This is my new favorite picture of Neil. The Kenyans have always enjoyed watching Neil's love for holding babies. Now when Neil comes into a church, they bring him the babies. In Kenya, childcare is not considered a masculine trait, yet Neil is so clearly masculine. The women appreciate his love for their children, but the babies especially love Grandpa Neil. The children grow up secure in Neil's love for them. After visiting for 20 years there are now young mothers who might have been held on Neil's lap as children and played with the long hair on his arms. That sense of having Neil as part of their family helps their hearts receive Neil's teachings about Jesus.
All the interviews of our ROCK (Reach Out to the Children of Kenya) are now completed. Our ROCK sponsors in the USA, who generously give $25/month to Outfitters for Adventure, play a vital role in supporting a child's food, clothing, and school fees. These monthly contributions are a lifeline for many homes, often headed by ailing grandmothers or single mothers who may be suffering from HIV/AIDS. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and faithfulness of our ROCK sponsors, some of whom have supported children since Neil led the first Kenya site visit team in 2004. However, it's important to remember that the real work of nurturing and support is done by the caregivers and pastors in their homes and churches.
In addition to ROCK interviews, Neil and Francis have checked out some of the houses that need roof repairs or replacements. The house below does not need any roof repairs, but Neil was amazed by its small size of only 8' X 8'. A husband, wife, and child live in this tiny house with a thatched roof and cook their meals indoors over an open fire. When considering improvements to our Morris home, I think of our friends in Kenya and thank God for our house just the way it is. In the Kisii District of Kenya, $600 will build a new house with a longer-lasting metal roof, perhaps 4 times as large as the hut pictured below.
Some of our friends sent money along with Neil to use where he saw the most need. Roofs certainly are one of the concerns. Another is healthcare. A few years ago, Neil's sister Beth, who has a medical background, helped bring Esther, who was dying of AIDS, to a hospital. Esther recovered, but she is in bad shape again. Esther is nearing the final stages of AIDS. Without special help now, Esther would die. Those gifts from friends transported Esther to a hospital and will provide the special food she needs when she is released.
- Lord Jesus, thank you for the completion of the ROCK interviews.
- Thank you, Lord, for safety on the roads, and for your continued safety as Neil and Francis drive back to Nairobi.
- Thank you, Lord, for the many churches they were invited to preach in. Holy Spirit, please remind the people of the words you were speaking to their hearts.
- Lord Jesus, thank you for the many people, especially so many children, who gave their lives to you. Holy Spirit, we trust you to continue to counsel and teach them.
- Thank you also, Lord, for the eagerness with which people received Bibles and our books on mentoring. We pray that they will read, understand, and share the teachings with others among their families and friends.