LET ME TOUCH HIS FLESH...AND THEN SEE!

SATAN, that Old Enemy of us all, is always on the lookout for a way in, and to WIN, in the lives of the Saints. Esther and I have been saying recently that he seems to be working overtime in these last days to disengage and prevent as many as he can from continuing in the Battle. Well I guess he has ALWAYS done that - but maybe the intensity of his effort has increased in these Last Days! JOB always comes to mind on so many occasions as a revelation of just how Satan likes to act. It might be thought that to lose his home, and family in a thrice would have been enough - but NO! 'Let me just touch his flesh.....' And not just in ONE PLACE or one way, but just let me poke and go on poking! THEN we will see....'

You will remember my small operation? In and out in a week. BUT, since then there has been one thing after another to come and upset my well being, well into a month later. General fatigue set in during the first week at home, accompanied by lack of bladder control. THEN, pain in both kidneys - 'Probably more stones, Mr. Green - just drink a lot and eventually they will be washed out - might hurt a bit!' THEN last week severe pain in the right shoulder down to just below the heart - came on in the middle of the night. What now, a heart problem?

NO - some kind of lung infection......two days later my right leg that gave me such a hard time in 2007 started up again and today blood in the urine. Frantic calls to the Doctor - frantic calls to my General Consultant in Heaven! What IS going on? Do I really have more kidney stones? Am I really WELL, or are all these complications and symptoms a cause for real alarm. PEACE! BE STILL, and KNOW that I AM God!

On the phone this morning to my Doctor, a fine Christian brother, I felt quite rebuked.

'John you are really fine.

Your heart is well and strong, your kidneys are both well and fine,

and your blood pressure and sugar, also well and encouraging.

Yes, healing is still continuing from the Op,

but all is well. God is with you!'

Yes, of course, He IS with me! How is it that this knowledge is so easily pushed aside to be replaced with the lies and false deceptions of the Enemy. Pray on for me dear friends. I truly AM much improved, and doing more each day, but I have found myself weak in faith for myself of late. Ah! I rebuke you Satan! I am healed. The LORD GOD, He is my Health and Salvation.

+++++++++++++++++++++

DURING EASTER, I received my WORK PERMIT from the Kenya Government to permit me to live and work in Kenya for the next two years, until 5th March 2012 which is also our Election Year here! I started to apply for Renewal of the Permit (it has to be renewed every two years) in December last year, and it has taken much longer than usual to obtain it. Every two years the Kenya Immigration Department demands Ksh. 200,000/- from me as the price of that Permit. Additionally they demand that I deposit a similar amount with the Bank as insurance that they can deport me back to UK without cost to themselves if it should become necessary. This is the equivalent (approximately) of 4 thousand pounds sterling, or 5,700 USDollars. It is AMAZING to me that any Government can practically extort such charges from those who are in fact offering FREE services to them in an area that they themselves are still unable to address by their own sole effort. Terribly disappointing, but in a way in tune with the general discouragement those involved in child care have been feeling. I have had talks with the authorities of course and sought to get them to adjust matters but all to no avail. SO now we are praying that when the proposed NEW Constitution is finally ratified, that we might be able to find a way out of further payments of this nature.

TARAN, who is just 7 swallowed a watch battery the day before yesterday. We have no idea how he discovered it, and of course it got stuck on the way down! Rush to the doctor, but by the time they arrived it had passed on down, and no doubt OUT sooner or later. Taran was born with HIV, but by the time he was two he had become negative, and is a very robust and happy child. One of the 35 now cared by for Micah and Senge in Tyndale Cottage with the other Little group pictured here.

By the way please remember to pray for Catherine Senge YEGO. She has not enjoyed good health since giving birth to baby Steve, and has been suffering with various diseases which the doctors do not seem to have been able to deal with. She has been in a lot of distress and even pain touching on her kidneys, a trapped nerve in her right leg, and general fatigue. She is a very dedicated Mother, and so you can imagine that she does not rest, and insists on being busy for her big family.

NOW I must leave you again till next week. Have to bring the Word of God once more on Sunday, and so many other matters that have still to be brought up to date before the new week begins Every day seems busier and fuller than the one previous, but we thank God for His Enduring Strength and Sustaining Power. Truly we all ARE weak - BUT He is Strong.

God Bless and be with you all so very much

JOHN AND ESTHER

IT IS ALL ABOUT GOD'S LOVE

EASTER IS HERE AGAIN - THE most important time of any year!
HERE, IN TESTIMONY FAITH HOMES, we have sought to truly underscore what is being remembered. Last year we all came together, staff and children, to celebrate the Last Supper. It was a very special time, and we felt to continue on and even improve on this.
THIS year, on Maundy Thursday, we again decided to mark the day. Each of the Four Children's Homes organised their own 'Passover' Meal to take the place of their normal evening meal. Also Esther and I invited Daryl and Carol and their family to join for our own family meal. The meal consisted of Roast Lamb, unleavened bread (chapatis), bitter herbs. Before the meal was served each Houseparent, as I also did, read from Exodus 12 and endeavoured to tie it in to Jesus as OUR Passover Lamb. AFTER the main meal was ended, and the plates cleared away some of the remaining bread and water was handed round just as Jesus had done it, and the meaning and purpose of 'The Lord's Supper' was also explained. Then some hymns were sung and prayer given. In each house it brought forth real blessing and the sense of God's Presence in the Spirit.
GOOD FRIDAY saw us all together for Fellowship at 10am in the morning, and we shared together the happenings of that day, taking EIGHT readings from Matthew's Gospel which were briefly commented on by members of our staff. At the conclusion there was quiet fellowship amongst us all over tea and hot cross buns baked by one of our cooks.
AND TOMORROW, is RESURRECTION DAY. Once again we shall be all together to Celebrate the FACT of Jesus' Triumph over the grave and DEATH. THE DAY when those who had seen Him DIE, laid and SEALED in the tomb, found Him STANDING ALIVE IN THEIR MIDST.
LUKE 24v36 tells us that as the disciples were gathered together that morning 'JESUS HIMSELF' stood there with them and said to them 'Peace to you.'
BUT they were so SURE He was DEAD they thought it was a ghost that confronted them and were terrified.

He said to them ' Why are you so afraid? See, behold my hands and my Feet - it is I Myself. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bone as you see I have.'
BUT THEY STILL DID NOT BELIEVE!!

The had SEEN Him DIE. Left Him COLD and DEAD on the slab in the tomb....

BUT THE TOMB WAS EMPTY NOW!

'Jesus said again to them ' 'Have you any food here?'. So they brought and gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and some honeycomb. and He took it and ate in their presence.

THEN HE SAID TO THEM -

'These are the words which I spoke to you whilst I was still with you,

that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses

and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.'

AND He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures, and continued to say to them -

'Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer,

and to rise from the dead the third day,

and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name

to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

AND YOU ARE WITNESSES OF THESE THINGS.

+++++++++

YES, HE IS RISEN!

Death and the Grave could not hold him.

HE IS IS RISEN AND ALIVE - for evermore.

If He lives in your heart

then you too shall live for ever,

Death and the Grave will have no power over you.

His Power will Raise you up also to everlasting life.

AND IF YOU STILL DOUBT THIS TRUTH AS THOMAS

one of the 12 did, then ASK for proof from Jesus who yet lives and loves you

AND HE WILL DISPEL ALL YOUR DOUBT.

Our great love in Jesus

Your Brother and Sister always in Him

JOHN and ESTHER

ROAD TO RECOVERY

TODAY IS THE ANNUAL SCHOOL SPORTS DAY! All the children plus their parents - probably in excess of 1000 people converge on the School playing field early morning through to about 3p.m. Great excitement, gaiety, and general enjoyment all round. Esther spent some time there with them - even though she is retired from School - but I confess I did not go.

Our School playing fields are rather rough and unready, and the lack of rain this year has not helped to keep them grassed over. BIG private houses are also beginning to go up on our boundaries, crowding us in. It can be a dusty day, BUT parents and children alike seem to just revel in it all, and throw themselves into total enjoyment.

BUT I feel well on the Road to Recovery, after my Op. This is my second week since the Operation, and yesterday I started work again. Tomorrow I shall be bringing the Message in the Morning Fellowship. Generally I feel well. No aches or pains, but still feel a little weak here and there. Only beginning to get my appetite back yesterday. Doctors all seem happy with my progress and we are now hoping the best in every way as the days go by. Our staff, both from the Homes and the School, came this week to present us with cost of the Hospitalisation - almost 2000 sterling. They had not hinted as to what they were doing and for them to raise this amount was a very real sacrifice and tribute to their love and care of us. I was just in tears!

DARYL has continued to be a tower of strength to us during this period. His life has been in a bit of a tangle over the last year especially, and he has not been working with us for some time. But when he heard I was admitted to hospital he just left his job to make sure my Office was safe, and to afford Esther every care. We are very grateful to him. But although he is saying that the Lord is once again Lord of His Life, and is more than willing to return to TFH fully committed to what God wants, Esther and I feel he needs more time to actually PROVE what is in his heart. Words can be too easily on a person's lips. Very difficult because I need him still very much at this time. Needs a lot of prayer, and we need the Lord Himself to affirm to us what is the right action to take regarding him. I must say I feel in need of HELP administratively.

We shall be praying about this ongoingly. If we had a trustworthy person to leave behind in charge overall then Esther and I might at last be able to travel overseas and visit family and friends. It has been a long time since we have been able to do that, and increasingly so as my water works became a limiting factor. NOW that might change, and I at least freed from the need of being close to a toilet!

Our son MANU is hoping to finally leave us and set up on his own in town this month. He thinks he has found suitable lodgings close to his place of work. We shall miss him around the house, but he definitely needs to pursue an independent life. Sure we shall see him often!!

SO our little house is emptier and emptier - although fortunately we are having more and more visitors from time to time, it is very nice to have the space to have them.

The HOMES are all prospering, full of children, and laughter and security. We Thank God, for His care - through you - of all our needs. This Week I have had to try to explain to Government how we make ends meet here. We have to give an Annual Report but they always ask the same questions. The main one is 'How can you Plan and Budget when you can only rely on 12% of what you need in any month coming in'. So far I don't think we have persuaded them that we are not keeping the truth from them when we say we just PRAY and trust God to Hear and to Answer our prayers. Perhaps that will sound a bit glib? Of course the truth is that we have our 'days' - but our testimony remains the same. He Takes Care of Us. He does it together and through you also. Each day we stand amazed.

LAST NIGHT Testimony House had a party for seven of our OLDER children who having now found employment after their Training and are just about to leave us and set up on their own; beginning a new chapter of their life. TWO are leaving to be Primary Teachers, ONE to work as a Senior Medical Officer in a local hospital, ONE to work with an Evangelistic Mission as an Evangelist and Sound Engineer, ONE to Chemical Engineering, ONE to Electrical Wiring & Fitting, and ONE to CATERING. Quite a variety. All the children and staff from all four homes attended and it was a really good Family send off. Esther and I were also there. The Ebb and Flow of Life in the Homes continues. Soon SEVEN Little Children will come to take their place.

THE WEEK AHEAD LOOKS BUSY - perhaps too busy. Hope I make it. Easter has arrived too quickly and there is much to put in place. Last year we made innovations in the way we Celebrate and we would like to continue. Wednesday there will be a BIG Meeting of the Children's Forum here in my Office, and STILL the daily routine of business.

Our Love to you all - fervently in Jesus

JOHN AND ESTHER

A BIT OF A BUMPY RIDE!!

WELL DEAR FRIENDS, since the last time I shared with you all, I have been from the sublime to the ridiculous! You will remember that Esther and I were due to travel to Nakuru National Park for a week-end at Lion Hill Lodge. That was on March 5th. We truly did enjoy ourselves very much indeed, and we can honestly recommend this Safari Lodge to one and all. Wonderful views, excellent accommodation, and friendly and attentive staff. Esther and I were really blessed with our three day stay, and of course it was the more enjoyable because we were able to share our time with family members. There was only ONE surprise. When we arrived at the Park Gate we had to pay for admission which put an added Ksh.7,600/- onto the total cost. This Admission Fee to the Park is mainly what the Park has to assist it keep things going and safe. it was a surprise since generally, when you are working through a Travel Agent or Tour Organiser, you get the impression that the LODGE fees are all you have to look for when visiting one sited within a National Park.

Lion Hill is just 10 kilometres within the Park Gates, but once there you could be in another world. 25 acres of quiet beauty overlooking the truly spectacular Lake Nakuru recently losing water fast, but now filling up again with flamingos as the rains return. It was just splendid, and a real rest. The FOOD was excellent and if any complaint could be made it might only be that there was too much of it. Esther and I were certainly unused to so much . We managed a trip around the lake and managed to have our own encounter with two famous WHITE Rhinos.

HOWEVER, I was not well. Even before we arrived I was battling with a slightly upset stomach. Also my prostate was playing up. On the way home I became quite uncomfortable. That was on monday 8th. On the 10th I became unable to pass urine, and was whisked off to Hospital for a prostate operation. First time in almost 70 years for me to yield to hospitalisation - and I was very apprehensive. Not the least of my problems was that I have always been a shy person of very private disposition, and I did not know how I would adjust to complete strangers invading that privacy. Silly old man!

The op took place at 8a.m. and was due to take an hour. However when they got down to business they surgeon discovered that instated of an over enlarged prostate my bladder was piled up with stones; many of them quite large. How to remove them? The equipment needed was not in the Hospital and had to be seen for from more than a hundred miles away. I remained unconscious and lying on the bare board operating table for five hours altogether. All was successful, and all stones removed. They also scraped a little from the Prostate but otherwise left it alone. Some post operative discomfort and a little immobility. Otherwise I felt fine! But the catheter they had attached me to leaked and so I was not too happy with being unable to control urine flow without accidents. I am a HEAVY body, and was not always in a position to help myself, thus needing many other smaller 'bodies' to give assistance - all very pretty young nurses, whose humour, kindness and patience hugely contributed to my recovering. I also learnt from them not to be humiliated - I thank God for each one of them, AND the Surgeon, ALL of whom love Jesus.

My poor, dear Esther, spent the night after the operation with me, and was with me much of the rest of the time together with Daryl, who took a great deal of anxiety about the daily administration of the Homes away from me by his industrious running about on my behalf.

AND NOW I AM HOME AGAIN. And I have enjoyed NOT being in a short hard hospital bed circa 1930. God was with me all the way. I have still felt a little off food, and week, but am better day by day. Thank you for your prayers of you that knew! I shall not write more now, but felt I needed to show the FLAG.

Our great love to you all

John and Esther

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

TESTIMONY HOUSE was, of course, the FIRST Children's Home and began in Maseno Western Kenya in August 1969, moving to Eldoret on Boxing Day 1972 and into the present building. Esther and I were Mum and Dad to this family until 1998 when we became 'Grandparents' and moved into Green Cottage nearby on the same compound. There are 40 children aged from 3 to 23, boys and girls in the current family, and Hesketh and Alice MULI are now Dad and Mum there. They have two young children of their own as well, all mixed in. Hesketh is standing at the extreme left of the group photo.

After we left in February '98 Daryl and Carol took over as houseparents and remained there for 8 years. Then Mr. and Mrs Muli took over. It is the biggest of the four houses, and as a house is the oldest having been built circa 1910. A comfortable and happy home from home to many. The Home stands on the same compound as Testimony School, and in 2008 a 40 bed Hostel for teenagers who are studying in College Courses locally was completed. College students are able to still fellowship and take their meals in the Home they grew up in, but sleep in the Hostel which provides rooms for four to six students at a time plus bathing and toilet facilities. It can also be used to sleep Guests. It was built over a period of twelve months 2007/08 through unsolicited donations, and is dedicated to the Memory of David and Kathleen Lillie whose friendship and support to the work of TFH has been used of God to expand and strengthen the entire ministry at different moments. We hope to use this as we did two years ago to also house the Team from Australia expected in June. !!!

OUT OF THE BLUE, Esther and I might be going on a short Safari! Our niece, who runs a small Travel Bureau, rang to suggest that we might like to get away for a week-end with her parents - Esther's sister and husband who we were with in Nairobi a fortnight ago. It seemed a good idea, and since funds were available that had been given to us personally we decided to actually GO. Quite unheard of for us to ever do something out of the ordinary. The last time was in 2004 when we went to Lake Elementaita for a week-end in August to celebrate our 33rd
Wedding Anniversary. We (I at least) are usually a bit 'stick in the mud' types..... ANYWAY, God Willing, we hope to leave here Friday morning for NAKURU NATIONAL PARK, to spend three nights in Lion Hill Lodge overlooking Lake Nakuru, well stocked we hope with Flamingos.

The Lodge is reputed to be very comfortable and surrounded by all kind of Game. Apart from an opportunity to see first hand what we usually only see tamely on TV, we will have the added delight of good company and fellowship. WE will leave on the morning of Monday 8th March, and hope to be home in time for supper. We are looking forward to it. Just one small anxiety - it is RAINING now almost every day, and this might give us a rather 'STICKY' time in the Park where flash floods, mud and uncaged wild animals provide plenty of opportunity for unplanned events and adventure. BUT - 'Be anxious for nothing....'

THUS I may not have opportunity to write on Saturday this coming week, and you may not expect to hear until Saturday 12th March as to whether or not we were eaten by lions, gored by a rhino, or simply succumbed to too much good food..............try not to be too anxious!

This week will end right here. Have another Message to seek guidance for, as I am again to bring the Word tomorrow at our Fellowship. Also letters to write, and the Minutes of a Meeting to type out and print. Too few hours in a day..

God Bless and be with you all, and provide YOU also with unsought-for Refreshment. He watches over you and us, and He knows our NEED.

Love you all

John and Esther

HOUSE NUMBER THREE

THIS WEEK WE ARE BACK IN TYNDALE COTTAGE, Tyndale was begun in 2003 in a rented house, and was first known as Trinity Cottage. However when the family moved into the NEW house, made possible by the good will of Tyndale Christian School in South Australia, we decided to re-name it - so now it is Tyndale Cottage. A Home to some 25 children, boys and girls between the ages of 1 and 18. Mica and Senge Catherine YEGO started this Home, and remain the Houseparents up to date. They have forged a family that is knit very close, and there is a very special and loving atmosphere amongst them all. This is not to say that 'family feeling' and loving care is not apparent in the other three Homes, but perhaps because of the currently very young age of the majority in Tyndale it seems realised more instantly there. And of course this is a family that has, in the majority, been together since the onset with the same 'Mum and Dad'. The few new members that have joined in with them found an established family, with established relationships. They just were sucked in and became almost instantly absorbed into the general atmosphere.
Mica and Catherine, shown below, were newly weds when they began the Home. They were to remain childless in their marriage for almost seven years until their little son Steven was born in November 2009. During that time they became parents to more than 30, and by the time Steven was given to them, they had learned a great deal about parenting - and they were more than prepared to receive from God one of their very own making. And the entire family rejoiced and erupted with happiness at this addition to their family. Looking behind the family group - bottom right - you can see the end of DRAKELEY Cottage. Jacaranda is just hidden to the LEFT, in between the two. A very compact compound, yet with enough play space and openness so that the whole is in no way cramped or overcrowded.

ON MONDAY OF THIS WEEK Esther and I flew up to Nairobi to receive my Award. Poor Esther managed a 'wobbly' tummy on the way, and spent the best part of the morning feeling a bit queasy. However, she did eventually overcome it, and for the most part we had a good day together. Esther's brother in law, Joe Kibe met us at the Nairobi Airport and drove us into the City. We first of all had to attend the Kenya Probation & After Care Services Head-quarters. We were to meet the Director and his Assistant there. However when we arrived about 9.30a.m. they had both been called away to another function in another part of Kenya. We were then met by a Senior Assistant Officer. The Award had been solicited from the President by the Service in Thanks and Appreciation for the considerable material and human assistance Testimony Faith Homes has shared with them over the last 40 years. It was given because of my own personal interest and involvement in the Service as it applies to our immediate district. We have felt it complementary to the concern we have generally between us for the welfare of young people - even those who have fallen by the wayside. We have not, however, only assisted to help and rehabilitation juveniles, but have even aided older Probationers.

We left the Probation Headquarters and walked across the road to the Vice President's Office where the presentation was to be made. We were shown into a most prestigious ante room and told to wait. An hour went by during which we made polite conversation with the Senior Assistant who had accompanied us. At last she stood up and said she had to return to her Office but that we would be well looked after until the event took place. We thanked her and she left. Another hour went by. It was very quiet as if we were the only people alive in the building. I decided to take a look around and see if I could find out what was happening. No one was to be seen as I walked down a wide corridor. I came to the Office of the Vice President, and decided to go in, but as I did so the door opened and a Secretary walked out. "Can I assist you?" he asked. I shared my situation and he immediately conducted me to another palatial office inhabited by two lady typists.. "These ladies will assist you", said my guide, and left. Again I shared my problem. I had been ask to come for an Award. I had been here two hours, and had to consider catching a plane back to Eldoret mid afternoon. One of the typists arose from her chair and said, "Just wait two minutes," and disappeared. I waited, standing by a desk. Sure enough in a couple of minutes she reappeared clutching a rather battered A4 size brown envelope. "Here we are", she said a little breathlessly. "Here is your Medal! Congratulations!" She then shook the envelope, which was open, and out flew some papers, and booklets, and finally a small bronze Medal with a short ribbon. "I must apologise to you" said the typist, "should have given it to you as soon as you arrived! Have a good trip back to Eldoret." I was dismissed! No one to shake my hand or pin the Medal on my lapel. I took the proffered envelope, gathered up the booklets and papers, and lastly gingerly picked up the rather meagre looking Ribbon and Medal. I suddenly felt a little humiliated! What had I expected? Too much it seemed. But it was good for my ego. I left the Office and found Esther and Joe, and we together left the building. We saw no one else. except a Guard at the door. It was rather like leaving a well kept but quite unused art gallery.

We went for lunch together, joined by Esther's sister Mary, Joe's wife. We had a good and happy time together, then caught the plane back to Eldoret at 4p.m. Not quite what we had thought the day would be, but we enjoyed ourselves. It was like an unexpected Day Out; a real Treat.

I have hung the Medal on the wall of my office. I doubt if I shall ever wear it.. I am the recipient (though few will ever know) of the Head of State's Commendation medal, and can now put HSC after my name. Quite amazing. And in it's own way, I do own it to have honoured me, no matter how it was given or bestowed. AND the Probation Department is hugely delighted that I have been officially and publicly 'noticed' and 'appreciated', by their own urging, for a long and most useful 'friendship'. We shall continue working together and encouraging each other. They themselves are poorly paid and little valued for the work they do in trying to reclaim, rehabilitate, and even save human beings from their mistakes and troubles. Each one of THEM need a medal - and much more.

The week has proceeded quietly, calmly, and rather WETLY as it is still raining - But on Monday the sun shone, and the sky was blue, and Nairobi was fresh and inviting to us two elderly country trippers. Hallelujah.

Much Love to you all - have yourselves a wonderful week.

John and Esther

IN TRANSITION

THIS WEEK WE VISIT JACARANDA COTTAGE. On the right is a recent photo of Beatrice (47) and Joseph Allan (51) ROP who are our latest Mum and Dad there.

Jacaranda was first of all rented, and then purchased in 1975. It is on the same compound as Drakeley Cottage and Tyndale Cottage, and all three are sited opposite to Testimony House, across a 50 ft tarmac road. It was initially bought to house children squatting in the Municipal Rubbish Dump, abandoned by society, drug addicted, sick and very anti-social. Francis and Elain Wainaina were the first to be houseparents there to a family of some 27 boys and girls. One of those girls was from Testimony House where Esther and I were Mum and Dad. She transferred to Jacaranda to help them begin to also assist girls. Her name was Miriam Peter, and later after training as a nurse and marrying Joshua Mbithi, she was to return there as the next Mum after the Wainianas left. Francis is now Vicar of Starbeck Anglican Church near Harrogate. Joshua and Miriam are now directing their own work - Neema Children's Home just a few kilometres away from us. Jacaranda has had the most changes of Houseparents over the years.

1975 to 1981 Francis and Elaine Wainaina

1981 to 1986 Hans and Sonja Jensen / Bob and Joy Grahamslaw

1986 to 2003 Joshua and Miriam Mbithi

2004 to 2008 Phillip and Roseline Nzomo

2009 to ? Joseph and Beatrice Rop

Normally we hope and pray that those that apply to be houseparents will feel it is a long term commitment, and it certainly was with Francis and Elaine, and Joshua and Miriam. But there can be no guarantee how long a couple might feel finally led to stay. With Jacaranda it has proved difficult for the children, and even today it is evident that when parents leave, it churns everything up emotionally in the family. That is another reason why divorce and marital separation of any kind when there are children in the midst is so selfish and imperfect. Of course those who feel the need to go that way in their marriage have their reasons, but Jesus says God permits it ONLY because of the HARDNESS of men's (and women's) HEARTS! I suppose UNBELIEVERS will feel quite free of any constraint presented by such a statement, but the Christian Believer is condemned if he does NOT seriously consider his or her state of heart.

Would Jesus have done such a thing? We - as very affected grandparents - see this just now with Daryl and Carols children caught up in the turmoil of what looks more and more like an immanent separation in their parents relationship. Much prayer needed. WE are not believing for anything but a complete victory in all this.

With the Homes it is a RISK we have had to take, (the turnover of houseparents) and so far, perhaps for just a very tiny reason, things have managed always to hold together. Life gets a bit rough, but at least, so far there has been the small comfort of having me and Esther still here, as an apparently permanent reference point. How it will pan out once our time to go comes we do not know. God will work it out if Testimony Faith Homes is still needed by that time.

The ROPS are older than those usually wanting to be parents in the Homes. Their own children have grown up. They are more mature, and with much experience. We can see that coming into the Jacaranda Family as they have, after two or three others, was quite a challenge, but we also see that the troubled waters are already calming down, and the children do seem to have taken well to them, and they to the children. We thank God for it.

They have 29 children with them in care. Their youngest child is about three years and the eldest in his twenties. The majority are in College with little time left. This means that by the end of this year they will expect to see many leave and others come. Suddenly the average age in the Home will become much younger - between 3 - 10 which is the age we Admit.

We DO pay our houseparents - each of them - a small amount each month, the Lord providing.

This ranges from between 8 and 12 thousand Kenya Shillings each. They live IN the Home of course, and eat together with the children, and so the money is in a sense 'pocket money'. However it is not a fortune and they will not hope to get very rich on it. Esther and I never had such a provision, but even so the Lord kept us well and happy, and satisfied. He has always provided what we needed, and of course He will and is doing the same for our four sets of houseparents.

Our Chaplain - leader of our Fellowship - Christopher Kosgei has moved on to a bigger church. We are glad for him, for we felt that his ministry gifts needed sharing with more than will ever come to our Sunday Fellowship. He will still be in town, and we are sure to have him over to preach, and perhaps conduct baptisms as well. Thus we shall still be in close contact. He has served us well, and the Lord has helped him to grow spiritually in the Ministry of the Word. For the time being I and others here with me will take over once again the responsibility for our weekly meetings. The Lord will provide !

Another busy week has flashed by, and tomorrow I shall again be preaching. Last week it was Benson Laguina one of our old boys recently graduated from University with a BSc in Christian Ministry. Rather an odd sounding degree. He is already working for the Lord, and it was good to have him with us, sharing God's Word. Sunday afternoon our Fellowship Men's Meeting will be meeting in Tyndale Cottage with Micah Yego as our leader. The Ladies will all be meeting in another place. In the evening Esther and I will be attending our weekly Missionary Prayer Fellowship.

THEN, on Monday morning I have to fly up to Nairobi to attend to procedures relative to 'the bestowing of the Presidential Award. Esther is going to come up with me of course, and we hope the Lord will be glorified in whatever happens. Can't be away long - and will return the same day in the afternoon. NO ONE to leave behind still. Rather limited freedom of movement. But we feel fine. We are content, and we feel the Work is secure and blessed.

More next week - God Willing.

God Bless and Satisfy you

John and Esther