A Chainsaw, An Ox Cart, A Daughters Burden and a Tent Revival

As we look back at the week in review it is clearly apparent that the Lord has blessed in such a way that we can only give him the praise, the honor and the glory for what has been accomplished. There is a peace and joy that is produced when a person is the center of God’s will. Terry and I continue to enjoy this peace which passeth all understanding while working and walking in God’s perfect will.

This week we entered into a new phase of ministry which involved a more physical labor of love. We always enjoy doing the work of Lord which is spiritual, but from time to time it is also enjoyable to wrap your hands around something in God’s work and break a sweat.

It was decided among the members of our ministry team that we would purchase trees for building and cut them ourselves instead of buying them from a lumber yard. We purchased four trees located on a river near the Church and proceeded to cut them down.

I dropped the first one because it was easy and told the men on the work crew that they would have to drop the others which were located too close to the river and I did not want to be responsible for dropping them into the river and creating more work for them. After I put mine on the ground they dropped the other three, two of which ended up in the river.
Keep in mind we did not have a loader or large piece of equipment to pull the trees from the river.

Fortunately, two of the men were raised there and did not mind going swimming to pull the pieces from the river as they were cut. The chainsaw was the portable saw mill we used and when put into the hands of a skilled operator was more than adequate to produce very nice rough sawn 2x3’s, 2x4’s and 4x4’s. I had no problems cross cutting but when I tried my hand at cutting finished lumber going with the grain, well let’s just say it was not pretty.
I have learned from experience that somethings are better left to the experts who do it on a daily basis.
While cutting trees for the sanctuary my mind was on our home Church in Florida where in 1952 a small group of men cut trees from the property to build the first sanctuary just as we were doing.

Our men here worked hard all day processing the wood which was delivered to the church site by ox  cart.

While the men were working with their hands, Terry and the woman were working with their hearts.
We got a call from Pastor Peter that his wife’s mother was not saved but has been asking questions about salvation and his wife, “Momma Sporta” wanted Terry to go and share God’s Word with her.

We thank God He allows us to be a witness for Him and love the opportunity to teach and share God’s Word, however, there is something precious and pressing when a friend whom you love dearly is burdened for the soul of a family member. It is also a great honor and privilege. Using an analogy that all can understand it is as if a 911 call came from heaven.

So as the men worked by the river, Terry and Momma Sporta trekked through the Western countryside to visit the village where she was raised. Terry reported that Sporta’s mother “Margaret” as well her

sister-in-law “Joann” understood the teachings from the Bible regarding salvation and gladly received the Word.

In addition to these two, Momma Sporta’s younger brother and neighbor received Christ as well.
At the close of the day we were all both tired and excited about what was accomplished through God’s amazing grace and some good old fashioned elbow grease. In addition to the work this week we traveled up Mt. Elgon for Sunday services. The trip up the mountain was anything but smooth but God blessed and we arrived safely.
The service was what I can only describe as a totally unexpected revival.
The Maasi singing and praise is heavenly but what stole our hearts’ was the testimony of the visitors.
                               CHILDREN PRAYING

There were many people present that said they did not plan on being there, but through a series of events God lead them to the small tent in Kispsigon, Mt. Elgon in order to get them back on the right path.
I cannot remember a service when I have seen so many people with similar testimonies of being backslidden and out of the will of God being drawn to the house of God at the same time.

The testimonies where so compelling and heart wrenching that it just brought tears of joy to your eyes.

When you clearly see God move in a way that it is " not by power nor by might but my spirit", saith the Lord, it so strengthens and encourages your faith.

What a blessing!
In addition to these testimonies we received word that  many of those who made professions at last week’s evangelism were so happy with their new life in Christ and are anxiously awaiting baptism.

In closing, I have walked the Christian walk long enough to know that there are times when you are on the mountain top and times when you are in a valley but thanks be to God that Terry and I are currently experiencing the mountain top both physically and spiritually.

God Keep You and Bless You,
Chuck & Terry Fernandez

Mt. Elgon & Western Kenya