Our last few days in Africa were spent with our friends around Nairobi. On Friday June 11th 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 12th 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 13th. 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,
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