May, 2022
“And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” Acts 14: 21-23
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Greetings in our Savior’s precious name. We are thrilled that the Lord’s work in the Kitui District of Kenya is growing. Many of the churches are experiencing growing pains in the Sunday Schools and churches, as they are more in number than the chairs available, or even the size of their buildings. We think the reason is that the pastors, elders, and church members do a lot of visiting of the sick along with those who have slacked off coming to church. The Sunday School teachers are well prepared with their lessons and they are teaching many children, both saved and unsaved. Please continue to pray for these teachers.
A recent call from a faithful friend of the Kenya work, asked us about the Mukuini IPC Church, the most recent one. He asked if the construction was completed. Well, the church is built, but it is not plastered and the toilet hole is dug but there is no building. Pray as we contact the builder and get prices to finish this church. The government now demands that each church have a toilet. We thank all those who pray and also might help to complete these projects.
Have you ever needed something but were not sure if you should ask the Lord about it? This week Gary needed topsoil for the lawn, and a company had promised to give him a truck load – but had not brought it! Gary really needed the soil, and so he asked for the Lord’s help. He went by the office again, and there met a man who had soil to get rid of and that would be happy to bring it to our place. It turned out that this man was a Christian, and that the men working for him were Spanish speaking. In the Lord’s providence Gary had eight Spanish New Testaments, and some tracts to distribute. The men were thrilled.
After seven years of having a boy’s Bible Club in our house, we note that the boys are growing up. They are busy in other activities, interests, and sports and “do not have time” for an hour on Monday evenings. Please pray for one of the boys, who has not yet made a profession of faith in Christ. We miss the boys very much, as they have been such a part of our lives for several years.
Thank you for your prayers for Gary’s lung problem. Since returning from Kenya the pulmonary doctor says that he does not know what Kenya did for him, but his breathing and lungs are doing the best they have been for many years now. Gary is so thankful for this, but he is presently having some neck and shoulder pain (just arthritis, he was told). Pray that this with improve with some physical therapy.
The work in the Putney Memorial Church continues, but the recent home-going of Randy Hodges, just 68, has left a very big hole in our hearts. Randy had fought a long hard battle with cancer and recent heart problems. His memorial service, led by Shaun Shamblin and Gary, was attended by over 80 people, with hardly an empty seat. Please pray for his wife, Anna, their two sons and their families. Also continue to pray for this little church that God would work in the community and raise up others in that area.
Pray with us for the graduates of the Bethel Bible School. Many are continuing on in the work of the Lord, but others have fallen off and are not pastoring as they were trained to do. This is discouraging to the teachers at the school, and to those who helped put them through school. May God work in their hearts, and cause them to move forward for Him.
Finally, thank you for your prayers and for being a part of our work, here and in the ministry in Kenya. There is hardly a day that we do not hear from someone there – just to say hello, give a report, or to give a prayer request. We are likewise thankful for WhatsApp, as the calls we make to Kenya are free.
In His love and service,
Gary and Pat