Drama at JFK,Guests Arrival & Brotherly Love

Last week started with a quick trip to Nairobi to collect our friends Philip Shemwel & Rose Marie Mattingly. It was a trip that almost did not happen as they nearly missed their connecting flight out of JFK because of a flight delay out of Orlando.

While international travel during the holidays is stressful enough, let me show you how God’s favor played a huge role in getting them here on schedule for their ten day safari.

They arrived late at JFK only to see that the plane was loaded and was taxiing out to the runway, however, the plane actually turned around to return to the terminal to collect them for their flight to London after they were told it would be three more days before they could get out.

Now I have never heard of such a thing happening before but I am thankful we serve a God who can even turn flights around for His people.

They arrived on schedule but because of the JFK debacle they had no luggage.  

At least they took our advice and packed extra clothes in their carry on just for such an occasion. Rose Marie and Philip are no ordinary friends as they were members of the Gulf Ridge Baptist Church where I Pastored for nearly five years. 

Philip could always be found by my side as we made every effort to reach Brooksville for Christ through one on one evangelism and Rose Marie could always be found by Terry’s side as they would bring children to the Lord through our bus ministry.

Co-labors and Brothers in Christ make the best lifelong friends.   

We thank God that they have traveled over 8000 miles around the world to be a blessing to this Missionary and his wife during the holidays.  

We have spent the last two days with them in the Kerio Valley at the Landmark Baptist Church of Cheposabei.   

                                    Kerio Valley  

Pastor Loquardo and Sarah

This Church continues to be a strong lighthouse for the Pokot’s to come to know Christ as personal Lord and Savior. 

There were also many members present who walked long distances from the neighboring villages of Katuporot, Aslong, Lopshenkau and Kalas. There was even a man from Karita Uganda present whom we had given a copy of John and Romans to on our last trip to Uganda. God is doing an amazing work in the lives of so many in this region.

We continue to hear dozens of testimonies of how God has transformed their lives through Christ. Rose Marie and Philip were honored in such a way that we have not seen before.

                                  Honored Guests

Gifts

Shuka

Terry Honored

I believe I saw a few tears in their eyes as they were showered with traditional Pokot clothing, necklaces and Philip even received a goat.

I asked him how he was going to get that back to Florida?  LOL 

This gave our honored guests their first opportunity to eat goat and ugali, which they loved. 

                                       Phil Chief & Loboduk 

Terry & Rosie

In turn, Philip and Rosie were able to give out audio Bibles to four elderly members of the Church who cannot read.  

                                   Rose giving Audio Bible

Blind Mamas

Cherish God's Word

Terry Jill and Rose Mary

What a blessed day and powerful day that they will not soon forget.

I am also certain they will not forget the beating that they took on the roads which can leave you black and blue.

Please pray that God will use this opportunity of brotherly love to touch all of our hearts and please pray for traveling mercy as we have much more ground to cover over the next six days.

                                  White Camel

Also note the attached Christmas card,
                          (click on it to enlarge)

Have a Merry & Blessed Christmas

God Bless,

Missionary Carlos (Chuck) & Mama Teresa (Terry)

Phil. 4:13