After being home for three weeks now we are definitely starting to acclimate to life in our great country.
The pace of life here has seemed to return to a daily “on the run” and “on the move” mentality that doesn’t allow much time for the little things in life which we have grown to cherish in Kenya with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a priority where they make time to sit around a table with hot tea to share each other’s life and hearts. We have become so goal and task oriented that we are missing that quality time with each other. Both Terry and I have had a difficult time adjusting to the food. That is something that we did not anticipate with our return. When you radically change your diet for one year and then radically change it again it takes some time to know what you can and can’t eat again. We are picking our food battles very carefully. Sunday we opened the Mission Conference at Fort Cooper Baptist with a great crowd and a great spirit. We are so thankful for a Pastor and church that has a burden for the lost and a heart for missions. The theme of the conference is “there cometh a night when no man will work”. God blessed both services and it was so good to see our friends and family attend with us. Each time we return to our home Church we are so encouraged by our Pastor and the members.
This year the church was decorated in the usual flags of various countries but in addition to the flags were little dresses hanging from the ceiling that were made from pillow cases. We thank the ladies of the Church who participated in this endeavor to provide the little girls that we work with in various villages, what will be in most cases, their first new dress. I sat on the platform Sunday looking at those little dresses hanging there and knowing how happy the little girls are going to be to receive something that is made from a heart of love. One of the things that we love about coming home to Ft. Cooper is the precious memories that we have there. God reminds us of His grace upon our lives as we have seen the Lord bless our church and family over the last twenty years.
This week we also preached a prison revival at Cross City Correctional Institute for Chaplin Herman Rivera. This year revival was the best that we have had over the last 5 or 6 years I have been preaching there.
#1. The Chapel was full both days and the guards where actually pulling men off the compound telling them that they needed to attend. The second day we had to put out chairs.
#2. There was a freedom and liberty of the Holy Spirit with alters full of men weeping and calling out to God.
#3. There is a maturity and growth in a handful of men that have become a core of mighty men of God at CCCI. I have watched them grow in their faith and walk with God over the last five years that has brought them to a place in their walk where they are winning and discipling others inmates.
#4. There were 8 who made professions and many rededicated their life to Christ. These meetings were very powerful and these men have become an extension of my ministry. I have a love and heart for them like I have for the people we are working with in Kenya. Please remember our Brothers in Christ who are paying their debt to society and growing in grace and truth through the power of the cross. From this point on we will be preaching at various churches throughout Florida and Arkansas until we return back to Kenya.
Thank you for your prayers.
Chuck & Terry Fernandez
Kenya, East Africa
Currently in Florida
