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.