The second week of our mission trip found us climbing the steep, rocky and muddy slopes of Mt. Elgon. While we had prepared for the cold temperatures at over 10,000 ft. above sea level we had not prepared for the rains which you can almost set your clock by this time of year. Of all the years Terry and I have been working on Mt. Elgon we have never been stuck there, but all that changed with our group of four because I let our Pastors determine our schedule rather than giving them the schedule. It was a calculated risk since I did not have Terry with me and since we had planned on spending the night on the mountain but was one that ended up being way more stressful than necessary. Here is the short version, we divided up into three teams for village evangelism and scheduled each group to meet back at the truck before two o'clock when the rains start so we could make our way back to the Church we were sleeping at and before the roads turn to mud. Once that happens you are not going anywhere regardless of what type of four wheel drive you have. So as you can already imagine, the leader of the group Bro. Gary Weidenbach and I were in led us so far away that we could not get back to the truck in time before it started raining. With the rain falling we desperately tried to get down the slopes to no avail. After bouncing off the sides of numerous ditches we slide off the road and got stuck several times, and with nothing to hook the winch to we had to use man power to push the Rover back onto the road.
We finally made it to a plateau where one of our outreaches is located at Huruma. After taking hot Chai (Tea with milk) to warm up and since we were somewhat stranded we figured we might as well do what God had called us to do and continued evangelism. God used that lapse in judgment to see many more villagers come to Jesus Christ which brought the Mt. Elgon total to 141 decisions.
God has a way of taking our blunders and using them for His honor and glory.
Evangelism
We were blessed to make it off Mt. Elgon without any injuries and minimal damage to the truck. After a day of rest and repair we packed up again and took off for the Kerio Valley. So from the one extreme of high, cold wet elevation to the semi arid region of the Kerio Valley and light weight desert clothing. Our first visit in the valley would take us to the village of Lopsusinkou to deliver the good news of the gospel.
Pokot Solar Bible
The Pokots welcomed us with open arms to share the gospel and to preach God's word. Many made professions of faith and we left some of the solar powered audio Bibles to start groups to listen to the Word of God.
Rom. 10:17 " So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Our second trip would take us deeper into the bush to visit a second generation Church plant at the Pokot village of Morreris. Before we brought the good news of the gospel this village was known as the village of murderers. Now there is joy in the hearts of so many and the name of Jesus can be heard through song and preaching throughout the village. It has been amazing to watch God radically transform this village before our eyes over the last couple of years and is a reminder of what a personal relationship with Christ does to a sinner saved by grace. This visit also afforded us the opportunity to deliver the tent given by the children of Dean Springs MBC from their VBS offerings.
What a connection and what a blessing! Children giving to God's work in remote interior regions of East Africa to give these new converts relief from the hot sun.
Our final safari day brought us back for Sunday worship service at the first Pokot Church Terry and I help plant in the village of Chepsabei. The Landmark Baptist Church at Chepsabei is alive and well. The songs service is always powerful, the teaching Dr. Myers brought was moving and the Church honored him with a goat and a bow.
Evangelist James Jones with God's People
The preaching by Evangelist James Jones was accompanied by God's Spirit which left the alters full and God's people crying out to God. Oh that we long for those types of services in the Churches of America. 2Ch 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Thank You for tuning in and please pray for our return flights to the USA, we look forward to seeing you all on the other side.
God Speed,
Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez
Kenya/Uganda#Florida Plant
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