  father and mother, Man and Woman.       GOD created a Man AND a Woman.   One of each sex, and they were  and ARE different.     Different in nature, function and purpose.
We forget this at our peril.

TESTIMONY FAITH HOMES seeks to encourage and increase the concept of Family life as it becomes home and family to the homeless and destitute children of Kenya.       The vast majority of our boys and girls have lost home and parents both.     Some have been deserted and abandoned; some have had their family ripped from them in violent greed, jealousies, and the mindlessness of war and political unrest.   Others are with us because their parents died of AIDS, generally passed on through sexual transmission outside of the marriage bed.         Our FOUR Family Homes are each headed by a married couple who act as Dad and Mum to their own birth children and about 35 other boys and girls from 0 -18+.     They grow as a family, together, sharing each other, space and time, and all of life, together.      They learn to be a family, and when children  leave us and go into the wide world, they take, hopefully,  that sense of family with them.    Generally they marry and make their own home, and return to show off their wives / husbands, and to bring their children to be Dedicated and/or Baptised.        Testimony Faith Homes is creating FAMILIES in Kenya.    Perhaps not so very many compared to the NEED - but one pebble thrown into the pond of life makes many ripples.  We are having an effect, be it ever so small.

I can assure you that the Devil, that old Leviathan, the Enemy of God and of our mortal soul, does NOT like this at all, and more and more opposes himself to it, wherever it may be found.      His greatest opposition is to Family Life illuminated by GOD.       He will do all he can to undo, upset, and even destroy it.     He will come to the individual couple, he will come to a ministry such as ours.    He IS a destroyer.    We know his ways and his trickery - we must need all pray hard for each other.    Pray hard for us, that Testimony will continue to CREATE a right pattern for life, and that each of us working labouring here together might be strong and kept safe by HIS power.      We need your prayer for our personal lives, and for the ongoing viability and provision of our lives together with the children in this place.

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DARYL and Carol are due back from Australia next Tuesday, 16th October.   They seem to have had a busy, and very wonderful time together with all connected to Tyndale Christian School, and of course also with Joshua and Miriam who went with them to Australia.     They spent a week in Adelaide first then off to Sydney for about five days and just now winding up in Adelaide once more before finally flying back to us on Monday.      Last Friday, they had a mega meeting at Tyndale with old students and others that have been on previous visits and Teams to TFH.     Tonight another final meeting with parents and those who would like to visit us in the future..    Apparently the numbers keep on growing, and it is quite amazing how so many young people there are anxious to give time and energy to travelling so far to help us.    It is another 'miracle' I think.

All thanks to Mike and Dani Potter who Father used to receive the vision for it all, and the strength and love to see it through.    God's everlasting Blessing on you both, and upon your family with you.

Our three grandchildren, Jesse, Becky and Jeremy are just LONGING to see their Dad and Mum again, and quite excited about it - they will come with me to Eldoret Airport to collect them.    They seem to have enjoyed staying with us two oldies, and have given us a good and happy time.     Having to return to my 'Director's Chair' whilst Daryl was away I have realised that he will soon himself need an assistant since the work of keeping an eye on all the new Farm projects as well as normal administrative duties, including overlooking the School building development is really becoming too much.     Hope you will keep him in your prayers.       THREE new children since he and Carol left for OZ.     All boys 8 and 9 years old.   One with AIDS!!  

Our Love to you all.     Keep close to God, and He will keep close to you.     Remind yourselves constantly that He walks with you, and wants also to 'talk' to you as you go.   

John and Esther