July, 2025
Dear Prayer Partners and loved ones,
The song My Tribute begins with, “How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me?” Oh, this is our feeling as we remember all that God has done, and is still doing, for us! It is certainly true as we think of our S.O.M.E team, as we had training sessions with them, answered many of their questions, and have the joy seeing this team actually go to Kenya. The Lord’s hand guided Dave, Tami, John, and Christopher Romanko, along with Bret and Sarah Johnston, to go to Isovya for three weeks. And yes, the Lord provided for their travels, and their needs, including gifts for the kids there, and tools to work with.
Both Dave and Bret are Gideons here in WV, so they were able to meet with Jackson, a Kenyan Gideon. They were able to visit many public schools and gave out 15,000 New Testaments, plus 40 Gideon Bibles, and 50 Kikamba Bibles (that the team bought with them). They rejoice that so many now have God’s Word to read! But sadly, they ran out in the Kitui area as all had been distributed. Even sadder was the fact that there were other areas they wanted to reach.
Dave and Bret offered a Pastor’s Conference for the IPC pastors in the area; Tami and Sarah had a tea for the pastors’ wives at the same time. This turned out to be a great day of teaching and fellowship for everyone attending. The team, especially John and Christopher, repaired school desks and church benches, and shared Bible stories in the schools. The 16 area churches combined services at three churcheson Sunday, so they could fellowship with the team each Sunday. The men brought messages from God’s Word. This has been such a blessing and encouragement to the many in attendance.
Bonnie Leithmann, who led the last team, was there in spirit and prayer, but due to the loss of her eyesight, was not able to go. She was, however, delighted that the team had electricity in the team house, including a new refrigerator, stove, and freezer. If you would please, pray for Bonnie as she is asking the Lord what He would have for her to do next.
The Bible club, at our house, will run through the summer, when we can get together. The kids are learning their memory verses and do enjoy the Bible lessons. This past Monday, they learned about how
Elijah stood up to King Ahab about worshiping God. Well, when time was finished, they wanted another
Bible story! It is thrilling to be able to teach God’s Word to these young, receptive hearts.
The S.O.M.E team returns to the US on June 28th, and we are planning a big July 4th picnic with friends, and the team will be here to share their experiences in Kenya. The Matt Carrolls are coming all the way from Missouri, bringing their guitar so there will be spiritual and patriotic songs. We look forward to sharing and enjoying the fellowship.
Thank you, dear friends, for your prayers, support, and concern for us as a couple, and for missions in general. May you have a blessed summer.
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20.
Yours, in His service,
Gary and Pat Johnson