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.

               =====================================================

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.

 =================================================    

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.

============================================== 

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.

========================================= 

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