Food for the Body & Soul

April 22, Thursday Joanne and I went looking for Christine in Kipsongo slums outside of Kitale. She is a mother who out of desperation gave her baby boy to the home for children. Her son was 8 months old and weighed 8 pounds. The doctors said he would not live the month but he is now 15 months old and very strong.

Friday, the 23^rd we picked up Christine and drove an hour out of Kitale so that she could spend the morning with little Evan. The narrow dirt road took us to Kesogon with great views of the Cherangani Hills. The Children's home run by Jeff & Carla Picicci is beautiful and well planned out. Here at the home they care for 75 young children. Forty children out of the seventy five are under the age of two.

Each child has a story. Pendo (Love) is the newest little baby girl. She was found in the bushes badly beaten up. Her face was badly bruised and eyes swollen shut. Even though the beginning of her life has been harsh and unfair her face radiates loving smiles to those who care for her.

Christine and Evan are reunited and a chair is provided for her to sit and comfort her baby. Large tears welt up and roll down her checks as her arms wrap lovingly around him. It was a very tender moment for all those around.

We toured the facility and saw the magnificent hand of God at work. In six years a home, a school, and a clinic (now in progress) has been provided for 75 unwanted children. www.instepfoundation.com

Last Friday & Saturday (the 16th & 17th) I completed a two day teacher training course along with doing a presentation. I have been approved to work with and use the 10 courses written for the "Bible Training Center for Pastors and Leaders". I am excited to have this material available to me to use where ever God might ask me to go.

Sunday April 25^th I returned to the village of Rafiki to speak. This village began when a group came down from Mt Elgon in 1992 seeking peace for their families. They were fleeing the tribal wars within the mountain that were killing so many. They named their new village Rafiki or Friends.

Now Rafiki represents around 5000 children with only one small public school. Many children do not go to school in this area. It is hard to find work here so many go without. Month by month people are being buried because of AIDS.

Inside the small church made from the mud of the earth there were testimonies from the people of how God has been blessing their lives. Children passing by the open door of the church stopped in their tracks to watch and listen to what I had to say.

One person from every family present was called up front by name and given a bag of salt. This is something that they could never buy on their own. Purchasing daily food for the family is a challenge not just once in a while but every day. Smiles and appreciation poured out of their hearts as they received the bag of salt.

Monday morning the 26^th of April I spoke to a group of about 70 women in Kibagenga. Our meeting was in the open air under the mid morning hot sun. The women each found their spot on the ground and as close the shade trees as possible. My interpreter held an umbrella over us as I spoke. Before the women returned to their duties of the day they were given a gift from Joanne. A long line was formed from the back of Joanne's vehicle. Each woman was given enough maize to make a meal for her family.

Joanne picked me up early Tuesday morning the 27^th of April and we headed to Moi's Bridge with Gladys our interpreter. Many women were already in the church singing and praising the Lord as we drove in. One by one the women continued to enter the church and soon it was filled to the brim. Every bench was full and then they started to sit on the floor. About 250 mamas plus children took the morning and set it aside to learn more from God's Word. Life is very hard for the women here. Many women are widows and that makes life even harder. Very often when a husband dies his family will immediately come and take everything the widow owns and disown her and her children. She and the children are literally left with nothing. The Lord worked in a marvelous way today as the women sat in full attention to the words spoken. At the end of the service four women stepped to the front of the church. With tears in their eyes they asked Jesus into their heart.

Before leaving each woman was given a bag of maize/corn that had been prepared by Joanne. They were free to go but they chose to linger outside the church. With smiles and waves from many they sent us on our way. Each woman would now return to her village to share what the Lord had placed in her.

We rejoice at what we are seeing God do with the women here in the villages around Kitlae. It is Wednesday morning the 28^th and I have been invited to speak to another group of women. We traveled 30 minutes outside Kitale to a beautiful village called Kipsiana. It is a peaceful area with green rolling hills. The river visible from the church is bursting at the seams because of the heavy rains. The large church fills with about 300 women and three men. We even had a chicken sitting on the platformJ At the end of the service I ask them a question. Is there is anyone who would like to ask the Lord Jesus into their heart? Oh, my heart sings when I see hand after hand boldly raised in the air. Four women came to the front and asked the Lord into their heart today. The bondage of the past was replaced with a fresh new beginning. A cleansing took place that saturated the heart as tears and cries for forgiveness went heavenward. It was so rewarding to hear them release themselves into the care of Jesus. There were also those that came forward for other needs.

The women were also encouraged with a bag of maize from Joanne. At the end of the service a line was formed and each woman was given food for the day.

A good report has been received from Kawangware Slums Nairobi. Fanice has been released from Kenyatta Hospital. She had been in a coma because of severe abuse at home. We went to pray for Fanice in the hospital and at that time were told she was close to death. God has restored her health. She is walking, talking and thinking clearly. We serve an amazing Father!

This week has been full but so rewarding. A total of eight women gave their lives to Jesus.

Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

The Name

Saturday, April 10, We gather the small TV, DVD player and a generator and head for Huruma Ghetto. It is my first visit to the Eastland's of Nairobi. We leave the center of Nairobi and soon find ourselves riding through heavy traffic with mounds of garbage piled on each side of the road. As the driver slows down in traffic, I'm told to put my window up. In this area there is a lot of crime and being white I am automatically a target. We ride through some of the Marathe slums. They are similar in style to the many other slums that I have walked through. There are stands with goods and vegetables for sale. Goats and sheep walk through the roads. The smell of burning garbage floods the air. The air filled with a haze of smoke stings the eyes. People jam the already busy path ways and roads. We are about 30 minutes outside of Nairobi now and the picture of life has changed. Huruma Ghetto breaks into the horizon with clusters of tall buildings made of cement blocks. Laundry hanging from every possible area adds a colorful décor to the outside walls. The tall buildings surround us. They have captured many and become the tell tale walls of the Ghetto. Beneath them are the one man store front shops, carts of vegetables, goods lining the streets and people coming and going. It is a home to thousands with the raw sewage rolling through the streets and by the many homes. There are the one room metal sided and roofed homes sandwiched in this midst. Dirt floors with grain bags to hold back the wind and rain turn into someone's mansion. As the taxi comes to a stop the car is surrounded by many that want to see the white visitor. A small child starts to scream as she has never seen a white person before. The taxi man is somewhat nervous and fearful at the situation but promises to return to pick us up at 4 in the afternoon. We are in an area where truck loads of sheep and goats are brought for slaughtering. I am quickly approached to see if I want to buy a goat. The price of course was higher than usual. Today for me the special price was 4,500ksh but the normal price is 1,500 ksh J It is the African way.

We jump the river of raw sewage and walk the alley way single file. There are walls of sheet metal on each side of us. Each step is carefully placed to avoid the broken glass and slipping in the areas of mud. The width of the alley becomes smaller and smaller and takes us up a slight incline.

We enter a dark room about 14 x 12 with one light bulb hanging from the mixed matched pieces of clapboard ceiling. Above they have made a room for sleeping and relaxing. Mattresses line the floor and have become the sleeping quarters for over 40 people. A piece of broken mirror is stuck to some card board on the far wall. A small window has been cut in the sheet metal wall on each side. A tattered cloth is tacked up to keep the heat of the sun out.

This is Juma's plot. He is one of Nairobi's older street boys. He has grown up on the streets of Nairobi. With the scars from many knife fights on his body he shares his desire for a different life style. He has opened his small home to those that want to leave the glue and drugs behind. Each one descends from the ladder. One by one and introduce themselves. They share their name and where they lived in Nairobi. A common response would be "I lived at the step of …., the back door way of….. the path by…, the side walk near..." Two of the younger boys smiled as they told us they had found peace here.

We all gathered upstairs in the room filled with mattresses and watched the story of Moses. The temperature of the room increased but no one wanted to leave. From time to time we would stop for questions and then return to the movie. They saw how bound and enslaved the children of Israel were but Moses came to deliver them. When they understood that Jesus came to deliver and to set them free from the bondage of sin, 12 boys/men raised their hands to accept Jesus.

We stood in a circle in the upper room as they accepted Jesus into their heart. Then each one there received personal prayer before we left. Many said it was the first time they have ever felt the presence of God.

We thank God for touching the hearts of these men and boys. It seems like they are lost in a land where no one cares but God sees them. He sees their heart and cares about each one. There is such a longing within them to be taught more of God's Word.

We also wanted to encourage them and help them with the struggles they face. So we left them with some potatoes, corn meal, tomatoes, cabbage and some greens. The water faucet outside was to be turned off soon as they could only come up with partial payment. Before leaving we made sure that their water supply would never be turned off again.

As we journey back to the center of Nairobi we stop near the church at the river. I stayed in the taxi as Pastor Joseph leaves to do an errand. The taxi driver started to laugh and asked me if I knew what people were saying around us. I did not. I have walked this area many times and talked with the street children. We have held services in this area for them also. Some have recognized me and told the taxi driver "you have the preacher in your car."

What an honor it is to have others know that you carry the name of Jesus.

Jeremiah 15:16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight,

for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty.

It is now April 20 and I am fully recovered from a bacterial infection caused by bad food/water. While in Nairobi I had an appointment at the Center for Tropical & Travel Medicine and received good care. Ken & Sandy have been missionaries to Kenya for many years. They took me under their wing and saw to it that I received the proper medical care. It is good to care about the needs of each other!

I left Nairobi on the 14^thand returned to the western part of Kenya at the base of Mount Elgon. The days continue to receive the blessing from above as the heavy rains hit the earth.

Thank you for remembering me in your prayers.

God's Word Remains

Monday morning the 29^th of March comes so quickly. Our time here is over and today we will return to Kitale. We will be flying as the dangers of bandits and luggas are extremely high on the road traveled from Lodwar to Kitale. The pastors all join us under the simple airport covering that we gather in. Gifts of handmade baskets and jewelry are given to me as we saw say goodbye. We are leaving today but the Word of God remains. God's Word will spread throughout the Turkana villages.

As we fly in over the Kitale town I feel like I have arrived in a big city in a different time and place. I now need to readjust to the surroundings around me. I understand now why many Turkana will tell you that here in the north western parts you are not in Kenya. It is a land of it is own.

The last day of March I boarded a bus a headed toward Nairoibi . Before arriving there we passed over the equator in Nanyuki. I am presently taking a few days of rest and preparing for ministry within the slums and with the street children for the next two weeks.

Isaiah 55: 10 & 11

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Invited to Dinner

Sunday the 28^th of March. We are headed back into the interior again today. In the back of our four wheel drive vehicle we have sacks of maize, beans and packets of cooking fat. We travel toward the Lapur Mountain Range it is on the Uganda & Kenya boarder. Traveling has its challenges as we have had showers this week. Branches are cut in one area and laid down for traction. The mud of the earth pulls strongly at my sneaker and I literally walk out of it leaving it behind. It is carefully recovered and given back to me. Pastor Simon is traveling with us but on the motorcycle. It is a way for us to get back to Lodwar should we run into problems with our vehicle.

Upon entering the church the ladies wrap me in a "shuka" a beautiful piece of cloth. They then adorn my neck with beads. The older mama's pull me into their dance as I'm expected to jump with them. I did my best but they are better! It put joy in their hearts and a smile on their face to have me worship the Turkana way.

The church is full with people standing in the back. Women sit together on one side and men on the other. Babies are always kept close to mom and today I had the honor of dedicating one to the Lord.

Little Mary, a beautiful Turkana baby, was placed in my arms as her parents stood in front of me. One day I believe this little one will be able to read the Bible that she was presented with. The Lord has good plans for each one of us.

After the service we unpack the sacks of maize, beans, and cooking fat. A line is formed and each mama brings her bowl, sack, or she uses the extra cloth of her wrap to hold per portion of the food given out today.

I am then taken for a walk away from the church toward an area of white smoke. To my surprise I have been invited to dinner. Today dinner is "goat". Branches have been collected and a fire has been started. I am told where to sit. As a married woman I am to sit on the ground while the men sit on their little stools. The whole goat with its head, fur, and innards is placed on the open fire. Parts of the inside that are still raw are taken out and given to "only" the men. It smells terrible but the men are enjoying it as they bite off pieces with their teeth. It sounds very crunchy and it is somewhat green in color. I am very happy to be a woman J The time comes when the goat is cut up into sections. It is now time to slice off some of the meat and pass it to all off the guests. The Turkana men wear a circular knife around their wrist. It is used for battle and for preparing food. Today the knife that often looks like decoration around their wrist is used in the traditional way. The charred outer covering is scraped off the goat and meat is then passed around. Many portions still uncooked are enjoyed thoroughly by those sitting around the fire. Nothing is left behind. Every part of the goat is eaten.

On our way back to the church we see another group of men settling under the acacia tree. Turkana men always eat together. The women will serve them but they do not sit and eat with them. Women will gather together in another area around their huts and share their food. We find a place of shade near the wall of the church and sit a while to rest. Soon a Turkana woman brings us tea and a hot chapati.

It is time to leave and many gather around to say goodbye. An invitation from the elders of the village at Kabil-Asonyak has been given to me to come back again. Only next time I should stay and sleep here with them – under the stars of the African sky.

I want to thank my home church, Milton Assembly of God, for making it possible to place so many Bibles into the hands of the Turkana Tribe. I believe that many lives are going to benefit and be changed because you were willing to give to people that you have never seen.

Psalm 40: 5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

Captured by the Rains

It is already Saturday the 27^th of March but even though it is Saturday there will still be a service.

We travel by motorcycle part way and then continue further by foot. We are welcomed by an elderly woman sitting inside by the entrance of her hut. She cannot walk but enjoys watching the people as they come and go. She is adorned with many colorful beads. The harshness of life that she has seen here is also evident. Her hands remain busy as she repairs the brooms made from desert palm branches. As we sit within and talk her entrance completely fills with little faces. A white woman has arrived and no one wants to miss the excitement!

From the front of Pastor Peter's church one can stand and look directly out the door and view the distant towering mountains. Many of the women here today are widows and some have walked eight miles to come today. They are hard working widows. They have worked and bought the iron sheets to give a covering to the earthen walls of the church. The men are not opposed to a service on Saturday and join us also.

A Turkana hand pulls me into the circle of dance and smiles brighten the many faces.

After speaking the Word the people pour out their hearts to God Almighty. They go to their knees, some kneel to the ground, and others face the wall releasing their burdens to Jesus.

Turkana Bibles are left here in this village also. Many of the widows and some of the leaders have the Word of God now in their hands. They will share the word of God to others as it is revealed to them.

Church is over and the women bless me with 6 brooms that they have made. A Turkana does not have a broom with a pole attached. The broom consists of only the palm leaves so she must bend over to sweep her house.

Before we leave a thunder storm rolls in and the clouds explode above us. The rains have captured everyone inside the church and singing and dancing fills the four walls once again.

Psalm 68:4 & 5 Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds - his name is Lord - and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

The Jade Sea

Wednesday the 24^th of March finds us at Pastor Simon's church in the village of Nakwamekwi on the western side of Lodwar.

The church people are already singing when we arrive. The church made of grass shades us from the sun. A short shower cools us but to the natives it is cold. If jackets and sweaters could be found they would be put on.

The pastor soaks in the Word as it is spoken. He is charged and believes God was speaking directly into his heart. The ladies start to sing and dancing feet keep beat with the sound of the drum.

Turkana Bibles are also given out here in the village of Nakwamekwi along with reading glasses for those that have trouble seeing. Some never thought they would be holding a Bible of their own.

Thursday the 25^th Pastor Wilson drove two hours from Kalokol which is north of Lodwar to meet with me. It was raining hard in the morning and his travel was delayed because of the swelling rivers. He was so excited to receive some Turkana Bibles for his church. His Sunday sermon was going to be about studying God's Word more. He knew that the response from the people would be "We can't, we don't have a Bible". He saw God's plan unfolding in his life.

For three years Pastor Wilson's church had three people. There were many discouraging days but he knew God had called him to this area. Now he has approximately one hundred and fifty in his church. He has also planted two other churches. He continues to reach out to the people in the refugee camp in his area. There is much to do and many in need.

Wars, cattle raids, political uprisings, tribal battles have left scars, hurts, pain and suffering here in the northern western part of Kenya. Sudan and Ethiopia are only about 350 miles away and Uganda is a close neighbor also.

We enjoyed our afternoon sitting under a big acacia tree by Pastor Florence's house. We had some rice and beans together while learning more about the culture of the Turkana.

The Turkanas are pastoralist. They are a large group but second in size to the Masai. It is believed that years ago they followed an unruly bull from Uganda in Kenya. The bull is an honored animal among the Turkana. Cattle raids are not uncommon here especially in the rainy season. The cattle raids are becoming more deadly because of the ever growing use of guns in the area. A Turkana woman may even be left with an AK47 to protect herself when her husband leaves for days to tend the animals.

The sun is setting and the motorcycle takes us back to the lodge. We pass the children playing and cooling off in the recent puddles left by the heavy rain. On the side of the mountain one can observe a few structures surrounded by people in colorful robes. Some are wearing white, others purple, red, or yellow. Big white crosses are erected in front of the buildings. The Legions of Mary is a fast growing cult here in the northwest.

We end our day with another invite to join Steve who works with Teen Challenge out of Nairobi, Pastor M'Bogo and Leah for some Tilapia at St. Theresa's. It was delicious J

Friday the 26^th has been reserved to explore and see more of the surrounding area. Pastor Benjamin, Simon and Florence show up with a vehicle that has " J O Y " on the top of the front window. They picked that one because yesterday at Pastor Simon's I had shared about putting "J" esus first, "O" thers second and "Y" ou last. It was a sure way of having "Joy" in your life.

Our destination today is Lake Turkana. It is the largest Alkaline Lake in the World. It is also known as the Jade Sea. Lake Turkana sits to the east of Lodwar and is fed by waters flowing down from Ethiopia. The ground covering changes rapidly from slivers of green grass protruding from the desert sand to sandy gravel. The sun hits the earth and some of the rocks glisten as if they are ready to cry out "Jesus is Lord". Camels are now a frequent scene. We are even blessed to see some young ones. The Turkana women are close by and milking the camel. We ask for permission to take a picture but they fear the camera.

We have been blessed with a few cooling showers but in some areas it leaves mud similar to sinking sand. The driver is cautious of these areas and travels out of the way to avoid them. However, he misjudges one area and we get half way across and can't go any further. Everyone gets out and all the men start to push the car backward. Being a woman who has spent her married life living off a dirt road in the woods I know that the mud is going to fly. Pastor Florence did not understand that concept and was soon a site to be seen. She was cover with mud from the top of her head down to her feet.

Our spinning wheels were heard from a distance and soon there were two Turkana boys on their way to help. We were ready and happily hopped in the car only to soon realize the very smooth tire on the back was now flat and also the tail pipe had broken. Here there always seems to be a way and soon the wheels are once again rolling.

We pass termite castles towering to the sky. Each castle is unique in its own design. They not only house termites but snakes are known to take up residence here also.

We slow down for a group of Turkana boys beside the road. They begin to dance and sing beside the car. It is their traditional dance and song. They are singing praises to the bull.

The earth and its surroundings blend in together. The acacia trees become a resting place for birds of color that grab the eye. After a 2 ½ hour ride over pot holes, thorn bushes, and patches of mud we can now see Lake Turkana ahead of us. The beach area around the lake is covered with beautiful desert palms. We ride over the sand dunes and see the waves roll in as if the ocean is before us. The distant Island is the home for the Elmo Tribe. Turkana style huts are sheltered by the desert palms with the entrance looking directly onto the lake. Flamingos and other birds feed in the shallow pools of water. The paradise that we see before us is breath taking.

On our way back we stop and ask a few natives if there is any place that will repair our tire. Not finding away to travel with a spare we continue on to Lodwar. Pastor Florence spots a tree that is used for making tooth brushes. We stop and they gather branches from the tree to take home. They will seal the branch on one end to keep the moisture in. The unsealed end will be used to scrub the teeth.

We arrive back at the lodge tired but safe and sound. Before we part we give the taxi man a Bible. He has been praying for one and today God has answered his prayer.

Psalm 28: 3& 4 The voice of the Lord is over the waters: the God of glory thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.

The Pains of Hunger

Monday morning the 22^nd of March I met with Pastor M'Bogo for the first time. There was excitement in the air when the Pastor and Beth saw each other. They grew up together in the Cherangani Hills and had not seen each other for years. Pastor M'Bogo has a church just outside of Lodwar. He has arranged for a meeting tomorrow for the women in area.

While we are visiting a Turkana man in the traditional attire approaches us. He is bent over and looks to be very old. He points to his sunken in stomach. His face wore the pains of hunger from many days of going without. The bone structure of his face was very prominent. He was aged beyond his years because of lack of food. We take care of his need and he bows to the ground before me. Then he looks to the sky and he spits to the left and then he spits to the right. It is the Turkana way of blessing me.

Pastor M'Bogo and his wife, Leah, show us around the area. We are shown a couple other places to stay just outside of town. We stop at the Turkel River. Its wide curving waters are held in with the white sandy beach. It is used for bathing, swimming and for gathering water. It also supplies Lodwar with power. Three massive generators are used to give the area electricity. They rotate the use of each generator to give it a time of rest from the heat. We capture the moment by taking a couple pictures. A Turkana man walking near by quickly joins us. He wants to be in the picture that goes to America!

Pastor M'Bogo has a Bible Training Program and he is teaching pastors and leaders. There are five different villages represented through this program. Not everyone from the villages can read but the pastors being trained can. Each one of these men in training will be given a Turkana Bible and it will go back to his village with him. Five Turkana Bibles can change the lives of five villages that you and I might never visit.

In the afternoon Beth & I set out for a walk to find her sister who teaches somewhere in Lodwar. Never believe an African when he tells you it is just a "short walk" J We walked and walked with the hot sun zapping the strength from us. Lodwar and the land of the Turkana Tribe are well known for being "hot". It reaches 100 degrees or higher in Lodwar and the surrounding areas. The bus will only leave Lodwar at night to avoid the intense heat of the day. Engines over heat and tires burst if they travel in the day. There are piles of human waste in the midst of the traveled walk ways. Goats become the benefactors of such dried goods. We arrive at the Mixed School on the other side of the airport. It is a school of 2000 children. Some children stop and watch me as they have never seen a white person. We are warmly greeted by Beth's sister and some of the teachers.

The heat from the sun is even more intense on our way back. As the Africans say it is so hot it is almost a "punishment". It was the hottest temperature I have had to endure to this point in Africa. With my face bright red and with my clothes clinging to my body I almost said "I can't go any further." But the Lord granted me more strength so that I could endure to the endJ

I have never been so thankful for the" breeze" until I came to Lodwar!

Tuesday March 23 we meet together at a church on the hill near the Turkel River in Lodwar. Many of the women that attended were pastor's wives or leaders in their churches. Susan teaches the elderly under a tree by the river in her area.

We enjoyed a powerful time in the Word of God. Women began to weep and many came forward for prayer before leaving. A woman with painful infected tonsils was healed. Another woman felt the heaviness she had been experiencing lift from her when she was prayed for. One woman felt joy pour into her. There were so many that came discouraged and felt like giving up. They left changed and ready to continue on in the work the Lord has given them to do.

After the service we enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Pastor's house close by.

Psalm 18:1 I love you, O Lord, my strength.

Beads, Bibles & Bubble Gum

Saturday morning, March 20^th we head east out of Lodwar. The sandy road is straight and the hot sun beats down on us. With the motorcycle traveling is made easy and we arrive safely at Pastor Benjamin's church in the village of Napetet.

The church erupts with praise, dance and the beating of the drum. The benches fill as the singing continues. The colorful traditional dress and women adorned with beads adds beauty and color to the earthen walls. There are those that listen from the shade of the tree outside. The area Chief sits with us as we share the Word. It was like Christmas in the desert when eight Turkana Bibles were given to Pastor Benjamin to share with his church. Also we had reading glasses for those in need.

The afternoon was busy as well. We needed to prepare for our Sunday service to be held in the interior. A four wheel drive would be needed to carry us and the bags of maize, beans, salt and soap that we would be taking. It was an afternoon of finding the best price! In the midst of the heat and preparation a camel walks through town. I'm told there are many camels here.

Sunday the 21^st and Pastor Florence, Benjamin and Simon are going to meet us here at the Lodge. As we are waiting I hear someone behind me call my name. It is Bev and Greg the missionaries who went to Sudan for a teaching seminar. They stopped here in Lodwar for one night before returning to Kitale. We had time to pray for one another and then went our separate ways. God is so good.

We hadn't left Lodwar and the 4 wheel drive we rented was acting up. We are headed to Kabli-Asonyak in the northwest part of Kenya, near the Uganda Mountains and we need to have it in good working order before we go.

We are repaired, loaded with sacks of food and on our way. The Chief travels with us today. I'm told I don't need to worry about any "legal issues "– he is the government here. Pastor Simon will follow us on the motorcycle. In the event it rains and we get stuck or break down we will have a back up vehicle to take us out of the interior one by one.

Most of the area is dry and there seems to be no road to follow but they know the way. Here and there we pass a few desert palms with clusters of small round hard shelled fruit. As we stop to enjoy the camels we feel the heat coming up from the dry sand as well as down from the sun above.

Pastor Florence, a small framed Turkana woman, started her church in 2002. Every Saturday she walked 8 hours in the desert sun to preach in Kabil-Asonyak. The challenges of the hot sun along with bandits, scorpions, poisonous snakes and spiders didn't stop her. Her commitment and need did not go unnoticed. In 2008 someone blessed her with a Yamaha 100 to ride back and forth with.

On both sides of Global Field Evangelism Church there are groups of huts with rounded tops made out of the desert palm branches. The huts gently blend into the landscape but then life springs out of it with the colorful robes and cloth of the Turkana.

The sandy path welcomes us into a church with small wooden benches. The women are sitting together on one side and the men on the other. The older women are graced with the deep lines that time and desert sun gives. Their hair has been shaved except a small portion left down the center of their head. One of the older mama's sits up front with a white sheep sitting on the ground beside her. This sheep goes every place this mama goes even to church. They have adopted each other.Turkana's are beautiful in their dress and beads. The women wear rows and rows of beads around their neck right up to their chin. They are bright in color and when goat fat is rubbed on them they shine brighter. The beads are worn night and day. The more beads a young woman wears means the parents will ask a bigger bride price.

Life here in the desert is hard. The ground will not produce food. It is hot and the lack of water demands that they walk for days with their cattle. Hardships and heat do not stop them from a time of worshipping the Lord. The older women never sit still. They are on their feet dancing in the Turkana way. Jumping straight up as high as you can is a way of celebrating Jesus also. The sweat pores off their faces and they continue on.

God's Word is given in English and interpreted into Turkana as the church room underneath the metal roof increases in temperature. They are encouraged to pray blessings over their children every day. Their children represent their tribe, their family name, and their Jesus.

Turkana Bibles and reading glasses were placed on top of the drum sitting on the earth floor of the church. Pastor Florence calls each one forward and the Bibles are given out. Eight Turkana Bibles are now in the interior parts of Kabil-Asonyak.

Before the service ended a ring made by the Turkana women was placed on my finger and a bracelet, that is not to be taken off, was stitched on my wrist. I was so blessed to have the women honor me in such a way. Then one of the older mama's came with a hand carved wooden pitcher in her hands and gave it to me. It was a pitcher to milk camels with! The Turkana's are very giving and generous people.

We inform the church that we have food to share with them and give them time to go to their homes and come back with a bag or container of some kind. We place the sacks of corn, beans outside along with the soap and salt. A line was formed and each mama was given her equal portion and then the men. I even had a little white sheep with a black head pushing his way into the bag of corn! He knows a good thing when he sees it J

The children are not left out. All the little hands with palm side up received some bubble gum. Then the jump rope is tried a few times with much laughter before it is mastered.

We stop a few times on our way out of the interior as our vehicle is overheating. This is a common problem here with the desert heat. Over heating is not the only reason for stopping though. The camels walk beside us and are seen on both sides of the vehicle. There are many camels roaming free in the area. We are thankful for the time God has given us here.

We want to thank all of those that donated money toward the purchasing of food to feed the hungry. You have blessed and encouraged many. Thank you for caring for those that go without.

Hebrews 13:16

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Bibles for the Turkana Tribe

Friday Morning the 17^th of March I loaded two heavy suitcases into a taxi and headed for Kitale airport. My suitcases are loaded with Bibles printed in the Turkana language. I even had a few Bibles nestled in my arms. The Bibles catch the eye of the taxi driver. He has recently asked Jesus into his heart but does not own a Bible. However these are of no help to him as they are written in Turkana. I reach into my back pack and pull out the last Bible written in English that I have. I pass it to him and with one hand on the steering wheel he uses the other hand to hold the Bible close to his heart. God has given him his heart's desire.

The blue sky and Mt Elgon make a beautiful back drop for the very small airport. The sun is already hot and it isn't even eight o'clock. Beth, a native to western Kenya, is traveling with me. She has never flown before and with great anticipation she watches the sky for the plane to land. We pass through security and my suitcases are unzipped and checked. Then they are weighed. As I feared they were too heavy. The allowance was 40kgs and I had 51kgs. From across the desk the attendant, with my passport in hand, tells me I could only take 40kgs. I quietly said "but they are Bibles for the people." Then it was the quiet never ending stare. I tried one more time and said "can God be pleased with us today?" The attendant then handed me my passport and I was sent on my way with all of the Bibles J

African time usually means you sit and "wait" but today the flight schedule is far from African time. The plane left 45 minutes ahead of schedule. We were happy that we arrived early. Vivian a missionary to Kenya for 38 years is also on the plane with us.

The noise from the propellers gets louder and louder and we leave the earth of Kitale behind us. The town is now nowhere to be seen and the earth below changes rapidly. The green patches turn to brown and the mountain peaks turn to flat dry earth below us. There are many dried up rivers with white sands for as far as you can see.

We are greeted by the hot breeze of Lodwar as we walk from the plane to the airport gathering spot. Here the airport consists of just a covering to protect you from the sun and rain. Pyramid like mountains, a sun the shines hotter and sand like the beach tells us we are in a new land. Many Turkana will tell you that here in the north western parts you are not in Kenya. It is a land of it is own.

White skin is always a temptation for many in Africa to "up" the price. Here it is no different and the taxi driver tries to charge us three times the normal fare. There are baskets of all sizes piled high beside the road as we travel through the small town of Lodwar. The handmade baskets, brooms, mats and safari hats smell of the sweet desert palm leaf.

We have a room with a fan that rattles, shakes and sounds like it could possibly fall from the ceiling but it works and we are thankful for it. There are a few bugs and lizards that we could do without too. The net always gets tucked under the mattress really tight!

We sit under a tree out by the dirt road and visit with 4 pastors from the area. They have a schedule that will keep me busy for the next 10 days that we are here.

Later on Beth and I are enjoying some cold water when an older man with a walking stick over his shoulder approaches us. He is dressed in the traditional way with a red plaid robe and sandals. He is selling a dried fruit that grows on trees. He has the bundle of fruit tied to the end of his walking stick, hobo style. Each piece of fruit is the size of an ear of corn. When it is dried it becomes something they use to wash with. I bought a couple to bring home to show people and then asked if we could take his picture. He agreed. From there it went really bad as some nearby men demanded my camera. I didn't comply and they continued verbally attacking and threatening that it was now a legal issue. They spoke English but it didn't matter what I said they didn't want peace. Even though the men opposed I called the pastors I had met with earlier and told them I was in trouble and needed them. Within five minutes four pastors showed up on the scene and sat with us. You could feel the whole atmosphere change and peace settled in over the situation. The lions wanted to devour me but the angels shut their mouths. Psalm 124

The night darkness brings thunder and heavy rains. It is a relief to us as the air cools a bit. Others fear the rain as it is so dry the earth does not receive the water. Luggas form and the fast moving water removes the earth forming unannounced rushing rivers. Luggas have carried cars and buses away. Many die here from swelling rivers and luggas. Tonight 2 cars have been swept away in a nearby river. Six have lost their lives.

Psalm 124:8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.