ALL THINGS COME TO AN END......WEAR AND TEAR IN ALL THINGS!

OUR FRIENDS, Mark and Kathy Lessig, have now finished 12 more months with us as Councellors and Christian Educationalists in co-operation with their 'home' mission..     These very dear brethren in Christ  have truly challenged both staff and students in the School AND in the Homes concerning their personal committment to Christ. But they have demonstrated more than a theological idea in bringing the Gospel into the Classroom and the Family, they have also reached out to all they meet and rub shoulders here, with with the overflowing Love of Jesus.   We 'feel' His Touch and Care everywhere, and Esther and I have also been so blessed and encouraged by them.      Mark is a very 'active' man, with a gift of D.I.Y.!!     He has done a lot on his own property not far from us - an old 1940 colonial ranch house.     
Visiting US one morning, and noticing our kitchen was looking a bit hang dog after 20 years of constant use and wear,  Mark offered to give it a face lift - for FREE.      Just before Christmas he arrived with another Kenyan friend of his, and together they laboured for THREE days to repair, renew, and repaint out kitchen.     It was just such an answer to prayer, and done so lovingly and so unselfishly.      A very real and relevent Christmas Love Gift to us both, AND indirectly to all those who come to visit and stay with us.    We thank them  both for sharing themselves with us for those days - just for Jesus Sake.
Before work began the original cupboards and shelving were almost in a state of collapse,    The man who first fitted out the kitchen used the cheapest timber, hinges and handles he could find!  Mark and his friend restored all of this and also installed a second sink.  A truly 'sunshine' miracle.   It also gave Esther so much joy to be able to cook and cater in what ultimately was a NEW kitchen.

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NOW A FEW ODDS AND BOBS in pictures -

FIRST, ONE OF ESTHER AND STEVEN.  Steven was with us just a week before Christmas on a kind of express visit   It was taken just in front of Green Cottage, with the Old Tree behind them, and the grass already dry and withered by the sun.      They have both ever loved to chat and so both were in their element.     I was not far away though, but just to the right of them on our veranda - I like to keep in the shade; definately NOT a 'mad dog'.
Steve hopes to visit next year with his son, Erik, and also John Finney Joseph, Elisabeth's son!  probably in June/July, and even Elisabeth is thinking about coming out in August.

MOST OF OUR CHRISTMAS photos did not come out well this time,and so we have only a very few to put up.     To the Right is a photo of our grand daughter, Abigail, now 3 and eight months, in front of our Christmas Tree in Green Cottage.     She is full of happiness, and very intelligent.  we have enjoyed having her and Helen, our daughter, for most of this month.     Always happy, and always GROWING,   She and Helen will soon return to Nairobi to commence the 1st School Term of the year.    The house will feel empty!

TO THE LEFT, a photo of a Christmas Cake donated every year since the 1970s by our old Baker 'Paul's Bakery' in Eldoret Town.   They continue every year even though we now bake our own bread, and give them little custom.  Real friendship over so many years, without rancour or disappointment on either side.   It is usually delivered on Christmas Eve, and then divided up between the houses.    SUCH joy!!
We had our usual Sunday Service on Christmas Eve morning, and after supper, in front of Testimony House we had a Carol Service with a short Word from Daryl and the Bible under the stars.     No photos to hand unfortunately.

CHRISTMAS Day we were again in Church in the morning, and then on Boxing Day, we were all at the Pool-side, together with many guests for the Annual Home's Pic-nic.    Beautiful weather, and fun for all.We have 135 children and young people resident with us in the Children's Homes and Hostels at present, but not all of them were present with us this year.    Since their arrival some have been found out by relatives, initially unknown to us, and although they have still been unable to have the children repatriated to them due to poverty or some other ill, we are unable to prevent them from having access. and so now an average of 25 go home for at least one holiday during the year.    But we had plenty of old boys and visitors to compensate, and all together we were almost 150 in number.   And all were fed to 'the eyebrows.      A lot of swimming and splashings.  Races, and water games, and all the time the sun blazed down. The first to arrive in the morning were there at 10.A.M.    The LAST to leave left at 6p.m.     A very good Family Day for us all.     A day in which you were all very much a part.  Bless you all SO MUCH and we pray that you also may have had good reason the Praise God for His Goodness to you also.


AND FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK we have been busy looking into the coming year.     School will open on the 3rd January.    SO first of all, there is School Uniform and other necessities to think about.    Shoes wear out the most and this year we shall have to buy NEW some 31 pairs (leather), plus the repair of approximately the same number.  Then about another 100 pairs of Rubber shoes for PE and home wear.  THEN, there will be school shorts, trousers, shirst, skirts and blouses, ties, and socks!  Phew.      Still a lot to find, BUT this week a lot of our parents have called in to hand on uniform passed down from their own children, and still in good repair.  This will be a help, and we are glad that our parents are in the main very anxious to help us.    There are caring hearts even here around us.

FINALLY !!

                                             

                We send you all, our very best Wishes                                                           for

the Year ahead

A hundred years ago peace came to a war torn world

But the World has not known true Peace since.

But the Lifter up of our heads shall come

and he shall make Peace'

GOD BLESS YOU ALL SO MUCH

John, Esther, and Daryl Green

GREETINGS !

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!

YESTERDAY - Friday

Daryl was called to the home of the Vice President, William Rutto,

together with the Governor, and other County Officers, and Managers 

of Charitable Children's homes.

Daryl and other Managers with him were presented with

Goats, Sugar, Rice and Flour for Christmas.

Thereafter, the V.P. addressed them all

and confirmed that the Government appreciated all the help

and good work put toward aiding Kenya's orphans.

He also confirmed 

that the policy of the Government was currently to see all 

Charitable Children's Homes closed by 2020

to fall in with international  cooperation with the ideals of UNICEF.

a rather bitter sweet Gift!

and this time 'a little bit of sugar' has not made the 'medicine go down!'

The way forward for all seems to be Fostering and Adoption.

BUT IT'S CHRISTMAS!

and our thoughts are glued on Christ!

Our thoughts are upon the One to SAVE US - Joy to the World.

Thus we cast all care aside, all fear and anxiety of what man can do to us.

We look upward expectantly, with Thanksgiving

hoping for the SECOND coming of our Lord and Saviour

FATHER OF THE FATHERLESS.

AENON Trust has passed on many Christmas Gifts to us, on behalf of many who have remembered us, and we truly Thank you all, and the Lord our God who has put us upon your hearts.    TONIGHT is our usual Christmas Concert put on by our children, and performed in the School Hall, the public also being invited.      It is not a 'fund raiser' but rather a 'sharing' with friends and others from around us.   There will be Carols, A Play, and a short Christmas Message from the Word of God.   Christmas will have commenced for us all, and all the children are keyed up with the excitement of the JOY of Christmas; the EXPECTANCY of having JESUS in the midst.........Our hearts are all lifted up.   AND it is one of our 'Family' times with many who have left home calling back in, and fellow-shipping with us.

We shall all be thinking of YOU, and we do wish you a very Glad Time in which all the Wonder of what God our Father planned for our Salvation, and which JESUS was born to achieve for our sakes.

May the WARMTH of that LOVE surround each one of you, and give you PEACE and COMFORT, plus the ASSURANCE of His Presence with you moment by moment through the coming Year.

With our united Love in Jesus

John Esther, and Daryl Green

A MAN RESPECTED, YET BARELY NOTICED!

WE MUST NOW SADLY ANNOUNCE THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF one of our senior Primary Teachers in Testimony School.  Benjamin Khamasi, born on 7th February 1962,  came to teach in our School, 22 Years ago in 1995.    He had graduated from his own primary education with straight 'A's  and continuing to High School was able to attain a Division 1 as he Graduated in 1984.  Thereafter he entered  Meru Teacher Training College where he won a P1 Certificate in 1988 and straight way commenced teaching in a number of Schools, mainly Private, finally coming to US in 1995. 
A sincere Christian man, of diligent competent,  and careful nature, he soon shone as a teacher who was indeed 'given' to his profession.    Nothing was too hard for him to attempt, and in everything he proved faithful and accountable.
In 2010 he was promoted to Senior Teacher, and later in 2013 also to the post of Deputy Headmaster in Primary School.     A diligent and careful planner and organiser, yet ever humble and hard working, he became a very  dependable and respected teacher among teachers.    He could also be very direct in his speech; very definite and determined - not an easy mind changer, and therefore not always popular with those who looked to 'win him over'.    Thus he won respect.
Ben became ill at home  a few weeks into the Holiday.    He suddenly lost feeling in his hands and feet, and became unable to speak or swallow.      After a week or more he was taken to the Referral Hospital in Eldoret and has been there ever since - about two weeks.      He was seen by a number of doctors none of whom ventured to provide a diagnosis that might explain his problem.    He slowly regained use of hands and feet, and throat, and was about to be sent home the next day, but passed away suddenly in the afternoon.       From the descriptions we received, we wondered if he had suffered a kind of heart attack, or stroke, but none of the doctors that saw him seemed to follow up on such an idea.      He leaves a wife, and five children.     We shall miss him enormously.
He is to be buried at his family home in Bunyore, Western Kenya on Tuesday next week.     The School will hold a Memorial Service for him on Monday 18th December.    We expect a good many of our parents, staff, children and friends to attend.

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CHILDREN from all three of our Family Homes singing carols last Christmas.   All happy,and all safe and secure to follow School, and prepare for the future without anxiety.
This week one of our Old boys, John 'Jonny,Jonny' Astariko commented of government plans to do away with Children's Homes.    He writes -
'I am saddened by the whole scenario,
and it kills me to know that the very place that brought me up,
and made me who I am now,

would be taken for granted by the Government!

It shakes me, but all my prayers and thoughts

are with you all, and with ALL the children of 

Testimony Faith Homes.

Here he is to the left, and also to the right where he is partying with his two young daughters.   We do believe he is not the only one of the many hundreds of boys and girls who found a shelter and refuge when needed, who were able to also find Assurance with which to jump off, and into the world.     Surely it was not always the perfect 'home' but it was certainly better than the Street, or some impersonal and institutional 'Holding Centre'.      Thank you John!

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OUR SON Steven, has been with us this week!    It is always good to have him with us even for such a very short time.     He hopes to be back next year, God Willing, together with his own eldest son, Eric, and possibly for longer.    But we have enjoyed so much having him with us.     He leaves us tomorrow evening for Nairobi and on to the U.K. where storms of ice and snow await him, together with -4c temperatures!!!

Thank God for our current sunny weather, and comparative warmth.       

I watched a Black and White film this weak on You Tube.     It was made in 1951 when I was eleven.

It is entitled, 'NEVER TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER' and is a simple story of a small orphan boy and his donkey, Violetta, who earn their living together in the town of Assisi in Italy.     The donkey falls ill, and filled with anxiety for the animal that is everything to him, he seeks permission to take her to the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi, that he might answer prayer and heal her.     On finding only opposition and frustration, the boy finally leaves Violetta in the care of a friend and walks to Rome to see the Holy Father.     Once there he again discovers opposition, but continues to seek a way until eventually he IS allowed to meet the Pope, who grants him permission to take his donkey into the tomb.      The film ends as we see him and Violetta walking into the tomb..........       I found it at once a very simply told, and moving account of a child's love for his animal, and dependence upon his faith in St. Francis.      Yes, of course it was a Catholic film.     One lady commented that 'she saw no value in it at all; rather childish and uninteresting unless perhaps to a Catholic.'       I felt sorry for her.

The film showed great compassion for an animal by a small child.     Oh that we were all compassionate - and not only to animals.     It also portrayed the 'innocence' of the child in believing not only in the efficacy of the Saint, but also in the goodness of those of those around him, and the unbelief and arrogance of those who had no time either for children or faith.      I am a Christian,   I also happen to admire what I have learnt of the man known as Francis of Assisi who also was a Christian.       I was moved by the film.       Good for children and adults alike.    I recommend it.
The film is taken from Paul Gallico's short story 'The Small Miracle'.

WE ARE A WEEK FROM CHRISTMAS!     Guests begin to arrive on Tuesday.    By God's Grace passed on to us by so many we have been able to have our needs provided for;  enough to Celebrate Christ's Birth, to rejoice together, and to appreciate what is take to Love each other as He Loves us.     Our Love and Thanks to you all for your prayers.

John, Esther, and Daryl Green.

ARRIVALS - AND APPREHENSIONS

TODAY, I AM ABLE TO INTRODUCE OUR NEW 'DAD & MUM' at Jacaranda Cottage  -  David and Doris Chumba.       They arrived on Wednesday evening, and Esther and I were able to visit them in their new home the following morning.    They both seemed to be already settled in, and we were very much impressed by their testimony and also by their attitude toward God.      We hope they will go ahead to prove their Calling.       It is always a big challenge to the children, to have to first of all LOSE 'parents' and then to ACCEPT new ones who are complete strangers to them.

INITIALLY Esther and I thought we would never leave being Dad and Mum in Testimony House, but with a population of more than forty, in those days, we felt as we came came closer to 60 that we would not cope well with a family ranging from 9 to 24.     We were right to retire from houseparenting, but in doing so we had to accept that as time went by in each Family Home, we would need to accept NEW parents coming in to take the place of those needing to leave.    It has not been easy,  and on looking back we might now have remained in Testimony House till we died, without starting the other homes.     A moot point really, since we have been able to absorb and help four times more children by opening up four Homes, and allowing a ring of changes to happen when the situation proved it necessary.     BUT we still feel that the 'longer the better' is the MOST desirable when it comes to considering just HOW long parents should stay as Dad and Mum in their designated House.       Esther and I were 28 years in ours.    Joshua and Miriam were 19 years in Jacaranda.     Others have managed between 3 and 8 yeas.         Please pray with us for David and Doris as they adventure their heart and life together, here, for our children, and for God.  David is just entering his 50s and Doris a little behind in her forties.     May God Bless them so much, and defend them from all the wiles of the devil.

We have also seen an addition to our Farm.    Some two or so weeks ago the first of our current TWO cows gave birth to a heifer, whose photo I include here.    She is most friendly and curious, and Daryl has felt to call her name Danni, in sincere respect and love to Danni Potter, in South Australia.   Danni is wife to Mike, and both have for decades been adopted with their children into the Testimony Family.  They have also long had a practical interest in the success of the Dairy.      So please pray for this latest little one in our family.     We do thank God for her.      Her mother and aunty continue to provide a good and fresh supply of daily milk for our children in the Homes, and even some to the School boarder.

On THURSDAY this week, our little daughter, Helen came with her 3.8months daughter to stay with us over Christmas.   Always a joy to have them both with us, and to observe yet again how Abby is growing.     THEN Today,  Daryl and I were at the Eldoret Airport to once again to welcome STEVEN who has flown in just for a quick week's visit before getting once more embroiled in his rather demanding work.      Always great to have him visit, even when alone.    We are hoping next year he will be coming in the summer with other of his family as well to rejoice our hearts.     He was here last in 2016 together with his daughter, Tonia - again just for a short visit.    We enjoyed them both, and Esther and I will no doubt challenge him yet again to a game of Scrabble before he leaves.
STILL TWO WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS !!     I am praying that all may have received our latest UPDATE and also Christmas Card to 'almost end the year with'.       Our decorations in Green Cottage are finally up, and next week on the 16th all the other houses will also decorate for Christmas.   Otherwise life will continue as usual during this next week without any other event to draw attention to the Season.     THEN in the following week, all of us hope to be quickened by His Advent and Birth together.     We shall share as we go along.

Our combined Love and Prayers come to you daily as we meet together, and we believe that God, our Father in Heaven, in the Name of His Son Jesus, will continue to empower you to make this Christmas one to be especially remembered.

Sincerely in His Mercy and Grace
John, Esther, and Daryl Green

PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW...!

ON THE 29th NOVEMBER, OUR FOURTH FORM children in Secondary School concluded their National Examinations, and came together for a final Farewell Lunch with their teachers, and others.  In this photo Esther is cutting the Cake.   I am to be seen at the top table with a few others.    Daryl is taking the picture.
This is an Annual event, and it is always very special, and enjoyable.  Many of these students, including of course some of the Home's children as well, have been in the School for up to 12 years.   Now they must leave for University, College, or Employment!    A big Jump into the BIG pond of the world around them.     With continual shortage of jobs, and continual lack of moral integrity in our Universities and even Colleges, this transition is fraught with may dangers and anxieties for parents as well as their children.      And obviously this also is a matter of concern and challenge to us.   
The General Syllabus is also changing over the next few years.  At present we are expecting to consider whether or not we will continue to run Secondary School, or concentrate on Primary only.  This will only become clear as the next year proceeds.   We need to be very sure about this before continuing beyond 2019.
This particular event took place between the hours of 1 and 4p.m. on the 29th.   I was also able to share a final Word, together with others who were there with us.    We pray that God will watch over each one of these young people.

OPPOSITE IS A PHOTO of the Macharia Family - baby Esther, Agnes, Ben, and Joseph.    They came to us as family to run the NEW Jacaranda Cottage in July 2015, taking over from  Beatrice and Joseph Rop who had been with us eight years,  and were then retiring.
They fitted in really well, and won all our hearts.
Regretfully they have unexpectedly had to leave us at the end of October, whilst they were on leave with their relatives at home in Njeri.     We shall seriously miss them as whole hearted labourers together with us all, and for their spiritual commitment and input with the Jacaranda Family.    We hope not to lose touch with them and also that they will be able to visit from time to time.      PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR THEM.  BUT NOW we have to seek the Lord as to who might replace them.      We have already met a prospective couple, and they will be visiting again this Sunday when we hope they will spend some time meeting other of our community, as well as the children in Jacaranda Cottage.    They are committed Christians, and have experience in helping children and young people.   They are both in their fifties.      Hopefully I will have more to say next week.    Until then the children are being cared for by other of our staff.    They are safe, but rather sad to lose the Macharias.

JAMES MANU, OUR SON, attended the Eye Clinic a little early this time, but returned with better news than last time.    His Consultant says there is improvement, NOW, in the one eye, and even in the worst.   He thinks he will need to continue Injections for two more months, and that he may also have to do a minor op to re-attach a loose retina in one eye.    It has been a long and rather painful haul, but Manu seemed much encouraged this time, and we continue to BELIEVE for the Answer to all our prayers.

AND DECEMBER has commenced!      Christmas, which seems to have begun in September for most of the rest of the world around us,  is still to begin to be seen here in Testimony.     We have usually waited, for example, to put up any Christmas Decorations until about the 18th of the month, but we may start this coming week, this year, as we expected visitors to begin dropping in soon.     So far, in our Town shops, there is NO sign of Christmas.    Everything remains the same, other than the fact that shops are not as well stocked as they were, and prices are rising daily - all a sign of our continuing economic constraints.    BUT the sun is shining, and the skies are their usual stunning blue.
Daryl is about to take his Annual Leave, and all our School Staff are also away for the Holiday until the first week of January.
This week planning will begin by the Houseparents to look into Christmas needs, and especially the Christmas Week housekeeping.    As you will remember each house celebrates Christmas individually.       Also there has to be other matters to plan into the month free time, like family games and other communal activities, plus the Christmas Concert, and Carol Singing which usually take place just before Christmas itself.     All this whilst still trying to balance all our normal monthly responsibilities and needs.       Helen and baby Abigail should be here on Friday, and our son Steven also visiting on Saturday for a week or so from the UK.       Also our friend Paul White and son Joshua are hoping to join us for Christmas.        SO with a short staff, and Daryl away us Old Foggies will no doubt find ourselves On Call, and probably more involved than usual.     But we continue to Thank Father, for good health and strength - though I still have a few challenging visits to the dentist to fit in over the next fortnight or so.

I will try to put an UPdate AND a Christmas Card in the works before Christmas, but of course it may be delayed on the part of any I have had to post.      We covet your prayers over this period, and we Thank you all for your love and care.       We shall hope to continue to put up a word or two each Saturday as usual.     Let us lift up the arms of each other in the warmth of His Love, and the JOY of the Season.

Sincerely in Him
John, Esther, and Daryl Green

O LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME - OR YOU - GO!

SIMEON, became part of mine and Esther's family in Testimony House just two months after our Marriage, in October 1971.   He was just 8 years old.    Both his parents were dead, and he was apparently uncared for.   He was one of a group of five small boys.   Quite lively lads,  inclusive of Edward Majimbo, Abwao Ongondi, Moses Ongonga, and Jacob Otundu.    But Simeon was, perhaps, the quietest, although still into every boyish pursuit, including a lot of fun.
After coming to us he began School here, in Eldoret, at Kapsoya Primary School-1972-1980.    He did not do well academically, but apart from breaking a window in the school in his 7th Grade, whilst playing football,  he was never in any trouble.     His Primary Results were so low, that he did not continue on to High School, but looked for an alternative.  He was now approximately 16, not very tall, but strong and energetic.    We were running a Course in Motor Mechanics at the time, and so he joined it for a year and obtained a Grade111 Certificate - enough to get him into an apprenticeship.   He joined ETEC  and then after another year SAME-TRACK, but again did not stay long, and after a year or so called back home to say he was now a Gardener to a private family in Town.     In 1993 he married, and we donated a Tea Party in our School Hall for friends and well wishers.     Later that year we offered him a job as a Gardener for the Homes and School at a more attractive salary than he was getting at the time, and accepting the offer, he remained with us until the 18th November, when he passed away.        Simeon's marriage endured, and God blessed them with three boys, the eldest of whom has just completed University.  Simeon was tickled pink that he could have a son (who looks exactly like his dad) in University!    He loved his children and his wife, and though they were never to be wealthy, I think they enjoyed a fairly stable and happy life together.    I know he will be missed so much by them.      Born on the 21st December 1963 he was in his 54th year when he died.   He suffered a Stroke affecting his right side in 2013, and although he recovered fairly well, this together with the Diabetes he also suffered from, slowed him down.    Nevertheless he continued to do a full day's work and always finished his assignments - still with that smile which marked a happy and jovial life throughout.      He was never one to mope or moan.    Rain or shine, Simeon took life as it came, and enjoyed it.     We, shall miss him very much indeed.
He is to be buried today on a piece of land he purchased some 80 kilometres away.     Yesterday, Friday, Testimony Faith Homes held a Memorial Service for him in the School Hall, with his workmates, family friends, and a crowd of old boys and girls from  the Homes joined together to give thanks for his life.   (The photo above was taken when he was just 18).     He never seemed to grow any older in his appearance,  and his eyes especially always had a mischievous twinkle in them. -  He is the SIXTEENTH (as far as we know) that has passed out of this world, of the 400, that have at any time lived within Testimony Faith Homes since it opened in August 1969.

YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, Esther and I together with our son Daryl,  visited with Joshua and Miriam Mbithi, at Neema Children's Home, as they Celebrated the Graduation from University of their son Mark Mumo.      It was a wonderful occasion, full of very real JOY and Thanksgiving to God for all that HE has done for Mark - and the family, which really ALSO included US since Miriam was one of our FIRST daughters, and as years have gone by has only become closer to us, together with her husband and children.     It was very much a FAMILY time, held in the sunshine and in their beautiful gardens, with all their extended family joining in with us.
So our day on Friday was quite a MIX, but in both the Joy and Sorrow, a lot of happy memories and the very real evidence of the Presence of God in the midst, and of His walking with us down through the years enwrapped us about.
AND ALL OF SO UNDESERVING!     Isaiah writes in the Bible in Isaiah 38v17 -  'You have loved back my life from the pit of corruption and nothingness.  -  for YOU have cast ALL my sins behind your back!"       We are all falling and failing, but HE CAN and WILL reach down to grab hold of us, and pull us back, when we call to Him !    Knowing our own willfulness and careless degradation, our Father, loves us still, and putting all our faults out of sight, brings us up and out of our darkness into His Glorious Light and Love.       Thank you Jesus.      Thank you for FAMILY!    As we live with one another, and observe each other, often with judgement in our heart, remember  how the Father and the Son joined together to keep us all together, and let LOVE keep us in Their Arms.

SURELY,  without the knowledge of GOD'S LOVE for all mankind, NONE of us can truly know how to be Human Beings, made in His Likeness.   We will never perfectly know how to Bless, Prosper, or Make Happy another person.     We might THINK we know how to forgive each others faults and failings, and to overlook them - but we DON'T;  we know nothing as we OUGHT to know it.   WE do not even know ourselves as GOD knows us, AND suffers us; ready to die for the love of us.    1. Corinthians 8v1-2 in the Amplified Bible Translation tells us -  'Knowledge may make a man look BIG,  But it is only LOVE that can make him grow to his full stature.     No matter how much learning a man may have, UNLESS he has LOVE he still KNOWS NOTHING AS HE OUGHT TO KNOW IT!!      And if a man HAS love, then God knows HIM!

AND, you know, when we come to understand LOVE from God's viewpoint, then it MUST affect our own Loving of one another.     Think of how many rifts, feuds, hatreds, and bitter separations within friendships, families and even Marriage, would be healed AND forgotten if we would only consider HOW God loves us, me and you.     If we could only stop and SEE how we ought to love one another as HE, (God in Jesus), loves us.    HE never accuses, but HE is always ready to forgive - not only when asked, but even BEFORE He is asked.   LISTEN TO THESE words of Paul the Apostle in 1. Thessalonians 2v8  -   BECAUSE we affectionately longed for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the Gospel of Christ, but also our own lives - Because you had become so dear to us.'
GOD'S LOVE, working in Paul's life found Him willing to die for the sinner, just because he had realised how beloved and precious in God's Sight was the life of EVERYONE;  HE wants no man, woman or child to die, to be given up to judgement, and DEATH.    HE would rather have MERCY.  Hosea 6v6 / Matthew 9v13
IF that Mercy is unknown to us then we will not have it for others, and we shall die in our own sin; we will have thrust from ourselves God's love for US.     We will have rejected letting it WORK in us, and repudiated Him in our lives.      The Devil would like us to remain LOST in our own self righteousness - and it is SO easy to satisfy him - when we rely on our own hard stony, and selfish heart.


Dear Friends, brother and sisters in the precious Family of God, we do Thank God for all your love that spills over upon us, and we lift up our hands in Praise of Him Who Loves us in your.    May He continue to deepen and widen our love for each other, and for the whole world.

Sincerely in His Mercy and Grace

John, Esther and Daryl & Carol Green

SHALL WE ALL WAKE UP, IN THE 'MORNING' ?

BISHOP CORNELIUS KORIR of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, passed away last week.    He is to buried today in the Cathedral, and hundreds of thousands are expected to attend.    Even yesterday the Town was overflowing with huge numbers who had come to pray and prepare for the Funeral.
He and I knew each other, and met quite frequently on various committees, and even in the course of daily life.  On one occasion I had visited him in his Cathedral Office.   It was my first time, in fact to go there, and even to meet him face to face on a personal matter.     Arriving a little early I was shown into his office, and asked to wait.    After a few minutes I got up from my chair and my eye was caught by a very beautifully carved Crucifix.    I went and stood nearer, and as I did so the door opened, and the Bishop, dressed in a plain white cassock entered.     Greeting me as he shut the door, he said '....you are first white protestant  I have found admiring my crucifix........do you like it?'
'Well, yes I do indeed, Bishop Korir.   It is beautiful!.
"Yes", he replied, "But I thought you Protestants prefer to see the Victory of the resurrection rather than the sacrifice of  His suffering."
"True,"  I had rejoined,  "but after all there would have been no Victory, without His Death.     Even when I look to an empty Cross, my mind sees Him first, dying for me."
"Then we are brothers" he said, taking my hand.      And so we sat down and fellowshiped for some time.    Every time we met after that, it was always with joy.

Bishop Korir died when he was just 67, having been born in 1950, ten years my junior.     It is said that he had High Blood Pressure, and was also Diabetic.    Neither malady had been diagnosed early, and he had been taken suddenly ill, and was to be hospitalised, had he lived through the night.    He was Ordained Priest in 1982, and consecrated Bishop of Eldoret in 1990.  He was known and respected as a man of peace, and this is being recognised today by the Government, to day, in giving him a State Funeral right here in Eldoret.     He will be interred within the Cathedral itself.    He will indeed be missed.

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The WEATHER to day is very windy and a little cloudy but with at least a little sunshine.   A cool, fresh day,      But there is also just a little rain each day, and this is expected to carry on through the month.       This is not likely to produce a good wheat, or even maize, harvest due to the lack of good dry weather to assist in drying out the crop prior to storage.

TO THE LEFT IS A PHOTO of Testimony House, as we found it a few days after we arrived in December 1972 .     It was an OLD house even then - made of mud and wattle.    Now, 45 years later, it is that much older, and showing signs of wear and tear.    Originally built by a Dutch farming family who had 'trekked' up from South Africa;  a family of 9.    This house has 9 bedrooms, kitchen,dining room and an enormous nine hundred square foot sitting room! Since we came to occupy it it has endured an average of 40 pairs of feet continually tramping through every day of every year.    The roof is of thick iron sheeting, still sound, but needing a repaint after more then five years, and the floors, made of iron wood, also sound, but also needing attention here and there due to wear, together with, here and there, some dry rot, and invasion by Safari Ants.      The walls are all constructed from wattle and mud, also suffering from age and ANTS.    Still a comfortable and roomy home, it all now looks tired, and needs a little re construction in places as well as redecoration throughout.     The kitchen especially suffers from rain leaking in from a badly set roof, and also a complete refit.      We would ask you to remember this house, and to join us as we pray for the Lord to assist us to give some attention and care to it, as days go buy.

Esther and I were Mum and Dad to 40 plus in this house from 1972 to 1998.    We now live just opposite to it in Green Cottage situated at the end of the pathway leading to Testimony House.   We look at it every day, and whilst remembering the very happy days of our being at home there, we also see that, like us, it is ageing.      Unlike us, it is unable to take a little ease from its daily usage, but instead must continually endure exuberant and youthful life surging through it.

This week end we are being visited by two of our old girls, (Sarah Njeri  and  Francina Emsley) one working in Nairobi and the other in Mombasa area.    Nice to have the with us, and to talk over old times.      We also were recently surprised by a visit from Nicholas Kibet and his family.    Nick works as a waiter in very popular cafe in the town centre, and his wife is a primary school teacher.  They have three boys.      Very proud of them all, and it was a great joy to have them with us.

It is now 3.15p.m. and the Bishop's State Funeral is just about to conclude, before his internment at the Cathedral, as planned.     They have kept to time.       I must also come to an end for this week.

Maybe I will share some dental news then!     God Bless you all, and give you desires of your hearts as you live for Him, and for your neighbour.

Lovingly as ever

John, Esther and Daryl Green

UNHEALTHY PREOCCUPATION WITH SEX - IN ANY GUISE

THE BRITISH PRESS AND MEDIA are FULL of sexual harassment - and such as involves our Members of Parliament - and even the Cabinet.      The world truly is becoming more like a giant sewer these days, and EVERY EVIL  spewed up daily, to defile and spoil the mind and imagination of all mankind.
OF COURSE this is not NEW!  This could have been said during the progress of EVERY generation.    Since the Garden of Eden,  humanity has continued to increase the opportunity and incidence of evil and ungodliness.       In NOAH's day  'GOD saw that the wickedness of Man was great upon the Earth, AND that every imagination of the THOUGHTS of his heart was only evil continually.'  - Genesis 6v5 (The Bible).       It is said by some mathematicians
that there could have been seven billion people on the earth prior to the Flood!!    Only EIGHT were saved in that day.     At THAT time God was grieved when he He saw the moral decay of Man, and wished He had not created him.    He did indeed bring a universal flood upon the Earth in order to effect this.     BUT, Noah!   And Noah's family....(eight of them)!
WAS Mankind really SO bad?    YES!
JOB 15v16 finds Elephaz, the Temanite, saying 'How much more abominable and filthy (than all the imperfections of God's saints, and even the heavens) IS Man which drinks iniquity like water!'       Sin and Iniquity is, and has been, since the Fall, in ALL men progressively.       AND, although God practically wiped humanity OUT in the Flood, He saved Noah, his family and the Earth.     There was a NEW Beginning!       BUT the 'germ' of sin was still passed on to Noah's descendants from Adam's line.

AND Man still being infected with it,  has also found himself tempted by it, and giving in to it's tune playing on his fleshly appetites; and for the most part he continued to dance to it's tune.     AND TODAY with yet again a world population of SEVEN BILLION we find our selves AGAIN in a World almost identical to NOAH's world,   with a cauldron of evil frothing over, all around us, defiling every part of our environment until the very ground we stand upon, is giving way, and crumbling around us.         Well God is STILL able to SEE what is going on with us, and I fear that He is STILL grieved by what He sees, and this time might make a FULL END!      Not by Water but by FIRE.     The Apostle Peter writes about this 'End' in his 2nd Letter chapter 3 describing a World Society of unbelievers walking in their own lusts.    He warns that God, having destroyed the World Order once with WATER,  will, at the End, destroy it with FIRE.      It will come suddenly upon a world society too busy revelling in its godless revellings and rioting to even be on guard..

And our world IS blind and deaf to everything that leads to purity of life.    A very indecent world, unheedful of its past honours and glories, decadently descending more and more into the worship of every degenerate and worthless pastime, until - like a tide of iniquity - all that IS righteous and Holy will be swallowed by its incoming fullness.     ARE WE - ANY OF US - READY?   Are we even BELIEVING in what is coming.         Our world institutions once respected and honoured our toppling into this sea of iniquity - and that sea of iniquity -  all that has been looked to as worthy of praise and example is now, in our time, being undermined and even pulled down about our ears, to that in the end we find nowhere to stand, and no one to look to for leadership and LIGHT in a dark place.

Again let me cite the 3rd chapter of the 2nd Letter of PAUL to Timothy, in the Bible's New Testament.  IN THE LAST DAYS.      Isn't this just a confirmation of all that I have been pointing to?    And because of this picture, painted once more so graphically, HOW SAFE CAN ANY OF US BE from the sticky soup of sinful appetites that stalk our streets and habitations?    How totally AWFUL it is to see that at the heights of power and leadership we find debauchery, dishonesty, and even a determined mind to serve oneself and not our brethren, even the nation.       Can the world be saved?  Is it too far gone?    Are the scales already too weighted on the wrong side to be redressed?    IF we ARE living in Noah's day, then I suspect the worst scenario.      WE need to take our eyes from our world focus and interest, and LOOK UP WITH HOPEFUL EXPECTANCY.

AND IN THE MEANTIME  we who may have sense of the Rightness of How to Live in front of God, should take heed to ourselves and check ourselves to see what it is that Rules in our lives.
IN KENYA we are seeing wilfull ignorance of what is right, and righteous.    We wallow in alcohol, drugs, sex, and poverty, encouraged by the exuberant selfishness of the rich and licentious leaders in every level of society.      The Sunshine is being diminished and even hidden, and replaced by a very uncertain, and apprehensive society.      NO one is safe from human mistreatment.     Strikes and Riots paralyse our social facilities,  crime, threatens our safety, unemployment our ability to pay our way,  drugs the future of our children's hope, and alcohol eating away at the very fabric of home and civil existence.

We do not know how many LAST DAYS we may have to endure.      Are there NO voices, no Visionaries like Noah, to declare the present danger,  declare a way of recovery,  and to remember in  Whose Likeness we are Created to be.

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LATEST GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT 

DARYL,  has just sent in a  copy of a Government Letter which he has just received from the Principal Secretary of the Kenya State Department for Social Protection. and dated 1.11.17

RE SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION OF NEW CHARITABLE CHILDREN'S INSTITUTIONS

a)   Many children are inappropriately placed in CCIs, yet they could  desirably be placed in Foster Care, Guardianship, or Local adoption with Kenya families.  In this respect it is evident that such children are put in institutions under circumstances that are not in their best interests, and are accordingly denied the opportunity to be raised within families.

b)   It is evident that some of the Children's Homes were involved in unscrupulous practices which may involve Child Trafficking.

In view of the above this is to give instruction that there shall be no further Registration of New

CCIs  until the current situation is streamlined to secure proper care and protection of vulnerable children

(The Letter is addressed to the National Council for Children's Services for their action)

We have commented many times before about the declining climate in Kenya Children's Service toward Children's Homes, even though the need remains as high as ever.      This is due mainly to the influence of the United Nations generally policy of Foster Care.

WE DISAGREE WITH THE GENERAL DRIFT OF U.N.  policy in this respect.

This latest directive may well be taken as a definite indicator that existing Children's Homes will now be fazed out / or even closed down in the future.      We shall be examining how this might affect our own ministry and involvement with underprivileged children in the near future, and will soon hope to have more information in the next few months.

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JAMES MANU,  had his 5th Eye Clinic visit this Thursday/Friday.     We have not had all the result so far as Manu went on to Nairobi for a few days to visit friends there.     It was more painful than usual due to the fact that they had to drain fluid that had collected behind both retinas.     He survived.  He is OK in himself, and he is looking into the possibility seriously now of learning Braille just in case his vision worsens.     We are still trusting the Lord to step in for him.

THINGS remain relatively quiet throughout the Country, with politics having quietened down and the media also taking a low key attitude in their reporting; which is a good thing.      This does not mean all the problems have gone away, but for the time being we DO now have a President, and there is hope the Country can stabilise a little.       

The National Primary Exams have now concluded and we said Farewell to the 75 candidates at a 'dinner' laid on by the School (Daryl, Esther and I attended).     High School Form 4 Exams start this week, and will go on until the first weeks of December.      Everyone apart from the Candidates for this exam have now commenced their holidays.

AND now we shall all be looking forward to having the kids to ourselves, and to look forward to Christmas.      Thank you all for your Prayers.     We all need them.

John, Esther and Daryl Green 

LET US BRING ALL THINGS TO GOD IN HEAVEN

90% OF KENYA was quiet and peaceful during the Presidential Election held on Thursday of this week.      The ONLY areas of riot and demonstration were found in a few spots within Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.    The external Media has reported very heavily about these pockets of civil unrest - we feel that they have hyped it up.     President UHURU managed to find more than 7  million Votes, which was considered 'good' for a 2nd run when the turnout was in fact quite poor.      Mr. ODINGA, Leader of the Opposition, although in the Vote, refused his Party to take part in the actual election,  still gleaned more than a million.      He seems to have lost a big opportunity by banning his followers to take part in the Election.     He and his Party are unlikely to accept the Result for one reason or another, and it is still hard to see a restful future until the basic disagreements ares resolved.     BUT we Thank God for a general answer to all or prayers that we should have peace in the Country.     Our own County of Uasin Gishu remained VERY quiet and peaceful throughout, and people were able to vote without any disturbance whatsoever - Daryl and Esther included.      BUT food stuffs are currently short in the shops;  mainly this is due to people apprehensively fearing 'trouble' stockpiling, leaving supplies depleted.  New supplies will arrive, and continue to circulate throughout the Country as long as there is no escalation in unrest.     Kenya is a great Country.    It is geographically in a very influential position, and even to-day it is a pivotal point from which the Word of God goes out to all the surrounding areas and nations who are our neighbours.     AND the people of Kenya are not war makers.     Yes, the photo above would tend give support to this kind of behaviour, yet the truth is such behaviour has been very isolated;    Kenyans ARE growing up, and more and more are having the opportunity to be properly educated, and afforded opportunity have a stable life and society -  There ARE still many jobless, poor, and even uneducated as with the sample group photographed above   BUT they a really a people of a sunny disposition on the whole, welcoming, generous hearted, and peace loving.    They look for stability and peace.     Continue to pray for us all.    Without God with us we shall achieve NOTHING.    Without God's Love / Appreciation of each and every individual IN the nation we shall learn and achieve NOTHING.     We pray for His dawning upon the hearts and minds of ALL the people.    We ask it in Jesus Name.

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ON SUNDAY LAST,  our house-help, who lives on the Jacaranda compound, came to say that the sewer that serves her little house had ceased to work.    I went across to take a look and found that it was indeed blocked, and on checking the next nearest manhole discovered it was silted up to the top with black gunge!        The next day, Monday, Daryl took as few of our men, and began to dig out the manhole.       About mid morning he came across to me, and said ' we have found a 'SKELETON' !

For a moment I was shocked, but then realising the manhole was not so very deep I realised it was unlikely to have been human!      He laughed when he saw my face.....and then said 'No not human, just a goat's skeleton!'    As they had dug down the metre deep manhole, they had quickly come across a loosely wrapped bundle containing the bones of a goat.      It remains a mystery as to how it got there; who put it there.     It has been burned now, and the manhole completely cleared and in service once more.       We think it unlikely that any of our children are involved.     Would an adult have done this... and adult from within TFH,  a

staff member?    Or did someone from 'outside' come in and do this.    On the face of it a very ignorant thing to do.     BUT.......in Kenya, in my experience, buried bones can have a more occult or sinister purpose.      It 'could' be possible that a person or persons unknown buried the goat as a means to 'curse' either another person living on the compound, the whole compound, or even the whole ministry of TFH.       The Witch Doctor is still alive and well in Kenya, and many people avail themselves of his help.      We are keeping an open mind, and a spiritually aware Watch.       We know we are safe in Jesus against ANYTHING Satan might plan, but we must now be on our guard.

Maybe some of you will think I must be becoming 'extreme' to believe in black magic and the devil.

The Bible has taught me that God has an Enemy.     That enemy is the enemy of all those who also identify with God.      Satan was thrown out of Heaven with a whole horde of 'angels' who followed him.      In the New Testament St. Paul said in Ephesians 6v12 the following words -  

'We wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities, against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places'

These words, on their own, declare that there are 'spiritual' powers / beings. as well as physical or human powers.    We should not laugh the devil off, and discount him or those he may control.

DANIEL, one of the prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible, found his prayers being somehow ignored or blocked - he suddenly found he had received no evidence that God was hearing him, as he had received  before.

Read DANIEL 10.    In this chapter something was shown or revealed to Daniel - and it was REAL.

 - verse 1.     He was seeking God - in prayer - for THREE weeks.    Then, in verses 5-11 he says he  d had a vision of a man, of striking and somehow unnatural appearance.    It seems he was AWAKE at the time, and he was not alone.    Those with him SAW nothing, but FELT spiritually disturbed and shaken within themselves.      And this 'Vision' of this 'man' spoke to Daniel and said in Verse 12

'Fear not Daniel; for from the first day that you set yourself

to set your heart to understand, and to chasten yourself in front of God,

your words were HEARD........

BUT the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me

for 21 days.

But low, Michael, one of the chief princes came to help me....

and NOW I have come to make you understand......

I believe that the 'princes' here are the principalities and powers in high places that Paul also refers to.

Perhaps every constituent Country or Nation is overlorded by a Spiritual Being, perhaps a fallen angel in the service of Satan, and opposed in that service, to God, and even to the servants of God.

These are REAL powers who have to interfere, delay, and derail if possible the Will and Purpose of God.    They cannot succeed totally, but they CAN interfere.       Michael, spoken about, is to seen as one of the Chief Angels in Heaven who came to tackle the work of Satan's servants.

It may seem difficult to accept this view, but there IS so much evidence that flesh and blood CAN not just be up against himself, and other flesh and blood opposition.    There are OTHER enemies who will seek to deter, influence, and even try to totally defeat those who in any way seek to live for God, and by God's Word.     They CAN at the very least delay our prayers!!    But NOT forever.

We should therefore be ALERT about what is happening around us in our Country, in our family, business,  and life as a whole.     Satan IS seeking who may consume and paralyse ANY who seek to let GOD use them.    We should be AWARE, and we should seek God protection, and deliverance.     AND we should know there is 'Back-up' when WE ares up against it.

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JUSTIN KIPRONO, one of our sons from way back, was married in Nairobi Chapel

on Friday, 27th October.       Justin came to stay in Testimony House with me and Esther in 1986 when he was just four years old.   He had been almost four years in hospital with severe burns from fire he had fallen into.    After College he found himself in South Africa working for Jesus as a Youth Pastor, and now at 35 he is a Youth Pastor in Nairobi at Nairobi Chapel, where he and his wife were married.   Esther and I had wanted to go, but had felt unable, both because of the intimidating Election Fever, and because of the travel involved.   But a number from the Homes both from here, AND Nairobi, DID attend, and all went wonderfully well.     We are full of joy for them both.


The Weather is still WET and cold.       Not very good for our crops,and if things continue now we have definite threat of more famine later.   My new Passport is now here with me, and we are also considering my applying for dual Citizenship from Kenya, as our new Constitution has provided the opportunity to do so for the first time.     We still have some of our students from the locality who school with us, still boarding as they complete their National Exams.    The rest all at home with us now, and everyone busy once more keeping them well occupied and put to good use. 

God Bless you all.     We FEEL your loving care of us all !

John, Esther and Daryl Green

JESUS IS TELLING US ' FEAR NOT, NEITHER BE ANXIOUS FOR ANYTHING.'

I HAVE PUBLISHED THIS PHOTO BEFORE  -   My apologies for the fact that it is not too clear, but the original was rather blurred, to start with.   I have tried to brighten it a little, but in any case it is included as a reminder of the Homes 20th Birthday, celebrated in August 1989.   About 150 of our Old Boys and Girls attended then, and celebrated together with those still resident with us at that time.
We had our first Family Get Together in 1979,  - our 10th Anniversary, and then every year we used to Celebrate our Beginning on the last Weekend of August.       THEN after the School had been built - in 1989 - we stopped the Homes Celebration and join in with the School Annual Parents Day.   THIS, over the years, has slowly caused the Homes to be almost disregarded.

SO we have decided to take back OUR day just for ourselves, and as from 2018 we hope to have Open House  for as many of our children, past and present join us for a 'Family Fellowship and Dinner on the Last Saturday of August - annually.     We know that not every one will be able to come every year, but we also believe that many WILL.       In 2019 we shall, God Willing, Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Homes since we began in 1969.     That will cover the whole weekend, - Saturday and Sunday, and will include Family Fellowship & Reunion, plus Worship together in our Sunday Service.     We hope everyone will try to come - from wherever they are in the State.  The School will at least help us to provide space to sleep them all.    A    B I G    Occasion.!!    We hope local friends and well wishers will also join us in 2019.

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TODAY,  the Internet has been DOWN most of the day.    We think this has to do with the WEATHER.     For the last week it has RAINED day and night with thunder and lightening.   This always does seem to interrupt the Internet.       I could not start today until 5p.m. our time, and so this edition of the Blog will be shorter than usual.

THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.     To the left our Sporting Leaders, dressed to kill, and to inspire respect from the multitude of their subjects.   Mr. Kenyatta to the left and Mr. Raila to the right.   And  -  Yes, it IS only FIVE days away  - IF it actually takes place.

The 'Elephants' still trampling the Nation with words and innuendo.    On the one side Mr. Kenyatta is insisting that there WILL be an Election on the 26th, and on the other side, Mr. Raila is insisting there will NOT be an election, has told all his followers to observe Nation wide Demonstrations on that Day.      What can the rest of us expect?     Well  logically we should expect 'unrest'    Already so called 'peaceful' demonstrations on the Opposition side, have ended in violence and death to some, every day!      IF they DO demonstrate on the 26th, instead of casting their Vote as they should, then it may be just like the previous demonstrations .       Normally trouble emerges on the scene the day AFTER an Election, after Results have come in.       It is quite impossible for the man in the street to clearly tell what will happen.     The wisest will keep indoors, and mind their own business, AND if they are trusting in God, they will PRAY.

DARYL is travelling up to Nairobi on Monday on business, and will also hope to collect my new British Passport, and then return, all on the same day.

Helen and Abigail are also expected to travel up to us on Tuesday, just to be on the safe side, and if all goes well, and we pray it will, they will return to Nairobi for a week or two more before joining us again  for Christmas.

Buying our local provisions at the supermarket on Friday we noticed  that instead of the usual TWO

Cash desks - SIX were on the go, and instead of just as few waiting to be served, each desk has a long queue of customers with laden trolleys!      It did give the impression people were fearing trouble and making sure they had enough food to tide them over.      However generally it IS peaceful in our immediate area, and of course we are ourselves at peace and without any anxiety among the children or ourselves also   -    GOD is, and always has been, our Shield and Defender.       I WILL be in touch on Saturday next week as usual, but will also probably send a brief word on the 26th and or the 27th just to assure you that all is well .


God be with you all

John, Esther and Daryl Green