Church Birthing & Evangelism

On Saturday we continued our evangelism efforts in Mawe Tatu (3) Stones.

Terry and I reached Pastor Shadrach’s shamba (Farm) early Saturday morning from Eldoret. The Lord gave us a safe safari and for that we thank Him. The roads are so bad in Kenya that every time you travel you must pray for safety and then you thank God when you arrive. We had a total of 3 men and 4 women present for evangelism. After Chai and Makate, (Tea & bread) we headed out. As we were leaving to make our visits a neighbor named John showed up out of curiosity. He then proceeded to follow the ladies from house to house. During the course of the morning he heard the gospel taught many times and came under conviction that he had never trusted Christ. Since he was with the ladies, Terry had the presence of heart to ask him if he needed to receive Jesus. While he was following them out of simple curiosity, God knew his heart and birthed him into the family of God.

Just a reminder, we never know who the Lord has brought into our path to receive Christ and we never know who is listening or watching. If we simply share the love of God and His Word many will believe. We have experienced this many times in the hospital, a nursing home, out on the street or in the desert. After a wonderful day of sharing the gospel, praying for the sick and inviting people to the new Church plant at Pastor Shadrach’s house we left with our cups overflowing. There were a total of 10 professions of faith in Christ and the new Church is growing each week with many of the new converts attending as well as the visitors that were invited. We take so much for granted sometimes. During the week Terry and I bought small New Testament Bibles for the evangelism team. We also bought the Pastors new Bibles that had zipper covers on them as well as gospel tracts. When we gave them to the team you would have thought we gave them a million dollars. They were so happy to have the Word of God. Many do not have Bibles at all and if they do they are falling apart, missing pages and torn. It is a reminder of how blessed we are in America where most have multiple Bibles that are often not even used. Terry and I have purposed in our hearts that at the very least we as missionaries will do our best to keep people supplied with the Word of God.

On Sunday we attended the Ndivisi Landmark Baptist Church again with Pastor Peter. It was an awesome day with the Church completely filled.

I preached on the Power of the Cross and Terry taught the Ladies after the service. The Mommas here are so hungry for teaching. I thank the Lord he has given me a wife that has a heart for the people, particularly the Mommas and the Children. At the conclusion of the service the Pastor had a special offering for his vision of a Bible institute at his Church. The nearest Bible Institute is 100Km (60 mi.)away and is at its capacity. The offering time lasted almost an hour with singing and praising while the basket was passed a dozen times.

The most touching part came at the end when a young man brought forth a live chicken and three avocado’s. More money was given towards those items than the rest of the day. A humbling experience to say the least. There was also Pastors or members from 9 other local Churches who brought offerings to help with the building. Over 10,000 ksh was given toward the Bible Institute which is around $120.00 and is about 10% of what is needed. They praised the Lord for what was given. Terry and I are praying about how much we give towards this work. After a long day of visiting homes, going to Church, preaching and teaching we drove back to Eldoret. As I walked in the door last night I got a kick out of how dirty you get here in Kenya. We were literally covered with dirt from head to toe. In the USA we are so clean and sterile but here you come home looking like you have been digging a ditch all day. If you ever come to visit make sure you bring Church clothes you do not mind getting dirt on. LOL.

God Bless You All,

Chuck & Terry Fernandez