Neil arrived safely in Nairobi this afternoon, and hopefully is sleeping soundly after two 8-hour plane trips. Tuesday, Neil was up by 5:30 a.m., loading luggage into his 4-Runner and going over his check-list for the final time. Neil told Ruth that if he dies in Kenya, not to be sad, because he will be doing what God has called him to do, feed the cats, water the seedlings he planted for the garden. He made it to our friend Scott's house near Hudson, WI around noon, leaving his 4-Runner there. Scott brought him to the airport. Neil called Ruth by 2:50 having already made it from the front door of the airport to his departure gate within 10 minutes. Neil said there were no waiting lines in the airport. His 8-hour flight to Paris departed at 5:30.
In Paris Neil sent a quick text message to let Ruth know he arrived safely, but hadn't slept a wink. The layover allowed only enough time to make it through the airport to catch the 8-hour flight to Nairobi. Ruth watched his progress on the Flight Aware tracker and was thankful when his plane landed around 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, our time. Our friend Joe was on hand to pick Neil up at the airport and bring him to his house for a few days of R&R before beginning the rigorous and demanding 3 weeks of ministry. We will hear from Neil sometime on Thursday.
Prayer Needs:
Rains - The torrential rains of the past few weeks were predicted to end yesterday having caused over 80 deaths in Kenya, washed away many cars and houses, and damaged large buildings. The Nairobi earthen dam is saturated and now unstable. The Kenyan government has given people living downstream of the dam just 14 days to move, and makiing them responsible for the financial expense of removing their homes from the flood plain. This is extremely difficult, of course, because it was the poorest of the poor who were living there, and their homes had been given clearance to build by the housing authority. Angry Kenyans have difficulty reasoning together. Please pray for the Prince of Peace to walk among them sharing His wisdom and vision for resolving this crisis.
Disease - there have already been outbreaks of disease in the flooded area with breached sewage drainage and contaminated water supplies.
Roads - Roads and bridges have been washed out and damaged in several parts of Kenya. Please pray for safe travel and for needed goods and services to reach the people.
Ministry - Pray for Neil, Francis, and our friend Jim who will be joining them, for strength and clear teaching. Pray for our destitute children who are sponsored through ROCK (Reach Out to the Children of Kenya) to make it to their interviews so they can continue to receive their support.