news from kenya

AHERO
Bro. Lawrence was asking if the terrible events of South-East Asia were punishment from God. He reminds me of the Pharisees and Christ’s healing a blind man – they asked, Is the man’s blindness due to his sin or the sin of his parents? But the event was fulfilment of prophecy. So the event of the under-sea quake was fulfilment too of Jesus’ prophecy of the last days and still many more disasters are expected until there is a cry for Someone above to help. And that is when God’s Kingdom will take over. Man is not convinced yet. Jesus in Matthew 24 reminded us that these things will happen prior to his coming, others more sinister are expected to make man surrender.

The good news about his message is that he tells his followers to earnestly pray to keep out fear. So my prayer is with brethren most victimised. God is there and is in full control – He is not a sleeping God. Let us be fearless for His Son promised reward to everyone who endures to the end. He is coming and coming soon. Those who are in Africa may feel the horrible catastrophe is far away and there is nothing to worry about, but the waves, like the hearts of men, are so cruel and may bring with it other disasters.

Good health is a hard term to define, but the health of a group of people is usually measured by how many of them survive childhood and how long they live. By these measures only few countries in the world have a healthy population. In the other countries where two thirds of the earth’s people live the picture is quite different. In India only one of the three people born today can expect to live to the age of fifty. And in many African and Asian countries those boys and girls who survive the many childhood diseases still face a grim life without enough of the right kind of food. Only a great deal, of work. money and time will bring good health to all the world’s people. In the meantime scientists are looking again at the idea of defeating diseases.
Bro. Nelson Anyals.

BUNGOMA
I’m seeking your advice on registration of our group and some connection to any of the brothers and sisters abroad who can help us to facilitate our work as servants of the Lord. Thanks in advance.
Bro. Eric Wamalwa Situma

Comment: The Christadelphians are, I understand, already registered in Kenya, and you need to contact the representative for your area to make certain you are covered. MH

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and first and foremost I would like to thank you for the letter you sent to me, which actually encouraged me. Besides this, I also appreciate the Bible Reader’s Calendar 2005 which has become so helpful to me in Bible understanding. The Gospel News, being a source of inspiration, uplifts my spirits, hence giving a sense of togetherness with brethren in the world as a whole. Secondly I am very grateful for the answer you gave on the topic entitled ‘The 25th December’ as a reference to Jeremiah 52:31. We rely on agriculture, particularly farming, as our only source of income, but due to lack of technical know-how this has resulted in poor production farming. Together with this letter find a photograph of brethren trying to practise farming on a small scale basis. From left is Bro. Wycliffe Wekesa Wasike, followed by Godfrey K. Wakesa, Bro. Emmanuel K. Wanjala, Ferdnant W. Wasike and lastly Bro. George Maina Wabwile. The next photograph from left is the friend Robert Barasa Mateni, Sister Metrina Maina, my wife, and me Bro. George Maina Wabwile. We are harvesting some groundnuts in the
Surgalome Shomba in December. We wish to request that God willing, brethren, you assist us with a copy of "How to grow a balanced diet".
Bro. George Maina Wabwile

Photos: Harvesting groundnuts

Thanks a lot for your letter. It has greatly opened my mind in that I have learned much about terrible world-wide situations, which are growing much worse with time, despite the fact that political and social efforts are being made to rectify the problems. The Bible has the only truth about life. I have already started to practice what I have learnt from "How to grow a balanced diet", together with my friends. Incorporating ideas of how to grow a balanced diet in the Gospel News will add value to it because it will attract more readers who can eventually become believers of the true gospel. Here in Kenya we are experiencing many cases of men raping small under age children and political upheavals. Let us boldly fight the good fight of faith as we draw closer to the Lord
Bro. Eric Wamalwa.

CHWELE
I was shocked to hear about the wonderful information you offered to us that we normally grow just one type of crop. It is as if you have visited the western part of Kenya. I therefore plead with you in the name of our Lord to send us those two books "Where there is no doctor" and "How to grow a balanced diet". Currently people in Kenya are starving because they grow seed in poor yields because certified seed of corn is very expensive, plus fertilizers. The Government promised to have good price but we can see the prices of farm inputs shooting. The Government have raised their salaries and allowances, leaving the common man to suffer. Recently the British Ambassador, Edward Clay, pointed what was happening within the NARC Government, that corruption was at its peak. Thank you very much for the wonderful letter you sent to me. What a wonderful picture it gives. I wish also to thank you for the booklet "What is the Bible?" and The Bible Reader’s Calendar 2005. I am very encouraged when I read this material and mostly during our Bible discussion in our ecclesia.
Bro. David Wanjala 

GISAMBAI
Warmest greetings of love and peace in Jesus Christ. I am very pleased to read Gospel News. It has taught me several things concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus, who is to come and reign over the world with his saints. We see them in Psalm 37:29, "The righteous will possess the land and shall live there for ever." In Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." For we see that God has appointed a place for the Jews and the time has already arrived. The Jews were driven out of their country and they are now going back to the land which God promised their forefathers. In Jeremiah 46:27-28. we Have some very important verses and a wonderful message for those brethren and sisters reading the Bible daily. "Fear not Jacob my servant, nor be dismayed, for lo, I will save you from afar, and your offspring from the land of their captivity, Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and none shall make him afraid. Fear not, O Jacob my servant, says the Lord, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will chasten in just measure, and will by no means leave you unpunished." This is a very wonderful sign which shows that Jesus is coming soon to this earth. Lasly if possible I would like a King James Bible.
Bro. Solomon Igabukira 

The unfolding events in the world prove that Christ Jesus, our everlasting King is coming soon. Luke 17:26-30 says, "As it was in the days of Noah and Lot, so it will be in the day when the Son is revealed." There is tension all over the world, i.e. in the African continent countries are ravaged with war, in the Middle East Israel pose a very great threat from the terrorist. Matthew 24:6-7 says "You will hear of wars and rumours of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed: such things must happen but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom." Israel, the chosen people of God will always prevail. Jeremiah 1:19 says, "They shall fight against Israel but they shall not prevail against Israel." The prediction of Christ’s return is imminent. Brothers and sisters, watch out for the hour is near. We are in a race, 1 Corinthians 9:24 says, "Do you know that in a race all the runners compete but only one receives the prize? so run that you may obtain it." We should focus our attention towards getting the prize of eternal life when Jesus comes to reign on earth. Habbakuk 2:14 says, "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Love, the greatest commandment, will automatically qualify us to be in the Kingdom when Jesus Christ comes to reign, as it is written in the book of Isaiah, "He shall judge between the nations and shall decide for many people and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. What a wonderful peaceful Kingdom, Jerusalem, the holy city, will no longer be threatened by terrorist attacks. Thanks for the Bible reading calendar for 2005. Please would you send me "Wrested Scriptures" and updates about the Middle East conflict and any relevant literature. May God, the Almighty, shower you with abundant blessings and let’s hope we will meet in the Kingdom which will be established on earth, an everlasting Kingdom, Daniel 2:44.
Bro. Joseph Luseno 

Photo: Bro Joseph Luseno

ISHIARA
Life has remained tough as we struggle to survive. If you can remember I mentioned to you in my last note how I had a big school fees balance – I managed to pay some of the money but still I had to cross the year with a balance. This has made some of my relatives and friends around ask me to arrange for a fund raising to enable me to pay the school fees. I found no alternative but to agree with them and they have arranged to come and make that function at my home, although I know some of them will come for their political gains. I have decided to write to you about the matter in advance. Maybe you can comment or advise me before the fund raising day arrives.
Bro. David Aphaxard 

KAMUKUYWA
I have a problem, my NIV Bible which I read was taken by my son and he lives away from home. So please if you have a copy, send me one. The grace of God be with us all, Amen.
Bro. Patrick Wekese 

KANDIEGE
The gospel is preached to save the world if they will believe in God and the person of Jesus Christ. "I will extol thee, my God, O King; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day I will bless thee; and I will praise they name for ever and ever. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." The gospel today – "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). The gospel in the future – "To whom he was not spoken, they shall see; and they that have not heard shall understand" (Romans 15:21). Keep up the good work till the end.
Bro. John Okello

Photo: Bro. John Okello

KISUMU
I felt very sad when I heard from Sister Julia’s husband, that my sister, and more so, my tutor, has passed away. I am praying that Almighty God will guard me and give me strength so that I’ll keep on as I was before – via my brother. My hope is to meet my tutor in the soon coming Kingdom.
Bro. Richard Oduma 

God is still preparing His people for the new Kingdom where His Son Jesus Christ will be the King over all nations. The race towards God’s Kingdom is not easy we need to pray, humble ourselves in order to overcome temptations – so that we may be called sons and daughters of God. This year may be the year of our Lord Jesus Christ and those found worthy shall enter in to God’s new Kingdom – with Him. I do pray that I may not be found asleep on that very happy day (a glad day to see and to walk into).
Bro. Erastus Ogembo 

KITALE
The Christadelphians, as the name implies, the brethren of Christ (Heb. 2:11), are a body of people associated together by a belief in the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12), and by immersion into Christ (Gal.3:2) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and identification with his resurrection (Rom.6:5). They do not profess to have received any new revelation, but hold that the scripture of the Old and New Testaments are able to make one wise unto salvation (2 Tim.3:15-17). Believing in divine authorship of the Bible, they think it only reasonable to eschew any interpretation thereof which fails to harmonise with all the testimonies of the Holy Scripture; and finding that the creeds of the various existing sects are, in a great variety of ways, opposed to the direct teaching of the Bible, they feel compelled to stand apart, making appeal in all such matters to the statements of Scripture, and testing all teachings thereby. They believe in the personal, visible return of Christ to the earth, to set up his throne and reign thereon, and they seek to share his knowledge with others. They offer their services in expounding the message of the Bible without cost of any kind.
Sis. Lydia Neresa Fuchaka

Photo: Sis Lydia Fuchaka, Vero, Elizar, Vicky and Ben

KITISE
I am too much surprised where I am going to build the church. Here people agreed with me to accompany me. They prepared to join my faith. But with all that burning I know God will find the way. We pray under the tree.
Bro. Daniel Maingi

KOBUJOI
Warmest greetings in the Hope we share. Many thanks for your two letters received two days back. The contents in the two packets were intact and safe. The book "Where there is no doctor" will prove quite helpful for me. I have been interested in knowing more about the Christadelphian Save the Children Fund. There are about five young people here at Kobujoi doing the Christadelphian Isolation League Sunday School lessons. Could it be possible for them to benefit from the CSTCF? God willing I will be writing to the fund administrators for more details. I noted their contact address.

I have read through the article in the Jan/Feb issue of Gospel News, ‘How to Grow a Balanced Diet’; personally I have had similar thoughts as yours. I am receiving a magazine from the Netherlands called ‘LEISA’, which stands for ‘Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture’ this magazine is free of charge for individuals and local organisations in the South only and will be of help in improving our agriculture and also our diet.
Bro. Geoffrey Chirchir 

Comment: We regret that the book, ‘How to Grow a Balanced Diet’ is now out of print and will not be reprinted until 2007. In the meantime those in Africa could obtain the magazine mentioned above (which has many useful ideas) from: LEISA, PO Box 2067, 3800 CB Amersfoot, The Netherlands. E-mail: ileia@ileia.nl

We have spent some time researching for alternative publications dealing with this important subject and trust we will be able to recommend some suitable material, especially taking into account the climate changes being experienced in Africa. MH

LOITOKTOK
I just want to inform you that I received your letter and I am waiting for the parcel you sent me, I will use it for whoever is interested to know. I have changed my address from Nakuru to Loitoktok. I was in Nakuru recently for the memorial service and I had made a trip of around 500 km while there.

You people really think about us, especially we who are living in third world countries. This book, "How to grow a balanced diet", will be of greater importance to us than money, since it will educate people on the best method of farming and the right food to grow and in so doing eradicate poverty to a big extent. My advice is that I hope the first priority will go to those people that are living in rural areas. By proper use of this book it is my hope that it will eradicate poverty in a big margin and still also assist in bringing people to the word of God. I pray that I will get a copy. It is so sad to inform you that in most private hospitals in Kenya just seeing a doctor there is a certain fee charged and in most government hospitals pain killer drugs are the only ones available. In most remote areas, like Loitoktok, the area that I am living in isolation, many women have died while giving birth. The nearest clinic to me is around 50 kilometres away and the mode of transport to this clinic is by motorbike and a very high fee is charged. Those who cannot afford the motorbike use a handcart. I think this book "Where there is no doctor", although I have never seen it, will assist me so much in terms of an emergency case. This will be of use only if the Lord Jesus Christ continues being away and if he comes again we shall never again experience the pain of drought, disease and death.
Bro. Peter Thuo Kariuki

Comment. We are very conscious of the problems our Sisters face in childbirth and other women’s matters in the rural areas without any qualified medical attention. We are working with a group of African rural areas to help run a pilot scheme for a residential course of a few days for Sisters on such matters. Arrangements have been made to employ a Senior Mid-wife to deal with maternity aspects. MH

MAKONGE
We are profoundly grateful for your interesting letter. It is also pleasing to hear of Bible Basics, both in Kiswahili and English which we are anxiously looking forward to receiving. We found the leaflets and the cards quite interesting and helpful in our group discussions. We hope they will make us grow spiritually. The book, ‘How To Grow A Balanced Diet’ is of vital importance and it is our hope that a copy will be sent to us. Bro. Manasseh Wamamili and I paid a visit to Mt. Elgon district, 300km away from our home. This is one of the districts in our Western Province where the truth hasn’t yet reached. Very many contacts from Evangelical churches came to know and acknowledge the true light of the Bible and have expressed interest in joining our doctrines. We thank God for this wonderful time. We held meetings and Bible discussions together. We left the place, with these people craving for us to go back, but due to financial constraints we cannot cater for the expense.

Brethren and sisters here in Kenya would like to request you to pay them a visit so that we meet face to face. We could also discuss the possibility of a printer so that we could print Gospel News and other literature here, as we feel costs could be cheaper here than in England.

Here, it is winter time and people are busy working on their farms and nurturing their crops. We have now had rain and the crops have flourished . We hope the months of August and September will be harvesting time and that there will be plenty of grain in the stores. Actually, there is a time to plant and a time to harvest. What about true Christians? It is time for them to sow the word of God and they will harvest eternal life when Christ returns as King on earth.
Brothers David Wanjala and Maanasseh Wamamili 

Comment. We have given some thought to printing Gospel News in Eastern Europe, which would be less expensive print wise but not save us on postage. I surmise printing in Kenya would have the same problem. We have looked at several options of printing Gospel News ourselves but overall have come to the conclusion we are better using a local printer for the time being. The print industry is rapidly changing and double sided Digital printing is taking over for small runs and I guess the time could well come when we could economically print small runs in several countries and also save on overseas postage which is often more than the printed item.

The concept of having a Christadelphian printing organization in Africa is interesting and would provide employment for Brethren and Sisters and much needed additional literature. I do not deny this additional literature is highly desirable, but would prove to be a substantial additional expense over what is provided at the moment. However, having said that, I am persuaded the Truth is rapidly expanding in Africa and because of the lower labour costs could well economically become a logical center for such a project in the future. They might even be able to print material for the UK at competitive rates. MH.

MARALAL
We join together in the great hope of the soon coming of our Master, even Jesus Christ. I am fine with my wife Sister Judine and our four children. I’m lacking some school fees balance and also I am in isolation at Maralal with my wife and I have some three students but they need correspondence course papers.
Bro. Joseph Nvani

MATUU
Thank you for sending another box of Bible Basics and a parcel of things. I shall also need some Kisawahili copies of BB and of other literature if possible. I enclose our last year’s programme of Bible Basics studies for you. We were at Bro. David Aphaxard’s home place after eight years when I last was there. We are now making several visits over there and he also visited us at Yatta and broke bread with us this month. We are trying to find out how we can help him and his wife visit the nearest ecclesia for Breaking of Bread, maybe once a month God willing. He seems to have settled at his place in Ishiara. Day to day events are the world clock to every brother and. We pray all these events will be a challenge to every one of us eager to meet our Master as he descends from His Father to gather his faithful labourers in his vineyard, then crown them with eternal life. May we all be, or try to be, faithful servants to our Master.
Bro. Lazarus King’oo

We become in Christ by baptism but there are some things which we should do to be in the Kingdom of God. These are like breaking of bread with other believers. Some brethren and sisters did not meet with others and they said they have the same faith. But James says in his letter "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" (James 2:14). We see from Luke 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say". So brothers and sisters we should do like the brothers and sisters in the early Church. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship and to the breaking of bread and prayers (Acts 2:42-43).
Bro. John Kingoo

MBITA
It is now one full month since I heard that my Sister in Jesus, Sister Julia Mabay has fallen asleep, very painful to me, but God’s programme is like that. Let all Christadelphians take their sorrows to God when they remember their Sister in the love of Jesus, plus Brother Mabay and his family.
Bro. Jared Okeseh

Here in Kenya there is hard politics because some are saying Kibaki is not good enough to be president. So Kenya has no peace until they have who they think is the right leader. But we, as Christians, believe that there will be no peace in the world until Christ comes back to rule the world, so we are praying God to send Christ soon to take power and dismiss the power of the world.
Bro. Daniel Ogembo Oliceh

MSAMBWENI
Peace is prevailing in Kenya with the exception of tribal clashes here and there but not forgetting that these are some of the early signs of the second coming of Christ. Brothers and sisters here in Kenya are fully prepared and keeping faithful in that they are waiting for Jesus to come to establish this everlasting Kingdom here on earth soon and save his people from this troublesome world. At the present time drought and famine are affecting many parts of Kenya and some brethren and sisters are also affected. Hunger is killing many especially in Northern Kenya and part of the coast. Ours is to pray and keep our hope in God because everything comes from Him. Ecclesias are growing very much and we hope more materials for teaching will reach us from you. Brother Cosmus has been conducting a serious study of the Bible with a group of eight members who are willing to receive and accept the truth. This group wants to change their lives and turn to Jesus and begin a new life as in 2 Corinthians 5:17 where it emphasises that when you are in Christ you become a new creature, the old is forgotten and everything becomes new. Therefore I request some more materials to support us in teaching and enlightening these people towards the truth. I nowadays help in conducting an ecclesia which is growing very fast at Mcome. Hopefully the work of spreading the gospel is going on very well and we are hoping that each and everyone will receive according to his/her works.
Bro. Gideon Mukeku 

MUHORONI
John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus to enquire if the Lord was the one to come or should they look for another. This is a question relevant and vital to Christadelphians today. As much as we are believers in the faith, we should not start to doubt if the Lord Jesus we are looking to is really the one, after a few trials and temptations in our lives. As Christadelphians we are blessed to have the Bible that has everything that we require for exhortation – 2 Tim.3:16-17. As brothers and sisters we should not waver, have doubts and stop the struggle to God’s Kingdom. We see the prophecies being fulfilled, indicating that the Kingdom of God is at hand and therefore we should be found clothed with our Lord Jesus and not still asking if Jesus really is the one we believe in. With faith and prayer everything is possible with God through Jesus.
Bro. Paul Ojwang

NAIROBI
Praise God! I greet you all in the name of Jesus Christ who is truly soon coming - Rev.22:12,20. I thank God for his love upon my life. He has changed my life through His Son, Jesus Christ and now I am a new creature, Phil.3:7-10, seeking to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering. I appreciate your efforts in making sure that the Word of God is being heard in all parts of the world and also in sharing the Word and testimonies of brothers and sisters all over the world through Gospel News magazine. I request you to help me know the Word of God and also give it out to the thirsty by sending some Bible Basics, Bible Companions and a pocket Bible containing Old and New Testaments (King James Version or NIV). I want to be a teacher of the Word of life to youths and teenagers. They need true doctrine, 2 Tim.4:2, 1 Tim.4:11-16. Otherwise keep up with the mighty work (great commission), keep on fighting the good fight of faith (2Tim.4:7-8), and be a workman approved by God, 2 Tim.2:15. For there is a crown of righteousness for you and also to all who persevere in the great commission.
Bro. Jared Kidiga

Photo: Bro. Jared Kidiga

I am very grateful to the Almighty for the way He is using us as an instrument to make known the Truth worldwide. Both contacts and myself are enjoying the book. Thus our class was boosted and two others have joined. The contacts are sharing the copy of "Principes Bibliques" you provided, one of them is now attending the meetings. Briefly, I need God’s providence to carry out this Herculean task of sharing the Truth with others.
Bro. Innocent B. E’Engele 

NALONDO
We should welcome a new member by composing a suitable letter of welcome which we can give or send to them. This is your own personal welcome to a new member; you as a recording or elder of the Ecclesia. Also see that you or someone well organized will be available to introduce him to other members of the Ecclesia and make them welcome in the Ecclesia. - To encourage them to feel at ease and at home with us, gain a favourable impression of the fellowship, and the brethren they will work with, quickly feel confident. Identify with the fellowship and develop pride in the fellowship, contribution to the members and their own contribution in the fellowship and members. Know exactly where you fit into fellowship’s structure and why it’s work is important. Having reminded him of the above objectives, tell him to have everything ready, by using the Bible Companion to help him in this. Then Christ will be impressed with his efficiency. He must establish a friendly relationship with other members and remember to adjust to a new environment as well as to learn how he can please God.

 

Tell him that early in his interview and instruction he was taught the basic principles of the Bible in which he discovered many new things and that your door will always be open for him whenever he has a problem, to give him the necessary training required to get better results and adhere to the sound doctrine which will bring to him and others the right benefits.

Bro. Moses M. Wanami

Photo: Bro. Moses Wanami preaching about the necessity of serving the Lord.

NANGO
I am happy to write to you to say I have received your letters with happiness and the expositions, exhortations, kind of message you expressed were welcome and gave me much impetus. Thank you for giving deep thought on how you can help, as much as possible, your dear brothers and sisters from least developed countries of the world, of which Africa is one, to help them alleviate poverty. In Kenya we have many poor brothers and sisters and a few rich brothers and sisters as well, but the surprising thing is that the few rich brothers and sisters seldom consider the plight and concerns of the poor brethren much and this is a pity and a matter of great concern. The greatest reminder to us all is that we should all bear in mind

Paul’s letter, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. I hope you will find time to go through it. We are approaching planting season here in Kenya and many brothers and sisters could not find seeds for planting for this season due to severe hunger which affected much of the country last year, 2004, and our only hope and prayer is "let your Kingdom come, your will be done as in heaven."

Your exposition on the signs of the times gave me a lot of inspiration and I would wish to urge you to keep on imparting such things to me whenever you find time. Thank you once again for your concern for me by keeping in constant touch in letter writing which is the best way of knowing each other’s state of affairs. This makes me always to refer to Paul’s letter, 1 Cor. 12:12-27, more particularly to v. 26 for comfort. In Kenya the drought has contaminated the water and as a result outbreaks of many diseases are in the offing, such as stomach aches, dysentery and other air borne diseases. The water level in Lake Victoria nearby has reduced very much due to drought and other factors which have surprised many. These and many other sad events just add up to the signs of the times around me here. The only animals which can survive these harsh conditions here are the goats for they can go very long without water and they can eat up refuse collected from market centres such as peeled banana leaves, cabbage leaves and maize leaves. You ask what a small goat kid can fetch here, the answer is it costs one thousand, five hundred Kenya shillings, that is equivalent to about twenty U.S$20 or about £11 at the current exchange rate. For tying up purposes we don’t use chains, instead we use sisal ropes which are made locally by those who are in the craft business. Let us encourage one another and all the more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25). This is a verse to be considered all the time by brethren wherever they are. Your loving brother in the one hope of Israel we share and in the soon expectation of the Master’s return.
Bro. Raphael Joni Aimo

Photo: Bro. Raphael Joni Aimo and his son Erick Odhiambo attending the donkey on their farm

 

NANYUKI
Here in Nanyuki I’m quite okay in the Lord, enjoying the precious grace of God which has kept me in the faith. I have been helped seeing and reading about how many who are in the faith and are continuing. Also I have understood and been encouraged by the topics that are published. I am requesting Bible Basics in Kiswahili, because I have some friends who are studying with me and they cannot understand English. We are an isolated Ecclesia and are sometimes scattered because of job seeking for daily bread.

P.S. I can now inform you that I received the Bible Basics that I requested in Kiswahili. I an so glad to have it for it will help those who can’t understand English. I have a group of 15 people and they are asking me whether the visitors who visited us the previous time, in 2001, can visit for exhortation.
Bro. Francis Kinandu

NANDI HILLS
The photo below is of our contacts who are staying in Nandi Hills. There were more than those you can see in the photo. From left to right Bro. Peter White, U.K., Bro. Geoffrey Chirchir from Kobujoi Nandi Hills. The three standing are the contacts at Nandi Hills. Second row seated are myself, Bro. Alex Abuya, the three contacts and far right Sis. Pensillah of Sonshor East Ecclesia. The third row in the middle Bro. Robert Ryan UK, right Bro. Paul Ojoranos? of Sonshor Ecclesia and on the left side was one of the contacts. Nandi East to Sonshor East is about a 45 minute drive to each other.
Bro. Alex Abuya

NALONDO
Loving greetings in the Lord’s saving Name. Thanks for your letter which I received last month. Your letter has given me a lot of encouragement. Through Gospel News I have noted that God’s Word is spreading very fast in many countries of this planet. Our Ecclesia at Nalondo has got more than 50 members who have put on Christ through baptism and as such if somebody can offer us the book entitled: "How to grow a balanced diet" will be very good for us. In our Ecclesia we very much fall into the category you mentioned: "Lack of proper medical attention and treatment, getting a balanced diet and some basic education." Most of us are small scale farmers with some plots of a quarter to 3 acres of land, but we lack the skills; so many of us do not produce enough to keep us through the year. The inputs, such as manure, are very expensive and our rains are seasonal. In my case I have a son who joined the university three years ago, but, due to poverty, he is being unable to continue his fourth year (2005) I indeed need a lot of prayers. He is taking mathematics and computer science. So, brother Marcus, if the suggestions you expressed had been effected earlier, some of us would have adjusted ourselves accordingly. In fact the son I mention is also a brother in Christ and a member of Nalondo Ecclesia.
Bro. John Munyata

NANDI HILLS
Much greetings from me. I am well through the name of the Lord. Thank you for sending to me Bible Basics, A Study Manual, I am very glad to receive it. For many are called but few are chosen (Mat 22:14).

I understand the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. Sickness destroys, it’s the result of Adam’s transgression. Christ came to save us, to heal us, to give us life, to make us whole, but never to destroy us. Jesus said "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Bro. Henry K. Mwei

 

Photo: Bro. Henry Mwei

NAROMORU
Thank you very much for sending me Gospel News which I enjoy reading together with a Village Health Care Handbook for Africa. Here in Naromoru there are now four interested in the truth Today I was reading Acts. ch. 8. In Isaiah 53:7-8, "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter and like a lamb silent before its shearer so he opened not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken." We are reading in Gospel News that there are some Ecclesias within our area. We shall contact them and join them, especially in Nanyuki area which is the nearest place we have. Pass my greetings to the brothers and sisters.
Bro. Angelo Chege

NDALU
Ndalu Ecclesia baptised three friends, Bro. John and Sisters Caolyne Wafula and Alice Nyongesa during the Bible School held at Kamukuywa Ecclesia. Please pray for us and for the growth of our new members in fellowship. We give our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Bre. Michael Green and David White for the work they did during the Bible School at Kamukuywa. May God bless them so that they arrange another Bible School like that one. Our Sister Agness Wasike was sick at the time of the Bible School and she died a month later, now awaiting the resurrection when the Lord Jesus returns. We thank those too who attended the burial service of our Sister. When some little or great disability is bravely borne, we say, ‘It is my cross, and I must carry it’. This is not taking up the cross but bearing our sufferings. The reason for taking up one’s cross was to be crucified. The authorities required of the condemned criminal that he should carry his cross to the gallows hill (as Jesus began to do, John 19:17) and if he was unable to carry it alone they might compel one of the bystanders to do it with him or for him (Mark 15:21). Here Mark is possibly directing attention to a person well known to the early Christians, (Romans 16:13), in which case Simon himself may have been led to believe, and bear the cross spiritually as he had borne it physically. But Paul who gives the full expression to the doctrine of salvation here anticipated, "All we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. We were buried with him through baptism into death. Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away, that we should no longer be in bondage to sin, for "he that hath died is justified from sin". We do scant justice to the teaching here set out when we speak only of the burial and omit the crucifixion. It is true that baptism denotes a burial, but it is the burial of a body already, in spirit, crucified with Christ, as the burial of his body followed his death. The two malefactors who were hanged side by side with the Lord justly suffer crucifixion, receiving the due reward of their deeds. Through Jesus we may escape the just penalty of our sins. Plead also with the Saviour to remember us when he comes into his Kingdom.
Bro. Johnstone Kaliwanga

NYANDENGA
I, your brother in Jesus Christ in the love of God, the creature I have been struggling with, my last born boy is called Walter Duma Owuor. This, my boy has been in hospital for some months. He is young and I know that if God likes to give him life he can, but now he is at home. The only way of helping him is finding a way of paying the hospital bill. I know that God will work out the way to pay the bill.
Bro. Jared Owuor Oketch

SARE
I must say that I have been really blessed with the messages from brethren that are being printed in the Gospel News "to all nations" booklet and I would encourage you to continue sending me the copies and some copies of the Bible Basics for I do have some students whom I am teaching the Truth. Please do note my change of address (If possible can you send me the addresses of some brethren living around where I’ve migrated to, so that we can fellowship together.
Bro. Michael Ochieng 

SIAYA
I do remember when a friend of mine borrowed the booklet you gave me on women in church. We were actually in a certain meeting for the youth when the guy found it so interesting that he was willing to have it for some time even though he was a staunch Catholic. This brought about a discussion when he said to me that we need to allow, young ladies, a chance to express whatever they have to say. I pray that the gospel will spread all over the world and for a dear one in Egypt and other Islamic states that are convicted of being anti-Islamic. It is my prayer that you will not be shaken by that and trust in the Lord because with God everything is possible and in the middle of darkness he shall guide you through your fight for survival.
Bro. Kennedy Kirinya

SINDO
I have indeed appreciated all the things and the message of love sent to me. You have proved to me that you love me because you have sent me the things I require to encourage me to spread the gospel message and to be well equipped as a soldier of Christ. My message comes from the first book of the Bible. Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." The Bible introduced our God as the Creator, the Maker, the Sustainer of life. All we have, all we see, all the wonderful beauty reveals God’s real manifestation of His mighty power. But those who think God is not there are foolish or ignorant about the spirit of God that gives us life. God is real, we can experience the invisible energy in action. For more scripture reference in the Bible about the Creator, take time to read your Bible daily, Isaiah 45:18, Isaiah 44:24, John 1:3, Heb.1:10, 11:3, Rom.1:20, Col.1:16, Job 38:4. Does God exist? The answer is, Yes, Read Acts 17:22-34. My conclusion: God exists. You can carry out a search by reading the Holy Bible, how the God of Israel, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, revealed His purpose and used men and women to do the Lord’s service.
Bro. John Owalo Onani

SUNA MIGORI
The book "Where there is no doctor" is so good and I am sure it is going to reduce our dependence on medical doctors, it is an asset to our well being and I am very grateful. May the good Lord be with you as you continue with his work until he comes. From the look of things, from the extract of the article, signs of the times, the events taking place now show that the coming of the Master must be very near – this is good news because he is coming to set all things right.
Bro. Joseph Onyango

Actually I have gone through the study manual and analysed the topics and answered all the questions. In fact it has improved my Bible knowledge (Word of God). I will send the answered questions soon. Since a serious accident I repented of my sins and prayed to God to open a
way for me to join a theology college. Since I could not afford to pay the college fee, I remained persistent in prayer. In 2003 I met Moses Maleya who introduced me to you. I felt as if the correspondence course was made for me, I thanked God and prayed for the brothers in England for the good work they are doing.

Photo: Benjamin Mwatu

I wrote to you some time back seeking advice on the formation of an ecclesia. Thanks, you referred me to Kababu, but I’m sorry I’ve not got any help since it’s situated some 50 km. from my village. I have very many enthusiastic friends who have been going through the reading materials you have been sending me. I feel there’s a need to have an ecclesia in my village. I have a group of about 16 people and this will make a good start. The problem is that I have not been baptised, I don’t even have a tutor. I lost my father last year, 20th June 2004. We are living in a country where there are a lot of financial and economy problems.
Moses Maleya 

TONGAREN
I am very glad to introduce myself to you as a brother. I am newly baptised. November 15th brothers from UK had a Bible School in Kamukuywa Ecclesia, Brothers Green, White and Roberts taught us the Word of God and it was a jovial and nice time. As from my introduction, I’m still new in the faith, my request now is to ask if you can send more books for me to know the Word of God fully as I make my way towards His Kingdom.
Bro. Daniel Simitu

A suggestion for helping African ecclesias to become independent is to start low cost projects such as farming and livestock. Every ecclesia should have at least a piece of land for planting and at least one cow for milking. Every ecclesia should have a school or training institute to enable people to go for training. These are some ways of reducing poverty for the Christadelphian members. To make the ecclesia become more independent local ecclesias should write direct to UK ecclesias. Also every ecclesia should have its own bank account, its rules and its PO Box address. If something is needed, the local ecclesia elder should write direct to the UK. If ecclesias could have clinics with low cost payments, they could survive and become independent. About learning English through Biblical topics, it’s good because many of us do not understand English well. This can make someone qualify to speak English fluently. I have received a 16 section course based on Mark’s gospel, am I to return the answers for marking and should it be the full answers of the lesson or should we answer in part?
Bro. Isaac Kapa

I am a newly baptised sister and I need books to build up my faith. I would like my name to be attached to a Gospel News mailing list. Also I request the book Bible Basics either in Bukusu or Swahili language. I also am looking for a Bible to read for myself if you can assist me.
Sis Guin Mandako

Photo: Sis. Guin Mandako

In our tribe (and I expect also in some others) we have marriage problems. When a couple are living together as man and wife, but have not gone through the tribal marriage procedures, when the husband dies, the wife is not allowed to attend the funeral, is driven out from the family home, is destitute and sometimes an old widow needing support. This does not happen when the marriage has been arranged according to our tribal practice. The reason so many marriages are not properly arranged is because we cannot afford to do so. In order to enable our Sisters to avoid this horrible situation we need to make many ‘marriages’ official before the Brother dies. – Most live a hand-to-mouth existence and the cost of weddings is generally beyond us. Please is it possible for us to be helped in this matter?
A Sister (Name withheld)

Comment. I am aware of this major problem not only in Africa but elsewhere. My personal feeling is that we should all have proper registered marriages, but I am aware of the financial implications often experienced, however, I feel inwardly we should, as a community, be doing something to deal with this substantial problem. We would be interested in having others‘ views on this matter. MH. 

UKUNDA
I want to tell you what, I always say the Gospel News magazine is like our bus in which we meet, it takes us to our working place to get our daily bread. We all meet in this Magazine by different articles and information from brethren worldwide. Some are near, others so very far away that we can’t see each other, but sometimes we see pictures. I would like to urge every brother and sister in this faith, to be faithful, to work for God and be patient for the return of our Lord Jesus to bring peace. What we heard of in Asian countries is really a sign of the Lord’s return. So let us be ready, not slumbering. I want to thank you for the good book you sent me entitled, "Women in the Church," by Brother Duncan. I thank God for Brother Duncan whom God is using in this ministry. May God bless him In His mercy. I tell you brother that I will continue supporting you in prayer that this project continue to be a blessing to us all.
Bro. Edward Kunikind 

WEBUYE
I am very eager to know or learn more from the book "How to grow a balanced diet". Our family and the community as well live under difficult circumstances of growing our own food. This is due to lack of proper knowledge. I hear from the Gospel News of Jan/Feb 2005 that it can train me in a worthwhile, satisfying and healthy career with my youths and elders in our ecclesias and those around us. We will be able to assess the diet in our community and the crops being grown locally in terms of their contribution to a balanced diet. So please send one copy of this book to my above address in Kamukuywa ecclesia.
Bro. Wilgibson Mackenzie

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