THE SANDS OF TIME ARE RUNNING OUT

THE HOURS AND MINUTES ARE TICKING AWAY the last of 2016 as we await to 'Jump' into 2017.     And as we do so our thoughts continually hark back over the year, and to all the Wonderful ways in which we, here in TFH,  have been loved and cared for by all of you - all the ;Family' that we have been joined to in Jesus.    Bless you ALL and make THIS NEW YEAR especially memorable and a 'bench mark' for all that is to come.    WE are on tip-to watching and praying for His 2nd Advent!    Be Expectant!!

Please forgive me for not blogging last week!
Christmas just overwhelmed me, and time and opportunity to sit down at the computer just vanished!
We had a marvellous Christmas, and were Blessed.     NOW, this evening, as we will wait up to midnight together, each home, including Green Cottage, will be removing the decorations, so that we can enter 2017 quite free of the trappings of the year behind us.    There will be lemonade and soda, and the crackle of crisps as we fellowship together.  Then at the stroke of midnight everyone will converge on Testimony House with shouts of JOY, and all the sirens and hooters in the entire town will begin to scream and wail with both Farewell and Welcome for the Old and Passing Year, and the Coming and expectant NEW.     May God go with us all, with courage, faith, and JOY, as we realise He is with us, and with us to SAVE us from all fear and anxiety, known and unknown.    GLORY be to GOD on High!

HERE is a cutting from the British Newspaper printed in April 1917, ONE HUNDRED YEARS ago,announcing the United States decision to enter the Great (or 1st) World War that had begun in 1914, becoming a partner with the United Kingdom of Great Britain.  The World was in a state of serious unrest, conflict and insecurity which continued through the whole of 1917.    This War, though called the GREAT War, and thought to be the War to end all wars,  was in fact to see an even WORSE and greater war open up 23 years later.    Even then the world continued to see MORE wars, and there is talk and whispers even in our day that a 3rd World World could be just around the corner.     All over the planet men and women feel insecure and ill at ease.   Tonight, around the world there will riotous,exhilarated hilarity and merrymaking as this New Year is welcomed in.    Millions will be awash with strong spirits of alchol seeking to FORCE themselves into a state of delusions happiness, wilfully shoving aside the spectre of what may be coming upon them.    Let us beware of making ourselves happy, whilst at the same time leaving ourselves off guard and unguarded; unprepared and unprotected for what is yet to come upon the earth.     (Thought you may be interested to see what 1917 British Soldier was waring then.   Very cumbersome and even somewhat stressful to the wearer.     The current soldier probably is more mobile and free - maybe even more encouraging to look at - either way soldiers die; are dying every day.    Let us not glory in war and killing.     What has it ever brought to our children and grandchildren?    Only the fear and threat of more war, more death and loss of life, more grief and sorrow.        We NEED the Prince of PEACE to come.     He who IS the only MAKER OF TRUE PEACE.     We need HIM to come soon.

TODAY we are once more WARNED that there is a water shortage in Eldoret, and that as from next week they will only be supplying water on Tuesdays and Fridays - just for a few hours !!
POWER & LIGHTING have also warned that due to lack of water in the rivers +++ they will also expect to cut of supplies / or ration / electricity since there is not enough water power to turn the turbines in the dams and so on....! Rather bleak news.     On the other hand last night we had two hours down pour at night!   But the Weather Department are sticking to their prediction that there will NO RAIN before April!!!      But God is not on their staff, so we may still believe He will act independently and SEND the rain - at least enough to see us through.    Pray with us - for TFH  and also for all the people of Eldoret.

ON TUESDAY NEXT WEEK  School and Colleges AND Universities will open.    We have been able to get TWO of our three university students off already, and for the rest we remain in prayer, knowing that He knows about each one of them.     TWO of our senior boys will be leaving the Homes also next week, having both found lodging and employment.     A good start.    We are greatly heartened because of them.          BUT the Government has decided this week that they have been marking Secondary Examinations in error and put a new system in place for the Examination just taken.    The initial Result has been that only 147 students have managed to attain A and some did not even attain a B.       WE did not have one A but a few Bs.        The Entrance requirement for University has been dropped to C+.      This has been a HUGE shock for everyone, and it is difficult to see exactly how the Ministry of Education are going to now proceed.     Poor students for they are the ones who are constantly having to grapple with new Government Policies that come to dislocate and generally disorientate the whole process of learning without any warning.     We ourselves may have to consider closing our own Secondary Department and just concentrate on Primary School for the time being - but no snap decisions; we shall patiently wait and see how the year will proceed educationally.    We shall need wisdom.

I shall be sending out Thank You notes for Christmas Gifts received Aenon, and others, together with the last Update of the Year.        Have a Wonderful awakening to a New Year.    We shall be praying by your sides all the way.    God Bless keep and undertake for you all.

Lovingly in the Name of Jesus

John, Esther, and Daryl Green

JOY TO THE WORLD STILL!

ON MONDAY, THE 12TH we were glad to receive one of our Old Boys who grew up with us in Testimony House, Justin Kiprono.    He came to introduce us to his fiancee, Georgia, and her little daughter Alicia.   They plan to marry in October, God Willing, next year.    Justin has been working in South Africa as a Youth Pastor, and is currently now in Nairobi working in Nairobi Chapel in a similar capacity.    He came to us when he was just four years old in March 1986.   He had, when a baby, fallen into a charcoal fire, and was seriously burned on his head, and parts of the body.   His hair has never grown and so he usually covers it with a cap to hide the scarring.      It was so lovely that he wanted us to meet Georgia.   We have always been close and felt proud that he should want us to get to know her.    She also loves the Lord Jesus, and also works in the office of Nairobi Chapel in the City.    In the photo left to right - Justin, Alicia, Georgia, Me, Esther, and our grand daughter Abigail.

TO THE LEFT a photo of daughter Helen, Baby Abigail and Esther.     Helen and Abigail will be with until the 28th when they will be returning to Nairobi to begin the first School Term - Helen as a Teacher in Pre Primary and Abigail as part of another pre-primary every day;    Abigail is now Two years and nine months.   I shall miss Abby a lot since we kind of gel, and spend a lot of time together.   She has been an unexpected blessing to me in particular.

AT LAST THE SUMMER HAS COME.   Three or more predicted months of clear skies,  heat, and dryness.    The River Sosiani which flows through Eldoret Town is almost dry already, and water still rationed.       It will be interesting to see how we shall get through this Dry Season with a population more than thirty two times greater than the 40,000 it was in 1972 when we first arrived here.     And we expect to have Christmas in the Sun.     NEXT Saturday will be Christmas Eve, and we shall no doubt have our evening Meeting under the stars in front of Testimony House as we have been doing.     Might try to get a photo or two onto the Blog if I can.

Every year we have endeavoured to have a Christmas Concert about the 22nd, but this year we shall not be doing so.   We just have not found the time - BUT we will be still taking a Team Carol Singing on Christmas Eve.    The children just love this.   We usually send out a couple of mini vans to go around the district.     They are always very appreciated, and are often singing up to Midnight.

LAST SUNDAY, was the 3rd Sunday of ADVENT, the 2nd before Christmas Day.    The Topic for the Day was JOY, and we began the day with a short Message shared with ALL our children and staff during the Morning Service based on the Question IS THIS GOOD NEWS FOR YOU?     Is it Good News to YOU that Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem to be our Saviour - your Saviour?   Does it make you want to SHOUT with JOY?   DOES this NEWS lift a LOAD from your shoulders and give you HOPE?   It did to the Shepherds caring for their sheep.  It did to the wise men who had watched and waited to see the Star!   It HAS to millions who have lived ever since     -      WHY?
Because they all felt in danger of God's Anger and condemnation of themselves because they were sinners.   They were aware deep in themselves that their lives were unable to come up to God requirements, and as a result they believed God wold demand their lives one day, and that they (their very spiritual selves) would DIE.   Trapped in a body infected by Sin, they had no way of escape, either from the Sin itself, or the Judgement incurred by it.
TODAY, because of SIN everyone will still be judged and condemned to death - nothing has changed except humanity's AWARENESS of their need of forgiveness.   BUT the Good News IS that our Father in Heaven has provided a means of ESCAPE from Sin, and at the same time has provided a way for every sin committed by any one of us to be BLOTTED OUT AND FORGIVEN.      SURELY THIS OUGHT TO BE, must be Good News - if we believe that we are condemned sinners waiting to die.   DO YOU BELIEVE IT?    It was Good News for the Shepherds for they believed in God, and feared He would judge them for their imperfections.  They believed that the SOUL that sins must DIE -  Eternally.        THEY also felt hopeless in relation to their life on Earth for they were oppressed and suppressed the Roman Colonial Power, and full of FEAR at every turn.        It was a world very like our own in many ways.     But the ANGEL said FEAR NOT!  Here is Good news - there is one born to SAVE you from all our sins and all our anxieties.
CHRISTMAS reminds us of that BIRTH, of that man child BORN TO SAVE US.   His Name if Jesus.
We should WAKE UP from ignorance and unbelief to FAITH and TRUTH.   WE need to become aware and conscious of our condition, and turn to our only HOPE of deliverance and healing - and just run to Jesus; to the babe of Bethlehem who grew up to BE our SAVIOUR; able to Redeem, Rescue and present us perfect to God.     A Friend indeed, and a Friend in need who promises to walk with and never leave any one of us who trusts in Him.     The Bible tells us His Name means 'GOD with us', and the Apostle Paul says 'IF God is for us / WITH us, then WHO (and what) can be against us?'
I am FREED from fear, anxiety and all apprehension.    GOD is now my helper, keeper, and everlasting Salvation.

JESUS sets the captives free,

bursts their bonds asunder;

fetters break and dungeons fall,

oh, the wondrous story,

this Salvation's free to all,

Glory!  Glory! Glory!

THANK YOU to all those who have written in over this last week.    We are encouraged and cared for truly by the Love of God moving your hearts.     May HE also bless you in return, and give you an increasing JOY and EXPECTATION through the coming week

Lovingly and thankfully on behalf of all our staff and children

John, Esther and Daryl Green

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

THIS IS JOHN MATUMBWE, who has just recently joined Testimony Bakery, having completed his training.    John came to us in October 2004 when he was approximately ten years old.   He had been taken into the Eldoret Street Children's Centre; he was virtually abandoned there in fact.     John also had a hearing problem in both ears which had been totally neglected, and we soon realised that he was close to being totally DEAF.      But on the other hand he had learnt to 'Lip-read' and providing he was facing you, he could communicate quite well.
We experimented with 'deaf aids' of one kind and another but he just was unable to keep them for long, and these facilities are very expensive.   He has done without them so far, though we hope he will give them another try later on.     He is able to speak good English and Swahili, but he was unable to keep up any academic progress.    He was always interested in cooking, and loved to be in ANY kitchen.     NOW he is a baker, earning a regular wage, and in January he will be starting out in his own rented room,       John is not very tall, but very strong and physically able.   A very likeable young man, and enjoys helping to make our Bread,    However he is a little apprehensive about living alone, after living in a large family group such as  ours.     WE think he will overcome his anxieties about this, and, as many others before him, that he end up enjoying himself;    He is 20 right now, 21 in October next year.   He is is SO delighted to be working for TFH., and is quite self reliant in every way.   We feel very GLAD for him.   And he loves Jesus too, His biggest JOY.

We have TWO other staff in the Bakery with John,
David Ndegwa and Stanley Kipkoech, the Manager,
Edward Green who underwent a leg operation a few months back is now back at work but has moved to our Maintenance Department.       We have been happy to be able to find employment INSIDE Testimony Faith Homes for many of our children after concluding their education/training.    Of course we cannot provide for ALL of them, but at present we have 13 working with us in administration, maintenance, teaching, finance and agriculture.

ONE if the two young man I advertised as looking for work has now been employed in Property Development (Benson CHEGE).   Quite a big number will also join others needing a job opportunity by June next with us.
Please join us in prayer that doors will open.

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ABOVE IS A PHOTO FROM 1987 of those who joined our Primary School in 1983 and 1987 in Classes 1 to V11.    Top left - Mr. Stephen Mwaura and Mr. Anthony Ndungu.   Then, also from left.
Mrs. Gachengechia;,  Mrs. Towett;   Mrs. S. Iraya;  Mr.J. Lwangu;   Mr. T. Mbatiah;   Mr. P. Wakaba;  Mr. J. Gitari;   Mr. Simon Anderson.     Other were to join this initial team, and many more have come and gone since,  each making a contribution great or small to the growth of what has become a well know Nursery, Primary and Secondary School.    I do thank God especially for those in this photo who stepped out in faith with us to achieve a Landmark for God.

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LASTLY, FOR THIS WEEK, here is a photo of me with our adopted son James Manu aged 2.    He and I were best pals and as the years went on he became a source of much joy and happiness to me and Esther.
In the second photo, to the right we are together again nine years later,       He continued through High School to University and ultimate employment in Eldoret's Referral and Teaching Hospital.    He is 33 now and still single.
Also currently unemployed and not very happy with life.   We pray much for him.      He once loved Jesus, but has turned away.     Paul said he had no delight in those who turned away.      Neither do I, because in turning they leave not only the God who loves them, but all those - in Him - who also love them, who instead of delight, find only pain and unhappiness in seeing them in decline and misery in this world.      BUT we believe God that, having once permitted Manu to reach out and grasp Salvation in and through Christ Jesus, He will never finally LET HIM GO.      God is faithful.   He is not like us.     I believe in the End Manu will break through into the sunlight, and find peace and deliverance from all his current distress and confusion.   Please do pray with us for him.


Well we are well into the Season of ADVENT when the Church is supposed to remember the Coming of the Saviour of the World, AND also looks forward to the Day when He will Come Again.   This is the THIRD Sunday, and we usually focus on the JOY there is in Receiving, Possessing, and Serving King Jesus.       The world itself seems to have become oblivious to it all; ashamed even, and perhaps also too 'grown up' to believe it any more.      Instead we are choked with sex, violence, perversion of every kind, and a kind of possessive GREED for material satisfaction.     Time for Jesus to COME as KING,  and clean us and world up.       Any time now........I want to be found ready and waiting!  I want to be found LIKE HIM   (consider seriously and personally 1. John 2v28-3v3).     God be CLOSE to you all, and precious to your heart also.      He IS coming.

Lovingly in His Name,
John, Esther, and Daryl Green

YESTERDAY AND TODAY.......

BACK TO 1991 AND OUR SEVEN PRIMARY SCHOOL GRADUATES, PHOTOGRAPHED IN MOMBASA!.    They were all together with their Standard V111 Class as part of the program for their Closing Primary Year,     They managed a  Sight Seeing Tour which gave them a lot of pleasure as well as memorable learning experience.      Mombasa  is more than 800 kilometres from Eldoret
and none of those who went on this School Trip twenty five years ago had ever been to the coast or seen the sea!.     All of those in the photo were between 13 and 14 at the time;  They all went on to four years in Secondary School, and then a further two years professional training.    They are all still in touch with us, with exception of Isaac Kiplagat (in the jersey Right-front)  - he trained as a chef,      IN THE PHOTO from the left - Samuel Kabera, a musician working in Nairobi.  Antony  Muhati, currently primary teacher, and School Life Saver in Nairobi;  James Tsindakha, currently working in chemical Research industry in Nairobi;    Francina Emsley, married with one daughter, engaged in her own business, in Nairobi;  Francis Ngigi, currently teaching Carpentry and Joinery in the Eldoret Probation Technical Training Hostel;   Boniface Muhati currently working in the private tourist industry as a very successful chef.    And lastly Isaac who we hear is also working as hotel chef, but we have not heard from him for some many years.     Antony and Boniface Muhati are brothers, as also Samuel Kabera and Francis Ngige.   We were to have them all with us until they completed all their training, and we have good memories of them all.......and, of course, so very many others who have come to be with us over the years.

ABOVE IS A PHOTO OF THIS YEAR'S FORM 1V GRADUATING CLASS FOR OUR HIGH SCHOOL.   It was taken just before Exams began in November with their Teachers in front, and their Headmistress, Mrs. Angela Omobe standing to the left.     Their Farewell Luncheon at the close of Exams took place last Wednesday.    It was an exceptionally happy and pleasant occasion for all, and we now await expectantly for the Results to be released soon.

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SOMETIME in February this year, one of our eighteen year old girls was found to be with child.

She had completed Secondary School with us last year, and had been with us since 2004 when she was just eight.   She had been hoping to pursue a Course in Nursing or Teaching, but all came to a stop. The man involved (he was from outside of the Homes) almost immediately left the town........

The baby, a boy, was born in early November, was allowed to stay with his mother in the Jean Potts Hostel.       But then about three weeks ago he became sick and was taken to Hospital.     He was coughing when admitted, and then that night became worse and had to be put on Oxygen.   He was found to have an enlarged heart, and treatment began accordingly.    His Mother was also with him in the Hospital for the next three or so weeks, and had the pain and anxiety of watching her child grow weaker until he finally passed away yesterday (Friday) evening.     We have just brought her home.

Her future with us is uncertain, but we shall seek the Lord to lead and guide us.    Please pray for her. Her name is Elisabeth.        When something like this happens, (and it has only happened three times in 47 years), it tests our concept of making each of our Homes as a Family giving each child the security and love that ought to be theirs.     For the most part, and as with Elisabeth, there are no blood relatives who will step in to help or support, no place to run to for shelter.    That is why they came to us......for Better or for Worse?     Yes, in some respect, although we HAVE had to turn SOME out due to repeated and unregretted bad behaviour.   On those occasions we have to ask the Children's Department to step in.    Those concerned have all been over 16,     We still keep in touch if we can, and even help where it is possible.     We would like to say we WIN every heart to Jesus, but this is not the case; at least not while they are with us.     But the Word of God IS sown, and prayers do continue for each and every one.

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TODAY  we had still been unable to pay our staff.     A lot of prayer was going up.....nothing seemed to be coming down .... just one of those days.      We have many staff who are not resident with us and come in daily.   It can be very difficult for them if funds are not forthcoming at the end of the month.  They do not make a clamour, but rather go about their work happily, just the same.   But WE feel concerned for them, when we are waiting on the Lord.        Having prayed, and talking to Daryl this morning about 10a.m. with not a cent in the Bank or in our combined pockets,  I could see he was feeling a little stressed.       He has to be in Nairobi next week from Monday to Friday, at Meetings he has no option but to attend.    He knew it would be a hard week if  prayers continued to go unanswered.

Just an hour later our Bank rang (they knew our situation) and advised us that a Gift had come to the Bank for us - a Gift that has made it possible to satisfy our staff, AND demonstrate once more that God DOES here our prayers, AND answers them if we will only WAIT believing!

Outside , right now, the skies here are leaden, and heavy.   There is a strong wind, and the atmosphere round our locality is quite tempestuous.      I think there were some, this morning, who felt a little anxious, perhaps encouraged by the weather, to ask of the Lord 'Don't you care that we perish?' YES, we are rebuked when we are then confronted by truth - that our 'faith' was failing, rather more than his care of us.    THUS AGAIN we are delivered, our hearts set at rest, and our need assuaged - though indeed we ARE ashamed to have been anxious - at all!.  Let close this week with the words of one of John Newton's hymns.    I probably have quoted them before.   Please forgive me,  

Why should I charge my soul with care?

The wealth in every mine, belongs to Christ, God's Son and Heir,

And He's a Friend of mine.

Yes,  He's a Friend of mine,

and He with me doth all things share;

Since all is Christ's and Christ is mine,

Why should I have a care?

For Jesus is a Friend of mine.

God Bless, and bless again, dear friends and fellow pilgrims on the Road to Heaven and Home.  We stand with you also in our prayers and Thanksgiving, and He will answer us - and Bless you.

John, Esther and Daryl Green

WHERE DID ALL THE SNOW GO ?

I JUST CANNOT RESIST a good photo of Elephants.    These are from Tanzania just in front of Mt. Kilimanjaro.    Wonderful beasts, and still being destroyed by poachers.    These are in all probability DEAD and those wonderful TUSKS either turned into some Chinese Aphrodisiac or just Burned by the Government after being taken from the poachers.     It all seems so very sad and totally without any reason.    SO MANY of our animal species are becoming, or already are, EXTINCT!! We,( Mankind), are supposed to be so advanced in our intelligence, yet it this generation most of all that is ploughing blindly ahead ignorantly - and even knowledgeably - destroying our environment. This is madness, and not the kind of wisdom that comes from God.     It comes from the selfish heart of Man himself.
THIS WEEK, has been rather an ordinary week - a lot of RAINY and sunless days.    As if to compliment this sudden greyness, with the children forced indoors, and staff a little over stressed, troubles tend to also occur.     BUT, life continues and the Lord walking with us helps to disperse the clouds of discontent and and dullness..      For me, with a very active two + year old, demanding attention, the week has been fairly full, and I have taken on a new calling as a Day Care Companion to Baby Abigail Green.     She is a doll, but she sure puts me to the test of physical endurance.   Can I endure to the end....?    Only four more weeks.......!***
THE FORM 1V NATIONAL EXAMS have now finished, except for a few special Subjects which will come late next week.      Then we shall have their Farewell Luncheon - and yet another Parting Word from yours truly, the Guest of Honour..     This time I have a mixed 10 minute bag.   I shall start with a word from Marcus Aurelius  -

'When you arise in the morning

think what a precious privilege it is to 

TO BE ALIVE,

TO BREATHE, TO THINK, TO ENJOY, TO LOVE!

And to close to short quotes from Sir Winston Churchill -  Both are well known.  The first says -

'Success consists of going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.

If you are going through hell KEEP GOING!

You have enemies?  Good!

That means you are standing up for something, sometimes in your life.'

The second is an excerpt from a Speech given by Churchill in October 1941, about eighteen months into the 2nd World War - a Speech also given to College Students -

'NEVER GIVE IN!  Never give in.

Never, never, never, never, NEVER!

.In nothing great or small, large or petty, NEVER GIVE IN!

EXCEPT in conviction of honor and good sense.'

Sir Winston Churchill  1874-1965


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IT IS ALMOST A YEAR since the Testimony House Family moved out to make way for those BOYS who were over 18 and spread in each of
the then FOUR families.     It was not to our liking that this had to happen, and this year we had to also move all the over 18 GIRLS out of their family homes to the NEW Jean Potts Hostel for Girls.   This, as you remember, in order to comply with Government policies regarding how Children's Homes have to be run.     Testimony House ceased to be a Children's Home in December 2015 and became a Hostel for Boys only,      All the children, under 18, who had lived in Testimony House as a Family of all ages and sexes suddenly found themselves shared out in different families with new parents and new siblings.    It was a huge change and many found it very harrowing.     But we Thank God, who helped both them and the parents to cope with the situation, and to within a year, bring peace and harmony.      The  Government had wanted us to billet all our over eighteens in hostels or rented accommodation OUTSIDE of our own accommodation entirely, in the town; an arrangement so destructive of all we had tried to build up that we could not agree.     We again Thank God that when we laid our hearts and concerns in front of the Kenya Children's Office they quickly saw the good sense of keeping our young adults with us still, on our own property, but in separate accommodation.      It was for them a compromise, and for us a very definite answer.      So far it has worked well, and 'families' have not been completely torn apart.

We are still all together, able to fellowship, and worship together.

DARYL was in Nairobi again this week, on Thursday.     We have had to add two more Trustees this year, and it takes usually a long time - this Application began in 2005!!!     Endless papers had to be signed, and this week, the Lands Office demanded Daryl went himself personally to Nairobi to sign one more document.    We now hope to see Registration completed sometime in January 2017.  Phew.
BUT it is good since the Trustees are responsible to hold all the Titles to the Land we occupy and without their consent no land can be sold, or used for any alternative purpose other than for children's services including education.    There are FIVE Trustees.     Daryl is one, Esther and I,  plus Anthony Ndungu, Principal of the School, and Rev Francis Wainaina, who is currently resident in the UK.                      
It has rained heavily again this afternoon, so we may not run out of water just yet.   God hears all our prayer.     We Think of you all so often.    Thank you for just being there with us on the road.    A dear brother in Christ and God's kingdom passed away this week.    Frank Ford and I were students together in I.B.T.I for our Bible training.   We were good pals,    He married another student called Carol, and they have been ministering in Spain for as long as I have been here.    May the Lord comfort the family, and sustain the fruit of Frank and Carol's  ministry.
AGAIN our love to you always in His Mighty and All :Prevailing Name

John, Esther and Daryl Green

WITHOUT FAITH IN GOD NOTHING IS POSSIBLE

NOT A SIGN OF REPAIR WORK!   Last week we showed the damage to the Pool floor, which caused us to drain off some of the water in order to replace tiles.      This week, the work having been done, there is not a sign of work having been done.    Once more perfection, and the Pool is in full use.     We are thankful to Daryl and those who assisted him in getting things attended to so quickly - and by the Grace of God!   When we began the repairs the County Water Dept., began RATIONING water due to the poor precipitations over recent months.   When it came to refilling the water taken out we could not do so.      BUT little by little water came, on and off, and at last the Pool was full once more.  But rationing continues.
We are very glad of it, since it has provided good recreation and exercise for our children during School Holidays.

TO THE RIGHT a view of the FIRST planting of our Tomatoes in the Greenhouse.   They are doing well, but we think there is room for improvement on the way they have been planted. The 'support' has not been done well enough, and perhaps also the plants were a little too close together in places. Even so the crop looks good, and plentiful..     Strings were set but I think the twine was not strong enough and in fact they are almost invisible in these photos.

below LEFT is a small picture of the SECOND planting which takes up the second half of the Green House..   the BIG factor now is the flow of waster through the DRY season which we now expect to be with us until March/April.      WE ARE looking into the cost of putting in a Bore Hole to assist with a more secure water supply.
One of our major vegetables eaten all the year round is known as Sukuma Wiki here (its proper name being Colewort).   The loose Swahili meaning translates as 'Push the Week' as it is cheap and always available eaten with Ugala (boiled Maize flour) with chicken or meat, or even on its own.   We have planted it all around the exterior of the Greenhouse as shown below, Right.

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WE DO THANK all those who have been supporting during the last month and a half.     I have sent out Notelets to those who actually did so, and also Updates to EVERYONE including those who do not have access to the Blog at this time.      I have also been trying to update and improve our Address List of all our friends.    Thank YOU for replying to our enquiries as and when you could, and we feel glad to feel more up to date with you.       My Computer Address list was hacked into earlier last month, and I have had to become more vigilant and also regular in changing Passwords and so on, although we have so far not changed our E-mail address and it remains as it was.    We do apologise if any have been receiving material as from me which has been offencive or trying to solicit or obtain  funds in any way.     

DAUGHTER HELLEN & granddaughter ABIGAIL are currently with us till after Christmas.    Hellen still teaching in Nursery School Nairobi.    Abigail is now 2. 8 yeas, and growing to be quite a personality.    Lovely to have them with us though it certainly does liven things up - a real couple of Sweeties!!
Hoping to also see HENDRIKA our daughter living in America, soon - she hopes to arrive here for Christmas with us on the 14th December.

HOW QUICKLY the days go by - at least they do for us.    Seems almost impossible that it can be Sunday again tomorrow.     Yes time goes by unnoticed - and all the while we are being brought closer to meeting the Saviour face to face.       So easy to forget.  So easy NOT to be READY to meet him, and perhaps to be embarrassed?     I pray about this quite a lot relative to 1.John 2v28 & 3v3 taken also with Philippians 2v1-18 in the New Testament of the Bible.     Tomorrow afternoon I am to lead a Bible Fellowship for our staff on the topic of Imitating Christ's Humility.    Baring the Scriptures above in mind I am already feeling very challenged about my own discipleship.
God BLESS and be with you all in Jesus Name

John, Esther and Daryl Green

   

MARCHING ON!

BACK TO THE SWIMMING POOL AGAIN!!     Remember we planted this Pool in 2013.    We have had a lot of trouble with it, due mainly to the inexperience and 'know-how' of the so called 'Contractors' that laid it down in the first place.    But a year ago we found tiles breaking, or just lifting, on the floor near the shallow end.   We thought this was just going to need a few replacementd tiles, but more continued to break - and all along a particular LINE across the Shallow End and just above our name 'TESTIMONY'.

This is also just where the shallows begin to dip progressively to the DEEP end.      On investigation we discovered that the contractor had not laid a 'gradual' gradient downwards but an abrupt one which began midway between a line of tiles thus providing a kind of 'see/saw' effect on that row of tiles; they kind of 'pivoted'.   Thus water got between the tiles and the pool floor - and the glue diluted and the tiles began to come away and crack. The photo to the left just shows the situation to perfection.
To finally - we hope - fix this problem we hav, this week, had to lower the level of water in the pool to below the area of need, and adjust the pool bed along the line of fracture, relay with new tiles, and refill the pool water to the proper level.     Not a very BIG job, and only three days work.

I thought to share about it because it demonstrates the kind of thing that can crop up extra and often unexpected within a few days.     It had to be attended to quickly because it is in use a good twelve hours a day, and to Shut Down for just a day causes untold inconvenience - even now with the School Shut, for the Homes still use it, and also it is open to outsiders to come in to enjoy it.     Life is full of unforeseen events that add to or interrupt our plan for the day or week ahead.

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AND, OF COURSE, DONALD TRUMP has popped into the Last Days possibilities.    He who is a 'Friend of Israel'.      Gave me pause to consider National Leaders, and I found myself briefly thinking about the Emperor Marcus Aurelius who died around 180 A.D.    He was known as the "Philosopher King'  and considered the best of all the Emperors.    A man who lived for what he believed as a disciple of Socrates,   One of his sayings to the left says

'WASTE no more time

arguing about what a good man should be.!

BE ONE!

And even further ' REMEMBER who you are, WHAT you are meant to BE, and let your actions be done with dignity, gravity, humanity, freedom and justice.\

Let every Action be done as if it is your last - (AND do not act as if you are going to live for ten thousand years - death hangs over thee).   While you livest, while it is in they power, be GOOD.  Put it out of the power of all men to give you a bad name, and if anyone reports you not to be an honest or a good man, let your practise ( your deeds) give him the lie.    A Man or Woman of integrity and good nature can NEVER be concealed.'

Aurelius was followed by his son COMMODUS, a weak though not an ignorant man who took up his position as Emperor only to degrade it, and spoil it.     Indeed it is said of him that he took the Roman Empire 'from being a kingdom of gold, to one of iron and rust.'     And Gibbons, writer of the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, believed that it was from the time of Commodus that decline BEGAN.

Commodus rejected his father's example in every moral way and lived only to please himself and the appetites of his own body and flesh.      He also deceived himself into believing he himself was a god, trusting in his own fallible wisdom and weak character.

Any one of us can be leaders, or have the ability to lead, but not everyone has what it takes to lead.

It takes Moral Excellence.   (read the Amplified Bible translation of 1. Corinthians 4v20).    Leaders without it, or without striving for it in their own lives, will lead us all downwards into chaos, but those who struggle to achieve and hang on to it will lead us up to sunlit lands of peace, prosperity and moral integrity.

Mr. TRUMP has trumped all the other competitors for the job, but does he have the Moral Excellency needed?     Will he BE a GOOD man?      JESUS says there is none good only God who made us, and thus only those who have turned their lives over to God in Christ can pretend to BE GOOD.   Who and What possesses Donald?      It will be by the Answer to this question that we shall see him succeed as a true Leader or not.

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THE LORD has today provided our needs, and although daily necessities continue to progressively, moment by moment, be used up, yet we are filled.     

I always remember the Widow of Zarephath told about in the Bible in 1, Kings 17v10-15.    The flour and the Oil never came to an end until the 'rain' came.  It was NOT a short time - when she needed - something it was THERE!

Last week we ran out of maize flour (a staple ingrediant of our diet) - not just Esther and me - but the whole Family of Testimony; FIVE households of more than 150 souls!        In the middle of the morning someone came to OUR back door and left FIVE BALES of Flour - anonymously- and so ....... we continued to eat what we initially believed had come to an end.    God does hear our prayer, and He does answer and we are KEPT by His Power working in and through YOU, and by others who even come invisibly to our door and leave their gift.   Truly God is Wonderful,    I have sometimes wokndered if the Widow becae kind of 'used to it' and took it for granted.     To us here it is such an EVENT, such a wonderFULL thing.    We are for ever touched, with the Wonder of it, the Miracle of it.     Blessed BE the Name of the Lord, the Name of Jesus.

Our love to you all in Jesus Name

John, Esther and Daryl Green

STARTING AT 13 AND ENDING AT 2, HAPPILY.

QUITE A BUSY WEEK has gone by, dominated by the 2016 Primary Graduation from the National Exams which commenced on Monday with a full day of Preparation, and then on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday the actual Examination, culminating in a Graduation Luncheon for those 65 of our students who sat the exam, and who now must prepare for the jump to Secondary School in January 2017.
The Luncheon took place in our School Hall, together with some forty to fifty invited guests from among the teaching staff, and others.   IN THE PHOTO above the invited guests are seated to the left and the students in the middle and to the right.    At the far end is the High Table where Head Teachers, Management are seated, Esther and I part of them.       We began at 1p.m. and concluded at 3.20p.m., having all eaten, and shared Words of Greeting and Congratulation ending in my short message printed last week in the Blog.
Dr. Bwombengi was one of those who Congratulated the Graduates, a parent who has seen all his children pass through Testimony, and thus a friend and supporter of the School over many decades. He is currently Chairman of our Parent / Teachers Association.       Also, The Students Representative of the 8th Primary Grade,   Helen Githambothi, shared a short word, on behalf of her Class, of appreciation and farewell.
Mr. Anthony Ndungu, Principal of Testimony School, (Nursery/Primary/Secondary,) and who has been with us since we started Primary School in 1983, was also on hand to encourage and motivate, as also the new Primary Headmaster, Mr. Benjamin Emojong.     Each contributor took only a few minutes, and were greeted with considerable happiness and excitement.      It is always an occasion looked forward to each year, and marks the end of eight years in Primary School, and the advent of a new chapter in School life.
Daryl was also at the top table with us, and was also one of those who spoke.    below a
photo of the occasion taken from the front of the Hall, looking to the doorway

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DURING the Luncheon we also were blessed to share in the 14th Birthday of one of our Islamic students who was also in the Graduating Class.     His parents had sent a Cake for the occasion for everyone to enjoy.    The cake represented a football set in a field to the glory of Manchester United.   The student, Luqman Shakil, came to the high table, and Esther assisted him to make the first CUT, and then went on to cut it ALL up for everyone to enjoy a small piece, and to wish  Luqman  a very Happy Birthday  -   a very nice and appropriate occasion with all his friends present.

To me this was indeed very special, and I felt also very glad that, as a school, we do not see divisions of any kind spoil the 'family' spirit that has always been in the School since we began.   Each child, and even our staff, is evaluated equally, and we continually teach that we need to love one another without making differences of any kind, no matter what others might say to encourage us to do otherwise.    With more than 66 ethnic groups making up the nation and being multi religious it is no easy challenge, but with the young especially it more who you support in soccer arena than what tribe or religion you are.      I believe the True and Only God LOVES everyone.

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DURING THE WEEK,  our son Steven, who is visiting shortly (he will leave for Nairobi this evening, to fly back to the United Kingdom on Sunday evening)  decided together with assistance from Christopher Kiptisia one of our old boys, to lay a Memorial Slab over the grave of Paul Ngugi another of our old boys who died in 2011.    Paul had been part of the Testimony House family since 1974.  His story is told in total in the Blog of 22nd October 2011.
Steve had been wanting to this for some time, and so as he was HERE he decided to just go ahead.     Paul was very loved and missed by all of the family in Testimony, and many attended his funeral when he died,  testifying to all the many years of his life had meant to them.

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WHILE STEVE HAS BEEN WITH US he has also been taking shots of the School, and many of them have provided new and comprehensive views of the extent of this complex which has been in the building since 1983.  I want to include some here, but FIRST is a final glimpse of our Primary Graduates - only about half of them - taken after the luncheon when a number had already been collected by parents before we could get them together.    They all look a little tired and dishevelled after two and a half days of head work, and a heavy lunch.

Starting off with a view of the Nursery School with Secondary Classes just visible behind.  We started Nursery in 1981 with just a handful.  Today it has a population of 160, and feeds the 1st Grade of Primary which started in 1983,
This view is of the Primary School 1st to 4th Grades.    A Block of 8 class-rooms - two for each Grade.  Average classes take 36 students each.   This was built in 1987.

Again to the left, Part of the Secondary School building which comprises 4 classrooms, library, and dormitory space for 60 boys.   The School as a whole is for boys AND girls, and provides limited boarding space for 100 girls and 100 boys spread over Primary and Secondary independently and specifically for those in the upper grades of both school only.  to the right of this photo is a view o the School Swimming Pool which was installed during 2013, and is sited just to the left of the Secondary School.          It is also open the public at times.

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YESTERDAY,   The Children's Office called Daryl to the County Hospital.    A two year old boy had been taken there some months before, having been badly beaten by his grandmother after her daughter had dumped him on her.      The grandmother said she could not cope with him.      Daryl brought him home, and he is now part of the Jacaranda Cottage family where he has become everyone's darling!   His name is given as 'Sheldon'.      One can wonder where a name like that rises out of a very rural, and slummy area, from uneducated parents.      It just does not seem to FIT the child; it is somehow unlike him, and alien to his situation.   The picture on the left was taken in his hospital bed.   The one on the right was taken on Jacaranda Cottage veranda a few hours later.  

FINALLY,  Esther and I are just back from the Airport once more, Daryl driving us together with Steve and Tonia.    The week has rushed by, and before we got used to having them they are gone. Such is life.    They are now in Nairobi till tomorrow night when they fly home to England.   In between now and then they will be meeting with other members of our family and friends - a very busy evening and day.    We thank our Father in Heaven for letting us have them if ever so shortly just to ourselves.

Please remember us all here in your prayers as we look away to the Author and Finisher of our Faith. It has been quite a difficult month, yet at the same time FULL of victories and advances in the ministry here.     We give him all the Glory.
With Love as always in His Wonderful Name, the Name of Jesus

John, Esther, and Daryl Green 

LET US WATCH OUR STEPS

THIS WEEK we admitted to Tyndale Cottage a young brother and sister.    The brother aged approx 3 named Gravine, and his sister Mavine aged approx 6 found themselves suddenly deprived of their mother and only parent when she was arrested and imprisoned for what appears to be a

minor offense.     The Children's Office, finding the children alone and at risk brought them to us - for how long we do not know since it is not known whether the Mother will be imprisoned for long or not.    She normally sells vegetables in the market for a living. Otherwise we have not yet seen any factor which might make her unable to take back the care of here children once released from Custody.      Just a little practical help might assist her to establish a small market business on a firmer footing giving her the chance to provide for herself and children. Putting her in prison seems to help no one, effectively orphaning the children.    This is also a rather difficult case for us since we do not know how long they may stay with us, and yet we must lay out and invest in their well-being and necessary provision whilst with us.    They came to be with us on Thursday of this week, and on Friday they had begun to look more settled, though still anxious for their mother.  Altogether, with their Admission, we have Admitted Eleven children this year.        We expect to lose 6 by the end of the year, and have current vacancies for about 10 expected by 31st December.      Our current population 137.

SCHOOL - except for the Primary and Secondary National Examination candidates (some 100 students) - has closed for the long summer break;   we expect to open again the first week of January 2017.   Primary Exams begin on Monday, and end on Thursday next week, and the Secondary Exams thereafter.      Fortunately the sun has reappeared in clear blue skies.     So now the majority will immediately be at home and holiday fun and games AND some remedial studies will commence running up  to Christmas.

ON FRIDAY MORNING, our son Steven and his eighteen year old daughter Tonia, arrived for a week's visit.    Esther and I so happy and excited to see them.    It would have been even better if Anji our daughter in law and son Eric could also have come, but finances are less elastic than ever before and we understand the restraints being put upon all our spending.     Anyway we hope to all make the most of this 'treat'. and I know you will rejoice with us at this special gift.    NB - Testimony House backdrops this photo, and this was home to Steven from when he was just six months until he flew the nest!

NEXT THURSDAY, I have been asked to say a few words at our Primary Graduates Leaving Party.
Very simple.    I thought you might like to see what will be said this year.    Most of our students will have been with us from Nursery School.....    Having concluded their papers they will gather in the School Hall, which will have been laid out with individual tables for 4-6,  together with their teachers and a few others such as Esther and me. Daryl, as Director and a few others.    We will have lunch together and then after a few presentations, choirs and speeches I will stand up..........
A

A man, - a poet called Robert Burns - wrote in 1785 these words

'The best laid plans of mice and men go oft astray'.'

Not everything we plan to happen actually does happen the way we hoped!   Life sometimes seems to go astray, and just does not pan out the way we had hoped or believed for.

This is true for mice and men !

The MOUSE, for example, may be aiming at getting some cheese that it can see and smell, not far away.  But, instead of enjoying an expected feast, it finds itself the guest of a Mouse-trap - DEAD!    All the mouse could see and think about was CHEESE, and it did not consider where it was going carefully and realistically.

ONE DAY, President Daniel arap MOI had planned to fly to the USA.   HE was seated with all his retinue in the huge Jumbo Jet, with the rest of pilots ready for take-of.    Slowly they began to ease out of the boarding area.     THEN SUDDENLY things began to go wrong.   One of the wings, as plane moved toward the runway, somehow became entangled between two huge wooden flagpoles.   Nothing seemed able to be done to safely get the plane back on track without damage, and after more than hour the President had to get up and return to State House, all his plans having to be altered.

In the Poem by Burns a Mouse was busy building a house of straw in a hay field for itself and young.   It was a good day, everything seemed right - but suddenly all changed when the farmer ran over everything with his hay wagon, and the day had changed, and the future too - for the mouse as for the President also!

LIFE IS LIKE THAT !   It might be like that for you also.     Right now you will be thinking of how life will be for yourselves, now that the KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education) is over. YOU will be making plans, and maybe your parents also!    Take Care!  Read carefully and prayerfully in the Bible, in the New Testament, and in JAMES 4v13-17.   We have need, in all our planning and human intentions, to first defer God, to find out His Mind about it!
Look at JEREMIAH 10v23 - it says  -  'It is not in man (even in a strong man, or in a man at his best) to plan his own steps, pathway, life.

Without GOD, without Jesus, in our lives, thoughts and plans, we shall achieve nothing at all.  We might try to fly, and be brought down by a piece of wood, or pursue some temptation and end up dead in a mousetrap.   YOU will be planning for your NEXT School.    Make sure it is God's Choice and not only your own.   Trust you NEXT step to Jesus.   Let Him be your guide and your future.
When I was a teenager I did just that, and I have NEVER been sorry.  Without HIM I would have missed my way many times and ruined my life as well.

TODAY IS THE END of a Chapter of life for you all.   Where and how you go from
here should be very carefully considered - both by you AND your parents or guardians.
Some of you will travel far from here,   Some may perhaps stay on in Testimony Secondary School. But wherever you go and whatever you do, make sure you talk to God first about it, and let HIM be the one to finally arrange you steps; your every move; your life.    AND remember He is interested in you, your life, and howyou use that life.  He gives us life, and finally we shall be accountable to Him as to how we will have used it.

May He ever watch over you and keep each one of you safe.   Most of all confirming His Reality and Precense with you moment by moment.    God Bless you - John Green.


Well I am through once more for this week.      Thank you all who have sent to us via AENON over the last month - I shall be in touch personally soon.    And also thank to those who have been updating us with contact information.   Bless you all.

John, Esther and Daryl Green