2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV) 1 You therefore, my son, be strong
in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that you
have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will
be able to teach others also.
I just wanted to post a short update for those who have followed us in Kenya this year. We just finished our swing through western Kenya. We visited 5 towns for 5 conferences as well as some teaching on marriage. Each Sunday we ministered in churches. It was a busy time. I preached 46 times in roughly 31 days and my wife ministered 31 times in the same period. It was wonderful.
I picked the above verse because I think it typifies what we believe God has called us to do in this phase of life and ministry. We have always done our best to give whatever God has given us to faithful people who will be hearers and doers of the Word of God. Now we have taken that to a different dimension by finding leaders and ministers who are interested in what God has given us and giving it to them so that they may give it to those to whom they minister. I believe that this trip to western Kenya represents an increase in anointing and receptivity for what God has asked us to do. We have found many truly faithful men and women that I believe will take what we have given them, improve upon it and teach it to others. Together I am convinced we can and will have an impact on Kenya.
The trip itself was tiring but exhilarating at the same time. The people were all so gracious and their comments inspired humility in our hearts. They spoke of change coming to their lives because of the Word of God that was taught to them. I know that any such impact is only because of the touch of the Lord and not because of what we bring. Still, it is a blessing to know that God has seen fit to use willing vessels.
The part of this that I was somewhat dreading was the fact that I was going to have to drive. I did not know quite what to expect. Driving on the left side of the road from the right side of the car was daunting enough. The way people drive here, and more concerning than that, the way the people and the cars seem to all take up the same space in the cities and towns was even more of a challenge. However, I found that it was not nearly as hard as I though and, with a great deal of caution and some hyper-vigilance, we made it for 4 weeks and no one was hurt. I was very glad to return the car to David Cerar with no damage and in good condition.
One testimony involves the police. In Kenya it was common for various agencies to set up check points where police would stop people to check for various things. The problem is corruption. Often the officers would use intimidation to try to get money from the drivers. This is often compounded if you are a foreigner. I did not want to have to deal with this kind of thing. I think it was what I most wanted to avoid. God was at work for us.
When we left for our trip, we heard that in June of this year, the government had pulled most of these check points because of the corruption. We saw very few police on the road and none of them signaled us to pull over. I always made sure I drove carefully and according to the speed limits. We had absolutely no problem of any kind with the police or otherwise. By the time we got back to David’s, I was even beginning to feel normal on the “wrong” side of the rode! I believe God heard the prayers of all of you that prayed for me. Thank you very much.
We will finish with ministry around the Limuru/Nairobi area with a conference in Limuru beginning tomorrow and a youth ministry on Saturday. Then there will be churches on Sunday. Next week we will spend time at Harvest fields Bible School in Limuru with Pastor Abel Oyaro. This is the school founded by Leonard and Rozella Fox and presided over by there daughter Sharon Cranford for many years. We will also get some much needed rest.
Remember to check Elaine Kiefer’s Facebook page for photo and video updates and more. Keep us in prayer that we finish strong. God is doing something good and we want to be the purest channel we can be for his glory to this precious people and this nation. Thank you once more for all your prayers. We will post again soon.
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