THOSE WITH AN EVIL EYE

A WEEK OR SO AGO, an article was published here By David Muchui of the NATION Media Group.  The HEADLINE was  'School accused of  expelling pupil, claiming he is demon possessed'.

The student attends St. Agnes Primary School, Marega, Meru.

It seems the student (name and age not given) was called by  his Class Teacher, and several others,  who then commenced 'exorcism' prayers, during which they encouraged the boy to confess that he was 'causing stomach aches in the School.'      They called the boy's mother and advised her of their belief that her son was using evil powers to bring stomach aches to other students.    'They claimed that the evil powers are on a wrist band the boy wears, and in his eyes.'

The Article links this incident with another in which the same boy sent a Success Card to another student in which was enclosed a 'foreign coin'

NO OFFICIAL reason was being given for the removal of this student from the School.   However, the 'Tigania Central Sub County Director of Education had told the Nation that he had advised the pupil's mother to find another school for her son.

The HEADTEACHER of St. Agnes had refused to comment on the matter.   'Leave the issue alone' he advised.  'I will help the child get another School.    Please do not make this an issue for the media.'

St. Agnes Primary School

  

  Of course there may be more than meets the eye in this report. and we actually know little, if any, background about the student's human nature or academic ability OR even if there may be other factors involved in his being removed from school in such a way.

BUT on the face of  it there seems little real common sense being used to  judge this case    Put simply  it looks like a

 matter of a child with a 'difference' being picked upon. - even used -  to cover up a problem in the School's catering hygiene.      What WAS the real cause of  the 'stomach aches'?

WE IN TESTIMONY FAITH HOMES have found ourselves welcoming in children who later revealed that they are being challenged in one way or another; in mind, body, and personality.      We have seen that not everyone can actually DEAL with such a person growing up in the Homes.   The 'unusual' tends to be shunned to some degree - and even 'left' alone.       It is an attitude that has taken many years to change and to bring under the Rule of Love.       I  have heard it said often ' troubled people, are troublsome'.

BUT we all are troubled;   none of us are actually NORMAL (as we are meant  to be).     We all need to be suffered, forgiven frequently, helped, and LOVED - never backed away from, feared, or de-valued 

and even neglected.

The Boy in St.Agnes?   I  cannot yet discover what actually happened to  him.     I have an idea it had been happening already, for some time.   How will his future be.    What will yours, or mine be?   Thank God that in making us, He understands us, and knows how to restore us.     IF He LIVES in us then we have the RESTORER with us;  with us and able to reach out to those less endowed than we might be, and able to be USED to rescue one  that might otherwise perish at the hand of  his own kind.

Esther and I have had to face these issues.    It has not always been easy, and it has found us out,  to be very selfish and self centred at times - quite a few times in fact, and we have had to throw ourselves on the  Mercy of our God, and learn to bare one another's burdens.     THIS WEEK I have been reading in LEVITICUS and some verses in chapter 25.     Verse 35 is the one I want to mention. 

I am reading from the Amplified Bible.

'If your (Israelite) brother has become poor

and his hand wavers (from  poverty, sickness, or age

and he is unable to support himself)

THEN you shall uphold (strengthen, relieve) him,

(treating him with the courtesy and consideration 

that you would) to a stranger or temporary resident with  you

(without property) so that he may live (along) with you.

This Translation then suggests we read   The 1st Letter of John chapter 3v17

But if anyone has this world's goods (resources for sustaining life)

and sees his brother and fellow believer in Christ in need,

yet closes his heart of compassion against him,

how can the love of God live and remain in him?

ALTHOUGH Leviticus points to People of God, the  Israelites, and JOHN in his letter to our brother and believer in Christ,  I feel deep down that we cannot deduce that these words do not also have application to any member of our 'family, tribe, or nation to which we claim to be part,  as well.    We may indeed put the Believer first, but we may not deny loving our neighbours as ourselves.

WHY are these verses speaking to  me?     Well Testimony HOMES are one family.    Our children, came, grew up and went; and also many parents grow old like us, and no  longer able to work and  are faced with difficulties they may share only privately with God, and often seem to go in need.     Perhaps this is not a general situation for those who have passed or  are passing through our doors, BUT one or two  of the children especially have fallen on hard times, with no where to go and no one  to turn to.    But surely, you may think,  surely they can turn to God.     Yes they can but there may be times when He will not hear them.      Not all leave us perfected in Christ.     And even those do may do so, often find themselves away from God.....!      What then?

THEN, surely, they should be able to look back to the 'FAMILY' - the Family of Christ, the Family of Testimony Faith Homes regardless, and find understanding and even help in an emergency.    AND. OF COURSE,  this should in reality be the situation universally in regard to the Believers worldwide.

Over the last year, as I have shared before, we have seen many of are old 'family' members rally to assist one another in need.    The seed of an idea is there, and here again in the verses quoted.    It may not be help for everyone like the 'Welfare State' but it could be help for those who truly  find themselves in DIRE need; help that God would stand behind and sustain.        Am I dreaming?   I hope  not.   Indeed I believe not.   'Family', true family, always stick together..

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THIS WEEK we continue to experience an exceptional DROUBT!     In Fifty years we have never seen, in this area of Kenya, The DRY Season extend into JUNE,  and there seems no sign of change so far.

Additionally we are seeing many cases of ordinary Influenza,   with the usual coughs and colds.   It IS very cold as well, even with the sun is shining from a cloudless sky!     I am also suffering from a 'body itch' all over.     Not sure what has brought it  on, but we are checking into everything.    Could be an increase in chemicals being used to cleanse the water supply, or it may something new have been using to do the laundry -  or..........otherwise I am fine, apart from a slight cough.    Even Esther has caught that.       On the 21st of this  month we shall go for our 2nd Jab of Vaccine.     Same one as before.

THE CURRENT PICTURE HERE for C19 in Kenya is as below:-

As at 10th June

To-day   6,728 tested  out of which  624 proved Positive   -     R - 9.3%

ALTOGETHER SINCE MARCH 2020

1,852,612  tested out  of which 174,285 proved Positive

Recoveries amount to 119,247  -  FATALITIES  3362

We so Thank God, and in His Name all those who responded the prompting of His Holy Spirit, for making it possible for us to go through each day, and to rejoice in His Fellowship together.

Our love to you all, as always

John, Esther, Daryl and all at Testimony Faith Homes

THIS IS THE INDIAN MAHOGANY tree in front of Green Cottage, and taken AFTER a tree 'hacker', under pretense of 'saving' the tree from the Parasite mentioned in my last post, and which is invading various trees on our land, including the above, hacked of a few branches.     

The RESULT has been to lose almost a third of the Tree itself,  accomplished with no regard to its appearance.    Whole branches just hacked, not sawn, off with a broad bladed 'panga' or sword,   Instead of just removing an infestation of the Parasite, where it occurred on a branch, our 'tree doctor' just lopped of whole branches laden with foliage, leaving huge bare gaps, revealing the inner skeleton of the Tree, stark to the naked eye.

WELL,  the Parasite has been, for the most part, totally eradicated,  BUT everywhere we look, our trees look as if they have been struck by lightening.       They will, no doubt, recover, but it will take time....!

Looking in the opposite direction, and a little beyond Testimony House, a further Tree, of a different kind, has also been attacked.

And once again desolation seems to have come upon it.

To the left are 'Before and After photos' of this second Tree, which has a kind of fan trunk consisting of four trunks all joined in one, and fanning out.    Well over a hundred and fifty feet high and more than a hundred years old.  You can see that it spread widely - about  fifty meters West to East, with a thick foliage.   It was heavily infested, and our 'hacker' tore into it, lopping off almost the entire left half, as you look at the photo, and also taking some out of the top, AND some to the right.    We are left with about HALF a tree, with some branches and one main trunk quite denuded of any foliage. 

Not the best man for the job, you think?   Yes, but the only one we have found to attempt the dangerous business of climbing at risk, without insurance or any safety gear. We have admired this, elderly man's confidence, but he also seems to have a private determination to do as much damage as he can - just to make it all worth the effort. perhaps.

He has not finished yet!    We will do our best to remonstrate with him, and trust we may even yet open his eyes to  SEE the poetic beauty that God has creatively put into a Tree, as it grows in Praise to Him.

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THIS IS A FIG TREE - a really 'leafy' one.     I was reading today about such a tree, in Mark 11v12-14 & v20.    JESUS was hungry that morning, and noticing the tree he hurried toward it to see if it might have fruit.   But, on arrival, He found it only had leaves..... not a single fruit, for the time ( Season ) of figs was not yet ( had not come ).

And Jesus spoke said to the Fig Tree 'No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for  ever.  (Let no man one eat fruit from you, from now on, and forever.'     And his disciples heard it.  They were with him at the time.

And some little time later, passing that way again, the disciples looked out for the Fig Tree, and found it dried up from the roots.   Peter cried out to Jesus saying 'Master, behold the fig tree which you cursed is withered away.'

NO PLEASE don't run off to find a Commentary!   I didn't - I just sat and thought about it, and  I encourage you to do just the same. 

On the face of it Jesus seems to behave with annoyance.    Yet He had no obvious reason for doing so since 'it was not the time for Figs'.  There was no reason, humanly, to expect one to be found.   But Jesus WAS disappointed, and actually CURSED the tree, AND it withered up and died, within the day.

Was our Lord in a bad mood?    

He  went on his way, and finally we find him entering the Temple in Jerusalem.     Immediately, we are told He began to cast out all those who sold and bought (traded) in the Temple.   The disciple whom Jesus loved, even adds, in John 2v13-16, that Jesus first of all made a 'scourge of small cords' to assist Him in chasing these 'traders' out of the Temple area, overturning their tables and chairs, and even refusing them to carry their merchandise about.    It must have been quite a noisy, pandemonic scene, with the LORD striding angrily about with his flail, scattering and upsetting the 'market stalls,  sheep bleating, doves fluttering about, and money running everywhere upon the ground between the legs of the store holders, who ran shouting in protest.     So sudden, so clamorous, so furious a scene.

HAD JESUS, go up on the wrong side of the bed?   Was He out of salts?    Or was he truly UPSET and even justifiably ANGRY.... angry with the tree, the traders in the Temple, and perhaps with everyone?   It all seemed so out of  character. 

In John 2v17 John writes that at this time His disciples remembered that it had been written of Him that  'The zeal of thine house has eaten me up' - psalm 69v9   BUT before getting to this,  we should first return to the FIG Tree.

The fig tree was doing what came naturally - it was not in season, and was not producing fruit,

BUT JESUS was hungry.    The LORD of Heaven and Earth, the CREATOR of ALL things was hungry!

Should not His proximity and NEED, have caused the Fig Tree to have, figuratively, jumped for JOY, and immediately produced, at least one fruit ?     EVEN out of season?      Did this Fig tree show the readiness of ALL Created things to serve their Creator?      Should we not all be stood on tip-toe with the anticipation of His Coming - and to BE READY?    Consider these first and last verses of a Poem written the 15th Century by Thomas Ford.

'YET if His Majesty, our sovereign lord,

 Should of his own account, friendly himself invite, 
And say, 'I'll be your guest to-morrow night,'
How should we stir ourselves, call and command

All hands to work!  "let no man idle stand!'

Thus, if a king were coming, would we do;
And 'twere good reason too;
For 'tis a duteous thing
To show all honour to an earthly king,'
And after all or travail, and our cost,

So he be pleased, to think no labour lost.

And James 4v17 declares 'Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is SIN.'

GOD is a JEALOUS God; Jealous for His Honour and Praise.   He Will be FIRST, and no OTHER, for HE recognises NOTHING in front of Himself.    He IS LORD OF ALL,  King of Kings!   And ONLY to HIM must we bow the knee.    Great Wrath is kindled when this pride of place, and honour is in any way denied Him.   He expects it IN and OUT of Season, and without regard to our 'reasonable' human excuses.      We should take great care how we go through life.        The FRUIT should have been to hand - and we see this in JOHN 15 v.5 where we find JESUS Himself telling us that if we are In Him and He in us, then we shall bring forth much fruit.  If there is no fruit to hand in our lives, the HE is not in us and we are as good as DEAD already.      BUT many are are not taking the Warning.     Even the 'Temple' is a place not only to WORSHIP in but to TRADE in and with.      Are we blinded by 'bling'?    Look even at JEREMIAH 7v2-11++ which is in many ways the 'precursor' of Mark 11 as it relates to what happened that day in the Temple.  Especially verses 9-11 where God asks via Jeremiah ' IS THIS HOUSE, which is called by name, become a den of robbers in your eyes?   Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD'.

And let us REMEMBER that WE are God's House in a very real sense and how we use and treat it will not go unnoticed.       AND so to the Last Verse of FORD's Poem:=

BUT, at the coming of the King of Heaven

All's set at six and seven;

We wallow in our sin

Christ cannot find a chamber in the Inn.

We entertain Him always like a stranger,

And, as at first, still lodge Him in the manger.

    

The Passage of Scripture in Mark 11 is a WAKE UP CALL to us all.     Wake up. Take stock.  Let us discern our READINESS to receive our Creator..          OUR trees, here in Eldoret, are dying, but if they can have their parasites and sickness removed, then yet they will live.    NOW is the time to review our status.   Now is the time to be serious about our lives, and not to misjudge our Salvations  -  we need to have it in mind that we are encouraged to work out out Salvation - even in and with Christ - with fear and trembling.   Let us make sure HE is before us in all we attempt to do, and to become.     Let none of us be a fruitless tree, surprised at His Coming, seeking refreshment on demand,  nor His house miss- appropriated to purposes not to the Glory of the Owner.     

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WE here are all well, but continuing to grapple with lack of seasonable RAINS, at least in this area of Kenya.    We pray on.     School has just re-opened after Half-term of our 2nd Term of the Year.  All is going satisfactorily.     Everyone healthy, and no sign of Covid 19.    We praise the LORD.   WE have also sent out Updates to praying friends.

God Bless you all, and keep you safe in an unsafe world.     All the 'signs' speak of the coming of our expected KING and SAVIOUR.     We need to all join together in opening our hearts and lives to Him

who will come..     Thank you all for your prayers, and even for your help and support.

Sincerely in His Love and Mercy, always

John, Esther, and Daryl Green, and all at Testimony Faith Homes & School.

 

  

     

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

   

THIS IS THE TREE 

an Indian Mahogany Tree

About 100 years old now, and aging in front of Green Cottage.

A beautiful tree!

BUT IT IS DYING.    Naturally speaking it is said, as a variety of tree, to have a comparatively short life span - approximately only 80 years.    Yet it is not dying of 'old age' but from a Parasite, that will slowly deprive the tree of every drop of sap, until it dries up, and then the Parasite also, will die.   I talked about the Parasite a while back in the Blog for 24th January 2015.  The Parasite (photo to left) is called PHRAGMANTHERA CAPITATA.   It is in most of our bigger trees, and this week we have had to CUT DOWN the sister tree to the one pictured above, with was quite dead and dried out, and in danger of

falling.   THIS TREE stands BEHIND Testimony House, and clawes upwards to around 120 feet.    This photo was taken today, after two thick sub trunks had already been brought down.  To the left of the tree, out of sight behind Testimony House, is the School's Girl's Boarding Hostel, and to the right, opposite the Hostel, are the Science Laboratories.      Not much space to move, and the tree, as you see, spreads a lot.    SO far no accidents.   Three men have been engaged to demolish the tree.   They are quite expert and using ropes and a medium size chain saw they risk life and limb.   BUT the remaining half of the tree still has to be  dealt with - probably later today or tomorrow.     It is VERY  sad to see it go, especially as it is as old as the house, and a long time part of the sky-line.      The photo (right) shows how 'little' space there is to bring the remaining tree down.    You  can also see some of the lopped branches where they fell, just in front of Eunice's bedroom window.    

The foresters will now have to climb as far as they can and lop the top branches first, and then slowly descend lopping sections as they go.   

ooo0ooo

We DO Congratulate ALL our students since, apart from the Exam itself, the circumstances leading up to it, and the difficult conditions surrounding its execution, it was the worst time, nationally, the Country has so far seen - all due to Covid 19.     THE RESULT for US in Testimony, has not been the BEST so far, and there is a sense of disappointment both in the student, and the teaching body, both.  Even the Pandemic, the atmosphere, perhaps, that it has brought with it, seems have affected how staff and students have respected the school materially.   This last term especially has seen more breakages and vandalism than ever before, and a general disregard the image of the school.   But we have prayed about it, and we feel sure the Lord will restore the previously enjoyed good behaviour, and respect for  

the classrooms and buildings.

But there has been much to Thank God for, and we are, overall, encouraged, as we are now started upon a new term and hoping for a more settled and uninterrupted School Year.

It has been 'rumoured' here in Eldoret, this week, that there have been 12 Positive cases of the new Indian variety of Covid 19.    Nothing official so far.  

The current Government Figures as of 12th May 2021 are as follows{-

NEW Positive Cases 410 out of 3,788 Tested  =  10.8% Positivity.

Fatalities 22.

Total Pos. Cases 164,386  out of Total Tested 1,729,345

Total Recoveries  113,244.    Total Fatalities  2950

OUR School has completed the first week of a new Term without any major problem, and no sickness of any kind occurring.    We Thank the Lord.     However we have noted that the rate of 'wear and tear' in the Classroom and even generally with the School rose higher than ever before.   We are not sure if this has something to do with the new arrangements and surroundings we had to negotiate in order to open. OR a general attitude of careless 'bon-homme' that may have infected both students and staff, so that there was not as much responsible student behavior and teacher supervision.    Broken desks and windows;  Graffiti, vandalism of Notice Boards,  and even miss placed text books.    We will obviously now need to redress this situation, and bring in a stricter regime.     The Long Doubt and the ensuing heavy rains have also found out LEAKS in our roofing in many places, so a lot of immediate attention has had be given in stopping and repairing damage from these leaks. 

FINALLY our dear son in the Lord, is now 'DOCTOR Sammy Kirui', one time part of our Testimony House Family, learning in Wareng High School in Eldoret, and later in Kenya Highlands Bible College as it was then known.    Sam has been in the U.S.A. for some years completing his education, finalising with his Doctorate.     We are VERY happy and glad for him, and proud of him too, of course'

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LEAVING Education we will close for this week with two Birthday.    One happened way back in March, when our little grand-daughter, Abigail became 7 years of age.     She is a real bundle of activity, gayety, fun, and delight, now just about to enter into her 2nd primary Grade next term. You will remember that her mother is our daughter Helen, who is also teaching with us in Testimony Pre-School.

This photo was taken a few months before her Birthday.  She had a Cake of course, but was especially  thrilled to just BE SEVEN!  We have really been glad for them both, Helen AND Abby, to be with us during this time of the Pandemic.   Good Company, and good encouragement for us.

AND THIS IS PHOTO OF ME turning 81 just on the 11th May, with Manu to the left, Abby in the middle and my darling just to the right.  Not a very good photo in fact, but it records the event.   We did nothing special but Manu cooked us a Wonderful chicken supper which we all shared with jollity.

So many sent in their Good Wishes and many more actually came to give them in person.   I felt very honoured, and rather humbled by the remembrance 

of so many family, past and present, young and old.

It was a good day, and the rain held off.   God IS so good, and kind to us all

And YES, I also had a cake made by Helen.  It was quite enormous and quite delicious!!   And as if that was not enough - a dear friend and sister in Jesus came with her daughter to gift me yet ANOTHER beautiful cake.    So altogether I felt very spoilt and

loved - and to round it all off, Steve, Mike and Liz all video phoned  with their families and we were able to be together during the evening.

Thank you ALL for sharing and making my Day remarkably enjoyable.

And now I am ALIVE and ready to PRESS on to the whatever the LORD still has in store for me, for it is sure that EVERY day we have is God Given,  and has reason and purpose behind it.    finally I want to close with a word about the author of a hymn I have been so blessed by - Daniel W. Whittle, born in 1840 just a hundred years before me.   He was an American, and fought in the Civil War.   He was injured in one battle and treated in a field hospital.   It is said that it was there, in pain and discomfort, Whittle turned to a New Testament that his Mother sent him, and began to read.    And as he read his darkness fled away and LIGHT flooded into his soul.     The hymn I love so much is his testimony.

ONCE FAR FROM GOD, AND DEAD IN SIN,

No light my heart could see,

But in God's Word the light I found,

Now Christ liveth in me!

As rays of light from yonder sun,

The flowers of earth set free,

So life and light and love came forth

From Christ living in me.

As lives the flow'r within the seed, 
As in the cone the tree,
So, praise the God of truth and grace,
His Spirit dwelleth in me.

With longing all my heart is filled

That like Him I may be,

As on the wondrous thought I dwell,
That Christ liveth in me. 

                                                   

 

Daniel Whittle 1840-1901

So that's it !   God Bless you all, and don't forget to pray on for us, and we will be doing te same for you.  We are all networked in His Spirit.    A little early this week, but then I did not even send at all last week.  

Much Love in Jesus to you each one

John, Esther, Daryl and all at Testimony Faith Homes and School

   

 

FAKE NEWS ?

THIS is an illustration from the last Century, and shows that, even then. the Press were known for  excess in their reporting - and by excess I mean a mix between carelessness and embroidering when writing their articles.       Just recently, as I have previously shared, we have had a gross example of this in the Here and Now.     I am sure those sent to Interview me meant well.    They were very polite, and showed great interest, but it seemed they lacked the art of making sure they wrote down what was said rather than what they 'remembered' or hoped had been said.

The Article in question was entitled 'A MAN WHO CHANGED PHILANTHROPIC GAME'   I regret to say they meant me!     I have not changed anything, as far as I know, and certainly NOT a 'game'.   It was meant to tell my story, and how I came to be in Kenya, and how Testimony Faith Homes & School came to be.      To  those who had no idea who John Green is, or Testimony Faith Homes, for that matter, it was probably harmless enough, even if the facts DID stray from the truth.      BUT for me, it was very sad that they did not just print what I said, instead of something else.    For any who may read this article, printed in the the Daily Nation Business News on 23rd April 2021,  I will now set out basic facts that may contradict what was published.     I do this solely to ensure that no one is led astray in what they may be told about me or Testimony Faith Homes & School.

First of all concerning myself.

I was born in West Dulwich, London on 11th May 1940.

I was immediately given up for Adoption, since my birth parents did not want me.

I was then Adopted by William and Edith Green, who were childless.

William was given to drink and was violent.  I grew up in this violence.

William was a Civil Servant of the Government and was often posted, and we moved with him.

I attended 4 Primary Schools, 5 Secondary Schools.

I left Secondary School when I was 15 and got a job sweeping floors.

I attended Night School, and was able to improve my Academic standard, and finally  went to a Commercial College for two years, qualifying in Accounts, and Commerce.   I worked with Stratton Sons and Mead in Melksham, England first of all.    I also worked with Cambridge University as an assistant Bursar to Magdelane College, and finally with Beckenham Borough Council, in the Treasurers Office.

I then felt God seriously speak to me, and I gave up my work in 1965 to attend Bible College.

In 1968 I arrived in Kenya to work with Trinity Fellowship  in Maseno, as a volunteer missionary.

I was not paid any salary, and trusted God would provide, as I confided to Him alone my needs.

I rented a mud house in Maseno Missionary Hospital Compound.   

I was appointed Chaplain to the Hospital and also to Siriba College - all unpaid.

In August 1969 I came cross two boys.   One 12 and other 8, his brother.   The eldest was hospitalised with a broken foot, which he had willfully injured whilst under the influence of Marijuana.    They were both homeless and without support.       I offered them home and education.

They both came to stay with me, and this was the BEGINNING of Testimony Faith Homes.

Then Esther entered my life

I married Esther Wanjiru, my wife, on 14th August 1971.    She was a High School Teacher of English and Home Science at Machakos girls High School.

IT WAS AT THIS POINT that WE, as a married couple, sought the face of God as to how we would go on, and we were led to decide to continue the work of helping needy children, but in our own home and with our own family, (God gave us 3 children of our own) as ONE EXTENDED FAMILY.      Every  Home we have opened since, and we now have 4, we opened on the same plan - A married couple, Mum and Dad, in one house with about 30 children from 0 to as long as it took to put them all through school, and college, find a job, and be ready to stand alone.

In 1972, Christmas, we all moved, lock stock and barrel, to ELDORET with 28 boys and girls.

All of this time I received no salary, and my wife having given up Teaching to be Mum when she married me, also gave up her salary.    We only had our Faith in God, and that He hears and answers our prayers.     He did it for US, and for all the children He brought to our door.    We have never made our need known or held Harambee or any kind of Fund Raising activity for the needs of the Children's Homes.      BUT  the School depends on the Fees from those outside, who want their children to learn in Testimony SCHOOL

In 1981 we gained permission from the Ministry of Education to open  one Class of Nursery School.

In 1983 we gained further permission to open Primary Standard 1 - 3.   We opened this up to the Public on the understanding that Parents wanting a place would have to pay a Fee to cover Teacher's Salaries, and normal daily consumables PLUS a % toward to the cost  of given free places to the Orphans in our care at any one time - averagely 130.

In 1987 we opened Standard 4 to 8 in NEW buildings donated freely without or request by TEAR Fund in England.   John Green did not build the School,  GOD - through TEAR Fund, did.

In 1994 to 96 we opened Form 1 to 4 or High School - again all this, was done in answer to PRAYER.

Still NOT John Green who built it.

( I should lay to rest a local belief that EVERYTHING to seen here under the name Testimony Faith Homes and School - the Land and the Buildings ALL belong to John Green, and his descendants).   THIS IS NOT THE CASE.      It is all tied up under the Lands Perpetual Succession Act, and is all in the hands of Registered Trustees.     None of it can be sold for profit, or for the financial gain of ANY individual.

TO DAY Testimony School is better known than the Children's Home.     In many ways it stands apart from the Homes, and is of course Financially independent from the Homes.    It's  future reasonably settled.

But the Children's Home seems not to be the way the Government is thinking, and we are faced with closure with all other Children's Homes across the Country -  DEFINATELY IT CAN BE SEEN, that John Green, HAS NOT CHANGED THE PHILANTHROPIC GAME  -   maybe he tried to find an Answer, but that answer, so far, has not been seen as the way forward by Government.

400 boys and girls have passed through our hands since 1969.     We have 125 still resident in our Homes at the current time.      We are still in touch with the majority of those who have left us, and we are glad to say that only 5% are known to us as having fallen into criminal activity due to the use of drugs or alcohol in their adult lives.      We are constantly visited and contacted by those who are now married, with children of their own, and making their own lives by their own effort.     AND we are especially glad to say that the majority can say it is GOD who has made it all possible.    HE is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever.

THIS fairly deals with any discrepancies in the Article mentioned above, and it allows me to feel at ease to have set the record right.       BUT the photo that was published with the Article, was good enough for me to print again here.     Esther was laughing at something I had said to the Reporter when he was asking me to hold the photograph higher !.     At least THIS was  REAL, and we are there to prove it;

John and Esther holding their Wedding Photo.

taken 14th August 1971

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WE ALL CONTINUE WELL with no sign of Covid 19.    God as been, and continues to BE, very good to Kenya and we have to Praise Him with much Thanksgiving, that so little a number of our people have seemed to die from the Virus;  only 2,800 since March 2020.     Putting that next to the 30,000 dead in a day that we were told India suffered yesterday, we feel too privileged.     Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in India, and the awful tide of death and panic that has been rolling across the Nation.

DARYL has continued to be a bit 'under the weather' this week, with various aches and pains, and a general sense of unease.    But he is also undergoing a series of dental treatments, and we think that together with the possible influence of his 1st Vaccination shot, this may have affected his general system.    We all have 23 days left before our 2nd Shot.

JAMES MANU visited his Eye Clinic again yesterday;  he was in such discomfort in the eye they operated on a week ago,      However, all seems well.    The Clinic did a thorough check, and found all was well, and most of the pain had to be expected.    There was just a slight infection - expected - in the nerve.    He is home again, still in discomfort, but at least much cheered to know all is going well.  Please do continue to remember him in prayer.

ITS LABOUR DAY, here today.     Such a pity.    All the joy and happiness of MAY DAY  seems to be replaced with the 'sourness' of  labour issues.     But, thankfully, WE can forget these issues and enjoy a day of SUNSHINE and children's laughter all around us.    A Spring Day.    A DAY to be encouraged and lifted UP, and above the clouds.

Our Love and Thanksgiving to all our friends and family everywhere.   God richly BLESS you and keep you SAFE.

John, Esther, Daryl and all at Testimony Faith Homes and School

NOT A VERY GOOD PHOTO, but a very special one.     On Wednesday evening, in Testimony House, we were saying Farewell to one of our daughters who grew up in Drakeley Cottage family.   PAULINE came to us in 2003 when she was only seven years old.    For most of that time her Dad and Mum were to be Francis and Eunice Lahol.    Now, after 18 years of being daughter to many, and sister to many more, as she grew up, she is leaving us to begin an independent life as a NURSE.     It has been her ambition from when she was still young, and now she has attained it, graduating with Distinction.     She is to join the Africa Inland Church in a newly commenced missionary enterprise, initially in Athi River, south ease of Nairobi..       To begin with she may be the only Nurse there!      She is so happy, and we also happy with her, and rejoicing to know that she goes hand in hand with Jesus, her Lord and Savior.      We sent her off with a little party held with members of her Drakeley Cottage family ( now abiding in Testimony House ) with Mum Eunice, and a few others including ourselves.      Cake, Soda, a Presentation Bible and a small monetary Gift to  start her off with; it was a GOOD time!    We know we will keep in touch, and this the way we hope each and every one of our children will one day be able to step confidently out to begin their own life!      It does not always happen, and instead we often lose sight of one or another as they rush to please themselves away from us.          Thankfully many of them do return later to tell us GOD met up to them, and they realised how much their stay with us all in TFH, this finally come to mean to them.        IT IS ALL OF GRACE!  

OUR AIM

From the onset, before we were married,

the Holy Spirit spoke to us both,

and told us to open our hearts and home

to children who had lost both home and family.

Yes, we would have our own home and family,

but we would share it with those children who had neither.

                                                             

We tried have hard to accomplish this!

It was harder than we thought.  Our hearts hurt sometimes

But we pressed onwards, knowing we were bound to make errors in our parenting.

We have, but we have learnt.    We have continued to pursue the Vision.

NOW we have four extended families, each with a married couple,

doing their best to be Dads and Mums to children not their own;

NOT their own, but just as if they ARE their own in Jesus Name.

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DO YOU SEE THE IDEA?

It hasn't changed - though it has been contested!

Contested by our own imperfection in letting it BE diluted here and there!

And contested by sociological changes made by Government in the way they see 

how needs of homeless children should be provided.

BUT we CONTINUE to pursue the Vision.

Both for the Children, God brings to our doors,

AND for the men and women who proclaim their calling to work with us.

WE STILL NEED to accept being One Family Together in the wider sense

This was our family in 1987

there are more than 450 in our Family so far

WE would ask you to join us in prayer.    Pray for us that we might be prevented from sliding out of the concept of being a family, into the equivalent of a secular institution, with groups of orphans who sometimes feel away from, instead of AT home; and Mums and Dad who feel like 8 - 6 Care-workers who are sometimes on duty and sometimes OFF, rather than loving parents always there and on call for their children.        This can happen - is happening.       We are forgetting to be family,   Staff are becoming 'individuals' working together, instead of brother and sisters together in a Family - Staff not Mums and Dads.      And our children are beginning not to 'FEEL'  brother and sister, sons and daughters in one big family complex.      They might begin to feel shepherded, guarded, instead of loved, valued.    There has become a feeling of  ourselves being 'employees',  and the children as work-load.

I guess  it could be a case of  taking things for granted, and forgetting to  keep up with  the inspirational moving of the Holy Spirit in our lives together.      We ARE working on it, and there IS an assurance that we shall be restored and improved, if not perfected.      We are not sitting back satisfied that all is as it CAN be, we are striving afresh and anew towards the high mark of our Calling.     Hope you might grasp  just a little of what I am trying to convey.        We are not depressed or cast down, but enlivened to dust ourselves down and press on.       You all  know the Enemy and his Wiles.     Well I think he nearly had us sleeping with our eyes open, and just not SEEING what was happening.

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We do Thank God for continuing to supply our daily Bread, and we also Thank all those who, on hearing the prompting of His Spirit, re-acted to offer themselves as His hands and feet = together you combined with His Love and Care to provide for us.    Blessed be you all in Jesus Name.   We have all continued to be well, and the School Holiday has gone well.    We should re open on the 10th MAY, and we are looking forward to it.     Secondary Form 1 may open later this year.     There has been quite a lot of messing about with the Termly timetables, and it will probably not get back to normal before next year.

Covid 19 Update.

Curfews are still in place since my last report.

Numbers being tested vary from day to day -    from as few as 400 up to 5,000 +

As of yesterday, 22nd April this was the situation

Cases Tested 5,673                 Cases Positive  904

NAIROBI still top of the list for daily Positive Cases

Cumulative totals

Cases Tested     Positive Cases   Recovered     Deaths

 1.624,663              154,392              105,367       2,560

Current Positivity @ 15.9%

MOST of our Staff now having had their 1st Jab.   2nd one due on 24th May.    NO effects noticed by anyone .

YESTERDAY it actually RAINED heavily for about an hour.     It is forecast to continue rain LIGHTLY FOR THE NEXT WEEK.     We shall see.      We were more than thankful for the little received yesterday - today, so far, no sign of any more!     

We try to remember each of you as God lights up you name, day by day.    We need to always lift up each other, for every day we need help, encouragement, and the proof of His Life in us.   God Bless you all, encircling you with His Everlasting Arms, providing you with His Love and Mercy.

John, Esther and Daryl Green                             

 

THESE are the 34 out of a Class of 59 who attained between 350 to 416 out of a possible 500.  BETTER than in 2019, even with the disruption caused by Covid 19. with a Mean Score of 69.8%

We truly congratulate our Teachers, our Management, and each and every student who had to tackle never before experienced conditions inside and outside of the Classroom - We give ALL the Glory Honour and Praise to God, in Jesus NAME.    And THANK you parents who have been SO faithful, in trusting us to honestly have stood with them, and with their children.    It was HARD for all of us.  BUT there has been a great success in with ALL of us needed and have appreciated the other.

This year the HOMES only had SIX children in their Final Year, and among the 59 that made up the 

 full Class for 2020 taking their Final Exams on the 22nd March 2021!!    It was very out of place, as the Exams are usually taken in November.  

SECONDARY students still finishing their Finals until Wednesday next week, and then we will wait a little while for their Final Results to be published. 

SCHOOL, generally will open on 10th May.      

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STILL SEVERE WATER SHORTAGE.      We do have some little storage capacity, but the pressure has been so  low that the water cannot reach the tanks.   The supply varies from day to day, without any surety when or if it will be ON or OFF.  We ARE managing, but it is quite difficult, to say the least.

The need to find OUR OWN water  increases, and we are praying for the Lord to open up a supply of our own, possibly from a Bore Hole, if it could be drilled for.       The weather is still dry and  quite warm with temperatures up to 80f ., falling to mid 70sf  at night.      RAIN will come, but maybe not a soon as we would like.

We safely brought James Manu back from Tenwek Hospital yesterday,    He was very tired after to 200 kilmeter trek, but none the less he managed to eat some of his Birthday Cake with us during the evening.  We all very Thankful to God, for the National Hospital Insurance paying the entire hospital Bill on this occassion.    It had not been assured, and we did not finally hear until midday on the day he was leaving the hospital.        He has some pain, and he has to keep the eye covered as much as possible.    He has to return to Tenwek in two weeks time for a check up - it all goes well he will then be able to get a LOCAL check up monthly nearer home.     We shall not know how all this will safeguard the little sight he has left, but we are praying, and we know  Jesus cares.

He will stay with us for a while until he feels little more himself - TWO stressful operations in the space of a month has taken its toll.     But otherwise he is in his usual good spirits.       Thank YOU all for joining in prayer with us,

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

EVERYONE in the Four Families are continuing well, and happy in Jesus.    DAD and MUM Yego, (Micah and Catherine Senge), have been away from Tyndale Cottage for about three weeks with their  own two  small children, for a rare holiday.    They just returned to day and it was good to see how glad the children were to see then once again.     But they had not been left alone,  Aunty Grace (our floating Relief Houseparent) had been with them day and night, a well known and loved family member often there to give a short 'breather' to all our Mums and Dads.    

And so another week has gone by.   Many thanks to the many who have been writing in.  It is great to get a little window open out to us, and let our mind be refreshed and even renewed, as we hear from you, and find more to think and pray about that just our own little world here in Testimony.   Bless each one, you do indeed brighten our days.

Our Love in Jesus as always

John, Esther and Daryl, and all of the Family here in TFH-Kenya