AT LAST, a photo of Lizzie Green, flanked by Dad and Mum.   We were sitting in front of a Wall Carpet of some praying Kenyan children in our sitting room.     SUCH a great JOY to have her home with us, if only for such a short time; she was with us for only two weeks, and left last Thursday - the 14th July.    The weather was COLD and cheerless, and we had to stay inside a great deal.      Also she found us both a little preoccupied with problems.    We felt that we did not give her a lot of joy and gladness, but she sure gave US plenty, and her presence with us at this particular time was a wonderful comfort, and did much to settle our own minds and spirits where we had been unsettled and a little 'lonely'.
SURELY NOT!   I mean we have been full of news of the Tyndale Team Projects and activities among us, and surely we could not have been still warding off the fiery darts of the wicked one?
Well... but Yes, we still had our problems circling around.    There are times we just cannot share what is touching our heart and upsetting our spirits.    We bury them out of sight under the lighter and less disturbing elements of daily life.     We do not mean to 'hide' our trials, but we do not wish to unload every trying triviality on you.     He walks with us at such times, and brings, in time, out of gloom into light.    He used our lovely and beloved daughter to help us through this time.    We do thank the LORD for her, and for all our children.

Well, after writing last week at such length about unemployment I felt I must have gone on a bit too much, and felt a little guilty in pouring out my concerns upon you all.     And indeed not one person commented upon my lamentations concerning unemployment;   I guess you all know about it yourselves; after all it is a world wide issue.
OPPOSITE is a photo of David, one of the two your men I mentioned last week as those currently seeking employment after leaving College almost a year ago.    He has a Diploma in I.T. ( Business ).  He has a sharp mind.   Having walked up and down tirelessly in this extensive Town he has found nothing to provide him with work.   David was born in 1990 and came to be with us when he was just seven years of age.   He and two other brothers came to be with us after his parents were burnt to death in their homestead during tribal unrest and violence.    At 26 he still looks just a teenager and is of a short stature.   This seems to work against him since to a prospective employer he just does not appear as old as his age.      He is a very inovative young person, inelligent and inventive.   Please pray with us for him as we seriously seek to see him started on his own independent life.

TO THE LEFT is Jotham, aged 24.  He came to us when he was 14 having lost his mother who was unmarried, and when needing to join his last year in Primary School.    He did very well and proceeded on to Secondary School with us, completing his 4th Form in 2012.    He is a bright and serious young man.     He has a Diploma in Management (Project Management Option) which he completed well in September 2015. Once again he has found no opportunity to earn a living so far.    We would also ask you to join us in our prayers for him to find employment, as we are now doing our best to assist him find some definate open door.
BOTH these young men have been with in a way that has earned them our good will and encouragement as we have seen them live peaceful and careful lives as part of their respective 'families' in the Homes.   They have not been lazy or irresponsible, but they are beginning to feel frustrated and depressed as days go by.....
YOU MAY WONDER how young men in their twenties have come to be part of a Children's Home where eighteen year olds are supposed to be adults and about their own business.     When DAVID joined us aged 7 he had not been to school at all.    Starting with 2 years of basic in Nursary School he still had 12 more years in Primary and Secondary plus a further 3 in College.  He has had tenacity as well as a will to learn.      JOTHAM was 15 when he joined us, but had 5 years of Primary and  Secondary in front of him as well as a further 3 of College.       Children do not always come to us early, and often have little or no education..    THUS some stay longer than others.

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THE WEATHER has continued WET and COLD, and through it all our young friends from Tyndale School, and their teachers plus some parents, a Team of 34 have laboured strenuously on.   Some suffered setbacks physically, but were not long held back, and it is true to say that everyone put their back into what had to be done.    Both here and at Neema Homes, FENCING has been the most engaging occupation.     At Neema some were putting up a huge part of their Boundary Fence.
With US they were putting up a wire Fence at the Dairy AND a Securuty Fence around our School Boarding GIRLS Hostel to keep them safe and sound from undue inquisitiveness.     The Poultry Houses have been refurbished and other matters put in hand.    Actually the Poultry Unit is still being refurbished, but all will be completed, God Willing by next week, before they leave on Friday.    It has been a lot of work for which we are more than graceful.   God is SO good to us.

AND TOMORROW will be our Baptism Sunday, and many will go through the Waters of Baptism in the shallow end of the School (unheated) Swimming Pool.     Rather COLD  it will be!!      Normally we have had Baptisms in our old Baptistry near the School Office, but with the advent of the Pool, we have moved away to the larger venue.    BUT it is colder there, and of course the water being a much larger expanse IT is colder as well - especially at this time of year.
THIS is just a photo of some of the school children during a school swimming lesson.

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We also had our SCHOOL INTERVIEW INTERVIEW to day - for the post  HEADMASTER for the PRIMARY SECTION OF THE SCHOOL.   There had been more than 30 applicants, and these had been shortlisted to TEN.     The School Heads, and Daryl, myself and Esther sat on the Interviewing panel, and although it was quite a difficult matter - they were all so qualified and worthy- we finally chose a brother in Christ named Benjamin Emojong.      We all felt that the Holy Spirit pointed him out in the particular, and we hope to see him take up his post almost immediately.   Anthony Ndungu, who has been standing in as H/master for some while, will now return to being Principle of the School overall.

God Bless you all.    My apologies for delay in sending an Update.    Hope to get one out shortly.

Love from us all, 

John, Esther, and Daryl Green

STEPPING DOWN, BUT NOT SHUTTING UP!

YES! of course Tyndale Christian School Team is with us yet again, having safely arrived last Wednesday.     They are here until about the 23rd July, and have already begun their labour of love among TESTIMONY and also at Neema Children's Home.   The weather so far not bad, but not VERY warm or sunny.   But there is a little sun between the clouds  and plenty to do and friendships to make in the days ahead.     Mike and Dani Potter are leading the team and it is great to renew fellowship and also to meet new people.    THIS TIME round they will be putting up fences here and there, putting DOWN a path or two, erecting clothes lines where there were none, restoring and upgrading the Poultry Unit, and, and helping to equip and upgrade our Bakery.    And this year the Team is mainly consisting of Girls, so we pray they will prove their strength and stamina in doing some challenging work.     The Team stays in a Christian Guest House in town, and come to us for Breakfast, leaving after supper each day for the Guest house to sleep.   Our school transport assists in transporting then two and fro, and also in getting Team members to Neema Home.

THE FIRST photos today show a view of our Dairy area.  To the left we are looking from the driveway towards the boundary hedge.  The Dairy man's house is middle right with the red roof.  You can just see the roof of Green Cottage beyond the hedge and across the road.   Tyndale Cottage is behind us as we look.   All of this on the Jacaranda Cottage Compound.
The NEW fence is going up to the right, and you can just see part of the OLD fence to middle left of the photo.    The idea is to provide a larger area for the Paddock for the cows, to exercise in. The cows otherwise remain cared for intensively.
The second photo is taken from he HEDGE end and looking down toward the Milking Station. In this photo you fan clearly see the old fence, and the line made for the NEW one.    We now have, as I have previously told in a previous Blog, TWO cows, and two calves.    ONE more cow is to soon join us hopefully - another generous gift from Tyndale School Team.
We have a good Dairyman, and have ordered a double Milking Machine, to make life a little easier for him.     At present our 2 cows are pregnant, and are not yielding much.   But when the THREE will be with Milk we will be able to supply the need of all four of our Homes AND the School with enough Milk.   Even with the overhead cost, it will be MUCH cheaper than buying milk in Town.   We are believing the LORD will smile on this endeavour.

To the right are three of our girls all looking suitably mischievous little cherubs,.   Behind them the Dairyman's house again, and to the right again the main GATE from the road into the Day Care Centre which is just out of the photo to the far right.       We have THREE other Homes on this side of the road with some 96 boys and girls under 18 - yet it still has space and order as a compound that also comprises the Day Cared Centre the Dairy, AND one of our Vegetable Garden Plots.
On the other side of the drive just in front of the girls is Tyndale and the new Jacaranda Cottage.

 Today some of the new double bunk beds for the Girls Hostel arrived - four of them - and by Monday the rest should have arrived, and all the beds made up - all gifted by members and friends of Tyndale School.  Everything else has been made ready, and as I mentioned last week, the Team will be using the kitchen/dining/sitting room facility  during their stay on this occasion.       We are VERY happy that the plan to use part of Old Jacaranda for the Senior Girls has worked SO very well,     THEY are also very happy and excited at the prospect of moving in on the 1st August.       We also received the sitting room chairs and finished all the paintwork there during this last week.   It looks good.

It looks a little cramped, but there will only be, on average, about 12 girls using the space at any time.

All of what we have done here to make the Girls Hostel a reality has been accomplished through the Legacy left by our dear friend Miss. Jean Potts, who I know would have been overjoyed to see it.  She was always so glad to see any progress for the good of the children, and vocally publicised all that we did in her church and indeed wherever she went, no matter that she was well into her eighties.

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THE POUND STERLING began to FALL here when the U.K. announced it would LEAVE the European Union.    Everyone seemed initially complacent about it on the day, but since then the pound has dropped from an exchange value of Ksh.150, to Ksh. 125.   A very considerable loss to all those dependent upon its steady value.
Of course we know this will be reciprocated in other places as well, most of all no doubt the United kingdom herself.     Kenya herself should be appreciating this situation, and indeed one might expect a decrease in the daily cost of of living - no sign of it yet;  it is still climbing.     So please remember to pray for us,when you have your time with our Father in Heaven.     We know HE watches over us, and we know HE will not forget us, or be unaware of the global situation of which we are a very tiny part.

YES!  WE HAVE AN EVEN MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM!    The problem of finding how to EXIT our children from the Homes when it is time for them to find employment and a future.    We have been forty four years in Eldoret.    More than 300 children have grown up and left us - each one with a job of some kind.   Not always what they wanted or had even trained for, but at least something that promised money enough to live on - even if not much more!     During our time in this Town we have found sympathy and understanding enough from local government, and the private sector.   But when we began here in 1972 there were only forty thousand inhabitants in Eldoret .   Today there is reputed to be more than 1.3 million!!    Not much else has changed here, especially in industry and trade.     It is said unemployment stands at over 60%  -  the majority being twenty and under!!   This obviously poses a problem; a challenge, and indeed a very real crisis in places like ours - places that take Children in who are helpless and hopeless with the idea of providing them a future, only to find that future blocked.

THIS YEAR we have TWO boys still WAITING, after a year,  to find a job  -  any job.      In September there will be SEVEN more!!     They go through School, and then we do our best to fit them into some training - even up to University if they can attain the necessary grades.... but when they graduate with Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees, there is nothing available to do in their chosen Fields no matter what they are.     THIS is frustrating, so frustrating that it may encourage turning to Drugs, and even Crime.        We appeal to the Children's Department, and Government!   We cry out to our local Chamber of Commerce, and Business and Industry.   Nothing.      YES, we know it is a National Problem - a World Problem - but who is looking for answers on behalf of their own flesh and blood.     Or who cares that the baby they bring to us to care for and to be saved from the streets, is later to be thrown back to the street purely and simply because  the Government, by that time, has ceased to CARE.      I have been told by some officials that it the concern of the Private Sector (of the Charitable NGOs) to care, and find the answer.       We have been applying ourselves in doing exactly this without Government aid, assistance, or even real care.      Isn't it right for some appreciation to be shown; some assistance to us to find a FAIR exit opportunity for our children - in order that we might be morally able to see them go without anxiety - without ANY fear that we wasted our time.
We have never asked or required financial aid from Kenya to provide even a shoe lace for any child in our Homes since they began to come in 1969.     We still do not ask,     BUT we are entreating Kenyans to care about the future of these children, and to make the years that have gone into bringing them into adult life, both meaningful and worthwhile; children from all over the State, rescued without fear or favour as a 'GIFT' to the Nation.

THE YOUTH of Kenya, altogether face a quandary so grave that I believe it seriously affects their ability to study and focus with any sense of real expectation that it will reap a reward.   They look around them, talk to those who have left school and college ahead of themselves, and they wonder more and more what the future holds..
Look at these faces!  Faces of OUR children in the midst of doubt. For all the promise of a place to go and earn a living, they are more and more believing they are alone and almost stranded.     It is a Depression that is setting in, and it did not start today.
We are now running a Hostel for Boys of 18 and over, plus another for Girls.    We see in front of our eyes the effect on their minds in regard to how they will live and prosper in the future when they must finally leave us; leave home!     After all EVERY parent is experiencing this situation      Although I CRY today on behalf of the Orphan and the Destitute without real home or parent, to be provided help to start an independant and life in Kenya, I must also remember those at home with their parents - your children.      ALL our children are already asking- before they Graduate - 'WHAT NOW?'   Will you look the other way?   Will you be silent and let a child of yours rot away on the street?   Will you say he is no concern of yours?

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We are all well, and still enjoying the joy of having Elisabeth home with us, though the time is flying past too quickly.     She will have left us again by Thursday next week.  But still very Thankful that she was allowed to be here with us.    Thank you Lord Jesus.

We received on Wednesday this week, a Donation from friends in the UK, send via the AENON Trust.    We do Thanks Appreciate every shilling - An Update will soon be sent to all.

Love from us all,  John Esther, and Daryl Green

OUR PLANS have also gone astray a little since last week - mainly due to the weather,and also a small break-down in 'supply and demand'!!
Firstly the weather has continued to give us plenty of rain every day of the week, which has continued to prevent us with getting on with some outside work, including - as you see here - the painting of Old Jacaranda's roof.   STILL raining as of today, and we need two or three days of sunshine before we can start painting.  If we commence painting whilst it is raining, the force of the rain will seriously spoil the paintwork.      THEN we have been delayed with the supply of new charcoal ovens for the Bakery, and also heavy rain has stopped us getting the new Green Houses erected.     Rather disappointing, but we have to Thank God for He knows the way we are taking and if He wants to slow us down, He also knows how to do it.     Left to ourselves we may have run ahead too much unwisely.     So good not to be alone on the job.

BUT, work on the inside of Old Jacaranda has been continuing, and the interior of the new Girl's Hostel is now 'most' finished.    Here are a few updates -
Here is one of the TWO bedrooms - still without beds, but they are on the way - to accommodate 8 girls each.     Part of the window space has been especially adapted to also act as a Fire EXIT in each room.    
Each room opens on to a central passage running the length of the house from the Entrance to the Wardens apartment.   On the other side of this passage can be found the Kitchen, and the Sitting/Dining room.
There is then access to the Bathrooms and Toilets at the far end of the Sitting room.
At present we will be catering for only 12 girls full time - three others away in university during Term time..

This is a view of he Dining Room, which gives on - through hatch - to the kitchen.    It is a little spartan, but still comfortable.    The room is in fact both dining a sitting room, and in the next photo we see the sitting area looking from the kitchen hatch.   We are in the midst of painting the floor, of both areas, but the sitting room will also have a carpet  - and chairs of course.
The Room is quite long, and the windows look out onto a small lawn.
The door top left leads into the central passage
mentioned before, and the Wardens apartment is on the right as you go out.
Our Warden is to be one of our cleaning staff.
Mrs. Rosaline  Odunda is a widow of many years from Western Kenya.    She is a very dear lady who loves God, and has worked hard most of her life to bring up, single handed, her own four children.      The Girls have received here appointment with gladness, and we hope it will be an enjoyable and profitable one.   a photo of her may follow a little later.     She is a cool of some reputation, though she has not worked as a cook for us, and she has felt that she would like to cook for the GIRLS as part of her employment in order to encourage a more homely situation for them as they leave their respective family 'Homes' - I can see them all having a great time~!
THE LAST photo in this series is one of the KITCHEN.      It has ample cupboard and working top space.      There is a Gas Oven (second hand) already installed, but we still wait for a double ring heavy duty gas burner, plus a fridge - all on order, but so far not delivered.   The Hatch into the Dining Room is seen above the white cupboard and worktop.     The double sink is seen to the right on the second photo under the window.     In all the space so far being used, though not spacious, is compact, and homely.  We feel happy and thankful for it.

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ABOVE IS AN ADVANCE PHOTO OF 2016 TYNDALE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FROM 

ADELAIDE, SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA

They are expected HERE in Eldoret on Wednesday 6th July until the 26th.   A Team of 34 inclusive of Staff, Parents, and STUDENTS.      They will be dividing their time here between US and Neema Children's Home run by Miriam and Joshua Mbithi.      We hope the weather will improve for them and that the RAINS will will be suspended, and some sunshine break through with a little warmth.

A LOT of works for them to get involved with, as usual, and also we hope even more friendships made between us all.     Please pray for them all, as Mike and Danni Potter join them to be with us all.

MORE NEXT WEEK!     Until then we wish you all peace and safety through the week ahead, assuring you all of our prayers always.      Lovingly in Jesus Name,

John, Esther and Daryl Green

THE PLANS OF MICE AND MEN GO OFT ASTRAY

HERE WE ARE ONCE MORE! So sorry I was unable to put anything up last week, but time and people just prevented it.    NOT A LOT OF PROGRESS since the previous blog.
Work has continued to go on, but the weather took a sudden turn for the worse a week ago. and we have been unable to complete outside jobs - like painting the roof of the Girls Hostel.   The photo is a close up of one a put up two weeks back.  BUT the interiors have continued to be worked on, and we now only await some of the furnishings to arrive.     NEXT WEEK I will hope to bring photos of the inside apace.
The Bakery is likewise finished as far as redecoration is concerned, but the new cookers and the proover are still awaiting - sometime next week we hope.

OTHER NEWS -  Generally all is well with us.  
Miriam Ondanga our pastor's wife is still recovering.    However, she remains quite unwell at home. This is now her second month.   Doctors still unable to properly diagnose her problem.
Joseph Githinji, one of the Testimony House boys, who suffered a small Depression that caused him to experiment with Marijuana, has now greatly improved and seems to have found strength to keep away from the drug.  He is now hoping to join his training course.   He is Praising the Lord for this.
Our daughter, Elisabeth, will be visiting us as from next Thursday for a fortnight, from the UK.  We have not seen her for five years, so we are looking forward very much to her arrival.   She will be coming alone, her husband Prem and the children left behind in England.
Our Annual General Meeting of the Board for TFH will take place on 1st July,
Tyndale Christian School Team will arrive from Australia on the 6th July until the 26th.
The 35th School Parents and Prize Giving will take place on Saturday 30th July.    It will also be the 47th Anniversary of the start of TFH way back in 1969.

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I WAS THINKING TODAY, listening to all the sudden confusion, over England leaving the European Union,  (the excitement, apprehension, and general mish-mash of joy and gloom),  that it has some similarity with Israel leaving Egypt behind on it's way to being a NATION at last.     They had gone to Egypt in need of economic safety and security when times were bad.     They stayed on until eventually they became slaves to Egypt.  Fed, secure and not too badly treated, but still SLAVES.

Eventually, realising how their taskmaster was sucking them dry for their own wealth, they cried out in protest.      And God in Heaven heard them and brought them OUT.      They were so dazzled by the thought of being FREE, and their own masters once more that they failed to realise there might be a COST to it.         As soon as the Day came, and they walked out of Egypt - a place, for all it's faults, that they were used to and had found protection and safety in - they began to regret what they had left behind - forgetting their slavery.     They were a mixed multitude, not even all Jews; a multitude of people with very different hopes and views for the future.     They were soon regretting their departure, and grumbling about their new situation.        And EGYPT?    Well Egypt was regretting letting them GO, since now they would be the losers, and with that realisation came a bitterness that looked for revenge.    Yes Israel, in LEAVING Egypt faced a hard road, and humanly impossible challenges.      BUT as they went forward GOD OPENED THE WAY before them.      The problem facing the United Kingdom is not the hardship of the way, but the fact that the majority seem unaware of God in it with them!   Watching and listening to the avalanche of comment following the Announcement that the U.K is leaving the Union, I have heard no mention of GOD; none at all.       But for all that I personally feel that the RIGHT thing has been done - even if everyone feels a mistake has been made.    The real mistake was in getting involved with the Union in the first place, and selling our Birthright (our Sovereignty) for an untasted bowl of questionable soup.

The Maarstricht Treaty was signed in Maarstricht in 1992   by John Major (the then UK Prime Minister).   This brought the U.K. into the Common Market, and was achieved with haste and without any real national support. In signing it the U.K. effectively ceded its Sovereignty to the Union - it was in many ways tantamount to an act of Treason against the Crown and Government - no one was called 'over the coals' for it though.    The United Kingdom, since then, has more and more been handcuffed to the European Union who have demanded more and more money, whilst at the same time interfering with our Justice System, and Government Policy making.   We became less and less in charge of our own affairs.     Nevertheless in many ways it seemed a good thing to be part of the Union, even if unable to direct our own affairs without their permission.
As I have said, from the beginning I have not been in favour of our Membership to the E.U.   It is not so much a political policy of mine -  I am no politician.    Purely a 'gut' feeling - or maybe even a spiritual intuitiveness.    I think it is a good thing to leave.     It might be only just in time to avoid much worse than we might be aware of.     Better late than never - ALTHOUGH it seems that the REGRETTERS may demand another 'Referendum' to overturn the first!?    Why?  Purely and simply because they had not realised their action would COST.      But NOTHING good comes without cost. Freedom does not come without cost.      It cost Christ His Life to free ME, and give me a hope and a future.
Yes tomorrow might call for sacrifice........even here the value of the Pound had gone down in its Exchange value with the Kenya Shilling; it has already dropped 11 shillings in the pound since Thursday this week.    Kenya is is also complaining that leaving the E.U. will affect its trade with the UK, and in many other ways diminish its economy.    Yes it may be so.  It will affect us also!!  Things will be unsettled for a while.     Life will go on.     Jesus, our Lord and King, has promised to be WITH US no matter where we are, and no matter WHERE, or  what situation, we are experiencing. And HE will bring us through, and make us to be victorious.     Read 1 John 5v5

The weather continues to be WET and cold again.    Temperatures of 64f described as 'freezing' by those of us who live here!    And truly it IS cold, and we feel as if it IS freezing.     In between we do see the sun, in clear blue skies, but heavy, voluminous clouds regularly role up during the day, and the icy rain comes down.

Our Prayers are for you all, wherever you may be.     He is holding all of our hands, and He will also communicate with us and give us confidence for the days ahead - because He loves us.

God Bless you all

John, Esther and Daryl.

HERE IN ELDORET

AN ELDORET STREET SCENE, taken yesterday, following a Street Parade of the Africa Israel Nineveh Church.    Founded by a Kenyan, David Z. Kivuli it perhaps one of the fastest growing Kenyan Denominations, reaching into many surrounding Countries, with branches in America and the United Kingdom.     They are a part of our Christian scene.   On Parade, they can block traffic and everything else for a long time, dancing and singing as they go.     The Holy Spirit has a very central place in their worship and daily life, and their attractiveness lies in the simplicity of their faith and life style.   I will include one more photo here - both taken by Daryl when driving in town yesterday.

THE FLAG represents the Trinity, their 'Banner' under which they live and witness.   NOT in any way a 'national' flag.    Members all dress very plainly, the men in long linen gowns.     They can be very noisily and exuberant in their worship and outward display of discipleship.
Although the Gospel of Jesus, and the Work of the Cross is clearly upheld,  the laws of the Old Testament of the Bible are often also given a lot of importance and observation.
I personally always have a sense of JOY when coming across them - a sense of simple Gladness of heart.   Fridays, are usually their Day of Witness - a day in which to Witness publicly, and to win others to their side, and to Christ.       Sunday's is their Day to Confess their errors and mistakes, and to seek forgiveness and a fresh infilling of God's Spirit.   They may 'look' a little out of the ordinary, even cultish - but within themselves is a very real and lively faith that has to be noticed and even admired.

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CONTINUING PROGRESS in Testimony Faith Homes finds the New Jean Potts Hostel almost ready for habitation   The roof is yet to be painted, and interior furnishing to be done but otherwise all is complete.   From the photo opposite you can now see more clearly where it fits in to the OLD Jacaranda Cottage.    A better photo next week hopefully.

DRAKELEY COTTAGE built in 2007/8 has had quite a lot of problem due to the shoddy work of the contractor, causing one end of the house to subside.    We have recently been able to relay the kitchen floor, AND also the central passageway between the dormitories and the sitting room.    Still a little more to do, but it is beginning to look a little better - including a new carpet in the sitting room, and soon new table tops for the Dining room.    

One end of the Cottage may in a couple of years, have to be partially taken down in order to compensate for severe subsidence.    The original Contractor truly cheated us whilst at the same time witnessing to a very sincere Christianity.     He went on from us, and has enriched himself.  He seems to be successful.       Just recently I heard of one man who always insists he is a Born Again Believer in Christ, yet who is rarely sober, but rather totally drunken throughout the day.     He says he cannot avoid strong drink, but he 'knows' Christ has and does forgive him.     He 'knows' the Word of God, and perhaps he is putting a little too much hope in 1. Corinthians 3v10-15, and is setting too much aside in Hebrews 19v26-27.

TESTIMONY HOUSE sitting room chairs have almost ALL been recovered.     One small man whom we employed from outside on this monumental job charged only 70 pounds for repair and re-upholstering of 28 chairs.    Well we had to also buy the material used, but all in all he did a good job mainly on his own,    It took three weeks though, and the sitting room was a real tip during the period.

THE BAKERY expansion, hit a set back in that the plan had to be a little revised.    The five charcoal ovens will now be ,moved from one end of the area to the other.     The actual redecoration of the room has been completed, a wall knocked down, and wash-room added.    We now wait for the two new cookers, a proover, and another mixer to arrive, and THEN we shall hope to re-open.

FINALLY THE SWIMMING POOL.    We had to replace an Engine recently, TWO in fact. Then one of the two broke down.    We returned it to the maker, and were given a new one which so far is working well.    We had also found the Engine Room door had been vandalised, so we have had to increase security at the pool day and night as it was assumed we may have suffered an attempt to sabotage the Pool.      It is now back to all its original glory, and we continue to host national and international Swimming Events.  The next will be in August with some TEN Countries participating - our own little Team also taking part.     Looking at this photo you might never know that for thirty years this spot looked like a dumping yard for scrap and rubbish.

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ON MONDAY this week, I was alone drinking a cup of coffee in our sitting room.   I had just set the cup down having finished the coffee, and was leaning back in my armchair, ready to doze off; I had been quite busy and felt a little tired.      Just then Esther came in.  I knew it was her without looking and said 'Hi there!'.      I could see her by then just walking out of the room into the passage.  She stopped and asked if I was OK.     But I could not answer her.   She asked again.   I could not speak.   I could hear her, and see her.    She came across the room then toward me.  She said I had not moved, but my eyes were open, and my lips moved, though without making a sound.   She shook me, and I became irritated.     What was she making so much fuss about; I had told her I was OK!  Then I heard myself telling her tersely, that of course I was OK.     I seemed to be conscious all through this incident which only took a minute or so, and I was quite fine afterwards with no further trouble.   Was it a mini-stroke - or was I just so sleepy I could not make the physical effort to say more than I had.     Poor Esther thought I had died!     I thought she had gone potty!    We both had a good laugh.

ON TUESDAY this week, Miriam Ondanga,  our Pastor's dear wife, was to be released from the Hospital in which she had been for almost three weeks battling with some unknown chest infection first thought to be Pneumonia.    She was on Oxygen for two of these weeks, and then developed Malaria.    The hospital she attended is run by our Medical Officer for TFH, in town.    He also attended Miriam.     On the day she was to be released her husband, Wycliffe, was advised that he would have to pay the Bill in full or else she could not be released.    The Bill was for Ksh. 349,000/- (about 2,465 sterling pounds.     He did not have the money, and the hospital refused to negotiate in any way.   I think Wycliffe was then on the way to a nervous breakdown, and Miriam also (they were both broke, with no hope of immediate help.)   The Lord just that morning brought a Gift from many via AENON for our housekeeping this month.     We had nothing else in hand, but the Holy Spirit clearly indicated that we should put our brethren's situation in front of our own, and I immediately paid the hospital Bill so that Miriam could return home, and the anxiety and burden could be removed.     SO she has been slowly recuperating at home, and she is almost her old self.     Thank you all for praying for them both.     They are a very dear couple.

ON WEDNESDAY,  late in the afternoon, Bishop Moses Otunga walked into the Office!     We had not actually SEEN him face to face for about 20 or more years!      Moses came to stay with Esther and me, in late 1969.  He was then about 16 years old, and his younger brother Jacob Otundu was already with us.      Moses completed his Secondary Schooling and went on to study painting decorating at C.I.T.C. where he did very well, and eventually became a well known artisan and lecturer.      But the Lord had more than that for him, and he and his wife Queen eventually found themselves called into full time ministry.      He is now well known interdemonationally both in areas of Children's welfare (he has a children's home of his own, and training centre) and also that of bringing Christians of all persuasions together in fellowship and love.      Well it was a great joy to suddenly SEE him right there in front of me, and to be able to have him with us overnight.    He travels a lot and was in fact just on his way back to Nairobi from ministering in Uganda.We had a wonderful time and as parents we could not have been more overjoyed to see one of our sons back home, eating at our table.
Thank you Mose!  Come again soon.

I must conclude here for this week.      Keep us in mind dear friends.  Pray for us.    He who is King of All is not long to come.     Even so COME Lord Jesus.

Lovingly - John, Esther and Daryl

COWS FROM HEAVEN!

ANOTHER PEEK INTO GREEN COTTAGE!    This time Esther and I are entertaining Salome with her husband Amos and some of his family.    You will remember, perhaps, their marriage on 28th November last year?   And on Wednesday THIS week they both came to visit with Amos' Father, and brothers, in 'Family' accord, and with a gift to the Homes of a COW, and a BULLOCK!     We had a very glad and happy time together sharing good memories and TEA!

Actually we had not seen any of them since the Wedding, so it was especially good to have them visit and to see their continuing happiness together as man and wife.   To the left we managed a good photo together with them.   We also had Hesketh and Alice Muli,  Mica Yego, and Francis Lahol plus Daryl Green all with us as well - quite a party.
We hope to visit them in their home in the not too distant future.     Testimony is an ever growing family.    It is a always a special joy to see and hear of the children moving on, and making their own lives and families.    May God Bless them all, always, in Jesus Name.

SO, now we have a herd of Two milking cows, one bull, and one calf.     We would have had more but regretfully one other cow who was in calf, passed away due to 'Bloat'  a few months back.   This was so sad, and really the result of an accident since our little herd is very well managed by our Dairy Manager, Joseph.     The cow was five months pregnant and overly large.    When she began to give signs of distress Joseph did not immediately suspect she had over eaten since all our cows are rationed in what they eat.     Somehow she had managed to get out and get a little more than she should.    The Vet was called in and he came immediately, but it was too late.  We all wept.     But the Lord has given them back to us with interest.  
Some improvements are also on the way for the Dairy, and new flooring is being laid down for the whole unit.   ADDITIONALLY Daryl and I were in Eldoret yesterday and came across a new and relatively cheap Milking Unit that milks two cows at a time.   Picture opposite.    We had been thinking about looking out for one for some time, and now suddenly they are right here in town!

WORK continues on our new Girls Hostel, and the Bakery.   Probably some up to date photos next week.    We thank God for making these improvements and repairs and even expansions.     It is ALL of Him       We all remain well, apart from our dear sister Miriam, our Pastor's wife.   She has for some years suffered from a form of Arthritis, but has for all that continued to Head our Nursery Department in Testimony School. But just recently she fell ill and was hospitalised.    She is still, after two weeks, in hospital, and the doctors still uncertain as to WHY?      Wycliffe, her husband, has been beside himself with worry.   Please remember them both in prayer.

God Bless you all

John, Esther, and Daryl

THIS IS A VIEW OF the 'SHREE SWAMINARAYAN' Hindu Temple which stands not far from us, at one end of Elgonview Road - a rather odd design of ancient and modern - but not ugly at all.   From what I can gather it is estimated that there may be as many as 60,000 Hindus living in Kenya today.    There were as many as two hundred thousand at one time, but there has been a considerable exodus to Europe, the United Kingdom, and Canada.      As to how many currently live in Eldoret I am not sure.    The Town's present total population is put at 1.3 million.    The Hindus, currently living here may be around 1%, but I should not claim to be anywhere near the correct estimate.



To the right a snap of the Almadiyya Mosque in Eldoret.   There are in fact many small mosques in Eldoret, although the Muslim population may be even less than that of the Hindus.     It is the Christians who are said to be more in number - some say 88%,  - but in truth they many not all be very committed or observant of the Christian Life.  'Thick on the ground, but not very deep in practice'. However, generally speaking all communities have and still do live together in peace and quietness in Eldoret.   An exemplary example to all.
The City is more than 300 kilometers from Nairobi to the south east.   It is some 6,400ft above sea level, with a very pleasant climate.     Basically set in an agricultural region known for its wheat and maize, with tea plantations also found not far distant.   But when Esther and I arrived here it was just a small Market Town of some 40,000.   That was in 1972.   It has grown since of course.  The Town spreads on both sides of the Uganda/ Nairobi - Mombasa main road, with its main commercial streets found on the south eastern side of that road.    Few cars in those first days - fewer than about eight might be found parked anywhere at any time.
We shopped with Aziz & Akbar, a small retail grocers.    It is gone now.   But I came across a photo of it, and brought back a lot of memories.   The proprietors were Muslim, and were most courteous; full of respectful charm, and able shop-keepers.     I think they kept more on their shelves than any of our current Supermarkets that came to replace them.   This photo was taken in the early eighties I think - more cars already apparant,     In the 70s I used to walk in to Town with about eight of our kids to do the shopping there and in the open Market.     We are four kilometres out of town and would, in those early days, walk back home again laiden with sacks, bags, and boxes like a Caravan of old.     Caused many a raised eyebrow as people looked curiosely at this white man and his retinue passing by.     This went on for some years until I could drive, and the Lord provided a car of our own - until about 1975 I suppose.    There are still three good shopping streets, and of course many other services crammed into the Town centre.    Town Hall, Law Courts, Police Station, Fire Station, plus many hospitals.    We also have a Town Library, and more recently an established University. Indeed Eldoret is a progessive City and the Chief County Town of Uasin Gishu County.

The photo to the left is one of the intersections in the main shopping area - just to show that we can be a busy, jostling, traffic infected town at times - and it is far worse today!!
AND in the next photo we are coming down into the very centre of town on the Uganda/Nairobi road. There are times in the day when it can take TWO hours to travel from here to the other side where the white sky-scraper is standing on the left. nearest to the road.!!     The roads are busy ALL day with ordinary vehicles, trucks and lorries, as well as motor cycles in abundance, AND pedestrians who tend to be worse than 'Jay-walkers'.     It is very dusty in the dry season, and very WET when the Rains come.     There are frequent power blackouts, and sometimes a shortage of water.     BUT for all of that, and the hustle and bustle of life, Eldoret is not a bad town to live in.
Well I must confess I did not have a lot to talk about this week.   I hope you will forgive me letting you have a peek into our town.      That town is now much closer to us than when we arrived, and we no longer feel as it we are in the countryside.    But it is still far enough away for us not to be very disturbed by it in relation to noise.   On the other hand we are more and more aware of its influence in relation to providing a lot of temptations and attractions away from good morals, and social behaviour.     Crime is growing, and Drug (and even People) Traffickers are increasing.    We thus feel the pressure of this both in the Homes and the School.     Much Prayer is needed to keep on the straight and narrow paths that lead to Life.

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Do you feel days and weeks are speeding up?    We do.    It is more and more as if each week goes by faster than the one before.    An incredible feeling of acceleration!       Life continues here reasonably uneventfully - the restorative and progressive works continue to near completion, and everyone is feeling a little thrilled by changes that are to come.     Nevertheless the hum drum daily matters of just living keep us busy in prayer, and in trusting our Master and Lord.   We hope to send out another brief Update to all those whose electronic address we have on record.    Till then may God our Father in Heaven keep you close, assuring you of His Love for you.

Sincerely in His Mercy and Kindness

John, Esther and Daryl.