Home Safely

Neil's Amsterdam flight touched down in Minneapolis around 11:45 a.m. yesterday. He helped the young woman from Rwanda, who was seated next to him, through customs. She was a new international student enrolling at a college in New England, and she was understandably frightened and confused by airports. After waiting for Neil's plane to land, our friend Scott Crump drove to meet Neil from his home in Hudson, WI. He had circled the drive in the pickup area once when Neil made it through the airport. Scott returned to his house with Neil, where Neil's 4-Runner had been parked, and Neil was on the road. 

Neil's two legs of his return flight were uneventful, arriving at his destinations ahead of schedule. In the 34 hours since leaving Nairobi, Neil had slept only 2 hours on the planes. Neil phoned me when his flight landed in Minneapolis and again as he headed out of the Twin Cities traffic. We talked until he pulled over at Nelson Brother's truck stop near Clearwater. 

Although his body screamed for sleep, Neil remained awake while driving home. On my phone's tracker, watching the little vehicle icon still making steady progress toward home was reassuring. Neil pulled into our driveway at 5:38 p.m. 

When he stepped out of his 4-Runner, he looked like "death warmed over" and took a much-needed nap. He insisted I wake him in an hour so he could take me out to dinner. He has so many amazing stories to share, which I will begin to hear today as he takes me through his photos. His plan was to start sharing the stories during our dinner date, but we saw a recently widowed friend sitting alone as we walked into Old Number 1. We were just going to say, "Hi," before finding our table, but she offered us seats. She was about to leave, having just finished her meal, but said we could use her table. We were soon wrapped up in conversation, and after an hour, the three of us left together. 

Neil apologized for not reserving that time for us, but I don't mind. Ever since we bought our house in Morris, the whole world has been our family. In 1983, we filled our home with people coming off drugs and alcohol or ex-cons from prison. Later, we filled it with students, some domestic and some international. It is just the two of us now. We have space at home to rest and capacity for visiting as we leave our door. 

Neil slept soundly through the night, and I was the only early bird this morning. May your homes be filled with the peace and joy of God's presence. Thank you again for your prayers and for the prayer requests you sent us. We enjoy being able to return the favor.

 

Ordination

Neil Anointing Pastors During Ordination Service

On Sunday, an extraordinary part of Neil's trip was participating in the ordination of several of the pastors he has worked with in the Kisii District since 2004 and some of the pastors he has recently visited in other parts of Kenya. Cosmas Solamba is an excellent leader of the Riverside Ministries churches. He teaches them through his annual week-long conferences and visits their churches when he can. Cosmas thanked Neil for being his friend and coworker for nearly 20 years. 

On Monday, August 19, Neil rested after almost three weeks of ministry in Kenya. An answered prayer is a two-week postponement of the airport workers' strike as they work together with the government toward a mutually satisfactory resolution of their disputes. Their 7-day strike would otherwise have begun yesterday, possibly delaying Neil's flight home.

Ruth is working with the international funds transfer company to reactivate her account. Their customer support team has been understanding, especially when they discovered that Ruth had yet to receive their July email requesting annual documentation for a continuation of her account. International bank transfer companies need to satisfy the banking regulations in over 100 nations they serve globally. They assist families and friends in providing financial support for struggling relatives back home. Ruth thanked them for their vital work in helping genuinely needy families, reassuring them she fully appreciated their efforts.

Although Ruth responded quickly to the customer support team's email on Monday, it may take them one or two more days to review her documents. Ruth has been unable to send Neil even a penny for his trip home. Neil's Nairobi friends will ensure he flies on schedule, but reactivation of the international transfer account is needed to continue supporting our Kenyan friends. Your prayers are much appreciated. God knows how to iron out this considerable wrinkle without scorching the fabric. 

On Tuesday, Neil traveled across Nairobi to spend time with Joe and Karin Medley. They will bring him to the airport. His flight departs around midnight on Wednesday night. Neil used Zoom from Joe's flat so Ruth could visit with the Medleys in a video call. They updated Ruth on their lives and ministry in Nairobi. Joe said this has been an exceptionally productive year for all on their ministry team, with many trips across Kenya, even to remote villages. One member of their team also travels to other African nations. Joe made a trip to Mombasa while Neil was there, and Karin will be traveling there tomorrow. Joe asked for prayer for Karin for both safety and effectiveness. The women there need encouragement. 

Thank you again for your prayers. We have seen so many prayers answered on this trip, and many of them almost instantly.

Prayer Requests:

• Praise God for the pastors ordained at the conference and for the Holy Spirit to continue teaching and guiding them as He empowers them for ministry.
• Pray for Karin Medley's trip to Mombasa on Wednesday to encourage women there. Pray for safe travel and the anointing of the Holy Spirit to give them strength and greater empowerment for service.
• Thank God for postponing the air workers' strike and for wisdom for the union and the Kenyan government as they work together to resolve issues mutually satisfactorily.
• Pray for healing for our Kenyan friend Esther, who attended the conference and needs immediate medical help for advanced stages of HIV/AIDS. 
• Pray that the international funds transfer company restores Ruth's account to continue to support our friends in Kenya.

Open the Flood Gates of Heaven

 

Neil Preaching as Francis Interprets

The image above captures Neil and Francis, who, after two days of overcoming numerous challenges to keep the van running and driving through the night, arrived in Nairobi at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Despite their exhaustion from the journey, they got a three-hour nap before beginning their teaching duties. Their resilience and determination are admirable, and a testimony of their commitment. 

The final day of Cosmas Solamba's conference is coming to a close in Kenya. Neil taught in the mornings aided by Francis' amazing translating skills. After Neil's Thursday morning teaching session, he invited people forward to encourage them in prayer. Eight people were baptized in the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues. 

A married couple on the slate of conference teachers is from Northern Minnesota. They are in Dan and Vicki Eastvold's church and were part of a construction team that accompanied the Eastvolds to work on Cosmas' new church and attended the conference last summer. The husband is a husky fellow who dresses in bib overalls, helping Neil feel at home in his jeans and T-shirt. The Kenyans wear dress shirts and suits. In one of Neil's teachings, he spoke about the danger of wanting to play the Big Man to impress others. Jesus taught that to be great in God's kingdom, you must be the servant of all. Jesus modeled a shepherd relating to his sheep heart-to-heart, warning against giving preferencial seats to those dressed in fine clothes.

Although Ruth is unable to accompany Neil to Kenya because of her allergies to smoke, dust, and diesel, she is the home correspondent and administers the humanitarian work, helping to support destitute families, widows, and orphans. Monthly support is sent to the caregivers of the children supported through ROCK (Reach Out to the Children of Kenya) and for the food shelf distributing grain through the churches for HIV/AIDS sufferers. More support for the food shelf is needed, because food is scarce this year. The first crop was destroyed by floods, and the second by drought. Added to that is runaway inflation seriously decreasing buying power especially in remote villages.

A financial problem surfaced at home on Thursday. In the morning Bremer Bank, where the Outfitters for Adventure accounts are held, had their online banking go down. Ruth needed to send funds to the pastors from the Kisii District for their return bus fare from the conference. When the online banking was restored in the afternoon, Ruth tried sending the international transfer of funds to Kenya, but the transfer service she uses, World Remit, had discontinued her account. Throughout the night Ruth continued trying to log in, made phone calls, and sent chat messages and emails to their customer service reps. Still unable to resolve the issue, Ruth finally went to bed at 4:00 a.m. Friday morning.

At 6:00 a.m., Ruth began trying other companies. She tried PayPal, XE, and MoneyGram because each transfers the funds directly into the recipient's MPESA account for personal banking on their phone. MPESA is a form of digital banking similar to a debit card. Kenyans were encouraged to all get phones and do their banking that way when COVID hit so they wouldn't be handling paper money. Now it is Saturday, and each company has disabled my accounts. I think you all would vouch for Ruth that she is not a terrorist, nor is Outfitters for Adventure funding terrorism in any form. Quite the opposite. With the financial gifts from many of you, Outfitters has been helping provide food, clothing, health care, education, and housing for the desperately poor. But it may not be that Ruth is black-listed for suspicion of being dangerous or a fraud. It may have something to do with the changes in global banking. 

While Ruth was working feverishly, trying to find a way to send money abroad, one of our investment counselors called to offer changes to gold or silver. When Ruth mentioned the troubles she was having and that she had suspicions that it might be related to the changes in banking in the news, he said that yesterday was the day that most US banks switched to digital banking. Having been a college registrar, Ruth remembered what hiccups can be expected with major computer system overhauls. The digital currency turnover is the world's largest computer upheaval. Do you remember the impact of the upgraded security in large computer systems software 2 weeks ago that shut down the airlines for a day or more? For the banks' digital currency computer systems rollout, they most likely prioritized live in-person service at the teller's counters to address any glitches that appeared. The next priority would be their online services. Last would be banking interfaces with companies providing money transfers, especially overseas, which are considered peripherals. Their low fees directly compete with the banks' more lucrative funds transfers. Two years ago, pressure was brought on world governments to regulate these intermediary companies providing lower-cost fund transfers. But if we lose access to sending funds to individual MPESA accounts, we are back to square one in getting financial help to the poor in Kenya. So --- this is another God-sized problem and cause for serious prayer. 

However, Neil had an encouraging report on his return trip. Although the air workers union will continue to strike in Nairobi, the Kenyan government has announced it will keep the airport open and will not have massive flight cancellations. The union has agreed to work toward a peaceful settlement and allow the airport to remain open. 

Neil has enjoyed his stay at Cosmas Solamba's guest house, where a gourmet-level chef prepares their meals. Neil has been washing clothes and hanging them out to dry as his thoughts turn toward home. Yesterday, he was inadvertently locked into the house until someone came to rescue him. Today he made sure the key was left in his care. 

Prayer Requests:

• Open the gates of heaven to strengthen and encourage the conference attendees as they head home.
• Thank God for the government and striking airport workers' agreement. May their strike be peaceful as they strive to keep the airport open. May their settlement talks come to an agreement suitable for both sides.
• Ask God to help the funds transfer companies restore all of their functionality so financial assistance can continue to flow to those in desperate need.
• Restore Ruth's rest as she lays down the burden of funds transfers and entrusts the solution to God. Open the gates of heaven to supply those in need.
• Allow Neil to rest and enjoy fellowship with friends these last few days in Kenya. Please be with Neil as he travels on Thursday.

Riverside Ministries Conference

 

Esther, Eunice, Hellen, Mary & Neil at Conference

The conference is live on YouTube. You can turn down your computer volume during the worship. Using the slider locater, at 1:15:00, a 7-year-old girl is dancing next to Neil. Neil's teaching begins at 1:23:35. Neil looks like he is hiding behind the post until the cameraman finds him. Neil laid the mic down so folks would only need to listen to Francis' voice until someone asked Neil to use the mic for the English listeners on YouTube.

Just past midnight Tuesday night (Kenya time), Neil texted at a stop along the main highway from Mombasa to Nairobi:

Neil: We are having fries and tea at a bus and mutata stop. This place is booming. After four hours of driving, I met only one car approaching fully in my lane. Now I can say I have driven the Mombasa road at night.

Ruth: I am thankful you were awake enough to avoid a head-on collision. My sister Jeannie says you seem to have divine intervention when all seems lost.

Your friends from the Kisii District will be so happy to see you. They arrived on time at the conference on Monday looking for you. Having the van running rather than using public transportation to get around Nairobi is nice for you and Francis. How many passengers are in your van?

Neil: Besides Francis and me, there are two men, two women, and a baby. We still have five hours to go. 

Francis took over the driving as they approached Nairobi. They got 3 hours to sleep at Cosmas' guest house and then joined the conference. Neil texted:

Esther, who was almost dying from HIV in April, looks great. Eunice, the pastor whose church on the Ugandan island is getting a new roof and whose daughter is now supported on ROCK, looks happy. James, whose church is also getting a new roof, arrived this morning. George is one of the leaders. He is a happy man.

For lunch, Shawn, Janet, and I went to the house where a friend cooked a 5-star meal. Shawn and Janet are from Dan & Vicki Eastvold's church in Minnesota. 

Neil got to sleep around 9:00 p.m. Kenya time. Our concern now is how to get Neil home. The 7-day airport workers union strike is still planned to begin on Monday. Neil's return flight is scheduled for next Thursday, during the strike. Also, the riots have continued partly due to the strikers' concerns.

Prayer Requests

• Thank God for Neil and Francis making it safely to Nairobi.
• Thank God for Neil's friends making it to the conference.
• Ask strength for Neil and Francis to teach at the conference through Friday.
• Ask God to preserve Kenyan airline workers' jobs.
• Ask God to provide a flight home for Neil before a strike. 
• Ask the Prince of Peace to help those on both sides of the riots to dialogue and work together to resolve their issues.

Send the Ravens

 

Roadside Service, Kenya-Style

Have you ever wondered if God hears your prayers? Maybe sometimes, just sometimes, God allows us to reach the end of ourselves -- allows us to feel abandoned -- just long enough to actually find ourselves along the side of a busy highway in Kenya -- 2 days behind schedule -- after all efforts have failed -- to experience what we know can only be a miracle!

Neil and Francis have had a 2-day ordeal with the van. Neil was supposed to begin teaching on Monday at Cosmas Solamba's Riverside Ministries national pastors conference in Nairobi. Now it is Tuesday night, and they were still stranded not far from Mombasa on Kenya's east coast, almost 8 hours from Nairobi.

Cosmas shipped them a replacement alternator for his van on a bus from Nairobi on Monday, but after it was installed the van made it only another 10 miles.

When I posted this morning, Francis had gone in search of an alternative alternator, leaving Neil, along with other members of their party, in the van on a very hot day. Ruth texted Neil at noon asking if Francis had any success. Here is the "rest of the story."

Neil texted Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. Kenya-time (Tuesday noon Minnesota-time):

Francis got back here around 6:00 with an alternator but alas, the mechanic bailed on him so it is 8:00 and here we sit. The windows are down and there is no battery. We have a young lady, a lady with an infant and two pastors in the van. 

Ruth responded: 

"Lord, send the ravens!"

Immediately, Neil texted, 

"A mechanic just arrived! This guy knows what he is doing. Bam, bam! Done! And we are on the road again. I am going to drive the first 2 hours."

Ruth texted: 

"Wonderful! Was he an angel?"

Someone asked Neil recently what long-suffering is. Neil said long-suffering is just a little longer than we think we need to suffer to learn patience.

Prayer Requests:

• Thank and praise God for providing the working alternator and awesome mechanic.
• Safe travel to Nairobi.
• Strength for Neil to teach and Francis to interpret at the conference.

Prayers For Van

Roadside repairs in Kenya

Neil is supposed to be teaching at a conference in Nairobi, about 7.5 hours from where they are stranded.

This will be short. Neil needs prayer today:

At 2:00 Monday afternoon (Kenya time), Neil and Francis were getting an unexpected day of rest in Kaloleni waiting for an alternator for the van to arrive from Nairobi by bus. The alternator arrived and they got the van running. 

At 2:00 Tuesday afternoon (Kenya time), Neil called. The newly installed used alternator kept the van running for only about 10 miles. A motorcyclist gave him a ride to the train station, but the trains and buses are full. Francis is now locating a new alternator. Neil sounded concerned, but at peace. He doesn't want us to worry.

Prayer Request:

• For a new alternator to be found and installed.
• Safe travel to Nairobi today by whatever mode of transportation.
• Strength, peace, and the joy that comes with the awareness of God's presence.

Our Daily Bread

 

Neil enjoying a meal with friends

Friday Neil sent a text, "My lips are burning, my nose is running away, and I'm sweating." 

Ruth immediately assumed his head cold had morphed into full blown pneumonia with no hospital nearby. She texted Neil, "We command this spirit of infirmity to leave Neil now, in Jesus' name!"

Neil responded, "They picked peppers and I shredded one into my beans and cabbage which was a half inch long and an eighth inch wide. Hooowee! It is even burning inside my nose from the fumes. I am laughing my head off (at my reaction). 🤣

"Since the word is out that I do not eat ugali, I have enjoyed eating better. Now we are going home to take a nap. We have a service tonight.  

"Riots Thursday were minimal. Friday we head for Mombasa. I guess we are less than an hour out. My health is somewhat better. Throat is less sore.  Saturday marks the halfway point of this trip.  I don't want to wish time away when my candle is already short, but I do enjoy my house and I love being with you! Every morning a bright yellow bird the size of a cat bird comes to my window and sings. It has a black mask. What a blessing!"

Neil, Francis, and Elvis crossed the river to Mombasa in their van on a ferry. Elvis who oversees the churches in the Mombasa area brought Neil to teach in 3 churches within Mombasa, which is the largest seaport in Kenya. One of the churches had an awesome worship team. Their girl drummer played the rim and shell with a stick while beating the skin of the drum with her other hand all in a syncopated rhythm to the glory of God. 

At the 3rd church they encountered demonic activity. A mother had been teaching her children to call on demons. Elvis, Francis, and Neil commanded the demons to leave and then explained how to carry on spiritual warfare with the Word of God, fasting, and by telling the demons to leave in Jesus' name. They spent extra time with that church, so it was dark by the time they headed back to Kaloleni. Neil asked for prayer, because they were driving through highway construction in the dark. Although that return trip was harrowing at times, they made it safely.

"I took some Cipro and my coughing has pretty much stopped. Last night I was coughing incessantly. This morning I washed clothes. Francis pointed out where dirt remained on the pant legs. 🥴 

"We had a teaching session at church this morning. I just finished a wonderful nap and a coconut of juice with the meat. It is a fantastic evening. About 75 degrees, sunshine.

Sunday morning Neil texted: 

"We are out of the rain waiting for dinner. Elvis's friend from Katali has been with us. He is a quiet wise man. During a post service meeting with the pastors, he gave the most insightful pitch for our book. I want him to pitch the book at the conference in Nairobi. (Neil brought 2 suitcases of our Navigating Life book on mentoring to give to pastors.) 

"When the meeting ended,  Francis ran to get books for the pastors. Elvis, the Kaloleni pastor, does not speak English. Some of the pastors want to know if we can get our book translated into Swahili. I had been under the impression that they were all going to the conference next week. Even Elvis is not going.

"Francis backed into a tree. Back window blew out and there is a nice round dent in the back door. It cast a bit of a pall on our day. The vehicle is drivable so no problem. Cosmas (owner of the van) laughed when we called to confess. We leave at 5:30 in the morning for Nairobi. There are 6 of us (so 4 pastors are joining them). I am hoping to get a nap before the meeting tomorrow."

Monday morning (10:00 p.m. Sunday our time) Neil and Francis were hoping to get off to an early start on their return trip to Nairobi for the week long conference where Neil will take part in the teaching. However, the battery cables had been loose, so the van didn't start right away. They got the van running.

Neil called from Kaloleni at 2:00 p.m. Kenya time (6:00 a.m. Monday morning our time). He is getting an unexpected day of rest. The van didn't keep running. Thankfully they were still close enough to get back to the house where they have been staying in Kaloleni. Cosmas is sending an alternator on the bus from Nairobi for them to install in the van. 

Neil texted: "We are back at the house. Alternator is fried. Parts are in Mombasa. If we get out of here by 3:00 p.m. (7:00 a.m. Monday our time), we will be doing great. Indeed, I am the most patient man in the world."

Prayer Needs:

• Alternator arrives safely and the van gets them to Nairobi.
• Penina is 16 yrs old. Her family impoverished themselves so she could have a breast removed due to cancer. So she has no $ for school fees.
• Mary (the girl who just was added to ROCK support) needs $ for school uniform and books.
• Thank God for the rain!
• Thank God for Neil's healing!
• Safe travels to Nairobi.
• Holy Spirit to anoint the teachers at the conference.

Thank You for Prayers

 

Anti-government protesters in Nairobi

Thank you for your prayers. Neil was feeling better and was able to continue visiting the churches in the Mombasa area. He is teaching from our book, Navigating Life: A Mentoring Tool Box. Today the lesson included the story about little Johnny, illustrating what happens if we sin after giving our life to Jesus. in the scenario Johnny confesses his sins and gives his heart to Jesus. But the next day, a big semi truck driver fails to see little Johnny walking on the road. Just before the truck hits him, Johnny yells, "Jesus Christ!" But instead of using Jesus' name as a prayer, he used it as a curse word. Did Johnny go to heaven when he died?

Most Kenyans put Johnny in hell after hearing that story, and some rather adamantly. But the good news of the gospel is that although sin has formed habits in our flesh, Jesus' covenant of forgiveness still stands when we have given our hearts to him.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

The part we play in salvation is confessing our sins and putting our trust in Jesus' death on the cross as full payment of everything we have done, said, or will do that displeases God. An exchange of ownership takes place as a covenant is established between us and God when we give our lives to Him. Jesus' part is forgiving us and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. We all have a lot of cleaning up to do when we give our lives to Jesus, but praise God, Jesus clothes us in his righteousness. When we become His, the Holy Spirit goes to work convicting us of sin, and directing our paths to become more and more like Jesus. The Holy Spirit continues to sanctify us as he teaches us from God's Word until the day we die. 

Isaiah 61:10  I delight greatly in the Lord;

    my soul rejoices in my God.

For he has clothed me with garments of salvation

    and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,

as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,

    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels

Thank you, also, for your prayers for peace in Kenya. Although peace has not come, the protests that the youth were staging to be "the mother of all riots," were subdued by the police today in Nairobi. Neil is in the city of Mombasa today, where there is no rioting. When the opposition forces were offered seats in government, they were willing to bring their differences to the discussion tables within the President's cabinet. However, the unrest they stirred up has continued on the streets among the youth who now feel disenfranchised. Kenya needs continuing prayer for the Prince of Peace to bring reconciliation, not only with each other, but with God. We need peace to reign in our hearts here in our country as well. Let it begin with those of us who identify as Christians.

Prayer Requests

• Continued healing for Neil
• Peace in Kenya
• Peace in the USA
• Hearts open to reconciliation 
• Safe travels for those attending next week's pastor's conference in Nairobi
• Holy Spirit's anointing for Neil and the others who will speak at the conference 

From Birth I Have Relied On You

Psalm 71:6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.

The pastor Neil mentioned yesterday, Elvis, is the regional overseer for the Riverside Ministries churches in the Mombasa area. After preaching in another of Elvis' churches this morning, Neil asked those who had never prayed to receive Jesus, if they would like to give their lives to him. Over 20 people came forward to dedicate their lives to serving Jesus. 

Moses is the pastor of the church in today's village. Neil was invited to Moses' home this morning, where his wife gave birth while Neil was preaching. Their baby had just come directly from the womb and was handed to Neil for a blessing even before the mother had a chance to wash it. Although Neil was trained to deliver babies in law enforcement, he has never been that close to a newborn in the moments immediately following birth. What a miracle new life truly is! Moses and his wife live in abject poverty, but they experience joy when they welcome their children into the world. They understand the need to rely on the Heavenly Father from birth. Outfitters for Adventure will supply them with funds to replace their roof. Francis encircled the hole in the roof in red in the photo below:

When they returned to the house where they are staying, Neil's scratchy throat had turned into a full-blown head cold. While Neil was on the phone, I heard Neil requesting hot tea and a blanket from Francis. Our prayer for rain has begun to be answered, but the cooler temperature at night without a blanket may have caused the head cold. Neil went to bed early today.

Prayer Requests:

• Financial supply for Moses and his family
• Health and strength for their new baby
• Moses' roof replacement
• Neil's health & energy to be restored
• Peace in Kenya - Youth are calling for the "mother of all protests" to happen tomorrow in Kenya. Although the president and his chief rival have agreed to work together to restore peace and form a coalition government, the youth feel disenfranchised and continue the protests increasingly fomenting unrest. They need Jesus, the Prince of Peace to be at work among them.

Heavenly Father's Love

 

Neil explains the Heavenly Father's love to Mary

Mary is an orphan in Kaloleni, one of Kenya's poorest regions about 30 miles from Mombasa. Our Outfitters for Adventure missions organization was given a gift just before Neil traveled to Kenya which will provide food and clothing for Mary for a year. 

Mary, the orphan, lived with the grandmother, but the grandmother neglected her. Now she lives at the pastor, Elvis', house. Elvis, with 5 of his own children to care for, needs help to provide for Mary. I have seen his house. He has nothing. We were approached by Arrestus, a leader in the church, to request help for Elvis to care for Mary. Mary's parents both died of AIDS. Mary's brother is an epileptic living with their uncle in Mombasa. 

Mary needs a sponsor through ROCK (Reach Out to the Children of Kenya) to continue her ongoing support [$25/month or $300/year]. On the internet, an article stated that 50% of the children in the county where Kaloleni is located are orphans due to their parents dying of AIDS. 

Around 5:00 a.m. (Kenya time) Monday morning, Neil and Francis began the drive on the busy highway from Nairobi to Mombasa, Kenya's major seaport. Neil texted:

We are playing the age-old game of chicken on the Mombasa highway. Only here, it is called, "I think I can make it." Playing the game with fully loaded Mercedes semis makes it so much more fun [not].

By 1:30 p.m. (Kenya time), Neil wrote:

My tummy is fine. I think the fruit juice upset it after dinner Sunday night. As soon as we lay our heads down for a nap, we were both sound asleep.  

Church attendance in Kaloleni has been spiraling downward. Our work here should be interesting. Little Ruth, who was named after you, is now four years old. The coastal region near Mombasa has had a severe drought after the spring floods. There is 100% crop failure on the corn, which is their main food source. Our host was dead-ended on school payments for 2 of his children. We are staying in his first cousin's opulent house. His cousin is a financial auditor at the US embassy in Nairobi.  

Francis of Kaloleni stopped by. His son broke his arm playing tonight. I gave him funds to pay the doctor bill. So far no mosquitoes tonight [malaria is a concern in Kenya]. I teach in the morning [Tuesday].  

Tuesday lunch break Neil texted:

Good morning, dear. [Kenya is 8 hours ahead of Minnesota time.] We already had 1 1/2 hours of teaching. It is 75 degrees Farenheit. Lunch was chicken, rice, and beans. Very pleasant. There will be one more lesson today. Tomorrow we will visit the surrounding churches with Elvis, the pastor in Kaloleni. 

After completing the second teaching session, Neil texted:

We're back at a house about 500 meters from where we sleep. Francis of Kaloleni is feeding us supper at his house. He cut the top off a coconut for me. What a refreshing drink! 

The stars are gorgeous here on the equator, with no light pollution. I have a scratchy throat tonight. Good night to the most lovely wife in the world. I love you, Neil.

Prayer Requests:

• Healing for the boy's broken arm
• Healing for Neil's scratchy throat
• Rain to end the drought so crops can grow
• Financial increase for parents to feed and educate their children 
• Hearts that are hungry for Jesus
• Increase in church attendance
• ROCK sponsors

Outfitters for Adventure's website has information on sponsoring a child through ROCK (Reach Out to the Children of Kenya) or helping Kenya in other ways. 

 

Crossing Over

Map from Nairobi NW to Naivasha - 2 hour trip

Luke 16:25-26 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

Jesus told the parable of Lazarus and the rich man dying and ending up on either side of the Great Divide. Fast forward to the 1970s when Jesus healed Ruth's neighbor of a terrible brain aneurysm that almost took his life. As my neighbor described it, during the emergency operation, he saw Jesus beckoning him from across the Great Divide. Jesus sent my neighbor back from that supernatural encounter to warn his family and friends that heaven and hell are real places. But if they put their trust in Jesus, they would live with him in heaven forever. My neighbor had been rather quiet about sharing his faith, but after his recovery, he told everyone who would listen about his near-death experience. 

This morning, Neil preached in Naivasha, about two hours northwest of Nairobi, on the shore of Lake Naivasha. Between Naivasha and Nairobi is a great chasm, the Great Rift Valley, with eight miles of one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the world. In Naivasha, there were about 70 attending the service. Neil had a sermon on discipleship prepared, but began by asking how many had led another person to Jesus. No one responded. Neil shifted gears and taught the people how to ask two questions:

For a God-seeker:

1. Would you like to give your life to Jesus? 

For a back-slider:

2. Would you like to come back?

When no one responded to the first question, Neil felt prompted to walk among the congregation and ask the children. As he stood beside each child with that inviting question, they answered, "Yes."  Ten children in the church came forward and prayed to invite Jesus into their hearts.

Just then, a drunk man wandered into the church. As Neil looked at the man, Neil recognized rejection at work in the man's life and commanded that spirit to leave the man. Tears began spurting out of the man's eyes as Neil asked if he would like to give his life to Jesus to experience the peace that forgiveness provides. The man wanted peace from the inner torment he had suffered for years. The people in the church prayed with the man as Neil led him in a prayer of dedication of his life to Jesus. 

Neil began having the congregation practice saying those two questions out loud. They sounded hesitant and unsure, but each time they repeated the questions, they became bolder and more confident. Then, another drunk man stumbled into the church. This time, the church was ready. The people began praying for the man as Neil rebuked the spirits at work in his mind and heart that were condemning him. When Neil asked if the man would like to give his life to Jesus, he was ready and also cried as he prayed to dedicate his life. Neil had a word of encouragement for that man that he would have a ministry of evangelism leading many to Jesus. Neil said he could hear the Holy Spirit so clearly as he was preaching and later leading the people in prayers of dedication. 

Jesus' parable about the rich man and Lazarus can leave a person wondering if only the poor can enter heaven. But Jesus makes it clear in other places that it isn't the outward things that matter, but what is in the heart. At the end of the book of Revelation, the angel speaking to John gave this message from Jesus:

Revelation 22:12-17 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Only Jesus can wash our sin-stained garments with his blood and put his robe of righteousness on us. When we put our trust in Jesus' payment for our sins, we no longer need to fear death. We can be confident that he will be there helping us cross over the chasm from death to life.

After the service, the pastor brought them to a food stand by the lake, where they had a meal of fish prepared with cooked vegetables. Then Neil and Frances were taken on a boat ride on the lake. The fairly calm wind and a short boat ride made for a pleasant time on the water. 

Neil in the jaunty hat waving.

Ruth couldn't help but think of a not-so-calm lake crossing when Jesus sent his disciples ahead of him after feeding the crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children. 

Matthew 14:27-33 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

About halfway back to Nairobi as they were crossing the Great Rift Valley on that eight miles of dangerous road, Neil almost crossed over the chasm from death to life as their vehicle headed toward danger. But Jesus calmed Neil, guiding Neil's hand to the wheel as he carefully assisted the driver to avoid a crash. 

How is Neil's stomach today? Well, after dinner in the parking lot, Neil said he had the most violent bout of vomiting he can remember. That could be due to any number of things, but he can definitely use some prayer for peace in the face of danger and physical healing.

So, how does Ruth feel when Neil tells her these things? Well, first of all, she is thankful that it is Neil who is telling her and that he sounds okay. Later, she is thankful that there are prayer warriors reading this who will join her in prayer. 

Prayer Requests:

• Healing for Neil's stomach.
• Safety as they travel to the Mombasa area tomorrow to begin a week of preaching in the remote village churches there.
• Open hearts to receive Jesus.
• Spiritual clarity for Neil and Francis to see and hear the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for being part of our prayer team.

Love,

Ruth

Teach Us To Number Our Days

 

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Today, I was invited to a little friend's second birthday celebration. This year, he is old enough to realize we were marking a day that is very special in his life. It was so much fun to see the delight on his face as he blew out the candle on his cake!

Numbering our days is the undergirding theme of the pastors' conference on the end times in Nairobi, Kenya, again this year. Neil is one of several visiting pastors who will be speaking. Each passing year seems to move more quickly until, at our age, the months seem to be whirring by until we can't turn the pages on our calendar fast enough to keep up. We seem to have so many things we want to get done, but as the years go by, there is less energy to get through our "to-do" lists. A phrase from a song comes to mind, "

As long as I have breath,
I will praise You Lord
As long as I can sing,
I will sing Your praise

Wherever You lead me,
I will follow You ...

When I was young, I liked to imagine myself falling in step with Jesus. Now that my steps are beginning to falter, I tend to imagine Jesus offering me a strong arm to lean on. Neil and I often ask the Lord what is at the top of his to-do list. At the top of the Lord's list for Neil is this trip to Kenya. The timing isn't convenient. The garden Neil has worked so hard on is just beginning to produce. The warm summer days will soon slip into fall. But the Lord has his eyes on harvesting people -- preparing them for heaven. As we number our days, we realize how important it is for Neil to travel, not only while he still has strength but also while there is still time. 

John 4:34-37 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.

As Neil gets older, he learns to pace himself to restore energy after he arrives at his destination. We are so thankful to our friends, Joe and Karin Medley, who are now living in Nairobi. They offer Neil a place to stay for a few days to adjust to the time change and pace of life. Neil sent an email on Friday that will help you enter into his time in Kenya:

Hi Dear-

Last night we ate at a restaurant offering pizza, Ethiopian, and American food. I shared a plate of Ethiopian food with Karen. Some of it was spicy enough to set my tummy off during the night. The pizza, baked in a wood-fired kiln, was very tasty. 

Later, a friend from an isolated Muslim country won both cribbage games, and that was after I won one with Joe. As he departed, their African friend said his heart went out to me.  

There is no exciting news today. Yesterday, I walked the 3/4th mile back from the office by myself. I enjoy getting a taste of the local, even if it is just walking on a rugged, ragged sidewalk. It is the kind of sidewalk that American lawyers would love. 😏 Joe's office, located in a neighborhood increasingly populated by Somalians, is the organizational home of a ministry that teaches people how to be culturally sensitive when sharing faith with Muslims. Hospitality and friendship are keys to building heart-to-heart relationships that open doors into each other's lives. A friend from Joe's compound works in a secular job in Somalia.

Because Muslims in Somalia have turned to Jesus by the tens of thousands over the past 6 months, calls are being made by clerics there for a violent pushback. Two weeks ago, a Christian convert from Mohammadism who used to join Joe's staff for prayer returned to Somalia for a visit. There, he was tortured and killed. Those who think that all roads lead to heaven might be surprised that the Muslims do not share that idea, and neither do Biblical Christians. Jesus said:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." --John 14:6

Although Mohammad promoted the idea in the Quran that Muslims should kill all infidels (non-Muslims, especially Jewish people, and Christians), Jesus is the exclusive way to heaven. The Muslim faith and Christianity are mutually incompatible. Mohammadism is a religion of death, advancing death to Israel and death to Christians wherever it is practiced, whether it be Gaza, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, or Turkey. Top on their list of targeted people to kill are the Jews, especially the Jews in Israel. Christianity teaches a life-relationship with Jesus. If Jesus' teachings are followed, we are to love our enemies. Many Muslims in all the above countries are now seeing the difference and leaving the death-culture for the life-culture, which is sometimes at the cost of their lives. 

It comes as no surprise that major riots are planned for next Thursday, but don't worry. I will not be on the road on Thursday. The girls are making supper tonight. Waffles are on the menu. Esther asked her mom about mushrooms. It brought to my memory an earlier escapade at our house. 😂

Francis is picking me up in the morning—the time has yet to be determined. I am now pretty much acclimated to the time change. My computer communication may end today. We'll see. I preach in Naivasha, two hours north of Nairobi, on Sunday morning. We will be back in Nairobi on Sunday night. Then, on Monday morning, we head several hours east of Nairobi to Kallalini near Mombasa on the Indian Ocean coast on Monday. It is possible that all communication may end when I get into the bush in those remote villages on Monday night. 

Prayer Requests:

• For the Holy Spirit to give Neil gracious words as he preaches, full of Jesus' love drawing people to the Father's heart.
• For Neil's tummy to return to normal as he begins traveling.
• For Neil to be able to sleep well.
• Safety for Neil and Francis.
• For their vehicle to hold together and run well.