Good Reports to Share

Our last few days in Africa were spent with our friends around Nairobi. On Friday June 11^th we spent the day with Pastor Joseph and Gladys. They have spent years ministering to the street children and gangs that reside around the river.

Saturday the 12^th we walked through Kawangware slums with Pastor Chris. There was a feeling of being home as we walked the familiar path ways through the slums. We visited and prayed with many along the way. A hungry man, satisfied with an ear of grilled corn, continued to follow us. He was loud, demanding and would not turn back. The voice of confusion was always behind us. With the name of Jesus he became silent and still. The man sat quietly as we continued on. A couple of the little girls watch the path way. They patiently wait for our arrival. Big smiles form when we are in sight. Their little arms surround me as their hugs are so freely given.

The scenes here have not changed. Cow hooves are cooking over charcoal. Intestines sizzle in the pan over the open fire. Garbage piles continue to grow beside the roadways. Women throw buckets of waste water into the path way as many walk by. The smells continue to invade the open air, the homes, and in the areas that children play.
Our flight to the USA leaves late Sunday night the 13^th. With suitcases packed it leaves us plenty of time to participate in the Sunday morning service in Kawangware slums. Children's church continues to be held outside under the open sky. Over 40 children gather for the Bible story and a time of coloring. Each child shares in a song and quotes scripture that they have memorized. The long awaited sweets are given out just before we go into the next service.

The service starts and after worship we remember all that God has done for those sitting in our midst. Jackie, who needed surgery, is now completely healed. Fanice, a woman who was severely beaten, was in a coma for days. The doctor said she was unresponsive and close to death. From her hospital room prayer went up to heaven on her behalf. She now sits in church before us as a testimony of what God can do. We serve a powerful Lord who sets the captive free.

It is time to say good bye but not before we encourage them and let them know that they have not been forgotten. A bag full of ties has been emptied in the front of the church. The men come forward and each one returns to their seat with two ties. Then it is time for the women to stand and receive a special gift. Each woman was given a new blanket to wrap up in during their cold winter nights.

We want to thank Lois Samuels for placing a gift of love in the homes of many here in the slums. The nights are cold during the rainy season and the thin iron sheets that become walls close in the damp and cold air around them. A blanket brings a little comfort to the long cold nights of those sleeping in the slums.

The children look on with excitement and eagerly come to the front as Pezz candy and holders are given to each one. A gift that brings many smiles and giggles is given to the little ones in memory of my sister, Debbie Archer.

As we leave the church pathway we receive an invitation to come speak at a nearby church. The door to the darkened room opens. The priest and prophets robed in white welcome us in. I approach the door and remove my shoes before entering. The soil within the church is hard from the many hours of pounding their feet. As they chant, begging for forgiveness, their feet will stomp the ground. Light from the outside is forbidden to keep the evil spirits away. Young children are not welcome to attend the service. You will see many of their children outside caring for the younger ones. Some will find a hole in the iron sheet wall so they can observe what is happening on the inside. The women stayed together on one side of the room and the men the other side. The leaders, well versed in the Old Testament, had their official places in the front of the church. After dancing, the noise of the drums, and singing I shared what Jesus had done for them. I noticed the expressions on their faces begin to change. Their expressions spoke disbelief but not all. Some hands went up in the air to signify that they believed Jesus died for them. With an open prayer many asked Jesus into their heart.

We walk to the edge of the slums knowing that we are leaving many needs behind us. It has been a full day and we have a long journey ahead of us. Our travels will be covered with prayer as the church here in Kawangware slums will be praying round the clock for us as we travel.

There are so many to thank. You have all played a part in helping to care for the needs of those in Africa. You have made it possible for us to touch the lives of many. We thank you and the people of Africa thank you. They send their appreciation and love to you also. They will be praying for you.

Gary & Eddie DeHart you have made it possible to feed the hungry in areas of extreme hardship. We have traveled deep into the interior/bush to feed those that have no way to feed themselves. Your hands have reached the hungry of Africa, Thank you.

Our flight left Nairobi at 11:10 pm Sunday night or 4:10pm Sunday USA time. We arrived safely in Dover, NH 24 hours later. We thank you all for the many prayers that have been said on our behalf. We have seen the hand of God working in marvelous ways.

A trip to the doctor's here in the states confirmed that once again I had pneumonia. After meds and resting several days my energy level is bouncing back. Soon I will be up and running once againJ

We will be state side for a few months. We are looking forward to seeing you and sharing the many good reports of God's love.

Ephesians 6:19

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

The Ndorobo Tribe

Sunday, June 6^th, we packed our vehicle with blankets. The back was full and some were tied on top. We had Swahili Bibles with us to pass out also. We started early as we had 3 hours of travel ahead of us. We have tried this trip before but upon arrival we were denied access into the forest because of security reasons. The Ndorobo tribe lives high within the forest of Mt Elgon. They have lived here for many generations. They are bee keepers and live off of the honey. It is estimated that 2500 still remain within the forest.

A native pastor tried to get us pre approved for entry into this area and again we were denied for the second time. Knowing that we could not go into their home area we traveled into a different area as far as we were allowed to go. The road went up at a steady pace. Rocks bulging out of the earth tossed the vehicle this way and that. The worn tire marks that previously represented a road disappeared. The road started to close in on us as the brush and forest filled in around us. The trees are massive in size and beautiful to behold.

We enter through one check point and receive a friendly welcome. We stop for a moment to pray with him and give him a Bible. The land has not shown any evidence of life for miles except for those at the different check points. At the second check point we are again welcomed. In fact he wants to join us as we travel in further to meet with the Ndorobo Tribe. At this point the car is full so one pastor volunteers to sit on top of the roof to make room for one more. Traveling slow is a must because of the lack of roads.

Some of the tribe members have agreed to walk over an hour out of their home area so that we can meet together. It is Sunday and we will have church together in a small cleared area amongst the trees.

It appears that one would never be found if lost in such an area. Then in the distance there is evidence of life. A small settlement is spotted.

A small church building made out of bamboo sits high on the knoll. The air is cool and everyone is dressed to stay warm. As we walk around the church people of all ages begin to stare at us. We are told that many have never seen a white person or a vehicle.

A steady line of people walked towards us from the tree line.

I bend over to enter through the church door. The trunks of trees are placed in rows and become the seats for the women and children. The men sit on each side of church in the front. The clouds above us are screaming "rain". A quick prayer is said that the clouds will hold their rain drops. Children start to walk the bamboo roof and try to cover us with a tarp.

As I am speaking more and more come and the church is already full. Many stand outside and pier in over the top of the back wall. Others sit outside on logs and listen. They gather in the door way and stand at the sides to hear what is being said. About 200 members from the Ndorobo tribe have walked here today for the meeting. Some walked home with Jesus in their heart.

Nineteen people came forward to receive Jesus into their heart:)

Blankets are passed out to the widows and disabled. Others wait outside in hopes that there will be some left over for them. They so need them in this area of the mountain. Our plan for crowd control was working nicely when all of a sudden they felt the need to push in. They were acting out of fear of not receiving. The giving was stopped until everyone sat and there was peace once again. They just do not have anything extra. From the mountain tops we thank Elaine Moesel and everyone at Milton Assembly of God for giving to this Blanket and Bible Fund.

Heavy duty rubber shoes donated in memory of my sister, Deborah Archer, now are worn by children of the Ndorobo tribe high in the forest of Mt Elgon. Thank you NikkiJ

Here in the forest they are not permitted to use the land for gardening. This means that someone has to walk two hours down the mountain to a village to buy/trade for food.

Before leaving I am handed a basket that they have made. They ask that we come back again. They express their desire to have a school and a clinic for their people.

We leave the mountain and arrive back in Kitale at the end of the day. Then the clouds open and hard rain falls.

Tuesday June 8^th we went to the home of Elvis and his family. A couple weeks ago we went to celebrate his daughter's dedication together. Today we go to mourn together. His beautiful 6 month old little girl passed away. As we entered the family home Elvis was sitting on the sofa with little Charlene wrapped in her blankets beside him. It is a pain, a sorrow, I have seen before. With hugs, tears, and a listening ear we sat together. We saw in Elvis and his family the strength that only Jesus can give. Please pray for them.

Our journey home started on Wednesday, June 9^th. Over the last couple of days we have said many goodbyes. Now it was time to board the bus in Kitale. It left western Kenya at 8:30 in the morning and 9 hours later we arrived at our room in Nairobi. We will be visiting the slums and the street boys by the river for a few days before flying to the USA.

Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Church Construction & Celebration

Monday, May 24, we watched the rain clouds roll in while waiting for our plane to land at the Kitale airport. The airport is small and sits in the midst of a field of maize. The flight will save us about nine to twelve hours of travel over some of the worst roads in Kenya. These roads also have a history of being lined with bandits. Most people traveling to Lodwar will hire armed guards to travel with them.

Today the plane is operating on African time and leaves 3 hours late. As we are boarding the 16 seat plane the clouds open and the rain falls. From within the plane we can observe the pilot as he guides us through the clouds. We leave the rich green land of Kitale and head north toward Sudan. We leave the storm clouds behind and witness the beautiful rainbow ring beneath us. From the small window we enjoy the beauty of the mountains, lakes, and rivers that now are so far away. The trees hug the border of the river below us. Soon they disappear all together leaving the earth barren and dry. We cross the line into a land of its own.

Soon the mountains of the Lodwar area are in view. The desert land shows signs of going without rain for days. The rivers are low and the earth barren.

We are greeted at the airport by pastors, friends and the hot sun that Lodwar is known for. We are taken to St Teresa's Pastoral Center for our stay in Lodwar. It is a beautiful oasis in the midst of intense heat. Shade trees become an umbrella over the rooms and pathways. We quickly unpack and then head 10 – 15 min out of Lodwar to view the land.

The survey markers are evident and the plot is ready for the building project. We need to finalize some paper work with the elders of the Turkana land and the Chief before proceeding further. The Chief is not close and has requested we meet him in the morning so that he may sign the paperwork.

Tuesday, May 25^th, we start our day early. We sit outside under a tree together with those involved with the transaction. An agreement is handwritten and then signed in view of the elder. We step inside out of sight and the money is transferred into the seller's hands. The receipt of money given was signed with a signature from one and a thumb print from the other. We meet a little later under a desert palm and the elder dressed in the traditional robe administers his thumb print as a signature on the agreement. We walk to the plot and mark out the placement of the church with posts. A twenty five by fifty foot church is measured out and placed with saving the shade trees in mind.

Manley places the front corner post of the church. We stand in a circle and pray together in the center of the soon to be built church. There is one final signature to obtain. We all meet in town with the Chief as he asks about everyone's intentions before placing his stamp of approval and signature on the paperwork. The paperwork is completed and the work begins immediately. Purchasing the lumber is the first place of business. Patrick our native builder has the long and tedious job of picking out the straightest pieces of lumber and posts that he can find. The men back at the plot have begun the process of digging 50 holes for the posts. Each one has a panga machete (large broad heavy knife) that is used to soften the ground. A small tin cup is then used to scoop out the soil. Shovels are not seen here. By the end of the day the materials have been delivered to the plot. This will mean that someone will need to sleep out in the open tonight. Pastor Simon, Evangelist Paul and two other men will sleep on top of the material pile. They want to be far from the ground as they fear snakes and scorpions.

Wednesday, the 26^th brings us more intense heat. The heat of the sun takes the strength from our bodies. The men continue to work 11 hour days in heat that is around 100 degrees and over 40 % humidity. We are thankful for the desert palm and the small neem tree that are growing on the church plot. The men stop work for a cup of tea in the mid morning and afternoon. The one meal that most will have is always at night before they go to bed. They sleep better with food in their stomach.

The posts for the walls are in place and the formation of a building is taking place. Some of the workers are off to the side making trusses. Children play nearby and gather with us to enjoy the shade. Often they will take a nap in the sandy soil. The well used outhouse has wide gaps between the boards. When the door opens large bugs scatter this way and that. The hard shell bugs that wander out into the open are collect by the children. They use them as toy helicopters and throw them up into the air. They run to the place where it lands to see who can get it first. Children use the shade of a big tree rather than using the outhouse. The goats will clean up after them.

Thursday, the 27^th the heavy trusses are completed. One by one the men lift them into place. We pray for the safety of each one present.

We take a short motorcycle ride as I want to show Manley some of the places in town. The river has lost its sandy beach to the heavy rains they received since I was here earlier. Now the river is low as it has not rained for some time. Still the muddy waters bring comfort to many as they use it to bathe in. On the north side of Lodwar going toward Sudan the river has washed out the road. The military has set up a check point before anyone crosses it. We are stopped and asked a few questions before we are permitted to go to the other side.

The days are hot and the sun never weakens. The dust rolls through the streets. It becomes a layer on top of your skin. Your clothes are wet and stick to you. Umbrellas, hats and even handkerchiefs are used to cover the head from the sun. The nights remain hot from the heat of the day. Bats and other night life make their presence known as the sun goes down.

We enjoy the rest that our room gives us. The ceiling fan is on as high as it can go. The cold showers are enjoyed and cool us down for a few minutes. Manley surveys the room for spiders. There are always many to deal with before we go to sleep. Most of the spiders here are poisonous.

Friday the 28^th the process of bracing the walls continues. The structure continues to get stronger and stronger. The men amaze me as they continue in such extreme heat.

Saturday the 29^th the church is now completely roofed with iron sheets. The men that had sun glasses put them on. They say the sun hitting the iron sheets blinds them. Pastor Simon and some others are still sleeping out under the stars at night to protect the materials. We have not seen one drop of rain since we have been here. Lodwar has a river to the south of it and to the north so there are many mosquitoes at night. Malaria is something that is quite prevalent.

Sunday the 30th the construction project stops to give everyone the opportunity to go to church. Today we will be returning to the interior or the bush. We have hired a four wheel vehicle to take us and four grain bags full of maize/corn. Life is extremely hard for the Turkana. The soil is not rich and is not good for gardening. Without rain they go without even more than usual. The lack of rain and the intense heat has brought on a drought. The many herds of goats that gave them life have died. The people here rely on relief food now. We join together in a service of songs, dancing, testimonies and the Word of God. The Chief also joins us. The women in their beautiful neck beads all sit together on one side. They are wrapped in colorful cloth. Many small children come and sit on the dirt at the front of the church. The men come with their walking sticks and little wooden stools.

After the service the sacks are placed outside. A line is formed and the elderly women are placed at the beginning. Everyone, even the men, receives some maize to take home. They are overjoyed and so thankful that someone remembered them.

They have very little but they still want to give. They women bring me a handmade basket, a drinking cup made out of wood and a container that holds butter as gifts. Their hearts are warm and loving.

We are in the land of camels. Today there are many and no matter how many we see we still are excited when we see the next one.

It has been a busy full week and with the hot sun over us many start to nap as we travel home.

We have a few hours of light at the lodge and enjoy a walk through the gardens around the outside of the fence. Fruit trees, peppers, corn, peas, greens and more are all grown on the compound grounds. They have several wells that produce water to keep the gardens growing. I hear a rustle and see a big iguana step deeper into the brush. It is another reminder that this area has life than I am unfamiliar with.

It is the last day of May and we are preparing for another day of work in the Village of Nakwamekwi. I have finished my breakfast (1 boiled egg and 1 slice of bread) and I'm returning to my room to gather the things necessary for travel.

I'm within the compound walking on the prepared path. I'm almost to the main set of steps at the entry and make a mental note of a stick or branch that has fallen from the tree. I continue to walk not realizing that I am walking straight toward a 2 foot cobra. My next step would have been on the cobra if he had not moved.

He took off into the nearby bushes that decorated the area beside the steps. I gathered my things and returned to tell Manley what had happened. The kitchen help wanted me to show them exactly what happened. We stepped outside and I rein acted everything for them. I showed them where the snake had gone. I never ever dreamed that we would see the snake again until one of the natives screamed and jumped backward a few steps. She started pointing into the bushes. The front part of the snake was standing up off the ground and looking straight at us.

In a moments time one of the women grabbed a big walking stick from one of the men and proceeded to hit the snake. Then rocks were used until it was dead. We were told it was a small one (2 feet long) but still very poisonous. So I asked where the mother might be. I was told on the other side of the fence!

We later shared our story with Sister Pamela when she returned to the compound. She informed us that this area, even inside the compound, has had trouble with cobras showing up in unwanted places. The small ones have been seen in chairs when people go to eat. They have even been found in the rooms. Here at the lodge they have a black rock that is used for a snake bite. The area of the bite would be cut open and the rock inserted. The rock is like a filter and collects the poison. However, one must always be taken to the hospital immediately to prevent death.

Psalm 3: 3 But you are a shield around me O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

Psalm 91: 13,14 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

We are excited to see the church coming to a completion. They are working so diligently that they are going to get done before the projected time. The iron sheets are going up on the walls and the church is becoming an enclosed structure but will always be open to all.

Tuesday June 1^st, Manley and Pastor Simon work together to build a cross for the top of the church. There is still much to do as two windows that were made in town have been delivered but are the wrong size. They are too big! We also have the door that needs to be framed in and leveled before tomorrow's service. Even with all of the extra things that need to be done to finish up the church the cross seems to get every ones attention. The men so want to be a part of building and placing the cross on the top of the church J

The day is over and the sun has set when the home made ladder is brought to the front of the church. Pastor Simon climbs to the roof top and sits on the peak while holding the cross. Manley takes a hammer and starts to secure the cross in place as a sign to everyone that here the name of the Lord will be lifted up.

How good it is to see what God has done here. We continue to thank the Lord for allowing us to a part of His work.

Wednesday June 2^nd, we return to the new church in the village of Nakwamekwi but today we will not work. Today is a day of celebration. The church is finished and people gather for the opening service. The benches and pulpit from the grass hut church have been collected and brought into the new church. Some of the women bring mats to sit on. Some have brought brings chairs from home. There are several drums beating. With singing and dance they begin to praise God for all that he has done for them. When a white woman joins them their dancing steps have even more joy in them. They have seen the white woman dance with them before. Today they wonder if the white man dances too! Manley starts to shake his head no but there is no graceful way out of this one J He is pulled into the midst of the men in dance. They expect to see a step or two of joyful dance before he can return to his seat. Turkana love to dance and jump straight up and down it is praise from their hearts going up to heaven.

It is a glorious meeting with many pastors from other churches joining us. The Chief sits up front with us. Patrick the builder is also given a seat of honor.

After the Word of God is spoken and a special word given to Pastor Simon many come forward for individual prayer. Then everyone prays for the church and God's blessing upon this area.

From early morning food has been cooking for everyone to enjoy after the service. A big pot over the open fire is boiling pieces of goat. There is another one for potatoes and rice. Two women sit at the corner of the hut while they prepare soup to go on top of the rice. It is made with onions, tomatoes, goat stomach, and goat intestines. Just about every part of the goat is eaten except the hooves, and horns. It is an extra special meal when meat is served.

Many have completed a course that the Bible League offers and are presented with very nice Swahili Bibles before we leave. They hold the Bible close to their heart, others wear a big smile, and some even drop to their knees in thanks. They would probably never be able to purchase a Bible of their own. To place a Bible in someone's hands brings great joy to my heart.

The Chief is called away to take care of some business in the interior/bush. Someone has stolen nine camels.

Before leaving the village of Nakwamekwi Pastor Simon shares his vision with us for the first time.

On December 24th,2009 he had the people of his church all turn toward the grass hut walls and pray. Some went to the corner posts of the church and prayed. A few days later he had a vision of a big church and he was preaching in it. At the next meeting he shared his vision with his people. They were somewhat doubtful and said "maybe". He continued to believe. On the 24th of May the construction of his big church that he would preach in started. It is now finished and songs of praise can be heard coming from inside as one passes by.

On Thursday the 3^rd of June we say goodbye to our friends here in Turkana land. Our flight will return us to Kitale at the base of Mt Elgon.

Saturday the 5^th of June the air is so much cooler in Kitale than it was in Lodwar. We are still facing heavy rains everyday here. The roads are muddy and slippery. The grass and bushes are rich green. People are rejoicing as they see how good their crops will be this year.

The Turkana tribe from the Lodwar area send a special heartfelt thank you to our home church "Milton Assembly of God" in Milton, NH. They thank you for the church that you have given to them. They declare that their children and their children's children will also worship in this church for years to come. They will be praying for you.

We also thank you for allowing us to represent the church in the building of the "House of the Lord."

Psalms 122:1 I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."