WESTHOUGHTON PENTECOSTALS ON TOUR.

THIS is the present day Church - there have been three and the first one I ever entered was in 1968 when it was a rather dilapidated and sprawling wooden structure.     Westhoughton is not far from Bolton, in Lancashire, and I had never before attended it.     BUT from that day, in 1968, somehow the Holy Spirit kept the memory of my visit alive to the congregation, and they have ever since prayed for us, and later increasingly supported us. In the beginning they were just one of three groups of Christians that prayed for us, and encouraged me, a new man for God in KENYA.    Esther and I were able to visit in person together in 2011, and this month it has been our joy to have Pastor Martin Speed and his wife Margaret with us just for a few days Wednesday to Friday this week.  They were accompanied by Deacon Eddy and his grandson Luke.    We had a wonderful time of fellowship together, and they were able to present gifts to the Children here, and also to the Homes generally, in person and on behalf of the Church.  

The Church as a 'body' had been able to purchase a new Table-tennis table, together with bats and balls, for the use of ALL the children -  There had also been a Sponsored Walk of some 14 miles that had raised further funds, out of which footballs, basketballs, and other sports equipment had been bought.  The balance presented as a cash gift to the Work of Testimony Faith Homes.    We had a special gathering of Children and Staff on the Thursday evening when presentations were made, and the table tennis table set up and demonstrated.      The children, always a little 'reserved' on such occasions were truly delighted at the prospect these gifts presented.      'THANK' you Westhoughton Pentecostal Church - wish you could all have been here to see for yourselves the great contribution your constant love and prayers have accomplished over the years.

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ON FRIDAY (yesterday) afternoon our Westhougton friends were due to fly out of Eldoret Airport to Nairobi, and thence to Mombasa for a Pastor's Conference.    We had to be at the Airport by 4p.m. to catch their scheduled 5.30p.m. flight.    We were there on time, but then informed that their flight would be late as it had been diverted to the North of Kenya (to Lodwar) and would not now arrive until 6p.m.       By 6.15p.m. there was no sign of it, and on further enquiry were informed that the pilot of the plane had decided not to return to Eldoret but to proceed direct from Lodwar to Nairobi!!

There was no other 'scheduled'  flight, and our friends plus another dozen travellers were all stranded.  After some time we were told that the Airline (as per above right) were sending another plane from Nairobi that would arrive about 9.30.p.m.      We had by this time hung around for some hours and decided to come back to Testimony, and then taken them back at nine.      This we did and they caught the plane to Nairobi.      However on arrival the promised transfer from the Mombasa flight they had booked to a later one had not been done.     The plane did arrive in time to catch the last flight to Mombasa, but they were not allowed on it since they did not have appropriate tickets for THAT particular flight - so they had to stay in Nairobi overnight - at their expense.      They were by this time very weary, tired AND frustrated.       We have not yet managed to contact them today, but we HOPE they are now safe in Mombasa.

THIS AIRLINE is the cheapest that comes to Eldoret.     They are also the most UNRELIABLE of all.

They seem to have no clear policy or even schedule.      They change their flight schedule as if it has never been printed, and then lose sight of their planes as if they are totally without communication.

In fact to set foot in one of their aircraft seems to be very hit or miss - you may think you are going to where you booked and find yourself taking  'mystery' journey to the unknown, or else just stranded, uninformed, and un-mourned for, without apology.         How any respectable Airport agree for such an Airline to use its facilities is beyond understanding.

BE WARNED if you are thinking of using THIS Airline, think again.      If you go for cheapness you may well live to regret it.      ECONOMY can be EXPENSIVE.

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Our dear friend and brother in Christ, John Fowler has also been with us since the 13th.  He and his wife Sal, were missionaries here when we arrived in 1972 and we enjoyed their friendship and fellowship in those early years.   John is taking time out to revisit old friends, and scenes of their ministry together.    On money we shall be taking him on to another area to the West of us.

On the 19th we hope to receive Ian and Diana Hogley, Diana's sister, and another friend for a few days.      We are blessed.     AND on the 23rd Daryl and Carol will fly to Australia.     

Will tell you more NEXT week.     Till then our continuing prayer and love for you all - and our grateful thanks for all of you that wrote to assure us that you are reading the Blog and keeping up with our life here in Eldoret, Kenya.

God Bless and keep you safe and well

John and Esther.

STRIKING A BLOW AGAINST OURSELVES

THIS WEEK THE TEACHERS CONTINUE TO BE ON STRIKE.     They have been joined now by the University Lecturers, and next week the Doctors are to jump on the same band-waggon.
School are already shutting, students locked out and stagnating at home.    A present the Government is adamant and threatening not to re-employ those on strike!!  
OUR School remains open, and our teachers remain teaching.   We are a 'private' school and our teachers are not paid by the Government but by our selves - though we pay no more than the Government at present.
Of course the Government is not without fault in this matter.     They have promised, as much as is being asked of them by the teachers, years back in 1997, and they knew then that they did not, and were not likely to have the money to pay them.     Taken together with their own extravagances as a Government - (they recently once more raised their own salaries, whilst sitting on their recently newly installed parliamentary chairs valued at approximately £2,000), it is not surprising that there is discontent.   If the government had forgone their own personal comfort and aggrandisement in these matters alone, they may well have had more than enough funds to reach a compromise settlement with all comers.
In 1997 Testimony Faith Homes issued a Statement on its own position regarding Strike Action.   I will give it again here as we have again re-issued it to our own staff and parents.

'Testimony Faith Homes believes in Freedom of Speech and expression.    It believes in the  right of all men to live together in peace and harmony at a fair standard of living.  Because of this we believe that the Teachers of  Kenya have a good reason to press the Government for improved Salary Scales, and we support them in their applications and petitions to the Government of Kenya.

HOWEVER, we do not believe that any individual or section of society should use the other to obtain what they want in life.    We feel it is wrong in the sight of God for any man, woman, or child, to be used as a 'bargaining chip' by others.   We are to respect each other, and to value each other, and NOT put another person or group of persons to distress because of our own pain.

We put God first in these matters.    And God tells us plainly that a Godly person will strive for peace and NOT strife.    The Wisdom that comes from GOD is first of all peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated - Galatians 5v19-21 & James 3v13-18 & 1.Peter 2v17.   We see it is our DUTY in front of God, and all men, to honour the President and the Established Authority of Government, and to turn away from all social actions which might be opposed to peace and security, and which might encourage greater chaos and suffering in the community at large

THUS, we have encouraged our own teaching Staff to remain on duty with us in the School, and to TEACH.   It is the Calling and the Duty of a teacher to TEACH, and to teach what is RIGHT in order that the young might be brought up in a good and law abiding manner - to do their duty when their time comes.    It is our purpose to continue teaching as long as we can.

Should pressure from the 'outside' be brought to bear against us, or threats be given to us, we shall not be deterred.    BUT, and if through any MOB action, we might be forced to close the School (to safeguard the safety of our Staff and children), then we may well consider closing the School permanently.    We will not be manipulated by force.    For, if we have to demonstrate to our young people that MOB opinion is more than Law and Order and the common values of life, then we have agreed to Anarchy and every anti-social evil.   We shall have no ground to stand upon.    Better then to re-tools and turn the School into an Evangelistic Centre for the propagation of the Gospel - the TRUTH which is the only Saving Factor in a gradually crumbling society.

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LAST WEEK,  we all found ourselves busy with many different daily labours, and Saturday arrived with us getting ready to say Farewell to FOUR of the Senior boys resident in Jacaranda Cottage.

Once education has been concluded we encourage our youngsters to seek employment within three months.    Once employment has been found we let them continue to live at home for a further three moths whilst they look for suitable independent lodging.   During this time we hold 50% of their monthly wage against their final departure, and purchase of what they will need to set up on their own.

Once lodging is found,  they can still remain till the grace period of three months is ended.   THEN we give them a Gift of £80 to add to their saved earnings, and send them on their way with a Farewell Fellowship Evening where the Family Members including invited members of friends and staff from the other Homes come together for prayer and fellowship.

Nicholas,  Phillip,  Stephen,  and Moses

SO, last Saturday evening a number of us found ourselves in Jacaranda Cottage to bid farewell to four of the eldest boys,   Nicholas Kibet, 28 and with us since he was three...  a Waiter in a new Coffee Bar in town, whose story I shared a few weeks back.     Moses Maresi, 30 and with us since he was ten,  working at a Christian  Rehabilitation Centre from which he himself graduated delivered from alcoholism last year.   He has a 2nd class honours degree in Engineering,    He is now a committed Christian.      Phillip Kiplimo, 23, and with us since he was four, a Warden of a Tourist Lodge in Eldoret.         And lastly Stephen Wathika,  24, and with us since he was five..  a farm worker and also a trained motor mechanic.      Stephan is troubled  psychologically but the Lord has answered so much prayer for him, and he is in truth a lovely young man, hardworking and reliable.      ll leaving to live on their own in their own quarters away from home and family.     Quite a challenge and change.   They need your prayers.

Most 'family' members wanted to say a personal 'something' and the four leavers also took opportunity to unload their hearts.    Lastly we all gathered round to lay hands and pray for each one.    From the youngest to the eldest there was a genuine demonstration of emotion - from joy to sorrow all mixed up together.      And our Pastor tied everything up with a short exhortation and prayer of his own.  It was a good family evening, and one that will be repeated again and again as family members come to the time of commencing their own independent life.

Do you remember Jacob Njenga?    A nine year old boy who had suffered severe burns in a fire when he was just eighteen months old.     He lost a hand at that time as well, and he remains severely scared on his entire right side, head to toe.       He has been with us since December last year, and this month was due to attend a Nairobi Hospital for further work and treatment; he will be regularly going back and forth for some many years, as he grows to adulthood in order to work on the scarring from his burns, and also to repair his right eye and hand.     He is a brave and courageous little fellow, and his grandmother was with us on this Saturday evening to go with him to the hospital.   He herself is not well, but the only relative that cares about him that is left.     We tool opportunity to pray for him.  He left the next day - but TODAY he returned, having had successful surgery, as bright as a button.  Thank you Jesus.      

IT IS STILL RAINING HERE, at a time when usually it should have stopped and given place to the beginnings of Spring and Summer.    Our weather men tell us it may continue to rain till Christmas!

Generally the year has not seen much sun, and for the most part has felt very similar to European weather.      But life goes on whatever.       We have been thankful to have seen very little illness.

The School Building program continues, and the new Hostel for Boarders is progressing well.  In addition Parents sending their children to Testimony School seem more than supportive and willing to improve the facilities.     Their latest interest is in the provision of a Swimming Pool, and it is now hoped that work will start on this very soon.      It will be financed by a Bank Loan in the name of the School, but again will be built on land belonging to the Children's Homes, and will be open for them to use during holiday periods.      It will also be open on a limited basis to other Schools at a small fee to cover maintenance and servicing.

It is incredibly strange to see this material growth right on our doorstep, and indeed as part of Testimony Faith Homes, yet also to find ourselves - in the Orphan Homes - waiting upon the Lord for every shilling, and for every lick of paint and stitch of maintenance needed.     The School, with its, 500 parents paying for their students education, is able to budget for its expected expenditure from its expected and predictable  income.     But the four Children's Homes cannot budget since it has no expected income of a predictable nature.      How amazing then that at the end of any year those trusting solely in God and the Work of His Spirit are found equally taken care of as those trusting in man, and secular security.       ALL Praise and Honour to God, Who shows the Increase.    This altogether strange ministry clearly testifies to the Faithfulness of God.

We hope and trust you are all well.     We have no way of really knowing who is reading this Blog.  Not so many we think.      Only less than a handful actually comment on it, or even mention having seen it.      We would love to hear from more, since we often feel very short of encouragement and the knowledge of the Fellowship of those also labouring for Jesus.     We send you our united Love and Greetings.      May our Father Keep and Bless you day by day.

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol

                                   (The Greens)

A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE

His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales, has obviously not understood or appreciated his position as a Prince - being 3rd in Succession to the Throne of the Kingdom.     He looks dashing and princely in this photo, but clothes do not unfortunately make a Man.      

His Grandmother, is the Governor of the Church of England, and she has made it clear that she holds her Christian Faith seriously and firmly.  Her own personal faith is real.   It has given her strength and might to live a moral life, a role model for her subjects; and to hang on to it.

I wonder if she feels it all a wast of time and effort!    I wonder if after all that has been said and done within her family circle, and in the Nation at large, during her long Reign, she sees any real profit in doing her Duty toward God?    So much that she has held dear; so much that she has trusted in and upon, is now being scorned and even laughed at.  Ridiculed!

The Prince in relation to Christian values and the knowledge of God's Word at work in his life, seems to be almost a 'pauper' out of uniform.
He seems a fish out of water trying to fit himself in to what the 'uniform' demands of him.    He seems impervious to how his personal life and liberties will affect his family and the nation.    He knows what 'duty' means, he has to observe it in his military training - but what are his Principals in life?

BUT, the subjects of his Grandmother, the Queen, meanwhile seem busy defending his extravagant and immoral lifestyle.    They say he is young, and that all of us have done things we have been ashamed of, sown our 'wild oats' and then settled down.    In so many respects this may be true and generous hearted, though in fact it is only the 'sinner' in us all trying to justify our sin.      Indeed SIN seems less evil than it did fifty years ago, and less forbidding; more excusable.      Good old Harry - he is just a normal lover of  'life' and he needs to enjoy himself.  BUT.... yes there IS a but.       Because of his position in life, he ought to have considered his actions a little more conservatively - for the sake of the Kingdom, and for the sake of the Queen who is its Head of State - the Standard Bearer for the Nation, and more importantly for the sake of the God she has trusted and lived for.        His actions have brought shame upon her, and upon her Family, and upon the Crown she wears and upon his own integrity.     He must still be loved in those hearts that have been hurt and shamed.     He must still be accepted and to some measure assisted onwards..........BUT his standards do not proclaim God's Law.

The Prince of this world is busy doing his best to obliterate this Law, to weaken, break and destroy its power to shape society.     He is setting his sights on a NEW world that will proclaim HIS Godless ambitions and nature.        The AWFUL thought here is that it IS possible for such a world to actually come into being - totally LAWLESS in God's eyes, and entirely lacking in anything GODLY.    And the Enemy is enjoying His Royal Highness just now - enjoying bringing him DOWN to lowness, and in doing so encourage others to follow in his exalted steps.

THE BOYISH, LIKABLE face of Prince Harry, just a little flushed, perhaps habitually, from high blood pressure, booze or just high spirits of a natural human kind, reflects the faces of most of us as we grow up.    We all enjoy a good time, and friends, excitement - most of are totally unaware of the danger we often get into pursuing happiness.   Forgive him. He will mature.......

The world's press, helped by the hypochritical and venial so called friends of Harry, have almost joyfully displayed his nakedness, his sin, his shame to all who will  look, AND made plenty of money doing so.    BUT they forget a point! 

They WRITE and display pictures to ASTOUND the public and perhaps to even find a reason to question the need for a Royal Family.     They suggest that the private life of this young man is insupportable, ignoble, and shocking..............yet at the same time they promote his lifestyle by giving space to it day after day in their own writings.      They do not speak out against Fornication, divorce, sexual perversion in a way that might change public opinion more thoroughly against such things, but make money from drawing attention to it in the most spectacular and sensational way they can.     They SELL their papers with it.   Whilst pretending horror at Harry's private life, they also make light of it with their readers, almost inducing an appetite for it  -  and at the same time profit from it all.

IF Harry were MY son or grandson, I am sure I would love him dearly, and still love him dearly even now - but I would be full of grief for him, and anxiety for him.     What can be done for him?  What can be done for my son?         Isn't this what God cried out as He looked and SAW the evil that men do - men that He made to LOVE, and to own as His children?     

JESUS heard that cry, and He came to earth to put in place the means to SAVE us all from our sins.

He went to the Cross, paid the price, made possible Forgiveness and Redemption for whosoever cried out for it.    He did it for me!    He did it for EVERYONE!   He did it for Harry.      HARRY, my prayer is for you that might SEE the Love of God for you.      See a DIFFERENT agenda for your life, and find the POWER to live it - as a true prince amongst men.  A Man of Principal

ALL OUR CHILDREN ARE GROWING UP.     How they change!   From babes to infants, from infants to teens, from teens to young adults........    Most grow up healthy, fresh faced, eager to see, feel and experience as much of life as they can.      Most of them in a hurry, too impatient to listen to well intended advice and warning of the pitfalls that await their racing feet.     Full of laughter, hope and fun........who can fail to fall for the beauty of them?     Yet so many lose the glory of that early glow and shine of face.     Racy friends soon challenge their innocence and lead them to strong drink, drugs and sex.    And these soon take their toll of that abundant, youthful freshness, changing it, ageing it, uglyfying it.   How cruel !     Yes but that is how our 'enemy' busies himself, day and night.    He  also wants us to see his work, and to despair, give up, and turn away.     NEVER be cheated into doing so.

These are the times; times when we may see one our family being blindly led into the mud and slime of Satan's making; these are the times to PRAY for them  and go on praying - for I tell you there IS a Saviour who is STRONG to save.      He can and WILL save the one we pray for.     Pray with Love, with Mercy, with Kindness in your heart.  Pray with Faith that HE hears your prayer, and WILL answer it.

NOW, in the thick 'Darkness' that is slowly engulfing our world, PRAYER can still SAVE SOME.   His Arm is not shortened that it cannot still reach the sinner whoever and wherever he is.  It might be your husband, your wife.   It might be a son or daughter, or some other member you family.   It might be a friend;  it might be a Prince or a Pauper in distress around you.     Pray, and go on praying.  God will SAVE.

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ON THE 24TH August, Daryl and Carol Celebrated their 16th Wedding Anniversary.     We actually went out to lunch with them and their children.    It was very happy and pleasant occasion.

I have been finding it a little strange not to be 'in charge' any more in a real sense, since handing over to Dal.     I have had to bite my tongue sometimes, and hold back where before I would just have spoken or done something.     It is getting easier, and it is in any case a joy to have them both with us in the ministry - and perhaps especially now so that we have time and opportunity to see them take up the reigns, and still be with them, and be able to still find ourselves useful and available when needed.   God has been and continues to be very good to us both.

JUST ONE MONTH and Daryl and Carol will be off to Australia for a three week visit to Tyndale Christian School.    The Visas have come through and so they have become quite excited at the prospect of flying off with Joshua and Miriam Mbithi who will be with them.      We shall become 'hands on' grandparents to Jessie, Becky and Jeremy whilst they are away, as the three will come to stay at Green Cottage with us.

AND, during September we are expecting many visitors to drop in from the UK.

It is STILL raining, and the 3rd School Term commences again on Monday this coming week.  Lots to do, and many challenges to trust the Lord with.      Thank God for Good Health, and Peace of mind.

Bless you all, and God keep you close to Himself, trusting ONLY in His Word - one that will never change, alter, or cease to exist.

Lovingly from us all

John & Esther  /  Daryl and Carol

ODDS AND BODS!!

THESE ARE NOT our children.   They are not part of Testimony Faith Homes - but they ARE orphans and homeless children from Kenya.
According to the Director of Children's Services in Kenya, there are still 2.6 million homeless, and destitute children in Kenya needing help.  Recently  the Department was desperately appealing to Charities to HELP them find places for them all!
The said they were themselves, 'overwhelmed' by the problem.
Just a few months later we have read that the Government (through the Children's Department) has actually CLOSED DOWN more than 40 Children's Homes - ten of them in our own area.    This is NOT encouraging.      The REASON for closure is given as 'having not complied with the Rules and Regulations for running such Homes.'    And these Regulations are reasonable, but also very demanding  in ways that have increased the general overhead costs needed to administer such Homes.    The Government needs help, but wants to ensure charities pay out more in Taxes and other extra fees.

The most pressing problem for the Government has been that of 'Street Children'.    These are children aged between 3 and 17 who are living on and from the streets of the urban towns.   They are not generally 'orphans' but merely runaways from their homes and the poverty in which they live there.     It has been stated very recently that there are more than 2000 in Eldoret!       I cannot confirm this figure, and I believe it to be seriously inflated.

However, it is true that the numbers are increasing nation wide, and that they pose a threat to society.  They are basically not looking for work, but for food to support their lives and habits which include Glue Sniffing (which exposes their brain to damage), sexual promiscuity and prostitution (which increases HIV/AID exposure), and general misdemeanour such as theft, muggings, and vandalism (which removes security for the city dweller).
NOT a group easy to mix up with other children who have not been exposed to such an existence or to such lifestyle.      They ARE needy, and require assistance and serious consideration, but of a very specialised nature when it comes to institutionalism.       THUS the majority of Children's Homes do not open their doors to the 5% that may be orphans amongst them unless they are under 6 years old, and free of the entrenched ani-social habits that might affect the other children that are innocent of them.

The GOVERNMENT see these children as the ones to concentrate on.    So far they have given (or funds from the UN have given) some Ksh.4.4 billion in the current year towards finding foster homes for some of these children - providing 150,000 families with two thousand shillings every two months to care for ONE such child, (not nearly enough).      Regretfully it is still reported that some 30% of those so placed return to the street within one year.
BUT Street Children are not the majority of the 2.6 million cited as being in need.   These are infants and youngster orphaned by AIDS - their parents having died, and their relatives having backed away.    Children who for the most part do not have HIV or AIDS themselves.     These are the ones, together with others, victim of some other calamity, that fill the 500 or so Children's Homes in the Country, and the more  apparently are still awaiting help.......
In the last EIGHTEEN months Testimony Faith Homes have not been ASKED by the Children's Department to take ANY child in to any of its four Homes.     This year we have had available space, but it seems there are no children in need around us.      Other Homes are experiencing the same anomaly.     WHY?   Where have the 2.6 million gone to?    Not to the Government Scheme; not into the 500 already fully Homes.    So where are they.      Is the government lying - or are children now up for sale - are they being trafficked into labour and sex abuse?    OR is it that the Government is so intent on 'clearing the streets' that it is forgetting the others?  Speaking to the newly Appointed Children's Coordinator for this County's Children's Office, he had nothing to say!    Very worrying.
What is going on - what does the future hold.

MEANWHILE Testimony School is on holiday for two weeks.     All the children attending it, apart from our own are away.      But work is continuing on their current project which is to build a Boys Boarding Hostel for the Secondary section of the School.     This is expected to accommodate some 60 boys and to thus encourage external applications for students to attend the School who live at a distance.    The School has been increasingly improving its academic image and reputation,  and it is believed a second stream of secondary could be now put in place.

So far the foundation for the Hostel has been laid and walling will soon commence.    It will initially be a one storey building but with the the provision of adding another floor later if needed for further development.

Last Term the School's Swimming Classes had to be curtailed as the Pool they were using some six kilometres away closed down due to needed repairs.     This made them consider whether or not the School could have its own pool, and we, as the management, were approached by parents about it.

The only available land is within the compound of Testimony House.    The Homes children would of course benefit from a swimming pool, and such a facility could also be rented out to other Schools for their use, thus at least paying for its upkeep and continuance.        We have therefore agreed with the School to go ahead, and see whether or not - by a Bank Loan - they might go ahead and build.    Those who know our compound will notice that the Hostel is situated just above the Basket Ball Court - this in turn would also give way to the proposed Pool, and the Basket-Ball to be re-located elsewhere.

THIS WEEK has seen the Senior Greens celebrate their 41st Wedding Anniversary together, and also Esther's 68th Birthday which was yesterday in fact. (Esther blowing her candles out to the left).    We have yet again looked back with Thankfulness to God for all the good years we have been given together.    And yes they were ALL good years, even those when we had to combat each others character flaws and individualism.   He stood with us and helped to make it a strong, resilient, and profitable marriage - to and for both of us, and our children.

It IS a miracle in our sight.       We are both well, strong and alert.     We are both busy and happy.

ALSO we are still challenged, and often beset by many unexpected problems and situations that come from being involved with more than a hundred staff and 150 children - and this even though 'officially' we are retired and hold no Office.      Just being here within reach of everyone and everything makes us part and parcel of it still - it has been good for us- it has prevented us from both feeling like an elderly pair of horses with nothing to do but eat grass all day.     God is Good.

Joshua (now much better) and Miriam Mbithi came to supper with us at Green Cottage on the 14th which was our Wedding Anniversary.     It was their own 27th Anniversary on the 10th, so it seemed appropriate to get together and celebrate together.    We had a really good time.    They are hoping to go up to Nairobi soon to get their Visas for Australia.      Daryl will be doing the same for himself and Carol.    Then they will be all set to travel together on the 23rd September.

Thank You Notes will soon go out again for the latest Love Gifts received, and we thank you all with all our hearts for each of you that have prayed and supported in any way over these last months. Months that were indeed full of challenge day by day for us.       

God Bless and be with you all

John and Esther

SNATCHED from INSANITY!

Nicholas Kibet

TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO, in March 1987, we were asked to admit a three year old Boy.  Jacaranda Cottage had a space, and Miriam Joshua Mbithi (then houseparents) gladly opened their heart and arms to receive little Nicholas Kibet.   He was very small indeed for his age; almost stunted.   He could not stand up or do anything for himself.    He could say not one intelligent word, but only unintelligible gibberish.   Neither would he agree to eat anything on our menu.   It seemed he was completely disorientated.     It was a daunting situation, but Joshua and Miriam persevered and got down to prayer for him.
A few hours BEFORE his arrival in Jacaranda, Nicholas had been wrenched from the arms of his birth mother.  She had given birth to him on the streets of Eldoret, a poor beggar woman, homeless, nomadic, and insane.     She could be violent at times, and people were afraid to accost her.   One social worker trying to intervene when she was cutting her baby's hair with a piece of broken glass, was rewarded by her turning upon him, cutting his hand deeply with the glass in her hand.     No one tried to interfere after that for some years till the Police finally went in force and took her and baby Nicholas in Charge, bring him to us in Testimony Faith Homes, and her to the Hospital ( she eventually died there).    For the three years Nichols and his mother were together she never let anyone touch or be near him.   She alone took care of him, feeding him from dustbins and whatever she found in the gutters of the streets.    She herself only spoke 'mumbo jumbo', and thus Nicholas had no proper words in any real language.   Not the best of starts for his life, and now he had to cope with sudden and probably, to him, frightening change.
We had no idea how he would grow up or how affected he would be from the years of exposure to every danger and privation that he had been subjected to.
He grew up to be a quiet, obedient child, but not able to retain certain facts and figures in his head.   He learnt to read and he attended a Course after Form 4 that was intended to qualify him as a Game Park Ranger/Guide in the tourist industry - but he could not remember the names of the animals.   He failed to qualify and after a little while we let him attend a Catholic College where he learnt to cook and to bake.    He graduated with a Diploma from there, taking a year longer than most to do so, and without completing his written examinations.     Practically he was fine, and seemed able to remember what to do, and even how to do it.      He had come to know Jesus Christ, and to believe in Him early on in his School days, and his faith was his firm foundation and strength.

Today, at 28 he is working in Eldoret in a new and modern Cafe in the latest Shopping Mall.     He cooks and sometimes waits on customers himself.    His honesty has earned him the trust of his employer who has increased his salary twice already.   The Cafe is busy and popular, and he has been an instant success - because he is very outgoing and friendly, honest, hard working, and presentable.       With prayer and the help of his own personal faith in Jesus, he has been able to overcome his shortcomings,      We meet often either in town, or here in Testimony, where he still calls in for a chat and a cup of tea.    He is good to talk to - full of Thanksgiving to God, full of pride in his work, and hope for the future.   Nicholas will be a Joy for ever.     Not rich perhaps, but certainly through his example and good heart he will make others richer.

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TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO I wrote in the June Newsletter -

The Wind, the Fire, and the Earthquake are still great and fearful forces,

speaking of power, and glory,  BUT God was not in any of them.

He was in the 'Still Quiet Voice' - a voice both still and quiet.

Yet a Voice that still commands both man and the elements completely.

How desperately we need to get back to this; how we need to get back to Jesus;

to the Love of God flowing through us, cleansing us of every evil;

every evil thought and spiteful word; filling us with a passion for others to be Saved!

AND THUS we have ourselves felt to beware of the tinsel trappings,

the worldliness, of our profession, and instead to be more sober,

redeeming the time.

Romans 13v10-14

2.Timothy 4v-5

Acts 2v41-47

John 13v 35

1.John 2v9-11

1.Corinthians 13v1

Matthew 7v21-23

1.Kings 19v1-13

THEN, at that time, I had quoted from the words of Jonathon Edwards 1703-58 in his Personal Narrative -

'On January 12th 1723, I made a solemn dedication of myself to God, and wrote it down; giving up myself, and all that I had to God; to be for the future, in no respect my own; to act as one that had no right to be himself in any respect.    AND solemnly vowed to take God for my whole portion and felicity; looking on nothing else as part of my happiness, nor acting as if it were; and to His Law for the constant rule of my obedience; engaging to fight against the world, the flesh and devil, to the end of my life'

And also from the words of John Wesley 1703-91, who said -

'I fear, wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion.    THEREFORE, I do not see how it is possible, in the nature of things, for any renewal of true religion to continue long.    For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality, and these cannot but produce riches.    BUT, as riches increase, so will pride anger, and the love of the world in all its branches.'

AND THIS WEEK (25 YEARS LATER) I have found myself reading from Dietich Bonhoeffer 1906-1945 (The Cost of Discipleship)

'Cheap Grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession.   Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.                              

COSTLY GRACE is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has.   It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods.   It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble, it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows Him.     Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock.

Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ.   It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.   It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner.    Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of His Son: 'ye were bought at a price', and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us.   Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us   Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.

Costly grace is the sanctuary of God;  it has to be protected from the world, and not thrown to the dogs.   It is therefore the living word, the Word of God, which he speaks as it pleases him.   Costly grace confronts us as a gracious call to follow Jesus, it comes as a word of forgiveness to the broken spirit and the contrite heart.  Grace is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says 'My yoke is easy and my burden is light.'

READING THIS  I was yet again forced to realise how quickly the 'spirit' of a man yields to the flesh.  We 'say' we are following Jesus, but what do we leave in order to do it?    How much of the old life, the old comforts, and trappings of our old worldly life are we taking along with us?   How much is it ME in me following Jesus, and how much of HIM?      How much of my own way, my own opinion, my own wisdom, my own 'rights', my own 'security',  have I left behind to Follow Him?    

I felt suddenly a hypocrite!    God help us all to 'examine ourselves' and to discover indeed if we be still IN THE FAITH.  

DANIEL ARAP MOI, 2nd President of the Republic of Kenya once said -

'Without the teachers and Christian Missionaries I would never have acquired my formal education, nor the Christian faith which has permanently re-shaped my life.   LEADERS will never win the confidence and co-operation of the masses, unless they live an upright life, and unless the people see them to be leading that upright life.   It is true that 'actions speak louder than words' for the example of ones own life is a more effective lesson than volumes of writing or decades of speech.'   (Kenya African Nationalism)

DID HE MEAN IT?     Did he BELIEVE IT?    Some will say he was indeed a hypocrite, and that he lied to himself if not the nation.     Is he any different to me, to you, to us all?     Do we not so often justify ourselves in the midst of our worldly wise ways and practises  -   By GRACE I am saved.

When I was yet IN my sin, Christ died for me.  I did not deserve forgiveness but I was forgiven!

And Paul asks ' AND because GRACE ( this undeserved mercy and loving kindness ) is there for me, shall I continue in sin (GOD FORBID IT)  -   yet to I indeed persist?    Do I continue in dealing with the world around me;   STILL, in so many ways, wheeling and dealing in my mind and actions as the world does.     Am I still OF the world, still in love with myself more than GOD?    Will I still tell a lie, take a bribe, justify the sin around me instead of loving the sinner enough to WARN him of his ways.     Where do I stand.     Where DO I Stand?      Selah!!!!

We love you.    We love you for loving our children to give them a chance to be IN the world without being of it.     We need your prayers to minister this gospel to them in love, cherishing them for Christ's sake.

John and Esther

Let them eat RATS - again!!

KENYAN BASIC FOODS can be seen here in this photo of a basic meal, Rice, Beans, Chapati, and soup.     Daily diet is not flamboyant or even very interesting to Westerners.   On the other hand it can be very tasty and enjoyable.     MEAT is not often able to be eaten by the average man in the street since the cost has gone steadily upwards and out of reach.   Indeed food generally is now becoming out of reach to the average family stricken as it is by unemployment and high costs.
More than 60% of the population is unemployed; often whole families without income and living in extreme poverty and need.
IN TESTIMONY FAITH HOMES, the children and the staff that make up it's daily population of some 150 in the Children's Homes and more than 600 in the School, are also finding food more difficult to budget for.     We ourselves are now depending mainly on Rice, Maize, and Beans, though with our Garden Project we are well off in Green Vegetables.      We can also have eggs twice a week.    
BUT last week we were shocked to read in the Daily Nation a truly amazing headline -

'NEW BILL TO PUSH UP PRICES

OF MILK, FLOUR.....'

'Prices of maize flour, bread, wheat flour, milk and other basic commodities will shoot up by 16% if M.P.s approve plans to impose VAT on them.     Also lined up for additional taxation are agricultural inputs, which could also push up food prices even further.'

These measures were being proposed by the Kenya Finance Minister Njeru Githae.     It met with immediate opposition.      One M.P. Charles Kilonzo from YATTA, asked -

'What kind of government,

which has all along been saying it is pro-poor, comes up with such a Bill?

We are asking President Kibaki to intervene. 

We in Parliament will not accept it.

On 31st JULY it was announced -

Finance Minister Robinson Gitahe has bowed to pressure and withdrawn the much criticised VAT Bill from being debated in Parliament.   

Robinson Githae

INDEED, it would have been sheer madness to proceed with it; it would have produced an immediate outcry from the masses - and the ground of 'revolution'.      The French Revolution began for the lack of BREAD!     How could the Minister dream up such an idea?     It was the SAME man that suggested Kenyans might need to eat RATS if they wanted to avoid starving - and THEN he puts up a plan to help them starve more quickly and utterly!   Extraordinary.

It suggests that the Government itself is under pressure to cough up its debt payment to the G.8.   But if payment of the national debt is urgent enough to enforce the starvation and death of its citizens, then the situation must indeed be more than desperate.       Kenya needs much prayer at this time.   A beautiful and potentially prosperous Country, yet one at risk.      The National Election had been originally scheduled for August this year, then shifted to December, and now MARCH 2013.    Could this delay in rescuing the Country from very present economic fears and anxieties be due to external, more than internal blackmail.

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LAST SATURDAY, was the 43rd Anniversary of the Founding of Testimony Faith Homes, and also the 31st Anniversary of the commencement of the School.      It was a good day, well attended and enjoyed by more than 500 visitors.       The weather was good to us as well, the expected rain holding off.     We all ended the day happy and content for all the hard work and effort that had gone into it.

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TESTIMONY COWS are all well and doing well.      The last one to come has now calved and given birth to a pretty brown and white heifer.     She is not with her mother, in the photo, but with one of the other three 'aunties'.     We are so very thankful to God for the advent of our little 'Herd' and especially that, through them, we are able to be totally provided for milk-wise.     They were quite a star attraction on Founder's Day last Saturday, with they were admired by many.
Visitors also visited the Bakery as well, and tasted our bread, and it looks as if we may soon be able to launch out into the deep as local bread suppliers.         Wonderful that WE also will be able to have bread back on the Menu - we had to discontinue it for the most part as it had become just too expensive to buy.

Our Father in Heaven Bless and be with you all, each one.   CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR US ALL.
Today is a Day of Prayer and Fasting here in the TFH.    Starting at 9a.m and going on to 4p.m. staff, friends and even students can join a nucleus in the School Hall to pray for ongoing needs and PRAISE God for His Wonderful care of us all.    We now press on into the School Holiday month of August - always a busy but happy month.

Our Love always, in Jesus

John and Esther

YEARS GO BY

Prem and Elizabeth Joseph

MARRIED 12 YEARS, AS OF TODAY, our

daughter Elisabeth, and husband Prem Joseph.

All the family GREEN travelled to Chennai, India for the Wedding. Prem and Liz both live in Rochdale, Lancashire today, and Prem is pastoring there in Champness Hall right in the Town centre. They have two children - John Finney, 10, and sister Rachel, 7.

In fact it is also John Finney's 10th Birthday TODAY as well, an event he also shares with his cousin Becky, Daryl and Carol's daughter. Becky is ELEVEN today. SO today is a rather special day. The Rochdale Greens are currently visiting Germany right now, and the Eldoret Greens will be having a small meal together to celebrate Becky's Birthday this evening.   Separated as we all (the Greens) are by distance, these are times when we tend to miss each other most of all.
AND of course when there is some special family fixture to

remember,  we especially find ourselves looking at photos and recalling memories and so on.   When we have a day like today with a Wedding Anniversary AND two Birthdays all in the family it tends to fill the day with Family - almost as if they are ALL here together with us,   INCLUDING other members of the family such as Steven, and Anjie with their son and daughter, Tonia and Eric, together with Michael and his wife Janet - all in the UK.      AND also my sister Patricia, and her son and daughter, and a whole new and until very recently 'unknown' side of my own family in Scotland and New Zealand.
I must say that we are proud of our children, and our Grandchildren.     We are proud of them because they are together in love with each other and are able to have their own home and family without strife and without the fears and insecurities that many families have to suffer.  
My own early home and family was filled with violence, worry, and upheaval because of alcohol and unfaithfulness.     I determined that if ever I should marry I would never endanger the lives and happiness of my children by letting anything come between us.     And God has been so very gracious in giving me a happy marriage, and children that have grown up quietly and with a faith and integrity that has kept them from the many pitfalls that have strewn their paths in life.     Yes, God IS Good, and He has heard and answered our prayers.    AND this is not to say that we have in fact all been saints instead of sinners!     We certainly have many times erred and missed the way ourselves, but the Goodness of God persuaded us always to turn to HIM, and in doing so to find help and restoration.
King David in Psalm 116v1-2 -

'I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my prayer;

Because He has bent his ear toward me!

Therefore I will call upon Him, as long as I live'

I had prayed that I might find a good wife and mother, and that I would be a good husband and father.

I prayed that together we would make a 'home' that would be always full of happiness, love and security.    And although marriage is indeed a 'partnership' I did not pray for a partner, but for a WIFE for life; a true and competent mother for our children.      And my prayers are answered still each day.

And I believe there are countless others that have and are having this appreciation and experience of Marriage; Marriage as God means it to be.     Even though all around us is to be seen 'change' and devaluation in such standards and practises; even though we have un-guaranteed, and uncertain 'partnerships', 'same sex' marriage partnerships, and wilfully 'single parent' families.  And even though it is clear that world society is changing in such a way that humanity itself may soon become unrecognisable - even de-humanised in the long run - YET God STILL proclaims TRUTH in real Marriage and Family Life.     THUS, the Writer of Hebrews in chapter 13v4 says (in the Amplified Bible Translation) -' Let Marriage be held in honour (esteemed worthy, precious, of great price, and especially dear) in all things........'

And if our sons and daughters manage to attain such sustained determination to share in the creation of a similar home and family, then to be sure, we must pray and therefore hope, that our grandchildren also will continue in the same way, and thus to some degree provide a continuing Light and Witness to the True Pattern of God for the entire watching universe.

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MIKE AND DANI POTTER and all the Team from Tyndale School are now back in Australia - no doubt still recovering from their labour of love AND the long flight home again.   I received from one of them an up to date snap of me taken with our son James 'Manu', now 28 and working with a Special Project attached to the Referral Hospital here in Eldoret.    We see him often.      He is an IT Wizard, but not as wise in other ways.     I love him dearly.  Pray for him much.

Everywhere has become strangely quiet once more, as the days have continued with intermittent sun and rain.   There is still almost a month till the End of Term, and NEXT Saturday will be the 43rd Founders Day for Testimony Faith Homes, and also the 31st Parents and Prize Giving Day for the the School.  We share the Day together, and preparation for it usually begins during January or February.     At 10.a.m. the Invited Guest of Honour arrives to tour the School, viewing the special Class & Laboratory Exhibitions, and also being shown at least ONE of the four Children's Homes.    ALL the School parents are invited and usually follow the Guest of Honour round.     At 1p.m. EVERYONE has lunch together.   Then at 2p.m. everyone squeezes into the School Hall for the Annual Concert (put on by the students and Homes children) and later the School Prize Giving.    A short (15 min.) address from the Guest of Honour, and then everyone goes home by about 4.30p.m.    Quite a long day, but usually very well attended and enjoyed.

HOWEVER since all this will happen on Saturday, and we shall all be caught up in it all day, you will I am sure forgive me, on this one occasion, if I do not update the BLOG as usual.     But the following Saturday - 4th AUGUST, I will be back again, and maybe also with some photos of the event.   Please pray for us in between, and remember us.      

Some funds arrived for us a few days back via AENON, and a Note of Thanks will be in the post for those that contributed.   God Bless, Keep and Enliven each one of  you in the days ahead.   With our much affection and love in Jesus, Lord and King

John and Esther