2023 Site Visit - Kenya


 


Last night at our home group near Cyrus, MN, a friend asked me if I was afraid to drive in snow storms. "Oh yes!" I exclaimed.

"How do you handle your fear?" my friend asked. 

"I just lean my seat down and close my eyes," I replied.

As our friends imagined me trying to drive in blinding snow with my eyes shut, Bob offered to drive Neil to Hector Airport in Fargo using his truck. We laughed as I explained I would only lay my seat down if Neil was driving. Bob said his offer still stood, and we gladly accepted. Neil and Bob left Morris in a snowstorm this morning at 6:45 a.m. to get Neil to his flight that was due to leave Fargo for Chicago at 12:23 p.m. Neil arrived safely at the Fargo airport at around 9:40 a.m. Interstate 94 is closed in Fargo with about 1/4 mile visibility, but I29 heading south is still open. I hope that Bob can make it home ok. 

He will spend 3 weeks in Kenya. Joe and Karin Medley and their daughters will host Neil for the first few days in Nairobi, where Joe and Karin are leading a ministry that helps Christians share Jesus with their neighbors. In addition, our dear friend Cosmas Solamba has invited Neil to preach in his church on Sunday. 

Next week another dear friend, Francis Owuor, will serve as Neil's translator as they visit churches in western Kenya. In the Kisii District, they will be on hand for a women's conference in the mornings, and their afternoons will be spent interviewing the ROCK (Reach Out to the Children of Kenya) children and their caregivers. Cosmas' wife will be one of the presenters at the women's conference.

During the third week, Neil and Francis will continue north, conducting outreaches in villages to the Uganda border. 

Thank you for supporting Neil in prayer. Neil says he knows people are praying for them because the presence of God is so evident.

Prayer Needs:
  • Safe travel Wednesday as Bob brings Neil to the Fargo airport, where they have up to 10 inches of snow predicted with 35 mph winds. 
  • God conversations with fellow travelers on Neil's flights.
  • For Neil's luggage to arrive safely. He is bringing Bibles. 
  • For rest along the way and good health.
  • Safety in Kenya.
  • Vehicles in Kenya to remain in good working condition.
  • Excellent relationship-building all along the way.
Ruth Thielke will post updates to this blog as she receives phone calls from Neil throughout his 3 weeks in Kenya. Please let Ruth know if you would like to be removed from the email notifications for this blog: