Sunday morning services at the Kipkarren UPEC Church were very lively. The majority of the children from the primary school and children’s home attend so the service is full of kids! Morning worship is very active with lots of dancing by several choirs. Much of the service is in Kiswahili so Mark is being challenged to listen for the words he has learned this week.
Next door to the church is a hospice ministry, The Living Room. One of the residents there, and elderly man named Stephen, accepted Christ this week. He is struggling with several health issues but is so joyful! After church the entire congregation gathered under the mango trees outside for his baptism. It was a wonderful experience to see someone who is nearing the end of his earthly life eagerly step into eternal life with the Father. It was another time of great celebration!
This week we’ve been busy with lots of visits to the primary school, Children’s Home, and helping at the training centre. Mark & I are going to the Children’s Home each evening to participate in nightly devotions and we’ve having lots of fun getting to know the children better. The children we connected with last year have been so happy to see us and our friendships have continued to grow. We’ve had several opportunities to teach during the week and we’re developing more lessons about wisdom (Mark) and faith (Cathy).
Meeting with the Headmaster of Brook of Faith primary school earlier in the week was very productive. We’ve been invited to attend the Monday morning staff devotion next week and Mark will share. Plans have also begun for an educator’s retreat for the end of this month. We plan to invite the staffs of Brook of Faith and the local government primary school for a time of refreshment and encouragement.
This week we attended the ELI Training Centre staff devotion and we were introduced to those ministering at the TC through its many programs. We are helping Pastor Peter, TC director, make preparations for the graduation of 34 students from the Agriculture & Community Development Training Programme.
Prayer Requests for the coming week:
1. Update on the child being abused with a hot knife like a branding iron: 3 yr old Sammy is living at The Living Room for a season as he heals from his injuries. He is cared for by loving Christians but struggles to adjust. It is obvious he has seen many bad things in his short life. Pray that he learns to accept the unconditional love of his caregivers and stops being fearful.
2. Mark continues to study Kiswahili. Cathy will meet with her Kalenjin teacher on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pray that our minds can absorb a new language and that we’ll communicate boldly the few words we know. J
3. We’ve begun driving the dirt roads in the village, even after a bad rainstorm! All has gone well and we want our vehicle to be a blessing to our ministry in Kipkarren/Cheibaiywa.
4. Pray for the planning and venue for the educator retreat at the end of this month. We anticipate about 25 teachers will attend – not all know Jesus as Savior so it will be a good opportunity to share about Him!
**Internet connections are challenging but we still hope to post weekly updates.
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