Love For Kenya Newsletter

PASTOR FRANCIS - COMING TO DENVER

We are hoping to bring Pastor Francis to Denver for some leadership training and to meet with many of you. We are praying that he would be able to come for the monthes of July and August, if he is able to get a VISA to visit the USA and Canada. He will also be staffing a Marked Men For Christ retreat, helping with training for our MMFC Kenya trip in October. We are also hoping to attend our 20 year class reunion from Bodenseehof Bible School from Germany. This will be held in British Columbia, Canada. This is where Pastor Francis and I first met. When Pastor Francis is here, we would love for as many of you as possible to meet with him. If you would like to help donate towards Pastor Francis to come in July and August, please let me (Randy) know.

UPDATE FROM PASTOR KEFA

We spoke with Kefa on May 3rd, and Shangilia was buzzing with activity. All of the High School students had been home on break and were preparing to return to start their 2nd Semester of school: May-August.

Kefa reported that the children were all happy to be together! Having around 22 additional mouths to feed, though, had put strain on their resources and food supply. Kefa was glad to hear that Randy was preparing to send $2,000 that week to cover another month of rising food costs. More concerning, is that food is scarce in the country!

Prayer Requests:

1.     Food supply is the biggest need and concern.
2.     Internet access has been down, although Kefa promised to try to e-mail us with accurate numbers on education costs to ensure that school fees are indeed covered for the rest of this year.
3.     Politically, there are now 40 "Ministers", or department leaders in the government, so that the cost to run the Kenyan government has increased. Pray for wisdom for the leaders!
4.     Pray for protection and health. There is an increased risk for Malaria during the current rainy season.

New Chickens Arriving!

Kefa had placed an order for 200 day-old chicks, with a cost of $1.50/chick. There are currently only 3-4 chickens left in their supply, so they are cleaning the pens to prepare for the new batch. These new chickens will provide eggs for the children and staff to eat. We will also be sending money to cover the cost of the chickens and feed.

UPDATE ON THE WIDOWS

Kefa reported that the area Widows come to Shangilia every Friday to meet together, encourage and support each other, exchange ideas, and have a nice lunch together. They were very, very happy to receive the $400 gift that was sent and designated specifically for them! Some women have been selling small things just to survive. The tomato seedlings are growing well at the orphanage, and will be donated to each of the widows when they can be transplanted, to create food and a potential business opportunity for them.

UPDATE FROM PASTOR TIMOTHY

Timothy reported that prices are doubling and many in the Kibera Slums are really in trouble, with very few ways to make money. He is continually amazed by how affected the country is by just 3 months of fighting! Timothy was also very grateful to hear that we would be sending $1,000 that week! "The money will be used for the school and the children. They are our first priority!" Timothy's desire is to increase the teaching for the children, and for them to understand that their only hope is in Christ Jesus!

Church
Timothy's church in the slums is growing. They have started a microfinance ministry, encouraging small businesses so that the people are not idle, but are doing something with their hands.

Prayer Requests
1.     Pray for the rebuilding of small homes.
2.     Timothy is hoping for a camera so that he can send photos to us.

Timothy reported that his family is well. He said that they need encouragers and referred to Barnabas, who was an encourager. "I'll call you 'Barnabas', Randy!! "Please greet the young people!!"

UPDATE FROM PASTOR FRANCIS

On May 7th, we caught up with Francis. He reported that he, Florence and the kids are fine. They stayed at Shangilia for two months, but some of them have now moved back to Eldoret. Their children, Krista, Eric and Mark are choosing to stay in Vihiga at the orphanage, as they are too scared to return to Eldoret at this time.

Randy spoke mainly with Francis about his upcoming trip to the United States, which is being planned for July and August. Francis is looking forward to meeting with the Marked Men for Christ team as they continue to make plans for the October Kenya Men's Conference. He will also spend time visiting Centennial Covenant Church, as well as some other contacts in the States.

Prayer Requests

1.     Please pray for many Kenyan families who are now returning to their farms, many of which had been burned out by their own neighbors. There are many security and trust issues.

Thank you, dear friends, for your continued interest, prayers, financial gifts and support for our efforts to practically love and care for these dear friends in Kenya. You are a blessing to them, but also to us!! We appreciate YOU! May God encourage your hearts, to know that you are making a difference in so many lives, in countless ways.