The Shop Part II, Building the House of the Lord & 23 Baptized

Muddy Roads

New shocks, tie rods ends and trailing arm bushings were all on the order of the day for the truck this week. The new shocks have made a great difference in the ride and more importantly to our backs. Next week we will add two extra shocks on the rear axle and replace the coil springs which have totally collapse from the daily pounding of the roads and trails we travel on a daily basis.

Next to our Bible, A dependable vehicle is one of our greatest ministry assets so we have had to rethink our approach to preventive maintenance.

With one sanctuary nearing completion on top of Mt. Elgon and another beginning at Mawe Tatu (3 Stones) we are busy processing wood, delivering windows, doors and roofing materials. By far, the most difficult sanctuary to build is the Landmark Baptist Church of Kipsigon which is located atop Mt. Elgon.

Cutting and processing the wood on the mountain was hard enough but getting a particular type of sand and stones up the mountain on a road that is extremely steep, muddy, rocky and washed out is where the challenge lies. Two of the seven loads had to be unloaded and reloaded because the truck hauling materials was unable to make it or broke down. 

                                             Broke Truck

The LBC Kipsigon has taken the longest to construct due to these difficult working conditions but is nearing completion. It is also going to be one of the strongest churches as a result of being made primarily of stones.

Unloading Stones

Walls of Stone

Stone Walls Progress

Nearing Completion

Last week we did evangelism in the village of Namarambi. This week we saw the fruit of those labors when we baptized twenty three new believers in a cold rushing river.  

It is always special to observe this ordinance and witness one of the first and most essential steps of obedience unto righteousness by these new believers. As we baptized on Sunday my mind and heart was continually drawn back to the Jordon River where our Lord and Savior was baptized by the John the Baptist. We believe, we follow and we obey. There is great joy that comes from knowing the union with Christ that has taken place as these young Christians start walking in the newness of life. While much of the joy comes from knowing that those who trust Christ will have an eternal home not made with hands but equally as much as knowing that they can have a daily personal relationship with almighty God through their Lord and Savior. I cannot think of anything more precious and priceless than to have a close personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.  

John reveals his heart for those whom he had led to Christ and were walking in the truth.

3 Jn 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." Baptism also reminds us of the awesome responsibility we have to help ground these young believers in their new faith so not only will they become doctrinally sound but that they will also grow and mature into children of God that honor the Lord with their very lives. Our commitment to disciple these babes in Christ goes well beyond their salvation and baptism. Please pray for them as they start their new walk and please pray that God will continue to give us the wisdom, love and power to help them become mighty men and women of God. 

God Speed,

Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez Journal Blog: missionarieschuckterryfernandez.blogspot.com

Kenya, East Africa

2Th 2:15 "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."