Mt. Elgon Tent Raising, Missionary to Sudan and Namarambi Plot Purchase

It has been an extremely busy week in the ministry. On Tuesday we had our weekly Bible study with the hard working fabricators, welders and mechanics of Eldoret. There were 14 in attendance and we have had three professions of faith. Thus far we have been able to teach the men about: Integrity, Compassion, Loyalty and Passion for Christ. It still amazes me that these rough neck men would take one hour out of their work day to study the Bible. Have you ever heard of a company in the USA that shuts down to have an hour long Bible study & time of prayer? Perhaps 100 years ago.

Now that the rains have stopped on Mt. Elgon we were able to travel up the mountain on Wednesday to assemble the Tent on the new plot that was purchased last month by Dean Springs MBC of Arkansas. At first there were only a handful of people there to observe and assemble the tent but before it was over there were dozens of curious villagers as well as faithful Church members who stopped in to lend a hand and or to celebrate a milestone event in the day of new Church. This day was one of those days in the history of a new Church that lends itself to being a great faith builder for all. While we know we walk by faith and not by sight there are tangible events that take place in life when God shows himself faithful to those that will seek His righteousness.

Wednesday was one such day. The people were so happy to have their own sanctuary even if it is temporary because they have been meeting in what could best be described as a cattle stall.

 After assembly we had a small dedication service to thank God for what he has provided and to commit the plot and tent to be used for His honor and glory.

Yesterday we traveled to the new Church plant at Namarambi. We have not frequented this Church much as they have been negotiating to buy a plot and we have learned that if we are involved in any shape or form the price on the plot nearly doubles. So we have purposely stayed away while Pastor Daniel negotiated the price. He finally negotiated the price of 50,000 ksh which is approx $650.00 usd. So with the deal negotiated we came to visit having committed the balance of what the Church was able to raise. We have not really raised the funds for this plot but by faith we provided the balance knowing God will provide as they are getting ready to lose their second meeting place this year. If we did not move forward there is a good possibility that the work accomplished this year would have been lost. So while I know I make my missions treasurers nervous from time to time,  I believe that God blesses faithfulness and will provide for this young work in Namarambi. Prayer and faith is what we need for God to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing.

While at Namarambi yesterday Bro. John Wynonyi who is a Missionary to southern Sudan visited his Father Daniel. John has been in Sudan since March and started with a Bible study and now is moving forward at the same pace of the Church plants we are involved in here in Western. Pastor Daniel is the Father of 5 preachers! That speaks volumes about His faith and His family. It was a day that will not soon be forgotten seeing the joy and hearing the praise of the people as God has provided a huge need in the growth of this young work. In closing, I am certain that God’s hand is upon this group of believers as they have been faithful through very tough times and persevered. Please pray for this young work and this week we ask you to pray as we travel to Bondo near the Uganda border to bring the gospel to Kennedy’s family and to go traditional hunting for Antelope and Impala.

Next week’s journal should be interesting. Stay tuned and stay faithful.

Chuck & Terry Fernandez, Kenya