Psalm 3:3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. [ESV]
When the team stopped at George's church yesterday, a man gave his heart to Jesus. Cosmas will bring Bibles for George's church supplied by Outfitters for Adventure when he travels from Nairobi to the conference in Port Victoria on Monday.
The ROCK (Reach Out to the Children of Kenya) interviews began this morning. Jim's jet lag hit him, but thankfully, Neil's energy had begun to improve. To bring Jim up to speed, Neil read the child and caregiver's history before they asked the questions on the worksheet. Their stories moved Jim's heart.
They visited a woman with five children whose husband's heart was stolen by another, and the woman's neighbors blamed her for her husband leaving. Jim & Neil encouraged her that as a child of God, she has a new identity in Jesus, who has washed away all her sins with the blood he shed on the cross. Jesus is a shield about her, her glory, and the lifter of her head. Neil gave her the book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, which he happened to have in his backpack.
Another woman whose daughter had been removed from ROCK support last year because they failed to come for their interview. Last year her sponsor was reassigned to support another needy child from the waiting list. Today, by showing up for the ROCK interview, the child was reinstated to ROCK, and Ruth sent the mother the April support. We will find her another ROCK sponsor.
A family in tattered clothing who were not on ROCK support came to Neil for help. Neil gave them funds to buy food and clothing. And so, the days of the ROCK interviews begin and will continue through Sunday. Tomorrow, Neil, Jim, and Francis will head to Sengera to interview the ROCK children and caregivers in Hellen Aberi's church.
Years ago, Hellen began an open-air church for patients with HIV/AIDS. She asked if Outfitters for Adventure could start a Food Shelf with funding for her to purchase grains to feed their families. Neil said he wished we could all be there with him to see the difference you are making in their lives. They appreciate all you do for them so much! You truly are helping keep them and their families alive.
We do not believe anyone should give out of a sense of obligation, because God loves a cheerful giver. If giving brings you joy, or if you know it is God, and not Ruth or Neil, who is asking, Ruth will include the "Helping Kenya" link at the bottom of my blog posts.
Prayer Requests:
- Jim and Neil to overcome jetlag (Neil isn't sleeping well tonight)
- All ROCK children and caregivers will come to their interviews
- Health, Hope, & Healing of relationships
- Financial Support for pastors
- Safe travel for Neil, Jim, Francis, Cosmas & pastors to the regional pastors & leaders training conference on Monday
Thank you again so much for your prayers!
Love,
Ruth