HOW SECURE IS HOME AND FAMILY?

In all personal human relationships disagreement of one kind or another

can break the relationship.

BUT IN THE FAMILY

there ought to be special ties that bind us to each other.

Esther and I, as parents, know from experience, as most of you may know,

that humanly we can exasperate each other.

Even as husband and wife we have had our days!

RECENTLY Esther and I have found ourselves more than usually 'tried' and almost to despair within OUR 'Family Circles'.     THEN we came across these Lyrics of a song written by Dolly Parton.   Not a word about God in them, but as we read them we were once again reminded of HIS Love and Grace.      Some of the lyrics may be a little unusual in the way they are worded or arranged, but even so we commend them to you for careful and open hearted reading with the Spirit of God.     We can so easily set this picture of Family aside in a very impatient, selfish and unloving world society.

'WHEN IT'S FAMILY'

When it's family, you forgive them for they know not what they do.

When it's family, you accept them, 'cause you have no choice but to.

When it's family, they're a mirror of the worst and best in you.

And they always put you to the test - And you always try to do your best,

And just pray for God to do the rest, when it's family.

SOME are preachers, some are gay; some are addicts, drunks, and stays,

But not a one is turned away, when it's family.

Some are lucky, others ain't;   some are fighters, others faint.

Winners, loser, sinners, saints, it's all family.

And when it's family you trust them and your heart's an open door.

When it's family, you tolerate what you'd kill others for.

When it's family you love and hate and take, then give some more.

Somehow you justify mistakes, try to find some better way

to solve the problems day to day, in the family.

You take the troubles as it comes, and love them more than anyone;

Good or bad, or indifferent, it's still family.

You choose your lovers, you pick your friends;

Not the family that you're in  -   Nah!

They'll be with you till the end, 'cause its family.

And when it's family, family your forgive them for they know not what they do.

When it's family, they're a mirror of the worst and best in you.

When it's family;   when it's family!

Let Me be all that I should be, in the family

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

DAN NDUNGU

SINCE RETURNING HOME TO TYNDALE COTTAGE, last Wednesday, Dan has continued to gain his strength and accustomed vigour.     We have been truly rejoicing to see him so bright and healthy.     He shows no outward sign of the months of previous anxiety, nor of the rigours of being on the operating table.     A very VISIBLE miracle of God's Healing and Grace.    Something to shout about.   IN THE NAME OF JESUS!

Trust in the Lord, and don't despair;'

He is a Friend so true.

No matter what your troubles are,

Jesus will see you through!

DAN

with Mica and Catherine Yego

AND just two views of the young man himself, on his own, and looking very well indeed.     He IS thin but this is due more to the fact that over the year he has been adding height, growing like a bean-pole, than to anything else.    He will soon regain some body weight, especially now that he is not worrying about his scary condition, and the vision of an operation.

EVERYONE is overflowing with Happiness just to see him back home and with the prospect of a future that had seemed so full of apprehension, yet is now looking so secure and healthy.

OPPOSITE - on the next page - is a photo of Francis Lahol half a year ago.
He completed his initial Chemo-therapy on Monday.  He is still weary and weak but on the whole looks better and we are all rejoicing for him as well since he and his wife, Eunice continue to maintain their own assurance that in Jesus Name, our Father is busy healing Francis, and saving his sight and his life all together.      They too have been uplifted to see how prayer has been answer for Dan, and that though it seemed to be delayed and even obstructed, it prevailed and was mighty in its working.    Keep upholding him in these next very telling weeks.

THIS LAST WEEK we had the joy of a visit from Ian and Diana Hogley.      They first set foot in Kenya in September 1968, and I arrived in December the same year.   We found ourselves living almost next door to each other, and have remained close friends, together with our wives, ever since.
So, to some extent, we were able to celebrate 50 years in Kenya together.      SO Good!!

This is all for this time.      We Thank God for His daily care of us.    God Bless you all

John, Esther and Daryl Green

DAN NDUNGU

AT LAST, after waiting since January 2017 when we all first found out his need, Dan was operated upon in Nairobi on Tuesday morning.   It has been quite a long wait, and not an easy one either for Dan, or for all of us. 
We had first put up this photo of Dan on the 21st January 2017 when I had written of him, saying 'he has been with us since 2002, when he was approximately five years old.   He came from a Collection Centre for street children in the town, and he came without any traceable history, relative or anything else.   No records at all.    He has grown up to be an able student, top  of his class, active and lively, showing no physical ailment of any kind.
UNTIL NOW THAT IS.   Suddenly a week ago, he complained of pain around his heart, and quickly lost energy and strength.    We quickly took him to our Doctor on Wednesday of this week.  (our government doctors were into a five week long strike, so we had to look for a private one who would see him.)    On examination we were told he had a 'serious' heart condition and needed immediate surgery, and suggested we see a Consultant as soon as possible.    Finally on the Saturday we found one, and she agreed to see him.     She confirmed that his condition was serious, and that he had a 'hole' in his heart.    She also told us she felt surgery was not an option, since he had been like it since birth, and all such cases had a short life expectancy.'      We had all been shocked.     We took to prayer, and within the week he was back in School, as bright as ever.      We all rejoiced,  in a Miracle.     But  he relapsed, and finally we took him to Nairobi to a hospital specialising in Heart cases for children.     They agreed to operate, and said they would also assist with the cost............yet, for a year and eight months, they have delayed and delayed, and delayed.    Daryl has had to take Dan again and again - almost month by month - back to Nairobi expecting him to be Admitted but no..........until 3rd September when they called for him to be finally taken to be admitted and the operation carried out on the following Tuesday.      Although not in pain, but by now very weak apprehensive, Dan was yet again taken up to Nairobi, this time by  Micah Yego, his house-father.
They journeyed up on the 2nd staying overnight with James Mbati, one of our old boys, who had kindly welcomed them for the days they would be there.       THEN, arriving at the hospital on the Monday morning at 8 a.m. Mica was turned away and told the Surgeon had not returned from his Leave, and would not be able to operate - maybe until the Thursday or Friday.......    We were all very much disturbed by this new delay, but it was no use returning to Eldoret, so they remained with James, in the City.     On Friday, they informed the Surgeon was available, but there were no BEDS available to Admit Dan into.    He would have to wait for a vacancy!.........Finally after almost a week, Dan was Admitted on Monday of this week and the Operation took place the next morning.
The Hospital has attested it to have been SUCCESSFUL, and Mica, seeing him later that day found Dan able to take hold of his hand and Greet him.       He is now out of Intensive Care, and apparently doing well - he may be home with us in a week!     YES, and there has been great Praise and Thanks-giving here by all who know and love Dan, and we want to THANK all of YOU who have been praying for him all this while.       Blessed be the Name of the Lord.     He does hear and answer prayer and STILL performs miracles.      Oh what JOY!!!

More than a year and a half ago we were professionally advised nothing could be done for Dan Ndungu, that he was terminally ill, and would die.    No medical HOPE.      BUT we did hope!   We hoped in God's Word, and in Jesus our Lord and Saviour.     And we continued to hope, WAITING, until TODAY the one who had the death sentence passed on him is ALIVE and LIVING.    Listening to that initial prognosis, and believing in it, we may all have given in and given up.    BUT we looked up and trusted in GOD.     Again this verse of Scripture has poured over us in ever increasing power and verification.

2.Corinthians 1v9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves

that we should not trust in ourselves

but in God, who raiseth the dead.

The LORD be with you all, your Shield and Protector, your Health and Life.

John, Esther and Daryl Green

CAN GOD BE FOUND IN OUR WORLD?

THE LOVE, interest, concern, and even respect for GOD seems more and more to be dwindling in this fast world; a world of accelerated change.    Yet our world is filled with questions and problems that seem insoluble and pressing.      THIS WEEK I read that one in four children have mental health problems, and the juvenile suicide rate is up by 100%!!    Not good news, and not a hopeful outlook for the future.     Why is the world, as it is today, in moral and spiritual decline, increasingly permissive, and historically ignorant, so passively ready to accept whatever it is told without question?   Why is our  world producing mentally challenged, despairing youngsters?
There DOES seem to be a 'spirit' of hopelessness rolling in upon our thought and society; as if there is nothing worth living for, no ultimate aim to reach for.
My life for the last fifty years, together with Esther my wife, has been involved with the care and development of children; children who have had to face fear and anxiety, as well as a sense of hopelessness for their own future.
We have had to deal with the effect this has had upon them.      We have had to find ways to pacify their fears and anxieties and calm their mental disturbances, and give them hope for the future.      It has been quite a labour, but we have seen no suicides in the 400 hundred we have lived with and cared for.      We have seen many satisfied hearts and minds, and many disturbed young people pacified and brought through to a peaceful outlook and existence.    And seen many of them go on into marriage and parenthood as they labour for a living in this increasingly difficult, competitive and very uncertain world.     In all those that took time to come back to us for our Anniversary last week, we rejoiced to see young men and women facing up to life bravely and with faith for the future.       MANY OF THEM have done so by seeking out God in the world around them, and in their lives; discovering that they are not on their own, and that they need never be defeated.   They have actually done what the Prophet Amos exhorted us ALL to do in his Book in the Old Testament of the Bible chapter 5v4 and 6 -

Thus says the Lord.....SEEK (look for) Me   

(enquire for, and of Me, and require me as you require food,

and you shall LIVE.

++++++++++

SINCE I WAS SIX I have KNOWN without doubt that GOD exists.     I BELIEVE that GOD wants every person to KNOW that He IS real, and forever existing and alive.     HE wants us to know that He IS able to hear and answer our prayers in the 'here and now' of our lives.      THIS is not what the world around us generally believes or even has time to consider.      Never mind, 72 years after I was six and found out that God is there for me and you, I STILL believe and know it as a FACT.     I might die of a terminal disease, get shot dead, or in some other way physically suffer, BUT I will still KNOW God is with me.

God says, in the Bible, in MALACHI 3V10 -

'PROVE ME NOW,

and SEE what I will do for you'

BUT HOW?  How shall I prove HIM?     The Prophet Jeremiah says that we shall find Him 'when we search for Him with all our heart / mind, and mental faculties _ Jeremiah 29v13

IF we would reach out to Him in our spirit - our inner man....'....if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far ever every one of us - Acts 17v27  -  reaching out with all our senses and faculties, trying to perceive God in our inner self.

THUS, when I was six, I remember looking up into the night sky, and at the stars that hung and twinkled there.   My childish mind reached out with the question - 'What holds the stars up?' - it rose up above me in my thoughts, and almost immediately the answer was there in the front of my mind - a 'flash' message 'GOD is holding them up!'      I was not a church goer, did not attend Sunday School, had no Christian parent.

BUT I had my answer.   It was an answer I needed, with my drunken father beating up my Mum inside the house.    It was a definite answer, and it satisfied ME as my world was breaking up behind me.   If He was holding the stars up, HE could and would hold ME up too.     From then on this incident formed the foundation of finding PROOF of God in almost everything I saw around me.  Psalm19v1 and also Romans 1v20....

Let your thoughts reach out to discover God.    He WILL let you find Him - if you sincerely want to.

.................................................... 

THE APOSTLE JOHN found another way of coming to know Jesus, and being close to Him, and through Him to God, our Father in Heaven

In his FIRST Letter, chapter 2v3, he says 'Hereby we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.'

 -This is how we may discern (daily, by experience),

that we are coming to know Him,

(to perceive, recognise, understand and become better acquainted with Him):

IF we keep (bear in mind, observe and practise)

His Teaching (precepts and commandments).

THE MORE we read the WORDS of Jesus, and even ALL the Scriptures, the more we shall slowly begin to SEE what pleases, and what offends God, generally, and even in the particular.

BUT, we have to read regularly, and we have to let what we read unfold in us a true understanding and intuition of how God is - UNTIL we can truly say that we 'know' Him

THE APOSTLE PAUL  in his Letter to the Roman Church, chapter 12v2 writes - 'Change the way you THINK - so that you may PROVE for your own selves what is the good, and acceptable and perfect will of God; EVEN the thing which is good, acceptable, and perfect in His sight for you.'

NOW we are back to Malachi and   'proving God' again.

WE ALL NEED TO KNOW GOD practically - NOT just theoretically.   GOD wants us to know He is not a myth, or the creation of any man's imagination.

IT IS OUR DUTY TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH FOR OURSELVES.    To PROVE by personal experiment and enquiry - Ephesians 5v10   'Proving what is acceptable to the LORD'.   AND, by implication, also what is NOT acceptable.      As we put into practise in our life what we KNOW, we shall REAP what we sow - and hopefully LEARN from it.

IN CONCLUSION, the APOSTLE PAUL writing to the Church in Thessalonica and in his FIRST Letter chapter 5v17 exhorts them all to ' Pray without ceasing.'     To communicate with God all the time, as if he is constantly with you, wanting to share your life.    'HE is never far from us - Remember Acts 17v27.

As you share your thoughts and feelings and desire with HIM, you should expect Comment, and even Action as He responds to you - He will make Himself known to be there with you, and to have HEARD what you share with Him.

BUT - if we willingly live a life that is not pleasing to God, THEN He may withdraw Himself from us, and refuse to be found by us - 1.Chronicles 28v9

HAVING FOUND GOD, WE HAVE THEN TO AGREE WITH HIM.

We have to make Lord of our life

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

FRANCIS LAHOL HAS HAD TO SPEND A FEW DAYS IN HOSPITAL, but is now home again with his family in Testimony House.     He continues to recover, and gain strength.   He has ONE more session of Radiation AND Chemotherapy to undergo.     Please to join our prayers for his total healing.

JAMES MANU returned from yet another visit to Eye Clinic.      They are stating that he will need a further twelve months of treatment - either 6 or 12 sessions.    Generally the current prognosis is the best he has had yet, and he is much encouraged.

DAN NDUNGU went up to Nairobi for his operation to repair the hole in his heart last Sunday.   He was expecting the operation to take place on the Tuesday.     It was delayed due to the late return of the surgeon from his vacation!   It was deferred till Thursday but has again been deferred until Monday or Tuesday of next week, due to a shortage of bed space!!      Very frustrating and difficult.

But we know the Lord is over all this, and that in the end it will all work out for the best.   Mica Yego from Tyndale Cottage (Dan's home) is there with him in Nairobi.

A 16% tax on petrol has hit the nation this week, and there is a current shortage of fuel as well, which has together brought increasing pressure on the travelling public and trade.    Of course the effect on all consumer products, especially food, is also expected to immediately increase the cost of living.  The future looks rather bleak for all.     Nairobi has already seen riots, and the petrol shortage may continue, and has already begun to be felt here in Eldoret.

BUT THE SUN IS SHINING -   AND BEST OF ALL GOD is caring and watching over us

May He Bless you all and establish all your thoughts, strengthening your Faith.    Our Love in Him to you all, as we all together join hands in and with the Lord Jesus.

John, Esther and Daryl Green

SATURDAY, 25th AUGUST 2018

130 of our Old Boys and Girls, their husbands, wives and children

plus house parents and others of our staff Celebrating 49 Years of Family.

Commencing in August 1969 in Maseno, Western Kenya, and moving to Eldoret in 1972 the numbers of young people and children helped within the family circles of Testimony Faith Homes, are more than four hundred - 130 of them still in residence with us.      From time to timed, we have tried to have Reunions for those who may have left and wanting to keep in touch with us.  The first was in 

1979 - our 10th Anniversary, then in 1994,  our Silver Jubilee.   Since then we somehow missed having any definite 'Family' Meeting, with so many just calling in from time to time.     SO this year we thought we would 'test the water' and see how many would actually be moved to accept a definite Invitation to lunch on this our 49th Anniversary.    If a fair number accepted then we would press on with arrangements to mark our GOLDEN Jubilee  in 2019.      We Invited 71 Old Boys and Girls who, having left us over the years, had remained in the locality.    Fifty Three accepted, AND arrived on Saturday, 25th August, many with their wives and children, and even some grandchildren to make a final gathering of 130 plus some of our staff.      It was a truly heartening and wonderful occasion, and so we are NOW beginning to plan for next year when we shall expect treble the attendance plus all the friends and well wishers we hope will also come.   None of those who have lived out their childhood with us, who now live and work in other parts of Kenya, joined us this time round, but next

year we will be inviting ALL of them from all over the State to where they may have gone.    So far about two hundred and fifty plus.     

The Weather, on Saturday managed to keep reasonably dry, but it was not too warm.    We managed to all cram into the School dining-room for Lunch of Roast Chicken, Rice, Beef stew, vegetables, and Chapati with Ice-cream and cake to finish, plus sodas, and tea.    Then we all repaired to the School Hall for fellowship from about 2 p.m. till 4.30.    I want to now fill up with as many photos as I can of those attending.     .

A few of our more recent Leavers, arriving.   They are all at the commencement of work, in Business, Information Technology and so on.   All young men, who still feel more than at home strolling once more around the place they have grown up in,     So good they feel free to come, and we trust that as they continue to find their way in the world outside that they will continue to want to keep in touch and keep us up to date with how things are for them.
And on to the School Dining  room where lunch is about to be provided by our Caterers

There were just too many to served at the table, and so all had to QUEUE with their plate and receive what they were ready to eat!     It was not as long a procedure as one might think, but not quite what you might have imagined for a Grand Occasion!    It often happens like this and people are used to is, even in hotels where one must often queue at a Buffet.

I am unable to put up all the photos that were taken.   Some were shot rather carelessly and people were out of focus or just not ready.   The photographer had a good camera but was not too hot on picture composition.   My apologies if you miss a photo you were hoping to see.    I am going to try and now include as many as I can, and which are fairly representative - only about 50% of those who were actually there with us,

Francis Lahol & family

Catherin Senge & family

Left - Francis Lahol who came to us when he was only ten, a Chef with his Wife and now houseparents to DrakeleyCottage. 

Miriam Peter and Joshua

Right  above is Catherine Senge, now YEGO, married to Mica and with a son and daughter. She was only a baby when she came to us in 1980. She and Mica are Houseparents in Tyndale Cottage since 2004.
   

Vincent Aluusa

Left is Miriam Peter (now Mbithi).  Miriam came to Testimony when she was seven, and trained to be a Nurse, married Joshua and returned to care for Jacaranda Cottage with him for 19 years before starting their HOME, -Neema Childrens HOME.

Right - Vincent Aluusa, a graduate from our Trade Training Centre in the 70s, and ever since our loyal and well loved Maintenance Officer.  He also did a stint at Jacaranda Cottage as a PARENT.    He is married.  He likes 'caps' like Mzee Oginga Odinga - not sure why~!

To the Left is Rev.Moses Ongonga who came to stay with us in 1971 aged  10.   He is now married with two children, and has been in the ministry of God's Word with Africa Inland Church for many years.   

To the Right is The Venerable Jotham Chege, Archdeacon for the Nandi Hills CPK Diocese.      He is the brother of Rev. Francis Wainaina who was Deputy Director from 1972 until 79.  When Jotham's Parents died he and his sister came to Testimony House. Rev. Chege is married with children.

More than 14 children from Testimony have grown up to serve the Lord in one capacity or another.     A great joy for us all.

Pastor Wykliff Onganga, below left, seen with his wife Miriam, came to us when he was about 15 in 1975.   He trained as a teacher

and at one time was Headmaster of Testimony Secondary.  Eventually having left us for other employment he returned as the School Chaplain and Pastor to our Fellowship Church.

He has been very much engaged in evangelism within the Homes, and we thank God for the many who have turned to Christ over the years as a result of his patient, loving ministry.

Miriam, Wyckliffe's wife is Headmistress of our Nursery School.  They have two lovely children.

To the right is a photo of Purity Abwona, now married to John and with a recent addition to her family. Purity is one of four who came to us in 1996.   She is a trained Teacher.    Her husband works in Information Technology.

NB - might be of interest to note many of our boys see to choose wives who are teaches or chefs!

And, to the left again is DAVID Koech, who together with his brother Ezekiel came to us in 1976.   He is now married with two sons.   He is an Accountant and Business Man, and lately has gone into small scale farming.    He has always remained a close member of the Testimony Family, and is possibly one of the most enthusiastic long time supporters.     He brought his nephew to the Luncheon on Saturday, the son of his brother who sadly passed away some years ago.     Thanks David!

There are some 'families' that have stood the test of time, and that catch the eye when seen together at an time.  I will bring to our notice one or two more at this time.    

George Agusioma with his wife and young son.

George was a special member of our Family in

Testimony House.    A great happiness to have 

them with us today.

AND to the right is Richard Ochieng with his children.

Richard was with us from just a few months old in 1978.  He is a Business man, and is into Building and Road works.     He has known what it is to struggle, but keeping his mind on God, he has managed to keep going and to bring his family up in peace and strength.

You cannot imagine how glad and happy Esther and I have been to see them all.  Oh my!

ABOVE is Mwangi Macharia and his Family.     Mwangi was only about 11 when he decided to take my little car for a drive!  I still don't know how he managed to get his short legs onto the pedals, but he brought it back safely.   A bit of a cheeky lad!     But we somehow felt there was a future in him.      He is into the transport business these days, but I have known him when he was a butcher as well!     He might be said to be a man of many parts, but look at him now!   He came to us in 1976 - so still in his forties he is already a Grandfather!!!     I love this photo.   And I can see that Mwangi loves God, and loves his family two.    God Bless you some more.

AND TO WRAP IT ALL UP a final look at those who came, but from the opposite side.    Carol is now sitting in the front row at the left, and Daryl at the far Right.   Esther and me just to the left of the flagpole.      Now indeed we Thank Thee all, our God for all you have done in reaching lives and establishing families.  And it all began with an English sixpenny piece !

All our love to you all in Jesus Name


John, Esther. Daryl and Carol Green

TESTIMONY 

FAITH HOMES  and SCHOOL

JOHN and ESTHER GREEN

(CO-FOUNDERS)

WELCOME

ALL LOCAL MEMBERS OF THE

TESTIMONY FAMILY

TO A FAMILY

LUNCHEON

TO MARK THE

49TH ANNIVERSARY
of our Commencement
in August 1969

12.30 a.m.
Saturday 25th  August 2018
(Please be Punctual)

Testimony House as at Christmas 1972

OF COURSE THIS IS STILL A WEEK AWAY,  but we are still quite occupied getting ready for it, organising how to cater for what currently looks like a party of more than a hundred that will be with us on the 25th.     BUT it will be nothing compared to NEXT YEAR - 2019 -  our GOLDEN JUBILEE !!     The conclusion of FIFTY years caring for kids.      I will complete MY fifty years in Kenya THIS years 2018.     The years seem to have flashed by,     And yet there have been many children grow up here in that time;  more than 450 altogether.     AND many that joined hands with us in the practical daily reality of it all.     I will try to trace it all ------

The original 'Testimony House' in Maseno

1969 -  John Green began to care for 2 children in MASENO, Kenya.    He was 28, and the children were 6 and 12 respectively.  In 1970 John met Esther during a School Crusade in Machakos, four hundred kilometres away from Maseno;   in 1971,  August 14th they married.    The number of children by then had risen to 28, and had moved from one house to another, first on the compound of Maseno C.M.S. Mission Hospital, then to Ramula in Siaya District, and then in 1972 to ELDORET; our own  firstborn son, Steven, having been born in June of that year whilst John and Esther were visiting in the UK.      Whilst they were away the Children were being cared for by Duncan and Christiann MUNN, who on their return went to Congo for a lifetime of Bible Translation work.

In 1973 John and Esther were joined by Francis Wainaina, and in 1975 Francis married Elain Johnson, from Bispham, Liverpool, England and together they set up our 2nd Home (Jacaranda Cottage), just across the road from us.   They were  to be Houseparents in Jacaranda until 1977.    Francis then left us for the U.K. to train for the Anglican ministry,  became an Anglican priest in the UK.   He and his wife are now retired, and still in the U.K.
Nicholas Mwangi took on the task of being my Assistant after that, and remained with us until 1984.

1.   TESTIMONY HOUSE     -   Houseparents  -   1969-98 John and Esther Green / 1998-08 Daryl and Carol Green /
2008-18  Hesketh and Alice Muli    /   2018-   Francis and Eunice Lahol.
2.   JACARANDA COTTAGE (Old)   Houseparents  -   1975-81 /  Francis and Elaine Wainaina  /  1982-84 Hans and Sonja Jensen  /  1984-87 Bob and Joy Grahamslaw  /  1987-05  Joshua and Miriam Mbithi    /    2005-06 Phillip and Roseline Nzomo    /   2007-15 Joseph and Beatrice Rop   /      (New)  1915-17  Joseph and Agnes Macharia   .  1917-     David and Dorris Chumba
3.   TYNDALE COTTAGE - Houseparents -  1904-up to date   Mica and Catherine Yego
4.   DRAKELEY COTTAGE  - Houseparents - 2004-11   Steven and     Situma

As from 20 14 all those boys and girls in the four Homes who became 18 or over had to be removed form the respective Homes to other premises in line with Government Directives, messing up our entire Family System and Concept for the Homes.
1. THE HOSTEL FOR BOYS - took over Testimony House from 2014 to 2018 with the rest of the Testimony House family moving to DRAKELEY COTTAGE.     Mr and Mrs Hesketh Muli became Wardens for this period.
In 2018 the Boys Hostel was moved, still with the Muli's as Wardens to DRAKELY COTTAGE, whilst the Drakeley Cottage Family moved into Testimony House 
2. THE GIRLS HOSTEL took over part of the Old Jacaranda Cottage under the name of THE JEAN POTTS HOSTEL FOR GIRLS from 2014 until now.    The warden is Mrs. Grace Wangari
        
By the 31st June 2018 the FOUR homes had cared residentially for 408 children.    137 more are currently still Resident with us.

Of the total cared for to date 103 have been girls, approximately 1/3rd.

John Green assumed the position of Director over all until he retired in 2010, having set up the Administration in accordance with the Laws or Kenya as he found them in nineteen sixty nine, with a Board of fifteen Christian men and women of good reputation, which is self sustaining.   

In 2010 this Board Appointed Daryl P. Green as Deputy Director Over all.

He was confirmed as Chief Executive Officer in June 2018.

Here are some 'reminders' of past and present family groups --  To the left is Testimony House with the Muli's.

To the right is Drakely Cottage with the Lahols, and below is Tyndale Cottage with the Yegos.     Roughly thirty kids in a house shared with Mum and Dad, all under one roof, as an integrated though extended family

The Work of the Children's Homes has always been dependant upon God for its Provision, and Guidance.

It has never made any public or private Appeals to either Government or the Private Sector of the Public - either Spiritual or Other.        The Homes, each one, has been financially supported entirely due to Faith In God to Provide, as a Testimony that He hears and answers prayers.     Thus the Name  "Testimony Faith Homes".

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

In 1981 the Homes set up a Nursery School on a non profit making basis to assist us care for that age group among our own children.

     In the year 1983 the Homes opened a Primary School in addition from 1st to 3rd Grade.

Nursery School

In the year 1987 the Homes opened 4th to 8th Grade in Primary School,

In the year 1994 the Homes opened Secondary School in Forms 1 - 4

The Headmasters of the School have been as printed here below:-\

John Green, Dip.Th., (Admin. only)        1983-88

Thereafter Headmasters were duly appointed on merit, and Interview.

The School admits children from the Children's Homes free of charge.

Children from outside of the Homes, pay a Tuition Fee, plus other charges for extra services that may from time to time have been added for the convenience of the parent and improvement of the student.

The Primary School

It has run well, but has not been run for profit in any way.  ANY Surplus of funds made at any time are  been ploughed back into the expansion and improvement of services.

The School is, perhaps the most visible part of our ministry.   The Children's Homes are more hidden away, which is what we have hoped would be the case, so that the children would not feel 'on show', as can so often become the case where an orphanage is concerned.     BUT, again, the School kind of built itself, and in its own special way,( although we made no appeals for help in building it), the fact that is is with us, and that it IS quite attractive, gives is little doubt we had help.       TEAR FUND of U.K. certainly helped us with the building, though not the design of it.     And not through any purpose made Appeal to them.   Indeed they happened upon us by 'accident'.   GOD built the School.

The Secondary School

The last photo to the right is one of the main Secondary Block
which was built in 2013, at the same time that the Swimming
Pool was laid down.      It is a favoured school.     We are sure that it will continue to do well, and if, in the end, we are not allowed to help orphans residentially we would like to help the academically to have a better chance in life by providing as many as we can with FREE education.      We shall be talking very much about the future of Testimony with our Old boys and girls on the 25th August.

And so we have once again taken a brief glance into our little work for Jesus.    We seem to have been here no time at all, and even remembering the labour and years that have been taken to bring us to where we now are, it scarcely seems possible that 50 years have come and gone.     Only when we look at our children that are now men and women, many also mothers and fathers with children of their own, are we forced to accept it, and to marvel at the Miracle.

IT IS STRANGE, THOUGH - like the END of a book more than just a Chapter.     Nothing will be the same here without the children, without the families; without the original REASON for us all being here 'growing up'.

Some of the children from ALL the four Homes, most of them
still with us today.   What will become of them now
we wonder?

God Bless you all, our dear friends and co labourers and part of our precious 'Family' who have all walked along the way with us all.     God will be with us and with them.        Accept of our combined love and Thanksgiving in Jesus Name

John, Esther, Daryl, and All of us.    We will continue to serve Him always.

PICTORIAL EDITION

Just to bring a few photos taken on Baptism Sunday

and also on the 49th Founders Day

Above, A photo from Baptism Sunday taken on 15th July 2018.   We usually Baptise those who have newly come to Believe in Jesus about this time annually.    The Australian Team is usually also with us, and Mike Potter, leader of the Team is seen here baptising one of our boys, with Pastor Ondanga.  We use the shallow end of the Swimming Pool for this function, and all the Homes, and School Boarders plus Church Members attend after the Morning Service has ended.    Regretfully this year I was not able to attend being unwell.

Classes for those wishing to be Baptised, commence each January under the  care of our Pastor, Wykliffe Ondanga., and continue on week by week till June.     We do not see Baptism as a ritual, but as a personal testimony of those having believed that Christ Died on the Cross for their sins.   It is their testimony of having died to sin with Christ, and risen to a new and eternal life, cleansed and forgiven. 1. Peter 3.v21 

The photo above, left, is of one of our 14 year-olds from Tyndale Cottage, Victor Omondi, who was SO blessed and excited he almost looked as if 'heaven came down, and glory filled his soul,.

NOW to the 49th Founder's Day, to which I was also prevented from attending this year.     But Esther did, and represented me as well.    It was a very good Day, and as usual, overflowingly attended by more than five hundred, parents and friends.

This year some of our swimmers put on a demonstration at the Pool, and the Guest of Honour's Party were poolside to observe and cheer, whilst others were crowding the Stadium behind.   The Guest of Honour, Bishop Patrick Waweru of Life Changing Ministries  was dressed in blue.  Esther dressed in a maroon gown.      The School has a Team of swimmers representing them at both national and international levels, and they are doing very well indeed.

To the left can be seen a few of the 100 or so Nursery children taking part in the Afternoon Concert.   They all enjoy themselves, and are usually very popular as performers!!!
They usually have about fifteen minutes to fill with dances, skits and recitations.

Immediately below them is a photo of some of our Primary School children performing a dance.  This is something they love to do at all levels, and usually they choose a dance to reflect or represent  a particular culture. 
Thus the photo to the right shows some of our older primary Asian girls in an Asian Dance - always very colourful and different.     The School welcomes students from ALL backgrounds.

 As I have mentioned we had good attendance from all the parents and friends of the School.
They usually arrive about 10 .a.m. and walk around the School, meeting teachers, viewing class work and exhibitions, until lunch time when they are offered a free sit down lunch.  Then at 2p.m. the School Concert, and Prize Giving.
The School Hall seats 400, but on this particular day it overflowed, and more than another hundred crowded at the doors and widows, until the end at around 5 p.m.  Luckily it did not rain.

During Event, between the end of the Concertand the Prize Giving, the Guest of Honour is introduced and gives a brief Address, and also the Director of Testimony Faith Homes,
now Daryl Green.
Prizes are then presented to all classes from Nursery to High School, Form 4.    It is a long day, but everyone seems to really enjoy it.

The photos to the left were taken at different times and of different sections of the hall where guests were all seated,

The photo to the right is that of Bishop Patrick Waweru of Life Changing Ministries, based here in Eldoret.  He gave a greatly blessed Address, though perhaps took
rather longer
than was anticipated.    Still very appreciated.

Mr. Emajong, Primary Headmaster, Ester Green, and Mrs. Omobe, Secondary Headmistress

Mr. Victor Wafula, Secretary,  and Mr. Daryl Green

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

HOW DOES HE GET AWAY WITH IT?

just reading this week that President Trump stated that Her Majesty the Queen 

was LATE when he visited her for Tea.

I was unable to move that particular day and sat watching all the state antics of the day

including the live SKY coverage of the said Royal Tea Appointment.

I SAW Her Majesty enter the Castle alone, and walking through the Entrance and thence to the prepared dais and two chairs awaiting the President's arrival.

Having reached the dais she stood, waiting for 15-20 minutes BEFORE 

President Trump appeared!!

HE WAS ALSO LATE IN ARRIVING

at Blenheim !!!!

THE QUEEN is NEVER late.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

MY THANKS 

to all those who have been praying for me!

In the last Blog of 26th July I mentioned we were awaiting the result of the CT Scan.

They arrived, and stated that ONE stone less was noted in the right kidney - the second one that had previously been seen seemed to have vanished - or passed unnoticed.

So now I still have one SMALL stone unwilling to move but so far not giving me 

much discomfort.

For the rest, the Scan showed that all is well with the kidneys generally, 

and that I am fit to live - as the radiologist said - for another 30 years.....!

We Praise the Lord that dwells within us, and Who is our Health.  Amen

AND THE SUN IS AT LAST SHINING, AND NOT A CLOUD TO BE SEEN.

but is is not very warm; quite cool in fact.

WE pray that the RAIN will relieve those parched and thirsty areas now being suffered

in Europe and Scandinavia.   

God Bless you all!

Our Love in Him to Everyone. 

John, Esther, and Daryl Green