November, 2023
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20
Dear Partners for the Gospel,
There is so much to be thankful for, and Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to remember our daily blessings. So first, we want to thank you, our faithful donors for your prayers and financial support. We also say thank you to the many who have given to special projects this year, along with the personal gifts.
It has been a busy year with traveling and attending various meetings, dealing with stacks of paper work, and the local ministry; all of which has taken a lot of time, yet it seems to have gone by quickly. We did try to get our Kenyan pastors here for the ICCC meetings, but, as you remember, that did not happen. They had their passports and applied for a VISA to enter the USA, but their interview date was for January 29, 2024! Should they receive a VISA in January, we are hoping they can come in April to visit some of the churches here in order to say “Thank You” for all that the brethren have done for them and their congregations in Kenya. Pray with us that God’s perfect will, will be known.
In September 24-29, the Lighthouse for Christ Eye Center in Mombasa went to Isovya to do an eye camp in the old Clinics of Care buildings. There were nine from Mombasa and three of our local pastors who worked for five days. They saw 243 patients, performed 42 operations (mainly cataracts), and most importantly there were five who accepted Christ as their Savior. The ones from Mombasa have scheduled to return again next year.
The lines to be examined were quite long. Yet each patient was thoroughly examined and given meds, or glasses, or had surgery. And the post-op patients were easy to recognize.
The Bible Club we have in our home on Mondays continues with two or sometimes three boys. The boys love the lessons and learning the books of the Bible. Elias, our 7-year-old, is doing well, with just a little problem with the Minor Prophets. Recently there were 3-year-old twins, but that was a quick lesson, as it was difficult to keep them seated! Please pray with us that these little ones would hear with their ears, and learn of Jesus in their hearts. It is a blessing to see them grow in the Word as they also grow in age. Luke, who started several years ago, is now 14-years-old, and such a precious young man in the Lord.
Looking overseas again, it is sad that in our area of Kenya the rains had started, the people planted their crops, but the rains stopped, and so there are no crops. A phone call today said they want to plant again, praying rains will come again. The seeds are costly, but we know that God can provide, and they will have to work hard.
In that phone call from Kenya today, one of the pastors near the Isovya property, was thanking God for the work going on there at present, which was a result of the vision of the Independent Board, and our being sent there many years ago. The churches continue as a witness of the truth, and are growing under their respective national pastors, for which we praise the Lord. It is wonderful to be able to speak with them, to hear of both their needs and praises.
As December is not too far away, we will be remembering the shepherds abiding in the fields, and the angel who told them not to be afraid, but told them “for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11. May we each remember the birth of Jesus, and be willing, as the shepherds were, to make know this miracle to all we meet. May God give you a very Blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Yours in His Service,
Gary and Pat Johnson
PS from the Executive Director: As you may have seen in our monthly Praise and Prayer, the IBPFM is once again setting aside June 24 – July 24, 2024 for our next SOME team. Plans are to go and minister at the Isovya property, as has been done for a number of summers now. If this is out of the question for you, maybe you know of someone that might profit from such a ministry. If so, let us know and we’ll be happy to send out information on this team. But we need to get going fairly soon – please pray about this. Thank you.