Around the World in 180 Days

June/July 2013 Newsletter...***CLICK ON PAGE TO ENLARGE FOR READING.

 

Texas Deputation and ABA National Meeting

It is hard to believe we have been in Texas for nearly a month. 
While we have been blessed in so many ways we are looking forward to getting back to the Sunshine State and time with our children and grandchildren. 
The drive from Florida to Texas while pulling a camper was long but without incident.  Camp director, Ricky Lee of Pines Springs Baptist Camp near Henderson Texas has been a gracious host and we are thankful that they allow us to stay in this centrally located camp free of charge.  

                                                  Camper

We have tried to contribute to the camp as Terry helped clean dorms and I help Ricky put a roof on a pavilion here at the camp.        Cleaning Lady

Roofing

They have been a blessing to us and we wanted to give something back.  
We have been well received by the many Churches who invited us to share and update them on the work Terry and I are doing in Kenya and Uganda. 
Some are new Churches who have seen the fruit and blessings of our ministry and have expressed interest in partnering with us.  Then there are also those Churches here in Texas who have been a blessing to us over the last 5-6 yrs by prayerfully and financially supporting our ministry.                   Friends

Little Friends

We have had sweet fellowship with those Churches and Pastors and it was very much like going back in time to when we did our original deputation in 2007-08.   This past week we were also blessed to reconnect with Pastors and Churches from all over our country at the American Baptist Association Messenger meeting.  It was an honor and privilege to update our brethren during “Missionary Share Time” on what God is doing in our work and we made many new contacts that are interested in joining our support team.   We were also blessed to spend some quality time with Pastor Tim Johnson, his wife Crystal and their two children during the National meeting who are from our
new Co-sponsoring church; Dean Springs Missionary Baptist Church.  

While raising support is what most people think of when they hear the word deputation, we are often reminded that preaching the gospel and encouraging God’s people along this path of life is still the basis for all that we do whether it is in America or Africa.  

We may never fully realize on this side of eternity how God uses these visits by road weary Missionaries traveling across this great country, but rest assured that it will be worth every mile and struggle as we give God the glory and lift up the name of Jesus, the sweetest name I know.    Some of the Churches we visited over the few weeks are:  Providence MBC in Center Tx, 

North Loop MBC in Crocket Tx,  Ebenezer MBC in Henderson Tx, Cleveland MBC in Cleveland Tx,  Landmark MBC in Mt. Enterprise Tx, Tanglewood MBC in Atlanta Tx,  Springhill MBC in Pittsburg Tx with Alvin MBC, Golden Meadows MBC and Oakland MBC still to visit over the next  week before we return to Florida.  

Visitors

 Thank you to those of you who faithfully pray for us and financially support this work.   It has been said that, “Man is never impoverished by giving, nor is enriched by withholding”.  
May God continue to bless His people and His work.
In His Service,
Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya/Uganda

April~May 2013 Newsletter....***right click on picture then choose 'open link' , then left clink on pic to enlarge for reading as this is a converted PDF File...

Thank you for taking time to read our latest newsletter.  The months and the miles are flying by but we are enjoying the sweet fellowship with our brethren and Churches here in America, many of whom we have not seen since our 2007 deputation.   Please continue to pray for traveling mercy (15,000) miles covered and counting, as well as God’s provision for the work in Kenya and Uganda.  
In His Service,
Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya

 

Deputation Update & Running Ragged

       It has been several weeks since I have written a blog/journal entry, however I still feel compelled to write them from time to time.   There is still much that needs to be recorded in our lives that we want to be able to look back at in our golden years and I also believe there is much that our brethren need to know about the lives of foreign Missionaries, even while in America.   So start with, I will just share some of the stats to give you an idea of what deputation looks like.   Since we arrived back in the USA in February, I have preached at four mission conferences, a 5 day revival, preached at Cross City Correctional institute, Ft. Cooper BC, Anchor BC, Dean Springs MBC, Bethal MBC, Chalybeate Springs MBC, 1^st BC Rutland, Scrub Creek BC, 1^st BC Kingstowne and Benchmark MBC.  We have traveled some 7,500 miles in six weeks to include:   Florida, Georgia, Arkansas and Virginia.  

The thought crosses my mind that are those who read these stats who may not fully be able to appreciate our travels on the smooth roads of America, however all of this travel comes after a hard two year term of working in the interior of East Africa which left us gasping for breath and has really tested our stamina and in some cases even our calling.   You may be asking yourself if we are simply gluttons for punishment or what?  We are not gluttons for punishment but rather missionaries in need of support.  It has been said that “invention is the mother of necessity”, well with regard to missionaries, “travel is the mother of necessity”.   We simply had to hit the road immediately in order to raise funds to keep up with the explosive growth of our ministry over the last few years.   Trust me when I say that we do not enjoy living out of suitcase, sleeping in hotel rooms, sleeping in someone else’s bed or a camper and running ragged.    There is a great sense of “unsettledness” in our lives as there are many days that we wake up and really do not know what city, state or country we are in.    As we visit God’s people to share God’s word and work we often say goodbye to people who are able to return to their home, children, community, comforts of life and we speed down the road to the next stop which is not our home.   It really reminds us that we are truly strangers and sojourners just passing through and this is not our long home.  We are exhausted, but have scheduled a reduced pace over the next eight weeks in order to spend more time with our children and grandchildren.   Yesterday we had an awesome Easter service as we celebrated our risen Savior with all of our children and grandchildren in attendance. 

                                    Our Grandchildren

                               Family Easter March 31, 2013

Back to deputation, we fully realize that our country is in an economic recession but we also believe God is able to provide for His servants through these lean years.  God has shown himself faithful and it is just up to His people to show themselves faithful like the churches of Macedonia did in meeting the needs of the saints in Jerusalem some two thousand years ago.  These were churches that gave out  “deep poverty” but only after they gave of themselves were they willing to help the saints in Jerusalem.

       2Co 8:2  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.  2Co 8:3  For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;  2Co 8:4  Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

        We are also hold a very unique perspective of being very fresh from living in a third world country where we see people struggle to survive and exist on a daily basis and yet as we travel our great nation we see great waste and excess everywhere we have traveled.   Even in recession, America is one of the richest and most blessed nations of the world.   Please pray that God will provide the needed funds for us to return to Kenya so we may continue to move forward with evangelism, training and church development.   In closing, our overall deputation goal and prayer is that God will help us increase our monthly support by 10% and enable us to raise $25,000.00 to be able to build five more sanctuaries when we return to Kenya.  Thank you for allowing us to share the Missionary experience with you and keep us in your prayers as we press towards the mark of the high calling.

       God Bless,

 

 Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez

Kenya

 

 

 

 

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

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

Furlough/Deputation and Goodbyes

God's Teaching in Swahili Video

 Video Teaching in Swahili..Click here to Go to Link  

Most of this week’s activities revolved around preparation for our upcoming furlough/deputation.  We actually fly out next week but when you’re leaving for ten month’s there are a lot of items that must be attended to before we leave.   It is not as easy as just getting on the plane.   We have licenses and permits that needed to be renewed before we leave and we have to put other items like phones and internet on temporary hold so we do not lose these type of services.  Someone once asked me why we call our return to the USA furlough/deputation together instead of just furlough.   From my understanding, furlough implies; rest, rejuvenation and even revival.   We do have four months of actual furlough planned where we will be in Florida attending our home church and attending Churches in our home state.  However, we will also be on the road dragging back and forth across our great nation for six months visiting supporting churches to thank them for their faithful support over the years as well as visiting new Churches which are interesting in partnering with us.   There are some churches that we have not visited with since our original deputation in 2007-08 and we want to stay connected to them.  Living on the road and out of a suitcase is hardly considered rest, rejuvenation and revival.  This is the life of the Missionary and his help met.   After reviewing our upcoming schedule over the next few months we know we have a lot of traveling ahead of us and we will need God to give us the strength to be able to minister to those whom we visit along the deputation trail.  In all honesty, we probably needed to take this break months ago as we are totally spent and depleted, physically, spiritually and emotionally.   Please pray for us brethren.   One of the things that we know rejuvenates us like nothing else is seeing our family again.   Word’s cannot describe how much anticipation we have in this regard, not only to see our children but we also have two new grand kids that I have not met yet and grandpa needs to hold them and play with them.    For our final service on this side of the world until next year, we visited the Landmark Baptist Church of Namarambi which is located near the base of Mt. Elgon.   

We continue to be blessed by the young folks we see coming up through the churches as well as those faithful few that help us start these new works. 

Young People Sing at Watato 

 

The body says that there is much relief after the service and the long trip to Mt. Elgon but there will always be a longing in our hearts to worship with the people whom we love dearly and who have become such a big part of our lives.    Furlough also brings a season for the church to continue to move forward without any foreign involvement which is essential to their growth.  Sunday School Teacher Praying

We were taught a long time ago that the test of all teaching is practice and that the permanence of the church depends on the members and not the missionary.   Missionaries will come and go but the church should remain and move forward for the cause of Christ without him.   This is our goal, this is our hearts prayer and this is the ultimate test of the years of mentoring and teaching.  After a final review of these thirteen young churches we find that the Pastor’s and leadership in place while very young, are in unity and capable of leading these local congregations who have coveted together to keep the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ.   One of the many benefits of creating a strong team of Pastor’s in an associated fellowship is that they also have each other to rely on during times of struggles.   We believe that we have given them necessary tools and training to continue the great work that God is doing in their lives and churches.  While we all have room for improvement we trust God’s people to stay totally dependent on Him alone for grace, wisdom and His leadership.  This gives us great peace as we walk away from the work that so captured our lives over the last four years. 

Please continue to pray for the local New Testament Churches and us as we travel the world.

God Bless,

Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya

Pastor’s Seminar & Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

CHEMTA...I have attached some pictures of one of our newest works, 

the LBC Chemta which is located on Mt. Elgon in a forest on the Ugandan border. This work is located in an area that is so steep

 that it is not accessible by motorcycle or four wheel drive truck.

 

Sunday School

Pastor Pete Preaching

Offering

Praying For The Sick

Pastor Robin and Family

We held our first Pastor’s seminar of 2013 this week in Eldoret.

 This seminar was unique in many ways:

Number one; this is the first time we have brought the Pastors to the city where I live. This allowed my back to continue to heal and also gives us more teaching time.  
Secondly, this seminar was designed for Pastor’s only.  

We generally have quarterly seminars and invite the Pastors along with the other young preachers within the church and have also had other seminars where we invited Pastors, Preachers and key leaders from within the Church.

However, after working and observing many of these Pastors for years I felt I had learned enough about the challenges they face and their culture to not only teach them God’s word but also to help them with some of the practicalities of their ministry.   
The days were long and weary and as the Bible teaches there is much weariness in studying God’s word but very rewarding and profitable. 
                                         Teaching

Pastor Japeth Study

Pastor Peter and Missionary

Pastor Daniel

Pastor Shadrach

Chow Time.....

For some of the men, such as those from Lake Victoria and Mt. Elgon, it was the first time to come to the “big city”.   

There was even some jocularity as the Pastors poked at Pastor David from Kipsogon, Mt. Elgon as this trip afforded him the first opportunity in his life to eat fish.
What a reminder of how isolated some of our works really are.
The subjects included our usual doctrinal review as well as other subjects such as: Homiletics, Apologetics, Stewardship & Missions.   
Three of the classes which included more practical application were sermon preparation, cultural ministry challenges and case studies of Churches and ministries which failed. Generally speaking, as Terry and I have rotated among the 13 churches we are currently working with for Sunday worship service, I am asked to teach Sunday school and the Pastor usually brings the message.
So needless to say, I have listened and learned enough to be in a position to help them with sermon preparation which turned out to be one of the more popular classes.  
Much of this class covered the benefits of expository preaching.

The case study class on failed African ministries was also very beneficial to these young Pastors and Churches and was an attempt to learn from the mistakes of others so as not to repeat them in our ministry.
We also did minor studies on what the Bible teaches about Alcohol and Adultery.
It is our hearts desire that these men of God will continue to mature in their ability to Pastor and to rightly divide the word of truth.
Please continue to pray for these young works and for these Men of God as they lead their sheep.                  
                                    PASTORS AT SEMINAR

 Again as you have seen above, I have posted some pictures of one of our newest works, the LBC Chemta which is located on Mt. Elgon in a forest on the Ugandan border.
This work is located in an area that is so steep that it is not accessible by motorcycle or four wheel drive truck.    
                                            Pastor's House

We continue to be humbled by what God is doing by His grace in the lives of so many. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya