PASSING DAYS - AND PROGRESSIVE FUTURE

HOW QUICKLY YEARS PASS, and our children GROW!   Here is a photo (LEFT) of Daryl with his son Jesse at about five or six.    You can see the pride of a father in Daryl's eyes.   Pride AND Joy together. And now Jesse has just had his eighteenth Birthday (Photo Right with his Dad again and young brother Jeremy).    Tomorrow Jesse
will be travelling up to Nairobi to commence his Engineering Course at the Polytechnic.    We shall all miss seeing him around including us his grandparents.    Esther and I were about the first people to clap eyes on him, with his Dad,  the day he was born.     He was almost born into the family of Testimony House as Steve. Michael and Lizzy were, since Daryl and Carol moved in as Houseparents early 1998 - and certainly spent all his early years there until 2006.     Then Daryl and Carol felt they needed a family life of their own, and moved into their own rented accommodation just a kilometre away, and brother and sister MULI took over.  Daryl continued of course to work with us and Jesse continued to grow and study in the School.     He was always a good and diligent student, and always had it in mind to get into Engineering of some kind.   he is now just a little taller than his Father.    We will be praying for him, and trust he will do well and succeed in seeing his ambition blossom and satisfy him.   Most of all we shall pray he will remember Christ in his new life in the Capital City - a city full of Wine, Women - and Drugs.     Our young people in Kenya generally have come to a place of confusion as to what to believe and follow in their lives.    As in most other places on earth today the best advice is to be found in the Bible in Psalm 119v9 where it is written -

How shall a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed, and keeping watch on himself according to Your Word;

conforming his life to it.

The Writer of the Psalm had discovered to truth of these words for himself as he lived through life, and in the following verse he emphasises this in saying -

With my whole heart have I sought you (God)

inquiring for and of You, and yearning for You:

Oh, let me not wander or step aside,

either in ignorance or willfully from Your Commandment.

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THIS WEEK, we heard from our son Steven in Lancashire.    He was overjoyed to see their son Eric achieve a praiseworthy result in the National Examination.     Well he certainly showed himself able and in this photo looks pleased about it.    I can see, just looking at it, that he has achieved a real victory and has been 'baptised' into a new chapter of his life.      Well done!     And think it is one of the great things of parenthood - relative to both parents - to see your children grow up into men and women, and to see them realise their talent and to be serious enough to make the most of them.   It really is not a matter of your child getting A's or not - it is just seeing them mature into men and women, able to look the world in the face without fear or prejudice.     Thank you LORD for all OUR children, both those born to us and those brought to us to love and care for.     Thank you for the fact that they all eventually will come to the day when they unfurl their wings and fly, and in learning to fly they hopefully will soar to unexpected heights and realisation of the Goodness of God.

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THIS WEEK the 15th East African Secondary Schools Games began (today in fact).  The Opening Ceremony was yesterday, and above you can see a view of some of the students from more than SIX East African Countries inclusive of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan. In the photo they are parading in one Eldorets main streets led by the Police Chief (in uniform) and the County Governor, Jackson Mandago (in the grey suit).      TESTIMONY SCHOOL is one of the chosen venues for events, and the Badminton/Table Tennis, and Swimming will be here.    Actually the teams were in town as from the 20th and they have been here most days practising.    Actual events will be here as from Monday, 29th.     They will be using our School Hall for Table Tennis, and the School Pool for swimming.

I am closing here, for this week,     We rejoice in you, in Jesus, and we lift up your names often to our Father in Heaven as we pray for you.      Our love always in HIM Who loves us MOST!

John, Esther and Daryl Green

TEARS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

THIS IS 2016 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, JEMIMA SUMGONG, quite overwhelmed as she received her Medal.
Born in 1984 Jemima is a now well known Marathon runner.
She began running in overseas events in 2004.   Her first Marathon was in run in Las Vegas in 2006, which she won at her first attempt.
In 2009 Jemima met and married Noah Talam, himself a Marathon runner, and Jemima gave birth to their daughter in 2011.   This barely interrupted her running.
Jemima comes from the Nandi District or County of Kenya, which is just adjacent to our own Country of Uasin Gishu.    She is now 31 years old, and still running, and collecting Medals.    No wonder she was overcome on winning the Rio Olympic Marathon this year.   It must truly have been one of those occasions when ones heart come up into ones mouth.     I specially noted the event as it was run on our Wedding Anniversary!     Bravo Jemima!!   You are a great example to the girls and women of Kenya.    Your Victory in Rio, and in you life, has not come without sacrifice, hard work, and determination.    Thank you for that dedication to your calling.

Would that we all could discover our Calling in Life and be able to give ourselves as devotedly to it as you have.    God Bless you and help you to adventure yourself even further into God's Hands through Jesus Christ.

The BIBLE tells us we are all in a race, and need to consider how we run, and to aim at winning.
1. Corinthians 9v24-27 finds Paul the Apostle pointing out that we should all be aiming at obtaining a Gold Medal from our Creator, and not to fail or stumble on the way.

'Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize?

SO run your race that you may lay hold of the prize and make it yours.

Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts him/herself in all things.

They do it to win a wreath (Medal) but we (the Christian) do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness.

Therefore I do not run uncertainly without definate aim.    I do not box like one beating the air 

and striking without an adversary.    BUT like a boxer I buffet my body - I handle it roughly,

discipline it by hardships, and subdue it  -  for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel

and the things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit, not standing the test.'

AMPLIFIDE BIBLE

LATER Paul would say of his own life, just before he died and in his 2nd Letter to Timothy 4v7

'I have fought the good fight;

I have finished the race;

I have kept and firmly held the faith'.

.....there now remains for me the Victor's Crown of Righteousness!

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THIS LAST WEEK we have been undertaking alterations and improvements to our Nursery School.    This is the oldest part of the School, commencing in 1981.    In the beginning we had few students in this section, but today we are well over 120. and especially the Toilets have become in need of expansion.

To the left shows the area under alteration.  Previously the far left window was the Head's Office. This remains unchanged except we have put a new door of entry.
Then the walled up window used to be the Staff room which has now been moved the first room (left) in the photo top right.   The old Staff room will now be joined to the original boys and Girls Toilet space to make one facility divided between boys and girls.   The other photos give an idea of the interior works going on.   Everything has to be finished, and working by the end of next week!!     But the Contractor is quick, clean and competent.  The cost is expected to be around three thousand pounds, but the Parents of external students will carry all the cost.

The WEATHER is still cold and WET, but this week has been just a little warmer than previously, and we have seen some blue sky most days - BUT the Met Office says there will be more rain next week and another drop in temperature.     Everyone is well and we Thank God for His Care of us all.
One exception to good health is Edward Green, Daryl''s brother who is manager of our Bakery.    He has been suffering for a year with what was thought to be a tropical ulcer, but which has now been diagnosed as a Vericose Vein with complications.     He is scheduled to undergo surgery next week. He is 46 this year, married with three young sons.    We would be glad of your prayers for the success of the surgery, and for the prevention of a blood clot forming as seems another expected complication.  As he goes on Sick Leave, another of the Bakery Staff, David Ndgewa has suddenly ceased coming to work, and so we are down to one man - Stanley- to carry on alone.    We will have to get him some temporary help on Monday at the latest.
Our Pastor's wife, and headmistress of Nursery, is now back on her feet, and well enough to resume her duties.    The Lord has raised her up, and most of the financial burden that was upon them has been removed by local friends - the Homes finally contributing more than 60,000 Kenya Shillings towards their medical bills.    We are VERY glad to see her restored to home and family as well as to her duties in the School.    God is Good.

I will leave it there for this week,     We have just just received news this morning of funds sent by ANEON Trust - just in time to US to pay our way for this month.    We thank you all who may have contributed to this Gift through the Trust.     God Bless you every one.

Lovingly in our Lord and Saviour

John, Esther, and Daryl Green

WITH A SONG IN HIS HEART

HERE IS A TYPICAL photo of Pastor Sammy Kirui.     He currently resides in the United States where he is pursuing his Phd in University there.
He previously passed through Kenya Highlands Bible College for his first degree, prior to taking up a pastorate in Naivasha.    The Lord brought us into each others lives when he was halfway through his Secondary education in Eldoret in the mid 70's.    His family fell into difficulty and there was suddenly no further support for him to go on. He came to stay in Testimony House and he has been as a son to us ever since.   We have been able to rejoice in him ever since, as well, and are very proud of him, and his deep commitment to his Faith and Christian Life.
It was three years ago we last saw him, and this time he has been busy in Eldoret
arranging for a small Christian Conference in the Town.   It went very well indeed, and the Lord also sent, almost at the last moment, Rev. Ron and Mrs. Char Meyers from Israel to be teachers.      Sammy has been able to stay with us as usual, and so we were also able to host the Meyers one evening.
Sammy also hosted a Luncheon for our Houseparents, plus ourselves and Daryl.   It took place in a local Restaurant surrounded by tropical vegetation.     He had taken us on a similar event, the last time he was with us, and once again we had a very enjoyable and special time together. Sam will be with us for about another week or so.   He has many friends AND family to visit whilst in Kenya.     It has been a special happiness to have him 'home' with us, and he has as always blessed us.

LAST SATURDAY MORNING we had our quarterly Spiritual Emphasis Day in the Homes and School.     ALL the staff come together to Praise, pray, and share His Goodness.   WE also have a visiting Speaker to encourage us with the Word of God.    I was not feeling so well on this occasion and did not attend, but Daryl was there, and brought his own word of special encouragement in the course of the morning.    It was a very good day, and we Thank God for providing good weather.

THEN, on Sunday afternoon Esther, Daryl and I plus Sammy Kirui all went to the home of Nicholas Mwangi, who many years ago, in 1983, was our Deputy Director.     He is now a business man in town, married with a family.     His wife is a well known nurse in the Government Hospital, and on Sunday they were celebrating a brave attainment by her of a University Degree.    It was a lovely time, and so many of our friends and old boys and girls also present......Nicholas with his family, have remained close to me and Esther through all the years, and it was so good to share this happiness with them.
The have also continued to be close to the Homes, and indeed are part of the "Family'.

SCHOOL HAS CLOSED for a short two week holiday, and everyone is at home all day.  The Weather has been wet and cold a good part of every day, but the mornings at least have been sunny and warm - very variable.     Plenty to do even so, and the children are well occupied.   A few incidents - like the Water Storage Tank in the new Jacaranda Cottage  sprung a leak in the night and flooded the roof ceiling spoiling a good number if ceiling boards, and dripping down into the living space.      It appears that from the time the Tank was installed the water pressure to the house was regularly too low so that the Tank never filled up.    But yesterday the Pressure was up ALL day and night so that the Tank, for the first time filled up - and found a small hole near the top, and so of course the water began to pour out - in the night.    A BIG mess, but we cleared it and plugged the hole with fibre-glass.     Just 'one of those things'.     And Daryl is away for a few days on business in Mombasa!    He should be back by Tuesday.    Guess I'm, sort of  'in charge' till then..

AND TOMORROW, Esther and I celebrate forty five years of Marriage together.     Nothing especially planned however.       Esther will also be 72 on the 17th of the month as well.   God has been so Good to us both, and our hearts are full of Thanksgiving to Him, and to each other for the years we have been together, and for the family He has given us both near and far.

So the week is almost at an end and yet another on the brink of beginning.     Life unending.
Bless you all for being together with us, and may you all experience even more abundantly His Blessing and constantly abiding Presence in your own lives and situations.

Loving from us all
John, Esther and Daryl Green

LET US ALL SHINE FOR GOD

ABOVE ARE FOURTEEN OF OUR 18 AND OVER GIRLS.    All now happily ensconced in the Jean Potts Hostel under the care of Rosemary, their House Mum, ( pictured almost centre in white and blue print dress).      Some of these girls are in College, but a number have now finished their Course, and are job seeking!    SO, finally, Testimony Faith Homes seems to have reached its full potential with THREE Children's Homes and TWO Senior Hotels, able to residentialy care for up to 150 children and young people;  360 having already come and gone.     PLUS Testimony School catering for a further 700 kids from around (additional to our own in the Homes) from Nursery to Form 1V.

Left and right are views of the now completed sitting and dining facility in the Hostel which the Girls will be sharing.   It is small but not cramped, and seems just right for a small group,  Tailor made in fact.

BEWARE THE PRAISE OF MEN AND WOMEN.    It can be SO EASY to accept it, AND to believe in it, if not to just get used to it.   This week I had a visit from some brothers in the Lord who were visiting the area.    They were brought to see me in fact by someone who lives in the area.   They were SO delighted to meet me, and I them.   We got on really well, but then as we talked they began to comment on the way we have lived here, and how the work has grown over the years.  Óh,brother Green, it is so wonderful to meet a man of faith; another George Muller...........'  and suddenly I felt in danger of somehow letting another person's view of me, obscure the focus on the one and only Person needing - yea even demanding - Praise.  
How did a very ordinary, and rather dull person, get to get on a plane, leave his Land, and travel to a strange country?    How did this guy find himself entangled in the lives of unwanted kids, and given vision and ideas to lift them up and out of their misery?   How is that today I can walk around and touch the buildings that have arisen from empty fields, without personally financing any of what I see and feel?    Well I, myself, know very well that I had nothing to do with it, and that without the living fact that GOD is alive and well, and has been able to be the DOER of all I ever dreamed, NOTHING would have happened in my life, and nothing would be here to see or touch.
THIS MAN came out of nowhere with nothing in his hand but a sixpenny piece, and 48 years later he can still afford to say unequivocally that he himself has no more than he came with materially.   I came with 'nothing'   and will certainly leave with nothing - and if I can leave anything BEHIND to prove the providence and faithfulness of GOD, then the Thanks and the Praise must always revert to the God I have trusted and imperfectly served.      I do not seek to rebuke my guests, or in any way to blot out their appreciation for what they felt they saw here this week, any more than I would want to resist glorifying in what happens here every day.     But it is not MY miracle, it is God's,     He is the Source, from which all has come.    It is to HIM, and Him alone that ALL Praise, Honour, and GLORY. must go.     It has been my privilege to be permitted to labour here, as a duty and service to Him who created me - and often also imperfectly.  He made us with a purpose in view - ours is to DO.   I reckon that whatever I do for God as a Man, it is my reasonable service.    It is expected of me.  It is what I am here for.   If I am honest I deserve no thanks for doing it by anyone except GOD my Master and Lord. Praise, perhaps, for a job well done.    Oh my!   How I yearn to hear that!  But do I deserve it....?       But Men and Women all like to be noticed and appreciated.    WE all want to be told 'Well done' - children especially.   And at heart we are ALL just children even when 70+.   Look at what I have done, and TELL me you like it, applaud it........It is surely not a sin to do well.
BUT God says, in His Word I am not to forget where the POWER and INSPIRATION comes from!
I am not to keep quiet about it, but to draw attention to it.  
As Moses writes in Deuteronomy 8v11 'Beware that you forget not the Lord you God' - when you are full, and have received good houses, herds and flocks, and you have multiplied and grown. Beware 'that you heart is not lifted up and you forget the Lord your God'  who has done all this FOR you. 'and that you say in your heart 'My power and the might of my hand has brought me this wealth (prosperity, success,good achievement.

This young lady, 21,  is giving ALL the Glory to God for who and what she is.     She says that in doing this she brings down Blessing upon herself.  Wonderful!    She accepts the applause and the Praise for her achievements in life; for being a progressive Olympic Gold Medallist in Artistic Gymnastics, but at the same time she reflects it back again to GOD from whom the power and inspiration for it has come.    She owns God as her Saviour through Jesus Christ, and says -

'I love sharing about my Faith.

God has given me this amazing talent -

so I am going to go out and Glorify 

His Name'

She just loves to point herself, her life, her talent and ability ALL back to God who made and makes her.   Isn't that just beautiful?

Yes I believe it IS, because it IS the Truth; the truth about every apparent advance in her life.   About every eventual victory over failure, and every honour given to her.

It is to be humbly remembered that on one occasion when Jesus was addressed by another as 'Good Master'  (Matthew 19v1617) and He immediately repudiated the honourable salutation by pointing out that no man has natural goodness in him - that what ever good may be seen, conveyed, in him is and must be only from GOD ALMIGHTY.      Am I, or you, good, to be worshipped, praised or glorified ?  NO!   There is no good in any of us, that has not been planted by God.    To HIM be the GLORY, as the hymn writer rightly points our in his hymn

THINE be the Glory, risen, conquering Son.
1923

This is all for this week.     God Bless you all, and keep you humble in His Hand, giving Thanks to God for all things in Jesus Name.

Lovingly to you all

John, Esther and Daryl Green