Monday, February 25, 2013

Arrival and Hitting the Ground Running

We have been back in the USA for a little over two weeks and we have already attended two missions’ conferences, preached in the prison and preached at several churches in Florida and Arkansas. 
Needless to say, our first eight weeks back are very busy; however, we will slow down the following eight weeks.   It has been a joy to spend some time with our children and grandchildren; Little Chucky, Kason, Ensley and Sebastian.                       Vinny & Endsley
Chuck III & Sebastian
Pop-Pop and Grandsons, Sebastian, Chuck IV, Kason
Daughter Carla, Kevin and Kason
Something else that has brought much joy to our hearts is that we received word that the men that we have ordained over the last four years in Kenya ordained one of our Pastors on Mt. Elgon last week.  
What a blessing to see the things that we have taught them carried out in a God honoring way without us present.                                  Ordination Pastor David
During furlough and deputation, I will not update the blog as much but we will try to update it from time to time.  God Bless You.

Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya but currently in Arkansas

Monday, February 4, 2013

The Sword, The Bow & Goat Hunting

New Convert...Celina's Husband...
Hunting Antelope 
This week has been a mad dash to the finish line of our departure for furlough/deputation.   There are so many things that need to be accomplished before you leave your home for an extended stay.   I won’t get into all the details but I am thankful for my military training in times like these as they taught me what is known as (RPS)= Reverse Planning Sequence.   With people that literally live on the road while trying to manage a ministry out of a suitcase, it is important to have a good checklist that starts with your date of departure.  
With the clock ticking I had to make a trip to the Kerio Valley to deliver a bail of clothes that had been given to the faithful members of the Landmark Baptist Church of Cheposabei by one of our last visitors, Philip Shemwel.
Phil was so touched by their generosity during his visit as they showered him with gifts to include a goat and Pokot attire, and he wanted to give back to the people who have so little.   In addition to delivering the bail of clothes, I had made a promise to a young Missionary Intern named Caleb Foster to take him antelope hunting with the Pokot.
                                          Caleb & Missionary
Caleb, who is an avid hunter is staying in Eldoret for one year and is working with our Bible Baptist brethren.   Needless to say, I have tried to teach our men to be men of integrity and men who keep their word so it was very necessary to take Caleb hunting before I left.
    Chief Joshua, center, Missionary, left, Caleb, right.
Upon our arrival to Pokot, we found that Pastor Timothy Loquardo had scheduled evangelism at the neighboring village of Kalas.  
 We now have many members of the LBC Cheposabei who walk the five kilometers from Kalas each and every week to attend church.    It matters not what we have on our schedule, the first priority is always preaching the gospel.   The sword (word of God) comes first and after this the bow. 
Our village guides for evangelism were two women, Monica and Celina whom Terry had led to Christ last year.  The first time we met Monica she was falling down drunk, the second time we met her, Terry shared God’s plan of salvation with her through His Holy word and she professed Christ as Lord and Savior.   Now, here she is taking us to her family and neighbors houses to witness to them.  Monica & Celina
That is a transformed life that wants others to experience the peace that passeth all understanding through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 
Then we also had an old mama named Celina who was so concerned about the salvation of her very old husband that she practically dragged us to her home to share God’s word with him.  Her husband was not in good shape physically or spiritually.   We led seven to Christ that day to include Mama Celina’s husband who was so anxious to receive Christ that he continually  told us during our teachings that he was ready to believe and receive Jesus.  
                                           Celina's Husband
After evangelism and after distributing the bail of clothes, the next morning we headed out to hunt Diki Diki, (the world’s smallest Antelope).  
This hunt, which is the third time I have been able to do traditional bow hunting with the Pokot’s was my best opportunity yet.  The reason I say this is because while Caleb was chasing Diki Diki with the District Chief we were using the most effective technique I have seen yet and that is using a herd of goats as cover.  As soon as we entered into the woods we found a large herd, (around one hundred goats) with no shepherd.  It seems as though these pastoralist release their goats every morning into a known territory and then round them up at the end of the day.   So we hijacked this herd and walked gently and quietly amongst them as they fed.  These ultra small antelope were totally off guard as they are not threatened by the goats.  The goats worked great as they cover your sight, your sound and your scent. 
                                      Goat Herd
My best opportunity came when I spotted a Diki Diki feeding at the edge of the goat herd unaware of my presence.  
With heart beating, I slowly walked within thirty yards of my prey and released one arrow which missed the mark but spooked the antelope.   Now before the hypercritical hunters come out of the wood work, remember that a thirty yard shot with a traditional wooden Pokot bow is likened to a seventy yard shot with one of these new ultra light and very accurate compound bows.   And besides, the hunt is actually as fun as the kill. 
In Closing, as you read this we are either on road or in the air to return back to the USA.  Please pray for traveling mercies and our young Pastors and Churches while we are gone and thank you for allowing us to share our hearts and lives with you each week.

 God Bless,


Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya