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Christmas
Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 - 3:33:42 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Christmas
Tuesday evening, we exchanged gifts with Joel dressed up as Santa. We postponed our Christmas meal because we purchased a frozen turkey and didn’t start thawing it out till about noon so we decided to set the meal for 1 on Wednesday inviting Grace and Kelly. The cooks were busy with Rita making dressing and pecan pie and Becky making sweet potatoes with pineapple and pumpkin pie – Mama Kevin potatoes
The meal was ready but Grace was delayed having to go to the police station for a review of James’s murder. We decided to eat without her about 5. We ate outside on a nice table under a tree. Everything was very good – maybe because we were really hungry. Randy got Grace and Becky made her a plate and explained what the food was. We talked of our memories of James and we had a lot of laughs and tears. She is a neat lady who did better than us after having a trying day. We prayed together and Randy and Becky took her home. They just got back about 8 and Bishop Francis, Ruth, and their adorable 3 year old daughter Stephanie came. Becky also served them turkey dinner and we were entertained by Stephanie. Becky gave her a sack with some gifts for her. We had a good time. After Becky prayed for them they left about 10.
Hannah Yost 17 year old daughter of Greg and Mindy stayed the night and Randy and I took her to the airport to catch the flight to Lodwar to be with the rest of her family. Nichole spent all night writing essays and just went to bed at 7.
From 2-4 the Coates are feeding their 5 employees and their spouses. Should be fun.
Rita
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009 - 7:48:35 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Hey Everyone,
I just haven't been able to write. My heart is all beat up again with James tragic death. I don't know if you received all the info as to how he was killed. He and his driver were going home, they were being stalked but felt they had lost the vehicle. Unfortunately, there were two cars involved and one was at the gate where James lived. He was told to put down his window, he said to the driver, "they aren't going to get my new good phone". And as he moved in his seat he was shot in the heart. His last words, "I have been shot" and he died instantly. The thugs continue to shoot all around as people were looking out their windows but no one else was injured. He was buried Friday. The church was full and overflowing and just as many went to his burial up country. He buried on his home ground about an hour away. An all day affair. Lots of good speeches about his outstanding character.
We talked to Becky's teachers last night. Chad, the pastor from NC, talked to them and us. He is a youth pastor and excellent-can really relate to the young people. It is so good to have him here, although he hurts as much or more than we do. This last week has been the worst of times.
And now to the best of times Nichole and Joel are excellent teachers of the Word. Becky gave a message last night and one this morning to the youth. She is outstanding as a teacher. We are so proud of this family and how they can help everyone else when their sorrow is so great. But on to the good stuff.
The puppy, Selah, is an exceptionally well behaved puppy. She does not jump all over and does not nip at our hands or bark at everything. I am remembering Malindi and Kiara. Malindi is as old as Jer and me, she likes to come up to me and just put her head against my knee. And gives the sorrowful golden retriever brown eyed look
I have been remaking the drapes from their previous home to fit the office. Have to be lined. But with electricity on and off plus the lining came out of old drapes that were here. They were very dirty and had to be washed but of course the water is rationed and only 2-3 loads a day. Everything takes 3 times as long to do here.
Jerry put in a new thermostat in their hot water heater. It got so hot it started boiling
Great news-Pastor Daniel from Lodwar, Turkana called and said it was raining in Turkana It was unbelievably dry there. So much dust and the river that flow by Lodwar to Lake Turkana was completely dried up. People were walking in the river bed.Becky's back not any better. But she is motivating quite well in spite of the pain.
God bless each of you dear ones, we send our love, Rita (and I guess Jerry too although he is napping at the moment!)
Rain in Turkana
Posted: Saturday, December 12, 2009 - 10:51:40 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Randy received word that there was a general rain in Turkana - the first in almost 3 years - PTL
This morning Randy is taking Chad to preach at Bishop Njogu's church. Becky and the kids left at 7:30 for church. rita and I are going to 2nd service - 11 to 1
Chad spoke to the young teachers here last night about how James affected their lives and how they in turn can affect their students lives. Great teaching
James's Funeral
Posted: Saturday, December 12, 2009 - 10:50:47 PM
by Jerry & Rita
James’s Funeral
This is my recollection of the James’s funeral. Chad and Randy left the compound at 6:20 to pick up Grace, Kelly (James and Grace’s 9 month old daughter), Geraldine, Susan, and a couple more to take them to the funeral home. After some time there the funeral procession headed out of Nairobi up country to where James’s mother lives on a small plot of land where James was having a new house built for her which is almost completed. In addition to cars, several matatoes where hired to carry mourners. The distance was about 70 kilometers. There was a tent set up for family and some of the clergy. Randy estimated 800-900 people and at least 50 clergy. There were some short speeches and songs like the celebration service. After that everyone moved behind the house where the hole was dug for the burial. Bishop Francis Kamau handled that service. After a long time they headed back to Nairobi where Chad who lost his father when he was young told Grace how important it is to tell her Kelly stories about her father
James's Celebration Service
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 4:42:21 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Thursday James’s Celebration Service
Randy had a full day planned which wasn’t helped by the Coates satellite internet being down. Chad Cozad, a youth minister from a UMC from Hickory N.C. who has made several trips to Kenya and went with Randy and James to Turkana – also flew in as a surprise guest at James and Grace’s wedding less than a couple of years ago contacted Nichole thru face book that he was flying here for the services. Due to weather and missed flights our last communication was that he was to arrive at 5:45 A.M. so Randy and I left the compound for the airport at 4:30. We waited and his flight didn’t arrive till 7 but his luggage didn’t and weren’t able to leave the airport till 8:30 and got caught in the rush hour traffic. Randy had to make some transportation changes via cell phone to get Grace and her family to the church. Chad is 6’ 1” 220# guy who loves the Lord. By the time we got back to the compound we had a half an hour to get ready for church. We got Chad some clean clothes between Randy and me. Randy took Joel, Nichole, and Chad to the service. Just as Becky, Mamma Kevin, Rita and I were to leave, the internet repair people came (they were here all day and didn’t get it fixed and are coming back today at 9) so we got a late start to the church.
We got there about 10:15 and sat near the back so Becky could stand if she wanted to. The service was well organized and the pastor that acted as MC stated the format of the service where anyone one could give a short speech or song not lasting more 2 minutes each so the service could be concluded by 12:30 – by Kenyan standards most were under 5 minutes. People kept coming in by 11:45 the church was almost full – by my estimate close to a thousand people. Chad, Randy and Bishop Njogu spoke with Randy and the Bishop having a hard time emotionally but they did a good job. Bishop Kamou gave the final talk which spoke of similarities of Jesus 3+ years of ministry and James’s ministry. We all don’t know how long we’re going to be in our earthly bodies so don’t pass up a chance to show Christ’s love to others.
James was a teenager when the Coates first met him. He was worship leader and interpreter for the church. He was with Randy at the 35+ churches that were planted. Since his marriage, he was not able to accompany Randy as much but he was very active. He was the leader of Fadhili – an organization that helps young volunteers ( age 17-25) from the states, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe for 2 weeks to 6 months to come and work in orphanages, battered women’s home, etc.. Three years ago they had 6 volunteers, this year they had 400. Fadhili has established as orphanage that now has 20+ children. They sang at the service.
My observation of James from what I knew of him personally and what the Coates’s and others have told me is that James was a man who loved the Lord with all his heart and he was the same whether he was with a Turkana Mama telling her about Jesus or some important person. He was a fun loving person, good husband, father and friend.
James
Posted: Sunday, December 06, 2009 - 2:10:12 AM
by Jerry & Rita
We have some sad news. We just found out at church that James - the young man who went with to all their outreach churches - (Randy's Timothy) was killed outside of his home Friday night.
James spoke at our church and also to grade school over at Mallard. Don't know too much except that he was shot with a gun. I don't think Randy and Becky know about it and probably won't till they arrive in Nairobi tomorrow evening. Please keep us in your prayers
Rita' Version
Posted: Friday, December 04, 2009 - 2:39:42 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Hey everyone, it is pouring down rain and the internet is down again so have no idea when you will receive this. This is Rita writing.
The Conference was so Spiritual-the gifts some of you sent were so appreciated. We have photos of the pastors and wives in their red T shirts and sunglasses. They didn’t understand “conditioner” that was for their hair We had enough lotions that each woman received two. They loved the scarves, had enough that each received two. Thank you!
Also had enough T shirts to give each one three! Thanks to Armstrong UMC.
The wrist bands and Christmas books and pencils were given to the children. Thank you Swea City UMC That wasn’t on the list, yet I feel it was a “God Thing” as there were 9 children(we had 9 books) and 5 babies. I had purchased some pencil sharpeners and what a good time the children had!
And the caps, I couldn’t take them all so will have some the next time to take along. We had to explain what the caps said on the front. How do you explain a “caterpillar company”???? Jerry did all the explanations as I didn’t even know some of them. Men, thank you for sharing your caps.
The pastors were overcome with humility that someone would buy them a Bible and don’t even know them. They were so grateful. Tears come to my eyes right now as I remember the joy on their faces.
They told us to: please tell the people of Iowa thank you. To be given such great gifts and you don’t even know us. We understand Agape Love and we hope someday to meet you in heaven to give you thanks.
I have many things to share. Especially when we went to their villages. God has used Randy to tell these villages about Jesus. And everyone in the villages where the pastors are from are saved and KNOW GOD!!!
When I presented my gifts, I said to them, “God is good” and they said back, “all the time”. How about that United Methodist Women At the farthest part of the world, “all the time, God is good”. I nearly fainted when they repeated this back to me in English.
We have experienced Love and Joy and Peace. But most of all Hope. Hope for the these people as they practice agape love in their villages. They care for one another, love one another and even gave us agape gifts when it was over.
I was given a beautiful hand woven basket(teal and blue, can you believe it? My favorite colors) Jerry received “sandals” that the elders wear. They put them on his feet. Hilarious! He wore them until we went to the villages. I also received a beaded necklace.
This is getting a little long-sorry-our driver will be here shortly and we are going to a different shopping area instead of to the horse stables. Really raining! Unfortunately, Turkana has not received any rain for 2 ½ years. Not good. Please pray the rain will fall in Turkana ASAP.
Love you all, Rita
Grandparent Sitting
Posted: Friday, December 04, 2009 - 2:36:11 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Grandparent Sitting
With Randy and Becky gone for the week, Nichole and Joel are Grandparent sitting.
Tuesday they walked us to the Junction (about .8 mile) where there is a Nakumatt (imitation Wal-Mart), small mall, and Java House (serves American type food) we left around 10 – shopped and ate lunch – got back to the compound about 12:30 - Rita and I were tired because we had to go up and down a steep hill and at 6000’, we were a little low on air.
Wednesday morning Elijah (Randy’s mechanic) came to take the kids and the dogs to obedience class – Nichole did an all nighter writing a report that was due at 8 A.M. and went to bed at 6 so she didn’t go. Joel took Malindi – the oldest and Selah the 6 month old pup. When we arrived at the dog trainers place there were about 30 dogs with their masters - Joel took Malindi thru the agility course where she went thru a tunnel, over a teeter totter, across an elevated plank, thru several gates and jumps. The trainer then called everyone together and they all went thru their routines of making the dogs sit,stay, etc – Joel went to a smaller class that had just puppies or poorly trained dogs with Selah. She did very well for being the youngest. We went back to the compound for lunch and at 2:30 Elijah came again and took us to the horse stable where Nichole went riding. Joel worked with their other horse with a long rope and whip using the Parelli method. Not sure that is how it is spelled.
Nichole had 2 online classes one at 5:15 and the other at 9:15 – PTL the power stayed on – between her classes we watched a movie “The Ultimate Gift” – very good
This morning the internet was down but it is up now. The Coates beautiful compound is about 2 acres with at least 15 trees50-90’ tall – I counted at least 8 trees where Joel has climbing ropes or swings – big 3 tiered tree house that was here when they came, many bushes, shrubs and flowers, basket ball court, trampoline, etc.
God bless, Jerry
Trip back
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009 - 12:18:27 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Return to Nairobi Friday
We left the Yost compound about 8 so Rita could shop for gifts from the lodwar market - Randy transported us to the lodwar airport terminal which consisted of a 12’x12’ shade with corrugated steel roof with 3’ cement sidewalls on 3 sides and from there to the roof was open and a cement floor. Our plane was supposed to arrive at 10:30 – it didn’t arrive till after 2:30 and the temps during that time was 115+ F. We went thru all our fluids – Becky laid on the cement floor for at least 3 hours – we had 5+ sands storms blow thru and we just covered up – the plane that arrived was a smaller plane – Cessna Caravan – therefore the trip back was slower and at 9500’ which made the flight somewhat bumpy – Rita and Nichole got sick. Arrived at Nairobi around 4:30 and Coates compound by 6 due to rush hour. It was wonderful to be back
Randy arrived in Nairobi with Pastor John and Bishop Njogu midafternoon- Saturday with Njogu feeling much better.
Sunday Rita and I stayed home from church because Rita was sick – she got better towards evening and is OK now. During the afternoon Randy got out the tree and the kids put up the decorations. Last evening Rita did the family devotions and we sang Christmas carols.
At noon today (Monday) Becky and Randy are flying to a remote island off the Kenyan coast for a week to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Nichole and Joel are going to Grandparent sit for a week.
Please pray for safe travel and no illness – God Bless, Jerry
Thursday
Posted: Sunday, November 29, 2009 - 4:35:30 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Turkana Thursday
Wednesday night at 8, Pastor John led us in communion and later Bishop Njogu led a foot washing service with Bishop Njogu, Pastor John, and Randy washing the men’s feet and Becky and Joyce washing the women’s feet – Joel and Nichole brought the basins to me for clean water each time. Powerful service
Thursday morning after breakfast met at the conference room and each of them told what the conference meant to them. They were very humbled that so many people all over the world were praying for them and were blown away by the AGAPE gifts and letters.
Around 10 the conference was over but Randy was busy till noon lining up transportation for his pastor’s families home. Pastor George(one of the interpreters) had an old pickup which Bishop Njogu and pastor John rode in the cab and 3-4 families rode in the back – Coates, Thatcher and Joyce rode in Coates land cruiser and we headed out to the bush – the road was sand and sometimes very soft sand where 4 wheel drive was needed – George’s 4x4 got stuck a couple of times – after about an hour we came to one of the villages where they had a church and had bored a well for the community. We traveled on to another village and looked into their dwelling. We rode for quite a distance and made it to a larger village where we had a short church service with at least 50 children under 10 that could really sing – Randy said that this church had around 1400 members and this pastor has 4 other smaller churches. There are 29 churches planted in the Turkana region and additional 10 in central Kenya.
We got back to Lodwar about 7:30 – ate a bite and went to the Lodwar church and attended a service there with about 500 in attendance on a Thursday night. It’s a Thanksgiving I’ll never forget – We that have – have so much to be thankful for.
God Bless, Jerry
Turkana Tuesday and Wednesday
Posted: Sunday, November 29, 2009 - 4:32:01 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Turkana Conference Tuesday and Wednesday
We left the Yost’s compound and arrived at the Conference Center by 6:45. Breakfast every morning was bread ,jam and chai.
At the start of all the teaching sessions there was praise singing led by one of the pastors or their wives- a short prayer time and then Pastor Randy would ask “what are the three ways of showing love 1.eros – physical love between man and wife. 2. Phileo – friend and 3. AGAPE – which is unconditional love(God’s love). After Randy stressed the importance of AGAPE love, one of the AGAPE TEAM(Randy, Becky, Nichole, Joel, Joyce, Rita or I would read a scripture relating to the AGAPE gift we gave out – I’ll let Rita tell you about the AGAPE gifts.
The two speakers that alternated every other session were Bishop Njogu who is over 300 churches and Pastor John who is one of the top 3 men in his denomination which is AIC(Africa Inland Church) that have 1400 churches. Both of these men are very humble and really love the Lord. Pastor John, a Maasai warrior who has a 18 inch sword in his belt is more of a teacher. Bishop Njogu a kikuyu is more of a preacher. Both speakers spoke in English and Randy had 2 pastors from Lodwar from other denominations act as interpreters. One of the first sessions Bishop Njogu asked “Who called You?” Did you go into the ministry for the pay, title, respect ,or were you called by God?
Pastor John taught one session on forgiveness. He told of how when he was young, another tribe tried to steal their cattle. They fought and he killed a man.
He gave a powerful testimony of God’s forgiveness by Jesus dying for us. He also said that every person in your congregation will not like you but you still love them for God loves you.
The pastors and wives brought many of their younger children to the conference – one time I saw 4 mothers nursing their babies – Joyce and Nichole were holding children most of the time – Becky, Rita and I also helped – Joel was on the run most of the time getting bottles of water or sodas for everyone. The temp was 95-110 in the daytime and down to 90 most nights
Monday
Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 1:40:54 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Memories of November 23,2009
The van was at the compound to take us to the airport at 6:45 – We made good time and was there by 7:15. We flew a domestic airline called 540 out of the International airport. Becky, Joel, Nichole, Rita, myself and Joyce( a Kenyan that used to be his church secretary) was our group. We boarded the aircraft( a twin engine Beechcraft that held around 20 passengers) on time but we waited 40 minutes before we could take off due to other aircraft traffic. We had one stop(Kitli) before we arrived at Lodwar. Pastor Dan(Lodwar pastor) greeted us and arranged for a pickup truck to take us to the Yost’s compound which also has a building that is the area headquarters for Pioneer(which is a Christian relief organization) where the Coates and Thatchers slept and swam – probably the only pool in all Turkana – We were all in the pool within 15 minutes of arriving as the temperature was 105 F. Randy and the rest of his team arrived mid-afternoon. He picked up Joyce and took them to the conference place where they stayed. We were to all meet at the conference center at 7 to eat but Randy got a call that 4 of his pastors and families were stranded on a stalled truck to he left to pick them up – the truck stalled at 9 in the morning and Randy didn’t get to them till around 5 – there was no shade and very dehydrated.
At 7 we went to the conference center and all ate together – will let Rita tell you about the meals – At 8 all the pastors and their wives and we had a short(by their standards) praise service after which Randy laid of the ground rules:
1. Have fun – take all the showers, sodas, water they wanted
2. No session to start without everyone present – both husband and wife
3. No cell phone on during any of the session or they will be Randys
He then told them the schedule for Tuesday – 7 breakfast – 8 first and second sessions – chai break – third and fourth sessions – 1 lunch – 2:30 fifth and sixth sessions – 7 supper
We're back
Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009 - 9:34:35 AM
by Jerry & Rita
We arrived back at the Coates compound about 6 P.M. We're exhausted - Had a wonderful conference - Will write more about that later - had a Thanksgiving we'll never forget - we left about noon after we wrapped up the conference and drove 2-3 hours taking pastors and families to 3 different villages in the bush -quite an experence - We got back to Lodwar about 7:30 - so we fasted for Thanksgiving - will write more about it later too. Thanks for your prayers - lives were changed. Please continue to pray for Randy and the rest of the team as they travel back to Nairobi.
God Bless, Jerry
Turkana Pastors Conference
Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009 - 3:17:27 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Randy left this morning with Pastor John and picking up Bishop Njogu on the way. We fly out of Nairobi at 8 tomorrow morning for Lodwar. The Conference starts Monday evening and ends Wednesday evening. It is for the Turkana Pastors and their wives. It's somewhat like a Walk to Emmaus experience. I'm posting a list of the pastors and their wives with the pastor and his wife next on the list. Remember that we are 8 hours ahead of CDT. Here's the list
Turkana Pastors and Wives Seminar
1. Daniel Ngitome
2. Mama Tina
3. Peter Elimach
4. Mama Sunday
5. Joseph Ewalan
6. Selina
7. Michael Silale
8. Selina
9. Reuben Lotaparin
10. Muthoni
11. Patrick
12. Alice
13. Peter Korobe
14. Veronica
15. Joseph Nangora
16. Esther
17. Mike Etabo
18. Nancy
:
Thursday
Posted: Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 10:07:19 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Yesterday , we woke up to rain again but it became sunny by 11 - Rita and Becky went to workout and shop at 9:30 - they were back by 12:30 - we ate lunch - chicken spaghetti which was delicious - At one the homeschoolers came to the Coates compound for a fun gathering -mostly teenagers - some had to travel 2 hours just to get here - each brought snacks - the chips they brought were so hot Rita and I couldn't eat them - they played basketball and volleball - left around 4
Randy was having problems with one of his drives on his computer and may have lost all of his data - pray that the tech can retrieve the data off the bad hard drive - Randy is busy getting ready for our Turkana trip next week - has people getting supplies for the trip and also some food relief for the drought stricken villages - today we go to the Masai Market to buy gifts for the conference and also for gifts to bring back to the states
God Bless, Jerry
we're still alive...
Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 6:41:32 AM
by NC
So my father hasn't updated our website in a year. Our pictures are out-dated (Joel and I are no longer ten and twelve as shown in the pictures but fourteen and sixteen years old) and the information is old.
Yet all is about to change--a savior has come to rescue Coates Ministries communication. His name: Grandpa Jerry. He's set me in front of the computer, shown me how to blog, and my family is now without excuse. Be prepared for blogs.
Arrived
Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 6:27:00 AM
by Jerry & Rita
PTL, We and our luggage arrived intact last night and were met at the airport by Randy and Joel(who is a couple of inchees taller than his Dad - handsome. It was raining and it rained all night which was much needed. We arrived on at the compound a little after 10 - both Becky and Nichole look good. Becky's back is a little better - she spends alot of time laying on her back. We did our fgamily devotions and I was in bed by 12:15 P.M.
Thanks for all your prayers, Jerry
Back to Africa
Posted: Saturday, November 07, 2009 - 3:27:29 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Nov 16th we head back to Kenya for a month - I will try to keep our adventures up to date on this site - I also hope to teach Nichole to keep this site up to date when we're in the states.
God Bless, Jerry
Update 2-28-08
Posted: Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 3:57:28 PM
by RC
Kenyan greetings everyone;
It has been several weeks since I've updated you on our situation in Kenya. Here's the latest:
Politically: Good News!
Today Kenya's President Kibaki and opposition leader Odinga signed a power-sharing agreement to co-lead Kenya for the next five years. This is a huge first step....but still only a first step. Since I last wrote you, the disputing parties have been in intense negotiations to settle the political impasse resulting from the disputed elections. The impasse is over! It has been a rough journey as hard-liners on both sides have grand-standed, and generally struggled with the implications of compromise. I've never been a huge fan of Kofi Anan but I must say that I feel he's done an amazing job as the chief mediator in this crisis. His task looked impossible at first but today all sides are making commitments to work together under a newly-agreed government framework. As with all compromises, not everybody is happy, but it does appear to be the best political solution for the moment. I was in a meeting with the US Ambassador to Kenya this morning and his view of Kenya's condition and future was very positive. Condoleezza Rice (who visited here last week) and other international leaders contributed much to push the process forward. Most of all....we give God the glory as we only look to him as the only source of real peace and hope for the Kenyan people.
Now the real work begins. The feuding parties agreed to push for land-reforms, constitutional reforms, and a truth & reconciliation commission (TRC). Forgive me if I bore you with these details. I know some of you will be interested.
The larger problem in the country is deep-rooted tribalism. Since December 30th, we've had 600,000 internally displaced people (IDP's) living in refugee camps around Kenya and in neighboring countries because certain tribes have killed, maimed, burned, raped, robbed and threatened rival tribes out of their homes, farms and businesses. This remains a huge on-going humanitarian crisis! And this is where we have been working/ministering since the crisis began. Political and tribal leaders are already making efforts to dialogue in the affected communities. TRC's will emerge to promote confession, healing and resettlement. Justice is needed. Many hundreds of people were slaughtered. Most with machetes or blunt instruments. Excessive force was frequently used by police officers to dispel protesters--many unarmed Kenyans were shot.
Nearly all Kenyan's agree that a new Constitution is needed to right the wrongs and stabilize the country. Obviously the political journey ahead for this one is ominous. A few years ago we had a referendum for a new constitution. The people voted "No". Perhaps a better proposal can emerge this round and meet with national approval.
Land reforms are also a sticky but critical issue. Much of the violence erupted as an organized well-funded effort by ethnic Kalinjins to revenge (real or perceived) illegal grabbing of land by Kikuyus (Kenya's largest tribe) in the traditional Kalinjin areas of the country. Nobody is excusing the mindless terror caused by the Kalinjin communities. Nevertheless; it is widely accepted that much (not all) land has been allocated, grabbed and sold in very under-handed ways since the country's independence. And since nearly 40 million people are living in a country just twice the size of Nevada and maybe only two-thirds of that land is suitable for farming, land is in relative short supply and high demand. Some wise/logical reform of land allocation and ownership will go a long way toward healing old wounds and preventing future melt-downs.
And what about us?
Mercy Ministry
Well, we've been in the thick of things! My new place of work has been in the refugee camps. To date you have sent us about $35,000. This is how we've spent it:
Resettle 110 families (IDP's) who were burnt out of their homes and stuck in the deplorable conditions of the camps. After locating low rent homes for families, we paid up to three months rent. Then we purchased basic furnishings like beds, charcoal cookers, blankets, lamps and utensils. Clothes were donated by our local families. Then we've provided food for each family on a weekly basis until they reach a level of stability and independence. Most are anxious to work so we've brought in some micro-finance organizations to help with low cost loans to start small business...some as simple as selling charcoal or roasted corn on the road side. In some cases CMI simply provided the capital: purchased manual sewing machines, or stalls plus inventory for retail shops. In numerous cases we've assisted with medical expenses where free services are not available. And we've had twelve babies born in our nearest camp since we began.
Then there are the students. Dozens of schools were burned down and hundreds of families lost their means of income...which means no money to send their kids to school. This left a huge number of students stranded hopelessly in the IDP camps. With several hundred form-four students (seniors), we scouted for openings in High-Schools around the country, paid their fees, and purchased all their necessities (books, clothes, etc) and dropped them one-by-one to the schools (Kenya is primarily a system of boarding schools). For a whole different segment of students (7th and 8th graders), we did not have the option of finding schools for them, so our best option was to open a partial Jr. High school in our church compound. CMI is sponsoring the school as an emergency measure for a year for about 100 students. Our hope is that by next year families will have the means to pay.
To date we've provided food for about 1,000 families for at least one week. About 200 of these families have returned for weekly assistance for the past 6 weeks.
Other measures include: paying military escorts to evacuate endangered families; rebuilding burned down homes and business; providing help to bury murdered family members; stocking medicine in the IDP camp clinics; placing electric lights and latrines in the camps, buying firewood for the camp kitchens and hundreds of foam mattresses and blankets for the IDP's.
Spiritual Ministry
How do you counsel trauma victims? What do you say to a man who had both hands chopped off and his neck slashed? What about rape victims (young and old)? Ok you might have some good answers, but almost daily this is my prayer to God. "God help people today and please use me." My seminary pastoral counseling courses just didn't prepare me for this. So....here's what I have been doing with hundreds of broken people I encounter: I sit with them in the grass and the mud and listen and then listen some more and this listen again. Then I return the next day and the next to show I care, and listen and listen and listen. And each encounter I love them! It can't just be my love but it is God's love pouring through me....but I assure you it is genuine Love because I feel it and most of the people do too. And then I pray. I pray for God to hear and I also pray so that the people hear that God is being addressed on their behalf. Many times I cry. And most of the time I've seen or felt the hand of God rest gently upon my friends. Now you can't measure the level of healing in a human heart. But you can see hope flicker in the eye of a once despondent grandma. I can't always tell the measure of effectiveness in my ministry, but I can spot the Grace of God when a broken human being just touches the hem of His garment.
And Salvations! Most of the past weeks, I've abandoned our Nairobi church to be the "Pastor of Refugees". I love it! We've been having church services in the camp. People's lives are touched....exuberant worship, messages of faith and hope and grace, prayer for everybody...and each week we've seen a minimum of 8 souls commit their lives to Jesus! That has been a lot of fun. Somewhere over 100 people have come to Jesus that I'm aware of so far in this work.
Each week we've hosted a four hour prayer meeting for about 100 pastors across denominational and ethnic lines. Many of these pastors are from Kibera slum, one of the major hot-spots of the clashes. These prayers have drawn leaders together in unity. Many have repented publicly for their own tribalism or ambivalence to the crisis. We've been on our knees together for one another and for the country. I just know God is honoring this!
Ministry wise, I do feel like I've abandoned my first love. I've not visited Turkana (Kenya's northern district) since last October. My heart burns to be there among our villagers sharing Jesus hut-to-hut. I feel like I've neglected our Turkana churches and I know their challenges are huge. I've not been able to travel because of the high insecurity on the roads in Kenya's rift valley and apparently certain parts of the road were destroyed in the clashes. I do rest in knowing God is in control in Turkana and He can lead the work there with out me. I am also happy that with the new political settlement, law and order should return, and perhaps I can venture to the desert in the next month or two.
Personal Battles
Here's Becky's account of Tues Feb 19th:
Today, I'm so grateful to be alive...to see the beautiful blue sky, hear the birds sing, receive the hugs of my family....to know God's presence
Yesterday morning, on my way to work out at Sarit (a shopping complex in Nairobi), God protected my life. A car pulled into the highway, blocking both lanes, right in front of the car ahead of me, quickly causing the cars following to brake. The car on my left side crashed into the car ahead of it, then I saw a lady running from the car which blocked the road and then two men with guns directly across from me shooting with what looked like AK47s....I just put my head down under the window and prayed...and then of course, called Randy. :) When I thought they had gone, they came by again shooting. I had that peace that only God can give in my heart during the whole time--that seemed like forever and yet happened so quickly I can't even remember the events clearly. My spirit was at peace, but my body was shaking. The car that had blocked the traffic was shot up, but I didn't think anyone was killed or hurt that I could see.
Actually... we read the newspaper the next day to discover someone was killed.
And then this past Saturday, 23rd...Joel fell out of a bunk-bed at 2AM directly onto his wrist. Severe compound fracture. We rushed to Nairobi Hospital, waited five hours with Joel in agonizing pain for an Orthopedic Surgeon. Spent 24 hours in the hospital. Now Joel's home, fine, with a nice cast for a few weeks.
Through it all we've seen God. He is so faithful!
And Looking Forward
Despite the political settlement, I still see the battle is spiritual and on-going. We won't let down our guard and we'll stay hard at work. And so...I still request you all to continue to uphold Kenya and ourselves in prayer. I want to see the Churches take a leading role on the grass-roots level to promote inter-ethnic reconciliation. And with over half-a-million internal refugees remaining in country, there is still a lot of hands-on mercy ministry still ahead of us.
We are looking at coming to US on furlough this summer. Hope to see many of you face to face. And before then,,, I'm thinking about a few days on the Indian Ocean with the sun, the sand, the breeze, a cold juice, a good book, my queen...(maybe even my kids), and a long, long afternoon nap.
Thank you for caring.
Thank you for praying.
In Christ,
Randy
Randy's update
Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 2:42:21 PM
by Jerry & Rita
On the surface, the situation in Kenya has only spiraled downward the past 10 days. On the surface it is getting ugly folks! Yet our trust in God is not shaken and we humbly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the body of Christ to fight on our knees for we wrestle not against flesh and blood. We still serve and follow our captain--the Prince of Peace who is alive and well with an agenda for Kenya.
Stories...
Today was CRAZY! I left home for my 10 minute commute to church only to find all traffic racing toward me in a mad panic...cars doing u-turns, all lanes coming my direction...pedestrians weaving at full stride among the cars. With no other option to escape the approaching rioters I entered a nearby shopping center just as guards locked the gates behind me. Riot police came with the tear gas to disburse the mob and so I went on my way to work an hour late.
My staff at church greeted me with the sad news that one of the women I assisted just yesterday with food and clothes was stabbed...for being a member of the wrong tribe. I sent a pastor to Kenyatta Hospital to check on her status.
Meanwhile I rushed to Jamhuri Park: the local IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp & my satellite office the past few weeks. Forty small children just arrived on a truck from the embattled town of Nakuru. The kids were traumatized. They'd just witnessed their parent's brutally murdered, homes burnt, and their whole world turned upside down. How do you approach precious little ones in this condition? How do you "welcome them" and begin to minister? They never taught us stuff like this in seminary! It was a kind and brave man who risked his own life ushering these children to a truck, speeding through a war zone to dodge illegal road blocks and rioters. The look on their faces broke my heart.
Minutes later a band of angry thugs with pangas (machetes) jumped the fence that separates Kibera slum with Jamhuri park. They badly slashed one man and then pursued the helpless women and kids who were running...screaming full bore toward me. Adrenaline rush for Randy! I prayed and grabbed my little pepper spray canister (like that was really gonna help) at the same time. Just in time, police rushed in with live ammunition and tear gas to chase the mob back to Kibera. For the next hour we listened to the sound of war--guns, screams, tear gas. Four innocent people were slashed to death in Kibera today for being the wrong tribe in the wrong place. I don't know how many were injured or killed by police.
Next: two red cross workers approached me. A man had just been stabbed and they needed me to rush him to the hospital.
The rest of the afternoon I sat on the grass and listened to women who needed to talk. They're scared and tired and angry. Some have been in the camp nearly four weeks now. Some are rape victims. Some are separated from family members and have know idea of their safety. As we sat and talked on this warm, sunny afternoon....our eyes were burning from the tear gas blown from the conflict in Kibera just a few hundred meters away.
Last night around 10pm Otieno, a good friend and brother, called me. His voice was trembling. Panic! Youth of a different ethnic group had come, told him to leave or he and his family would be killed and burned that night. He did not know what to do or where to go. He was standing outside his house as he called. I called another missionary who works with Africa Inland Mission (AIM) who risked his own safety to pick up Otieno and his wife and two small children. Tomorrow I'll be taking him to a guest house in a secure section of Nairobi to wait out the storm for a few days and plan where they can possibly relocate. They've now lost their home and all their belongings.
Ethnic clashes have exploded in normally peaceful communities across Kenya's rift valley: Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret, Molo are no-go zones now as innocent families are slaughtered in the name of revenge. Rogue gangs of youth set road blocks along the highways, stop all vehicles, and check Id cards to determine ethnicity, exterminate undesirables. Police have lost control. Glimpses of Rwanda. These stories are running in many major media outlets on the web. If you're interested, usually BBC covers Kenya's struggles more than US papers. Another reliable source is Kenya's own: http://www.nationmedia.com Just remember the media does not give the good news--that there are many, many believers standing for peace and reconciliation and bombarding heaven daily with prayers.
I'm helping care for a middle-aged man whose leg was severely broken two weeks ago in the riots. It's the ugliest leg break I've seen in my lifetime. He's been in such intense pain all these days but with no money, home, job or family remaining--the leg is not the only pain he carries. Saturday I naively brought him to the government run Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for treatment. I was shocked at what I found there. Now, in ten years I've been numbed to the normal unbearable conditions of KNH--two patients to a single bed, some patients sleep on the floor or under the beds, few nurses, fewer docs, no medicines, poor hygiene, lots of suffering humanity. But still Saturday...I was shocked! The place is packed. Trying to get our patient admitted we were told..."come back, Monday and apply for a bed. You may get a bed by the end of next week if you're lucky at which point you will wait several days for a doctor. Broken bones are not a priority....look at all these people (I looked and saw dozens sitting on the lawn outside the ER) some of them have been here waiting for a week. We're treating trauma only....people in coma's and with severed limbs." Wow! I had no words. We left and began the search for another hospital with capacity to treat a severe fracture untreated after more than a week. Today we took him to a private hospital and spent $500 on his operation. He's still in pain but should be fine.
Pastor Maina (from the Kikuyu tribe) has been a pastor for many years of a small but thriving village church among the Kalinjin people in Kenya's rift valley. On Sunday he sang and prayed and preached with his parishioners. That night, the same church members attacked his family, looted all his belongings, burned down his home, burned down the small church, and left them running for their lives to the nearest police station....all because he is from a different tribe. This is the fourth week he and his family have huddled in the police post along with thousands of other displaced people of that region. We're trying to understand the kind of hatred that could cause a "devout" congregation to turn on their own pastor. It's demonic!
One Mamma recounted the terror of hearing marauding gangs screaming, beating drums, breaking doors and setting building after building on fire. She grabbed her two smallest children and ran bare-foot for two kilometers until she reached the safety of Jamhuri fair-ground guarded by police. She, like the others, was being attacked because she was not from the majority tribe of that area. Now she is despondent because her seven year old son was left in the slum. She could not return because of security. It is now the third week since she lost him. She asked me to help.
The case that has caused me to weep repeatedly these past weeks involves a man and his wife. The terror and torture Benjamin and his wife experienced in Kibera on Dec, 31st is too disturbing to write here. I spent the better part of a day listening to him, hearing such deep pain, as he recounted the unspeakable evil that invaded his life that night. His wife ended her third week in the hospital today as we paid her bills and moved them to a new home in a more secure part of town. We'll continue to assist them with rent and lots of love until they can somehow stand on their own.
There are too many stories to recount here. We just want you to sense the struggle we're involved in on the ground.
The big picture...
There remain some 250,000 IDP's across the country. Their numbers and the severity of their plight increases daily. Hundreds have died the past three days alone. Many agree that Kenya's current struggle has less to do about politics and injustice but has now digressed to ethnic hatred.
Politically things have not improved much. Kibaki & Odinga (the contestants in our recent election) shook hands in public, agreed to dialogue. That was very positive although only symbolic. Kofi Anan (former Sec. Gen of UN) has done well to bring them together and appears set to do serious work toward reconciliation. Unfortunately the sides remain stubbornly unwilling to budge. They blame each other for the current national disaster. Mr. Anan and his mediation team have their work cut out for them. We are praying for miracles.
Ministry...
Our ministry is all in Nairobi. The worst effected areas are in the other towns and villages...pray especially for those communities. We are doing our best to love those around us. You are a part of that!
The stories above give an idea of what we're up to. We are so convinced that God has not abandoned Kenya. He will respond to the prayers of His Church! Believers across the country are endangering their own lives to reach out to people across ethnic lines. In every camp, churches are loving and giving and praying and preaching. 99 out of 100 Kenyans are beautiful peace-loving men and women. I believe that, even though the surface picture looks bleak: good and light and life and love are going to overwhelm the powers of darkness at work in the 1%. Please continue to join with us in faith-filled prayers for Kenya.
The past two Sundays, I've conducted church services in Jamhuri park for the crisis victims. My message was simply "Hope". People came and worshiped and listened to the Word. We rejoiced as four men surrendered their lives to Jesus. We also invited some well known Christian comedians to come join in the ministry. Their skits brought the people so much laughter...something they sorely needed. Isn't it true that sometimes we take laughter for granted?
Becky, Nichole and Joel lead our children's ministry in the grounds. Children were enthralled with our puppets and they responded so well to the simple presentation of the Gospel. It was good ministry...just to love these kids who've been through so much.
People come by the church each day. We send them with food to push them through the week and clothing when needed. With the funds you've provided we have: rebuilt several business that were burned down; resettled endangered families out of clash areas to more stable communities; purchased food, clothing mattresses, blankets and various necessities to victims; paid for medical bills for many victims, helped deliver a baby, and many, many other acts of mercy. Thank you so much for the contributions received.
Regarding Mercy Contributions....
To date we've received over $35,000 to aid our victims here. Thank you! I feel we have enough money at the moment to effectively help those whom God has given us. Please do not send any more money for this project at this time. If we find we are in need of more funds we will not be shy to request. It is important that we remain good stewards of what you have given so far and we are working hard to maintain strict accounting for every penny spent here. Be encouraged that your gifts and prayers have done much to ease the suffering of our people.
Keep praying for Kenya.
Thank you for the many encouraging emails. It means a lot to know of your love for us and your concern for Kenya.
We'll continue to keep you up to date.
Blessings
Randy Coates
Nairobi.
New Update 1-18-09
Posted: Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 7:02:35 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Greetings everyone!
This is a long one. Brace yourself.
It's been another tumultuous week in Kenya.
Amazing...again as I sat to write you all this update, another series of gun shots has just gone off outside our home, and what sounded like a tear-gas canister being fired some distance away. It is 11PM now. At least it makes for a dramatic introduction to this update. But I also pause to ask God's help for those involved.
Yesterday, while working in Jamhuri Park, our "refugee camp" of sorts, I was startled with the loud crack-crack-crack of gun fire less than 1/4 mile away in neighboring Kibera slum. I then cautiously watched as mobs of youth scattered to avoid the tear-gas that followed. Next day's papers told of several deaths from that skirmish.
On a lighter note: last night I awoke frightened at the sure sound of repeated gun-shots in my compound...right in my yard!!! I quickly got dressed, looked out the windows, then cautiously went outside....to kill any invading bad guys with my bare hands of course. Only to find it was my very zealous night guard who was tapping on my bedroom window (it was not gun shots I heard) just to alert me that I had failed to lock one of our outside doors on the house! I felt like killing my guard....but I remembered I'm a godly missionary and that would not be good ministry. Plus he was just doing his job...a little too well.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Today were scheduled as national mass protests. Unusual for January, heavy rains caused many would be rioters to stay home (I believe this is an answer to prayer). Nevertheless; scores of people have died the last few days in Nairobi and elsewhere. It is still a sad and tense time for many. There is a lot of pressure....you can feel it....the kind a small "spark" could ignite. Much hateful talk, fear, resentment, ethnic bitterness. In other words, fruit of Satan's kingdom is evident everywhere.
Politically...
Opposition and government leaders are still at a standoff. Kofi Anan cancelled his mediation trip do to flu. The government said it doesn't need mediators anyway: "we can handle our own domestic problems". Unauthorized demonstrations (peaceful or otherwise) are banned and police have liberty to use lethal force as deemed necessary....and on several occasions they've "deemed necessary". All local media are still forbidden to use live broadcasts. The Government insists they "won the election fairly" and are restoring social order accordingly. Now they're filing suit against opposition leaders on genocide charges in an International Human Rights Court. For the most part the government has been effective the past week in eliminating further extensive mayhem in the country. There are many signs that most people have resigned to let Kibaki have his Presidency so long as they can get on with their lives.
The Opposition leaders urged the masses to "take to the streets". Their view remains: "Kibaki stole the election and killed the democratic process". They attempted rallies in Nairobi and other key cities. Most of the marches never launched as police dispersed gathering crowds with tear gas. In some localities demonstrators didn't even bother to show up. In areas where crowds could manage to gather, police crack downs were swift and usually one or two people died. These "peaceful protests" nearly always shut down all normal movement in their towns/cities, involved burning vehicles and tires, barricades of all sorts, and plenty of looting. The Opposition did win a major victory in seeing their man installed as speaker of the house in Parliament--the country's third most powerful position. I personally like the man and think he can be a good stabilizing personality in the nation. The event (opening day of Parliament) was a raucous televised affair but fortunately no kicks or punches were thrown. Opposition parliament members were sworn in but they swore allegiance to their candidate--Mr. Odinga--rather than to Pres. Kibaki. And...the Opposition has also filed a law suit in the International Court accusing the government of genocide.
Economy...
Most donor nations: US, EU, Japan etc. have decided to suspend financial aid to Kenya until there is a satisfactory resolution to the crisis. Kibaki and his "government" are now persona non grata throughout much of the World. Many countries (including US) issued travel advisories against travel to Kenya. By the way--I hear this means you can get very cheap tickets to Kenya these days:} Tourism (a major industry in Kenya) is virtually dead. Some western firms are evacuating. Companies are laying people off. Nairobi's Central Business District has been closed by police nearly every day. Much of the economy is in a coma for the past month. Transportation lines are erratic or closed. Much of the nation's work force are traumatized, displaced or fearing insecurity. Prices are increasing. Of course the hardest economic impact is felt by the poor. I am really amazed that basic public services--water, power, phones have been operating without fail throughout.
Our Work...
All day, every day, I am with the IDP's (Internally Displaced Persons) in the refugee camps. To date, many of you have designated gifts to help our "mercy ministry". We've received $26,000. "Thank You" does not properly express our appreciation for your help. My work is to use those funds to help our people get back on their feet. By now I've spent $12,000. Some of you have asked if you can still send more money? By all means! Every cent goes directly to help victims on a grass-roots level. Forgive the long narrative but here's a recap of what we're doing: hiring police to escort trapped family members in hostile areas to a safe town where we resettled them with three months rent, food and clothing. Settled hospital bills for gang-rape victim and placed in secure home with food, clothes and continuing Spiritual and emotional support. Provided 150 mattresses and blankets to IDP's whose homes here razed along with all their clothes and belongings. Water containers, firewood, electric lighting for the central cooking area where food is being prepared for 3,200 people daily. Two weeks of food distributions for around 50 families to date who've fled from clashes in rural areas to Nairobi and now reside with our church members. We've purchased a wide range of medicines to bolster stock at red-cross clinics in the camps. Replaced looted inventory of church-member's shops--these shops are their only source of livelihood. Dozens of additional helps: tarps to protect homeless families from rains, funeral expenses of victims, school fees & uniforms for kids, phone cards, transportation to resettle families and many others. We anticipate our biggest costs will occur when we are able to help people rebuild their homes. Of course our hope that peaceful times and renewed security will enable people to rebuild houses and business on their old plots. We need some time before we can begin that phase.
And we are busy...very busy...with Spiritual concerns. Prayer and fasting are staples in this work. Tonight we began showing Swahili Christian movies to the thousands of refugees. I've spent hours listening, counseling, praying with victims whose stories are horrific beyond belief. Saturday, Becky, Nichole and Joel will lead an effort to gather the hundred's of unattended children in the camps for "children's crusade" with teaching, puppet ministry, music and games. Our church is putting a tent in the camp to facilitate counseling and worship services. Pray for me this Sunday as I face the daunting task of preaching in a setting unlike any in which I've ever ministered. I know God's Spirit will give me His message for His people to bring hope and healing. Although I trust Him, I feel such a heavy responsibility. At the same time on Sunday, Becky will lead a Sunday outreach to the kids. Her work is even more challenging than mine. So many of the children from Kibera slum can be unruly on normal days...but all the more as they cope with their recent and present experiences. We want to see God move mightily in the lives of people this weekend. It is a high honor for us to be here at this time as vessels of His glorious Gospel. We feel so rich and so privileged to live and work among the beautiful people of Kenya.
Thank you for your continued interest and participation in the work.
We want prayer! Please don't get tired of praying.
In Christ
Randy
Kenya Update
Posted: Saturday, January 12, 2008 - 2:57:20 PM
by Jerry & Rita
It's been a relatively peaceful week in Kenya but things are still boiling under the surface. Business were open, transportation lines were moving again, supplies restocked, and many began to rebuild their business. Relief efforts were underway. Peace makers of all types are working very hard to heal and help Kenya. Millions are praying and trusting God.
We have been so uplifted by your emails. We read every word and take to heart the encouragement. So many have sent money for the "mercy ministry" which began in full-force this past week. Thank you! We did not waist time putting these resources to work. Your ministry has already touched thousands of broken people. My next report will include an accounting of funds given and spent to-date for this mission.
A Wounded Nation
My only work this week has been to aid the clash victims. We purchased mattresses and blankets, medicines and food to aid hundreds of people. We've helped some to obtain secure passage out of hostile areas and then we've placed them in homes--providing rent, food, etc. for a few months as they evaluate how to restart their lives. I have been in the refugee camps assessing needs, delivering meds, counseling traumatized victims, encouraging red-cross volunteers and praying with all of them. Most have nothing left in this world...they arrive with only the tattered clothes on their back. Their homes were razed to the ground; possessions looted or burned. Many are rape victims or spouses thereof. I've seen a lot of trauma, depression, fear, uncertainty..and anger. Refugees arrive with reports that the body count in corn fields and along rural roads is much higher than official tallies only from hospitals and morgues. It is sickening!
As worrisome are the undercurrents of fomenting tribalism and resentment. Landlords are evicting tenants and employers are firing simply because of ethnicity. Minority populations, fearing ethnic cleansing, are evacuating their homes in certain districts, only to camp out in the open air at police posts. This panic has created a whole new set of displaced peoples.
Next Week
The opposition called for resumed mass street protests again to begin this Wed, 16th through Fri. Leaders are insisting the protests will be peaceful. The Government has already banned these demonstrations. All Kenyans are bracing again for unrest, clashes, mayhem. My take is that the majority of people on all sides of the arguments are tired of it all...they need to eat and they need security above anything else. Politics, corruption, injustice, democracy (however important) are secondary issues to most.
Politically: both sides are at an impasse. The opposition demands President Kibaki confess elections were rigged and thus renounce his claim to office. The President insists he was declared the winner by an independent electoral commission and must now uphold the law and the constitution. Efforts by high profile international mediators have born little fruit over the past week. Kofi Anan arrives this next week to give another try at mediation. Hopes were high last week but now many have resigned that the crisis will escalate and resolution is a long way away off.
Good News
I am truly amazed at the huge response of the local population to assist victims. Each day I've been in the camps, truck loads of clothes and food have poured in from church groups. Local radio stations, grocery stores and other businesses are doing much to provide basic necessities and temporary housing. The red cross--though obviously stretched--is doing a great job coordinating relief efforts. NGOs of all stripes are pitching in to help.
Kenyan believers know how to pray! Countless 24hour prayer chains have been underway in churches & Christian homes across the land. Church leaders from all tribes have joined efforts to lobby leaders toward peace, justice and sensible action. I am proud of the Church. Some have lead prayers of repentance, others are preaching the message of hope and reconciliation.
God is so powerful! He loves this country and His Gospel has left an indelible imprint across cultures and classes. Where most have lost all faith in politicians and institutions, millions are trusting in a God whose wisdom and power are boundless. That is also the camp in which my family is standing!
Prayer Points
Demonstrations scheduled this week--Praise God they gave us forewarning so we can bombard heaven with faith-filled prayers in advance. We battle Satan not men and we're on the winning side!
Changed hearts--hatred, prejudice, are deep rooted in a large segment of our population. Pray the Holy Spirit and the Gospel of Jesus will change hearts on a national scale.
Victims--healing is needed. Hundreds of thousands are so completely broken that only a wave of God's presence across the land and deep into the hearts of wounded people can help.
The Church--uphold your brothers and sisters lest they grow tired in shinning the light of Jesus and battling darkness. Pray against compromise. Pray for unity.
Government--we need one! In many respects, Kenya is without a government now. Education system, law enforcement, judiciary, all public infrastructure are mostly in limbo at the moment. Its a dangerous season.
Coates family--wow! we need wisdom, energy, and grace to both: continue faithfully in the storms and to provide effective leadership for our beloved brothers and sisters.
And a Personal Note...
We know Kenya is a distant, small country of little concern to many in the US. Our crisis may seem small news in light of the US elections, the war in Iraq, winter storms, football playoffs and the crisis in Pakistan. We are also aware that each of you faces great struggles and temptations. Yet so many of you have given attention and prayer and heart-felt assistance to us and our precious friends here in Africa. Thank you! We are always amazed the people God allows us to call friends and family.
Randy
"Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world"
Would you like to help?
Posted: Sunday, January 06, 2008 - 6:17:38 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Dear friends, partners and family;
Hello again from Kenya!
We thank God this Sunday for another day of general calm across the country.
Many have written to know how they can assist us and the Kenyan people. I have a very practical opportunity for you:
I am directing our ministry in an effort to assess the scope of this crisis and to determine where we can help. We are looking at affected church members, their families, and then all others (regardless of religious affiliation) in our region. There are thousands of people sleeping outside in a field almost directly across from our church--it won't be hard to find suffering people. At the same time we are looking at the resources available to minister to those needs. If you wish to send money to assist us, please join in. Feel free to involve friends, churches, co-workers you think may be interested. Mail your checks to cmi as usual, not to us here in Africa:
Coates Ministries Inc.
PO Box 26
West Bend, IA 50597
You will be promptly receipted as usual. All gifts to CMI are always tax deductible.
Please designate on the check or with an attached note that the money if for "mercy ministry". We will make sure that every dollar given goes directly to assist people in greatest need. We will not deduct anything for admin or handling.
Because of the urgency, If any of you e-mail me directly that you are sending a certain dollar amount for "mercy ministry", I will borrow that money from our operating funds (as far as possible) immediately so that we can begin to help people from tomorrow (Jan 7).
In our discussions with our wounded church members and Red Cross reps., we anticipate the following immediate needs to be most pressing:
1. Water
2. Dry foods eg. beans, rice, corn-flour
3. Blankets
4. Medicines
5. Other medical assistance
5. Phone time (In Africa most people use scratch cards to buy mobile phone time)
6. Replace looted inventory of small businesses
7. Rebuild burned-down homes
8. Rebuild burned-out small business premises
I will combine funds channeled through CMI with money and in-kind donations being made here on a local level. All assistance will be given through our church: Cornerstone. You would be amazed at the sacrificial generosity of our people who have so little themselves.
I will do my utmost to oversee the whole process over the next days/weeks to insure donations are properly accounted for and distributed to the point of need.
Please feel no pressure to give. This note is simply in response to many of you who asked how you can help in addition to prayer.
I think time is important, so please don't send anything after Jan 18 unless I write another update requesting such.
Thanks
God Bless
Randy
Randy 1/6
Posted: Saturday, January 05, 2008 - 4:47:17 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Hello everyone;
Thank you for praying for us. Please continue to pray for Kenya. It is evident that God is working in many ways over here. I believe He has responded to the cries of His people. We are deeply touched by the enormous concerned response we've received via email and (more significantly) prayer. Please, please don't stop praying. We're not out of the woods yet.
We are very secure and grateful today. The violence in Nairobi has subsided almost completely over the past two days. Cars are slowly pouring back to crowd the streets of Nairobi. Who would have ever thought we'd be glad to see these mad-house traffic jams again. Some businesses are open, but for limited hours. Today I traveled nearly two hours to perform a wedding in one of our village churches. How refreshing--contrasting the joyful Pentecostal wedding ceremony to the stress all of us in Kenya have experienced the past week.
Funny anecdote: when questioning some of the local youth's in our neighborhood who've been protesting and rioting: "why are you guys not marching and causing all your chaos today", they said "we're tired...tired of shouting...tired of marching and screaming...tired of being tear-gassed by police...we need to rest." Perhaps here's an emerging mental health issue for our psychology students: "riot-fatigue." Anyway...we're glad people are tired of burning and looting. At the same time, I hope Kenyan's will not grow weary in pressing for justice and the freedoms of speech and peaceful protest.
Our highest concern is now for the very real suffering of friends and church members. Nationwide estimates are up to 500,000 displaced persons. So many are right in our neighborhood...not cold statistics but our personal friends are without homes, jobs or food. UN, Red Cross and others are pleading for international relief. We are laboring to minister to those at our door-step...mostly with food distribution.
There are signs of hope on the political front. Mediators from the West together with S.Africa's Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu and local church leaders seem to be making some headway. Peaceful negotiations are now well within the grasp of the warring political powers. The details of these efforts are available in most major news media today. Pray they will have the humility, wisdom and courage to take the next wise step toward healing for this nation.
Ok...if you'll keep faith-filled prayers going, here's some ideas:
What we're concerned about:
Food & Shelter: Immediate relief for homeless, hungry Kenyans.
Healing: Personal and corporate: for all those who've suffered terribly this week
Security: Large portions of rural population are still threatened with ethnic violence. Cannot safely return to homes and businesses.
A working government: Political/government stability & healing. We've still got a long road to achieve this.
Economic recovery: All sectors of economy have been pounded. God can turn it around again.
Gospel Transformation: tribalism & corruption are the long-standing demonic cancers that surfaced here. The Gospel is the only hope for the human heart.
What we're thankful for:
Jesus utterly defeated Satan at Calvary
Family security
Two days of comparative calm in the nation
Powerful signs of hope for reconciliation of government and opposition powers
Strong praying Kenyan Church that is impacting both spiritual powers (Eph.6) and political powers
All of you who have upheld us this week
Cappuccinos: Nairobi's 'Java House' reopened today!
In Christ
Randy
More Kenya News
Posted: Thursday, January 03, 2008 - 8:20:26 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Update from Randy:
Hello from Kenya
To all of you who have been concerned about our family this past week, thank you! We are ok! So many are writing and praying for us...please don't stop doing both...it is so encouraging and I believe so much in the power of prayer to change the course of events in this world. If ever you've thought about praying for Kenya and for our family, please do so now!
Here's just a general update in response to so many inquiries. Mainly, just know we are ok and we believe our family is secure in the mighty hands of God. We have no immediate plans to evacuate the country but we are prepared.
As I sit to type right now, I hear repeated gunfire, tear gas in the air, the beating of drums and crowds chanting in the street. We live on the edge of Kawangware and a short distance from Kibera slum (two of the country's 'hot-spots'). The mob is mobilizing to protest the government, and the government riot police are firing weapons (mostly tear gas) and helicopters are in the air to turn back the crowd. Things are very tense today. It is scary to hear such things.
Cars are burning in some of Nairobi's streets, major highways are blocked, business and markets are closed and most of our friends are locked up in their homes--praying. Our co-workers have suffered as food is hard to find in Nairobi. The little food available has doubled or tripled in price and yet Kenyans who normally live day-to-day are unable to work to get the money. This has added to the tensions.
People we love are hurting. Their small shops have been looted. Homes have been burned down. Getting caught up in a riot is a fearful experience, and facing the wrath of the police can be equally harrowing. Many are just tired from watching through the night with neighbors to guard businesses and homes. Fear and uncertainty about the future is taking it's toll.
Fortunately I was able to go out yesterday and find food for our family and fuel the cars. Supplies of both are dwindling. We now have enough supplies at the house to sustain our family for a couple weeks. We're not worried! Power, water, cell-phones, and internet are all functioning presently. Thank God! We do have a satellite phone in case of emergency. I've been able to reach many of our church members and friends to monitor their situation. We're in constant touch with missionaries as well. And the US Embassy is available to advise the thousands of American citizens here if things were to melt down.
I've been in touch with our leaders in Turkana. Oddly: that's one of the more peaceful places on the country now. Their biggest problem is that all highways are shut down so there is no fuel or food being trucked up there. Unfortunately that will mean severe crisis for people in the towns like Lodwar. This won't effect people in our villages...most of them have no idea there is unrest in their country anyway.
Well that's a general update on things here.
The government has forbidden all live media reporting so we are relying on many of the same sources you all have to get the 'big picture' around Kenya. You'll find pretty accurate and detailed accounts of the political situation, body counts, etc. on Reuters, CNN, BBC, AP, and one of Kenya's papers--The Daily Nation. I won't recount all those stories for you here.
My view of our situation: Undeniable rigging occurred in Kenya's recent national election. The EU, US, and Kenya's own electoral commission (which conducted the election) have all stated such. Nobody knows the real outcome and...at any rate...it was a close race. The President was happy to accept the results and doesn't want to listen to anyone. The opposition is sure they won and the presidency was stolen from them. Underlying racial tensions have surfaced on both sides. Now the economy is shut down, horrific crimes have been committed across the country, more than three hundred people are dead by Wednesday, nearly 70,000 people are displaced.
In a nation of some 35 million peaceful people...it is too early to make parallels to Rwanda or Sierra Leon. Kenya is still presently stable and leaders are calling for peace, not war. There is strong international pressure coming from many directions to reconcile and find a just and peaceful resolution to the turmoil. Ghanaian President John Kufuor, head of the African Union, has just arrived to attempt to mediate between the two leaders. Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to speak with both today. Britain has tremendous influence in Kenya and they are using their influence to push for peace as well.
Please, keep this is in mind. The Church in Kenya is strong! I've been on the phone today with 16 of our pastors around the nation. Everywhere people are praying, fasting, and standing for peace. We spent our New Years Eve and New Years day having a sleep-over at our home with two other missionary family's from Pioneers and AIM--praying, playing and encouraging one another in the midst of the storm. The Prince of Peace is alive and well in Kenya and there is great faith that things will work to the good here. And as for me and my family, we are called to shine the light of Jesus in this nation as long as God allows us to be here. We'll be doing all we can to influence people towards peace, justice and the saving knowledge of Jesus. We know that people like you are praying around the world and surely this makes a difference. Jesus is Lord over Kenya!!! This is why, as bullets are flying outside my window right now, we are at peace.
Ok... you can tell I'm stuck at home today so lot's of time for writing lengthy emails. We'll keep you up to date as things develop.
We love you and are so grateful for the encouraging emails and especially your prayers. Keep 'em comin
In Christ,
Randy Coates
Pray for Kenya
Posted: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 8:34:39 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Randy sent me this a couple of days ago:
To our family, concerned friends, supporters and prayer warriors;
Greetings from the Coates family in Nairobi!
I am writing to request you to pray and to inform you of our status since Kenya is getting a lot international attention lately in the press and many of you are wondering about our situation.
Kenya is in the midst of a crisis that has implications for the stability of this great nation God has sent us to serve. We are asking you and your congregations to pray for Kenya, it's people, the churches, and for my family. We are ok, we are not fearful, and we fully believe that God will carry this nation through the present trials.
The situation is currently being reported in all the major international media outlets so I won't give the details of the struggle. In short: national elections took place on the 27th in a very tight race for the presidency. The two top candidates are from tribes with long-standing animosities. As of Sunday morning 30th, the electoral commission (group that runs the elections) have not finished counting and released the results. In the mean time wide-spread allegations of rigging by both sides have sent rioters onto the streets. The violence is sporadic and scattered in the country. Unfortunately several of the hot-spots are right in our neighborhood. Public transportation is shut down in our area of Nairobi, people have been killed in ethnic clashes nearby and a certain amount of panic and fear has gripped the local population as the ethnic-based battles have intensified. The police have come out in strong numbers today. We have remained in our home since the 27th since traveling about is a bit risky. Be assured we are well and we are grateful for your concern.
Please join us in praying for peace for Kenya's people and their government. Pray for God's choices to arise out of the process. Pray for God to continue building His kingdom in Kenya--many people still do not know of His love for them. Pray for God's continued protection over my family as we look to a new and fruitful year of ministry in 2008.
In Christ
Randy Coates
Nairobi
We're home
Posted: Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 4:14:40 AM
by Jerry & Rita
12/06/07 3:45 A.M. Iowa time
Our last day in Kenya was bittersweet – saying Goodbye is never easy – it was a beautiful day – Randy took us to the airport and it took us about an hour to check in and go thru security – our flight was to leave at 11:10 P.M. but the plane had some problems and had to come back to the ramp and we didn’t depart till 12:30 P.M. We just made our connection to Detroit in Amsterdam – that plane had some empty seats and Rita found a spot with 3 empty seats and slept for 6 hours – arrived at Detroit at 10:30 A.M. after a 9 hour flight – took us 2 hours to go thru customs – boarded a Flight to Des Moines and arrived at 4:15 where our niece picked us up and took us to their place where our vehicle was – battery was dead so we borrowed a jumper pack from a neighbor and finally got our vehicle started – drove in rain most of the way home and arrived at West Bend with a lot of ice on the roads and 3” of snow on the ground – I showered and was in bed by 9 but woke up at 1:30 and couldn’t get back to sleep so went thru the ton of mail.
This was our 6th trip to Kenya and Rita and I think this was the best – we were blessed with good weather and Coates are blessed to live in a beautiful home with beautiful trees and flowers and room for the dogs and family to play in.
This will be my last blog for a while – if we get e-mails from the Coates that I think would be interesting – will cut and paste it on a blog – Randy and Becky are so busy that they don’t give writing blogs priority.
God Bless, Jerry
12-01-07
Posted: Monday, December 03, 2007 - 3:41:53 AM
by Jerry & Rita
12/3/07 2:40 A.M.
Yesterday we all left for the compound about 8:30 and had breakfast at Java House. Worship service started at 10:00 and so did Sunday school – the first hour and a half was praise songs, praying , and announcements – about 11:40, Bishop Francis Kaumau preached on how we are all different but are all from God (Body of Christ) – the main service was over by 12:40 but everyone stayed as they had a fund raiser (cultural thing they do in Africa where the people in the church raise money as groups or individuals and place their giving into a basket where it is announced to the whole congregation) This was to be towards the debt incurred in buying the property and building the church and education buildings. This lasted till 2 but Rita and I went to the Sunday school class where Becky was teaching about 50 English speaking kids – ages 6-12 – she had the class divided into 6 groups where they were to discuss and answer questions she had prepared on a sheet of paper for each of the group leaders – Joel and Nichole each had a group and Rita went to Nichole’s group and I went to Joel’s group – He did a good job asking the kids the questions and maintaining control – many of these children had been there for 4 hours – Becky has so much enthusiasm and love for these kids.
After the service Rita and I were greeted by some of the Kenyans we became acquainted with from other trips. By 2:30 we headed back to the compound with Becky and Randy arrived about a half hour after.
We rested and later played badminton over the volleyball net. At 6 Randy went and got Chinese take-out – very good.
Joel led the devotions and after reading scripture pertaining to work – after complementing Nichole on how she stays on task, he said that school was harder for him but he did it not for Mom, not so he could go to college, but for God. Who do you work for???
This will be our last blog from Kenya as we leave at 11:10 P.M. or 2:10 P.M. CST Monday and arrive in Des Moines at 4:20 Tuesday.
God has blessed us during our short visit – Nichole and Joel are such good missionaries using their God given talents. God has truly blessed this home.
I hope you got something out of my ramblings.
God Bless, Jerry
12-01-07
Posted: Sunday, December 02, 2007 - 9:13:51 AM
by Jerry & Rita
12/2/07 3:30 A.M.
Yesterday morning, it rained till 1 –Becky and Nichole still went to the stables and rode a little – the rest of us went to leave in Randy’s vehicle to get groceries and meat for our afternoon cookout but the battery was down and the Land Cruiser wouldn’t start so we tried to push it to jump start it but vehicle was too heavy – Randy called Elijah and he came over and we tried to jump it with jumper cables (new, but pretty light weight), but failed so Elijah took the battery out of his car and put it into Randy’s – started the vehicle – then put it back into his and we were on our way. We got everything at ABC (strip mall with a few shops) where Joel and I got haircuts and Rita and Randy picked up the meat and groceries – got back to the compound about1:15 and the guest were to arrive at 2 – James (one of the gardeners) was starting the fire in the Kenyan made metal grill and I helped him fan the coals to get it started. It had stopped raining so we decided to eat and cook the meat outside – we carried the grill around to the north side of the house where we set the tables up under the shade of the trees – Joel and Nichole set the tables and put the chairs around them – Randy cooked the meat which was steak and chicken on the grill – guests (which was all their hired help and their wives) started arriving – Evanston and his wife arrive a little before 2 and Becky offer them juice – James’ wife arrived shortly afterwards – Baba Kevin was sick and Nicholas and his wife couldn’t attend as his wife’s grandmother was being buried Saturday so all that was left to arrive was Fred and his wife who would be late as they had a niece’s graduation to attend – food was all ready by 3 so we all sat around the tables with the request that each Kenyan had to sit between two Americans – meat was well prepared – other dishes were mashed potatoes, ugali, katchumbali, chapatis, mixed fruit salad – Fred and his wife arrived just as we were finishing. They ate – Randy and Becky steered the conversations to how each of the couples met and how they came to know Christ – this is the first time that the wives were ever together – After everyone was finished eating, chai and coffee was served – Randy and Becky thanked each person for their faithful work in helping them do their ministry of spreading the gospel. We then prayed for their families and also those who couldn’t attend.
After the quests left we cleaned up and put away everything and had family devotions. Nichole spoke on dreams we have and how dreams were used in both the old and new testaments.
God Bless, Jerry
11/30/2007
Posted: Friday, November 30, 2007 - 6:43:05 PM
by Jerry & Rita
12/01/07 2:45 A.M.
Yesterday morning Randy took Joel, Nichole, Rita and me to shop for a new mattress for Nichole. We went to Westlands where a new shopping mall had just opened. It was very nice and modern – complete with escalators for the 5 stories complete with underground parking – not many people there shopping – you have to realize that only 1% of the population could afford to buy anything there. We were fortunate to find a 42” mattress but had to special order a box spring for it – so Nichole should have everything in about a week when they will deliver it. Grandma’s plastic card at work.
Becky went to the workout place and was happy as she had more strength in her legs. She has a test scheduled Tuesday having to do with nerve sensory. After lunch, Rita and I took a nap. Around 3, Randy brought his trailer back to the compound and wondered if he and I could repair the wiring for the lights because when he lost the trailer on the way back from Turkana, all the wires pulled out of the plug. There were 6 wires – all white and 7 possibilities – so by trial and error using a paper to make a diagram of the female part of the plug attached to the land Cruiser and marking pens to code the wires, we figured out the running lights, backup lights, brake lights, and left and right turning signal lights. Next job was to reconnect all the wires to the correct spot on the male plug – my depth perception is not the greatest the first 4 feet and naturally it started to rain and Randy was holding an umbrella over me during a brief shower. We got everything to work but I don’t know for how long.
Becky called us in for tea and cake during our work project on the trailer to celebrate the memory of our son Jim’s 41st birthday. We had some laughs and tears as we remembered him.
I was talking with Randy about the high death rate in the Turkana area – Lodwar has the highest rate of men testing positive for HIV in Kenya – 33% -not that high out in the bush - a live baby has a 50% chance to live to age 5 due to malnutrition, bad water, malaria, sanitation, poor health care, etc. – most of which could be fixed with education and good water supply We ate after Nichole’s internet class that ended at 7:30. Rita gave the family devotions which was setting aside time with no distractions to be with Jesus each day and the importance of journaling. I know I need to be a better listener.
I see on the internet where a winter storm is to hit Iowa today – I’ll be thinking about that as I’m sitting outside under the trees with a cool drink.
God Bless, Jerry
11/29/2007
Posted: Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 8:42:29 PM
by Jerry & Rita
11/30/07 4:30 A.M.
When it got daylight yesterday, the house was decorated for Christmas – seems Santa and his helpers stayed up till 12 decorating – kids are all excited – Joel wore a Santa’s helper hat all day long.
After Mama Kevin made us chocolate chip and fresh strawberry pancakes, Joel and I caulked in some holes and seams on the glassed in porch where we raised the pitch of the roof. Joel helped Nicholas put the empty APs that held the Christmas decorations in the attic. Becky was busy completing the decorating. Randy was gone most of the day with church work – counseling, etc. I tried to consolidate and organize a small plastic organizer with several small drawers. I should have done that when I arrived so I wouldn’t have spent so much time looking for things.
Around 3 Terry came over to get his tools we borrowed to dig the hole for the volleyball standards and brought along a friend of his to meet us. Billy is a 72 years old with a body of a man in his 20s. He grew up on a farm in western Kansas – wheat country. His wife passed away 4-5 years ago and he was alone so he prayed for God to direct him. He felt the calling to help the people in the Sudan region. He read that when the wars in the Sudan breakout the missionaries have to leave – since he used to be with the Special Forces in the military, he could stay and be with the gorilla fighters and live off the land. He just got back from spending 6 weeks in southern Sudan. He’s working with the Terry & Margie to bring books to the Sudan that are written in Dinka (the tongue that 90% of the Sudanese use) and the opposite page the same word in English – He thinks that as the people get literate that knowing English will be important. What an intelligent servant of God.
Becky’s MRI showed the knee O.K. so I think another test is to be scheduled for next week. Terry just found out that his problem of blood in the urine and not feeling up to par was a worm that gets in the bloodstream and from there goes through your urinary and digestive tract. He was on his first day of three days on potent medication to kill the worms.
Becky led family devotions and stressed that spend our time with God all the time. I was thinking of competing gods (money, success, pride, material things, etc.)
We all need to become servants.
Today, Randy is taking Rita, Nichole and I to shop for a mattress for Nichole.
God Bless, Jerry
11/28/2007
Posted: Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 5:53:27 AM
by Jerry & Rita
11/29/07 3:15 A.M.
Yesterday, Wednesday for me consisted of cleaning out Randy’s storage room and making shelves to organize his stuff and also making some hangers to store the lawn chairs off the rafters – took most of the day – Nicholas wants me to stay another month to fix things.
Johnnie and Becky Long who used to be neighbors when the Coates lived at Mountainview stopped in to visit and do laundry. They now live in the UK but have 3 children living in the states. They came to Kenya to attend an African Missionary conference. He wrote the curriculum for Sonship which was the resource that Pastor John used at our conference. Johnnie was Pastor John’s mentor. They are 65 and going strong – from here they’re headed to Uganda – He’s a former pilot so he and I got along well. They were anxious to hear about Coates ministry and Randy and Becky filled them in on the happenings since they left – they stayed for almost 2 hours at which time we all prayed for one another.
We had a lot of activity as Randy had the trees trimmed Kenyan style – Fred one of the night guards use to work for a tree trimming business so he and another Kenyan were climbing high up in the trees using ropes to pull down dead limbs and also a saw for some of the bigger limbs – James (the alternate gardener) also was here to help pick up all the sticks.
Health wise Nichole and I are getting back to normal and Becky is much better. Randy took her to a doctor’s appointment at 8:30 and she had an MRI at 4:30 yesterday – should know the results by Friday
After our evening meal and family devotions, they went out to the storage building to bring in the AP’s with all the Christmas decorations. The whole crew decorated the house except for me who took a shower and went to bed. Not “BA HUMBUG” – I was just tired.
God Bless, Jerry
Observations
Posted: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 10:31:45 PM
by Jerry & Rita
11-28-07
Some of my observations: When we arrived here I asked Randy what the exchange rate was and he said: $1:64.5 Shillings – yesterday it was $1:57 Shillings – The $ lost 11.6% of it’s value here in 25 days – also fuel prices here increased to 80 from 70 Shillings/liter for diesel which makes it a double hit for missionaries from the states.
Randy said his biggest budget item is transportation – his 4th set of shock absorbers went out this trip, must replace a tire on the Land Cruiser – heaviest tire he can get is only 3 ply – must repair hitch for trailer and repair wiring for lights – he lost the whole trailer coming back – bolts broke in the hitch – I told him to try to find grade 5 or 8 bolts but probably not available here – really makes me appreciate our small home town that has about everything.
Health wise Randy, Joel and Rita are great – Nichole and I are at 90% and Becky 80% - Randy is taking Becky to a doctor this morning probably to schedule a MRI for her knees – she had to sit most of the time at Turkana – Pray that the doctor can make the correct diagnosis and sent her the right specialist (Becky hates all doctors and Randy warned him ahead of time)
Last night during family time Randy had the lesson and read from the Bible in several places where people and angels praised God. He said instead of finding fault with people, we should praise their good qualities.
God Bless, Jerry
More Turkana
Posted: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 8:23:37 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Wednesday 11/28/07 3:30 A.M.
More of the Turkana Trip – after everyone had lunch, everyone was released and we went back to the Yost compound where Rita, the grandkids, and I hit the pool – Randy was busy lining up transportation(4 wheeled van and driver) to take everyone to Kalico (a fishing village where Pastor Peter and Mama Sunday have a church) It was 55 km east of Lodwar – We left around 5 and it took us an hour to get there – the road was good by Kenyan standards – went thru several dry steams where if it rained up north there would be water crossing the road – never met a single vehicle all the way there. We arrived at Peter’s church which was a building where a company processed fish. It was owned by a Norwegian company but the government gave them 48 hours to leave a few years back so the church rented the building – well made cement structure – the best looking building I saw there – there is no electricity in the village of over 10,000 – when we arrive the van was already there with the rest of the team and the pastors and wives – when we arrived, we realized we had a flat tire so we changed that and headed out into the bush where Pastor Peter is starting to plant another church – we headed off road into the bush (sand and bush with thorns) following the other vehicle – stopping several times to try a different route because Pastor Peter walked to the meetings and went where vehicles couldn’t go – we eventually arrived at an open clearing near some huts – they started beating the drum and people started coming – we experienced a beautiful sunset – Pastor Peter’s wife Mama Sunday who was very with child lead the singing and dancing – there were probably 70 there including many young children – we were all introduced with Pastor Dan interpreting – We all sat down on the sand and Bishop Njogu gave a short 20 minute sermon with Pastor Dan interpreting – there was a full moon shining on us and it seemed it was almost daylight – after the service was over, all the people greeted us – followed the other van to the main road and headed back to Lodwar – took longer as we met a few vehicles and we had to travel slower as some spots the road was not two lane traffic due to wash outs.
When we got back Becky wasn’t feeling well – had a bad night with chills, vomiting, etc – treated her for malaria – Nichole was also sick but not as bad – Sunday Rita and I stayed with Becky and Nichole – Randy and Joel traveled to Kalico to preach in Peter’s church – Bishop Njogu preached in Pastor Dan’s church in Lodwar – Pastor John preached in Pastor Francis’ church in Lodwar and Mama Macharia preached in Pastor George’s church.
Sunday I started to feel rotten also –slept for 3 hours in the afternoon and went to bed and slept all night.
Monday morning Randy picked up the team at 6 and the rest of us were waiting for the plane to come to take us back – all of us sick people were feeling better – the plane was suppose to arrive at the airport around 11:15 so Pastor Dan and his wife mama Tina had the taxis at the compound and we went to the airport – we unloaded from the taxis and waited for the plane in a 12x12’ tin roofed shade – it was only 115 degrees – Becky laid on the cement floor – plane arrived at 12:40 with the Yost family on it – seems the pilot had to make 3 passes at their airstrip to get it down and then narrowly missed a camel that wander onto the runway.
The pilot was from New Zealand and his wife was with him as it was his last flight for MAF after 13 years of flying for them in Australia and Africa. He prayed for a safe flight and we made the two hour flight back to Nairobi with Joel sitting between Becky and Nichole who were not feeling well – Elijah met us and we were back in our compound by 4 – Everyone was feeling much better.
Yesterday, I put up some blinds on the glassed in porch and made some hangers to store lawn chairs in the storage room – also put up volleyball net – looks pretty good. Becky’s young teachers came again at 5 and Rita gave her witness how faith helped her thru her life – Becky asked for prayer concerns and then each one volunteered to pray for one of the group – mighty powerful prayer warriors
It’s hard to believe that by this time next week, we’ll be back in Iowa
God Bless, Jerry
Turkana Conference
Posted: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 12:24:14 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Tuesday 11/27/07 4:00 A.M.
We are all back in Nairobi and survived the heat of Turkana. Randy arrived back last night at 11 after leaving at 6 A.M. in the morning – had some trailer hitch problems.
It was a wonderful trip and gave me a good wake up call as to how blessed we are.
We left for the airport a little after 8 in the morning and got caught in rush hour traffic and it took us over an hour and a half to get to the airport. We went to the MAF (Missions Aviation Fellowship) which transport missionary to remote areas. We loaded the Cessna Caravan around 10 and the pilot was from Finland. He briefed us and then said a prayer for our safe travel and we were off. The flight took one hour and 50 minutes and our cruising altitude was 11,000 feet – at time we only 500 feet above the mountains. When we landed at Lodwar, it was hot – well over 100 – Pastor Daniel had two taxis there to take us to the Yost compound. It is really nice – the house has a screened porch running the full length of the house and there is usually a breeze blowing thru – the house is spacious with roof vents in the ceilings to let the air flow thru – has ceiling fans in all the rooms – outside they have a very nice pool complete with pumps and filter – 15’x25’x4.5’ – water temperature 78 degrees – whenever we got too hot we went in the pool which was quite often – Greg put his 1000 gallon tank at least 20’ in the air so we had a little water pressure – no need for a hot water heater – most of the time the electricity comes from solar power – he has several solar panels that faces skyward toward the east in the morning and is changed manually to the west in the afternoon 20 foot north of their compound is a large river that was fairly low as a lot of the children were playing in it.
Randy arrived the next day with the rest of the team (James, Bishop Njogu, Pastor John and Mother Macharia) He got them settled in at the conference center and came back to the compound. When we got there only three of pastors with their families were there- just as there were problems in the early church of Jesus’ day - there was some lies and false accusations made – 4 of those pastors were in Lodwar and Randy went to meet with them but they refused to come. It was their loss as we had a tremendous conference.
We took all our meals at the conference center – the main building was circular with at thatched roof and open sides except for about 20’ – if there was a breeze it was fairly comfortable – the dining area was a similar building 30’ away – where the pastors and the rest of the team stayed was nice as they had showers and toilets.
Our conference schedule went like this – everyone gathered for prayer at the main building at 6:30 A.M to 7 breakfast at 8 which consisted of bread or toast with jelly and chai – first session at 9 – chai break at 10:30 – second session at 11 – lunch at 1 – third session at 2 – chai break 3:30 – forth session 4 – evening meal 7 – fifth session 8 – Bishop Njogu and Pastor John alternated sessions – Randy insisted all pastors and wives be present before we would start – All sessions started with praise songs in Swahili or Turkana and prayers – usually lasted at least 10 minutes – they have beautiful voices. All the talks were given in English and were translated into Turkana by two interpreters (Pastor George and Pastor Francis) – both did an excellent job. Bishop Njogu was more of a preacher and Pastor John was more of a teacher. I came to love both of those men – they were so humble. Pastor John a Masai warrior who had killed many wild animals and men had the kindest countenance. The speakers spoke on keeping your eyes on Jesus. Pastor John gave a powerful talk on forgiveness – how he overcame the hatred he had for the tribes that would steal their cattle and land. He was pretty impressive when he drew out his 2’ double edged sword and pointed it at you.
One of the talks was on servant hood and in African culture a women is less than a cow or goat – after the talk Randy asked each man there including the interpreters to do something for their wife this week and each man there said what he was going to do and someone else was to check to see if he really did it. We introduced agape love by giving gifts to the pastors and their wives. The multipurpose tool I gave the men was a big hit. We also gave shukas (blankets) to everyone and we wore them all the time – so Jerry had his “blankie”
Friday evening Randy led a moving service where we all wrote something which we wanted to confess or get rid of on a piece of paper and we had a 2’ wooden cross I made out of 2x2s and we each took a nail and hammered the paper in the cross – after the service, Randy, John and Bishop burned the papers signifying that our slate is clean by the blood of Jesus.
Saturday morning Bishop Njogu held a foot washing service where we all had our feet washed and then we handed each of them letters that some of you sent and we wrote - the last session we had Holy communion – after that each of the pastors and wives told what the week meant to them – they were amazed that people from all over the world were praying for them.
Thanks for your prayers – God Bless, Jerry
Sunday 11-18
Posted: Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 8:56:02 PM
by Jerry & Rita
11/19/07 5:00 A.M.
Yesterday, Randy and I dropped Joel off at church at 9:30 – Becky & Nichole left for church at 7:30 – we stopped at Java House for breakfast and met up with James and Daniel (a 24 year old Nigerian from England who came to Kenya to work in James’s ministry which is getting volunteers to work in orphanages short term). After breakfast we traveled to Bishop Njogu’s church which is located in a lower middle class neighborhood by Kenyan standards which had a bar next door. It was a simple pole building with metal roof and a dirt floor. We arrived a little after 11 and they had already started their praise singing and dancing – most of it was in Swahili – when that was done, Bishop Njogu introduced Randy and he introduces me and James did the same for Daniel. Randy preached and James acted as his interpreter – he assigned 5 scriptures to be read by volunteers when he asked for them. His message was that we all have the power of God but it doesn’t do any good if we don’t use it. He did a very good job getting the message across. After the service most of the people shook hands with me – especially the little kids – I think they were fascinated with my white skin and hair.
After the service, Bishop Njogu lead us to a dwelling where we had lunch of stew with vegetables and a little meat and cooked cabbage – very good – after the meal, Randy asked me to bless this home and their church which I did.
We dropped James and Daniel off where we picked them up and we went to buy groceries and supplies to take to Turkana. We arrived back at the compound at 4:15. The rest of the day was spent getting things packed for the Turkana trip. About 7:30 Randy took Becky out to an Italian Restaurant to celebrate their 18th Wedding Anniversary. When they got back, Randy and Fred (guard) loaded the trailer and Land Cruiser.
Randy’s taking us to the airport at 7 this morning and meeting the rest of the team at 10 and they should arrive early afternoon on Tuesday at Lodwar.
Pray that everyone has safe travel and the Turkana pastor’s and their wives will be truly blessed.
Next blog will be 8 days from now.
God Bless, Jerry
Saturday 11-17
Posted: Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 10:33:00 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Saturday 11/17 6:30 A.M.
Yesterday we all got up to a fairly heavy downpour and left the compound with both vehicles loaded with stuff to sell at the school. When we arrived at the school, the rain had let up some. We were one of 80 booths marked off in the parking lot and elsewhere on the school grounds. Becky picked up Mama Kevin on the way – we set up a table and unloaded some of the stuff (some of Joel’s old toys, Becky’s shoes, old video tapes, old record player with Disney records, home school books, etc. Many had fancy tents – we had Randy and I holding three umbrella over the table for about an hour and a half till the rain stopped – We got left minding the store as Becky and Rita were looking for bargains elsewhere – Becky was able to buy a lot of things to use at the church Sunday school – about 9:15 Randy & I cut out. The rest stayed and sold about everything including Joel’s old bike for 2500 Shillings ($40).
I talked to Nicholas and we decided to put the volleyball poles in. We dug one hole 18” in diameter and 2’ deep and sent him to get the cement, sand, and ballast (rock) He arrived back about one and half hour later with everything (six sacks of sand, two sacks of ballast and a sack of cement) He paid for the transport which was a guy pulling a two wheeled cart over a half a mile up and down hills 250 Shillings ($4). We went to work and dug the other hole and Nicholas wanted to mix the cement on the ground and I told him to try it my way, mixing it in the wheelbarrow. We put some water in the wheelbarrow and added sand, rock, and cement till the wheelbarrow was almost full mixing it with the shovel. Nicholas wheeled it over to the hole and I held the 2’ section of pipe into place and we dumped the mixed cement into the hole – we also put some bigger rock in the cement – put the 10” section of pipe into the short pipe made the pipe plumb with the level. Joel also helped us mix the cement. It took 6 wheelbarrows full before we had the cement 4” from the ground level – after the cement is cured dirt and grass will be put in so they can play soccer over them.
Randy was busy getting has two wheeled trailer ready for the trip to Turkana. The Yosts (people’s house where we will be staying in Turkana) arrived about dark with sacks of chicken feed, dog food, salt, and other supplies they needed taken up there(my guess – 1000 lbs) – it will be put in the trailer. Greg and Mindy are wonderful, talented people that love to laugh.
Today Becky and Nichole leave for church at 7:30 and Becky will come back for Rita for the 11:00 service. Randy, Joel and I will leave at 9:30 and drop Joel off at the church and then pick up James and go to Bishop Njogu’s church where Randy will preach.
God Bless, Jerry
Friday 11-16
Posted: Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 10:56:39 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Friday 11/16/07 4:10 A.M.
Jambo, Friday, It rained in the morning putting off the porch roof repair so I decided to mount a shelf that Becky wanted me to put up and after I drilled the first hole in the cement the power went off for 2 hours. At noon Nicholas and I took the plastic corrugated sheets off the porch roof and put the four pieces on top to increase the pitch of the roof – I thought the job would take an hour but 3 hours later we got it done – looks like it should work.
Randy took me to buy some screws I needed for the repairs at a hardware store within a mile of where they live about 9 and he was gone all day.
The women went shopping in the morning along with Joel and purchased Joel a new bike as his old one had problems – putting that one on the sale this morning.
Becky took Nichole for her riding lesson at 2 and Nichole had an internet class from 5:45 till 7:15
Rita warmed up the left over turkey and all the trimmings and it was delicious. Randy had the devotions at family time and spoke of failures (Peter’s 3 denials). We all have failures everyday but Christ still loves us. It helps to learn from our failures.
Today early, we leave at 6:45 with both vehicles to take stuff to the sale at a
Christian school – sale is from 8-1 – hope it doesn’t rain
God Bless, Jerry
Thursday 11-15
Posted: Friday, November 16, 2007 - 11:14:37 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Thursday 11/15/07 4:45 A.M.
Jambo, Yesterday was another beautiful day in Kenya. It was another busy day with Becky, Rita, and Mamma Kevin busy preparing for the evening Thanksgiving feast.
Becky went thru the action packers to take things to a sale Saturday. She and Nichole went to the stables in the morning. Randy was busy all day with meetings and running errands – such as getting the turkey. Joel and I put up three more shelves in his work room. Terry couldn’t come to help with the porch roof as he had a doctor’s appointment so will try that today – weather permitting – Becky also gave me another shelf to put up and a couple of blinds.
The Jones arrived at 7:30 and the turkey was done. Margie brought rolls, green beans and apple pie. We had fruit salad, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, dressing, turkey gravy, and squash.
After that excellent meal we went into the living room and discussed what everyone was doing. Terry reported that his doctor told him he doesn’t have cancer but does have an infection in his bladder which he’s taking medication for – he took medication for a year to get rid of TB. They and their staff are busy translating bible studies, pamphlets, etc. into other African languages and teaching workshops.
Margie asked Randy what his vision for the Turkana regions. He hopes to have 30 churches in the next year including a couple in the Sudan (main danger there is land mines). It will be the already established churches that will do most of the work and they will send their people to go to the next village and start a church. He says the less Western influence the better as long as they have the word of God.
God Bless, Jerry
Prayer Request
Posted: Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 3:44:34 AM
by BC
To all you prayer warriors who stand with us in this ministry, please uplift our family and 8 Turkana pastors and their wives, Becky’s parents, two speakers, and two helpers November 19-26. We are bringing in the frontline pastors and their wives to a main village to love on them through gifts, prayers, and encouragement Emmaus style. Our speakers will be sharing on Sonship--a program of grace.
Always include health as a major prayer…including health for our families who remain in their home in the desert or home in the U.S..
Our speakers are from the Masai and the Kikuyu tribe--that they would be well received...they are wonderful godly men.
My parents would be strong, sleep well and protected from the heat...bugs...snakes...scorpions.
Nichole and Joel would find their role in this and participate gladly.
Becky wouldn't have any problem with the plane ride and Randy wouldn't have any problem with the drive.
God's love would pour through us to these people on the frontlines.
For all of our hearts to receive the love and grace God lavishes upon us; we would all be renewed and refreshed to love upon the “flocks” God has put in our care. (Some of our pastors have lost a child to disease this past year.)
Thank you. We know your prayers will enable this ministry to succeed beyond our imagination.
Wednesday 11-14
Posted: Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 2:45:14 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Wednesday 11/15/07 5:45 A.M.
Yesterday was catch-up day for the adults. Randy was gone most of the day (working out at the gym, paying bills, preparing for the Turkana trip). Becky worked out, bought a mountain of groceries (We’re celebrating Thanksgiving this evening with the Jones because we will be in Turkana when it actually is), took Joel and Nichole to the stables to work with their horses in the afternoon, read a story to Nichole and Joel while they folded a mountain of clothes. Rita worked on repairing the cushions for the metal chairs on the patio. The kids did school most of the morning. I spent most of the day repairing drapes (replacing the cords thru the eyelets), repairing a couple light fixtures, laying out where the volleyball standards are to go, and beating the kids in a game of Parcheesi.
The pictures were all downloaded to the computer and there are some fantastic shots – will be glad to share them when we get back to the states – could do it now if I knew how to put them on the website.
Rita had the family devotions and we shared what was the most beautiful thing that we saw during the day.
God Bless, Jerry
Safari
Posted: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 3:43:18 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Safari 11-14 5:50 A.M.
Elijah(Randy’s mechanic) took us to the Wilson Airport in Randy’s Land Cruiser and we went thru security. We boarded a Cessna Caravan(19 passenger). It took about an hour and landed on a gravel strip at the north edge of the Masai Mara(700 square mile game preserve) – two planes – both twin engine, landed just ahead of us and a 4 engine landed just after us-no terminal just a bunch of safari vehicles to pick everyone up – our camp had a 9 passenger Land Rover which we used the whole time – the side window rolls up and the top rolls back which makes it a very good vehicle to see all the animals – our driver/guide was James who was excellent in spotting animals and driving – we also had a Masai named John who also helped spot game and acted as James’s assistant and our guard. It was about a 20 minute drive to our camp which was just outside of the Masai Mara – it took us 40 minutes because we came upon a pride of lions, I believe 6 in all and a bunch of hippos in the river. The conservancy where our camp was located consists of 250,000 acres(around 36 square miles) which consisted of 10 guest tents 16’x30’ – each with a single bed and a double bed, stool – lavatory and safari shower which consisted of a 5 gallon pail with a 10 ft hose connected to the bottom and the other end connected to the shower head inside the tent – the handle of the pail was connected to a rope which went thru a pulley attached to a pole about 15 ft high outside the tent – when we wanted a shower they brought hot water and poured it into the pail and ran it up the pole.
We were met by the staff when we arrived – manager and 5-6 Masai(the Masai all wore their bright red blankets) the manager briefed us to use only bottled water for drinking and brushing our teeth and to not leave the area alone during the daytime and anytime at night to have a Masai with you if you need to leave the tent – each tent had a whistle to call for a Masai, also each tent had a flashlight that could be cranked to recharge – the electricity was all provided by solar energy stored in batteries – Becky was able to recharge her camera batteries every time we were back in camp. Rita and I were in the first tent – Joel and Nichole in the next and Becky and Randy in the third. The dining tent had 3 tables – we dined at the same table all the time – there was a frig that had bottled water, sodas, and beer which could be gotten anytime.
This was by far our best safari because we had better quarters, food, vehicle, guide and we only saw 3 safari vans( during peak season if someone spotted any cats there would be 10 safari vans around it) – several times we might not see another vehicle for a couple hours – the driver had a radio as did the guards.
Becky took close to 800 pictures and Nichole took a hundred and Randy filmed with the video camera.
We saw many elephants – family of 10 once, several giraffes, probably 20 lions, 5 cheetahs, 50 hippos, several hundred topi, gazelles, impala, elands, zebra, warthogs, along with baboons, mongoose, ostrich, vultures and many other species.
We arrived back in Nairobi about 5:30 – good to be back
God Bless, Jerry
Saturday 11-10
Posted: Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 7:57:16 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Saturday 11/11/07 4:30 A.M.
Yesterday, I spent most of the day preparing the lumber we purchased for the repairs on the porch roof – Nicholas will prime the wood Tuesday and if I can get Terry to help me Wednesday – will try doing the repairs then.
The Hunt’s Grandpa built a three story tree house on this property – very well made – the top section is approximately 8’ square – 15’ above the ground – Joel has a zip line from it to another tree – pretty neat.
Today we go on a three day Safari – flying there and back – we depart for the airport at 8 – will report on our adventures when we get back.
Nichole had family devotions and read about 4 different kings from I Kings – some were good and some were bad – we all have a life and how will we be remember? What will be our legacy?
God Bless, Jerry
Friday 11-9
Posted: Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 5:56:31 AM
by BC
Friday 11-10 5:35 A.M.
Yesterday was another beautiful day in Nairobi. Rita went shopping for gifts at the Masai Market located at Village Market(Shopping Mall like U.S. where the 1 % of the people that have means shop). It is held every Friday on a portion of the parking lot – at least 200 vendors have their crafts there. Joel went along with the women as he is a good barterer and helped Rita find what she wanted. I think she was able to get everything she wanted.
My one hour job of putting new drawer glides on 4 drawers took over 4 hours because fat nimble Jerry had a hard time getting the screws out of the old drawer glides. My depth perception and bifocals on the wrong part of my glasses in a tight space did not help anything but I got it done and Mama Kevin is happy.
When the shoppers got back, we went over to the Jones’s compound which is approximately mile away. Terry & Margie work for Sequoia Ministries International where they are in charge of Eastern Africa. They built a nice building with several offices – Terry and Margie each have an office and they have 3-4 full time staff. They also do a lot of training there. Margie had just finished with a class when we arrived. We had a wonderful lunch with Bombay chicken as the main dish – very good. We left the Jones compound around 4 – the Coates and Rita went back to the compound and I went with Terry to purchase some lumber to make more pitch on a portion of the glassed in porch – we went by Peter Paul’s shop where we are getting steel pipes for volleyball court -two 10’ 2” pipes and two short 2’ two and a half inch pipes – we will cement the shorts section in the ground and insert the long ones when we play volleyball. He had one long pipe and had to get another – suppose to deliver today.
We then went a short distance to the lumber place where we told them what we wanted – it took a while for them to find straight pieces – they then ran the pieces thru a planer so they would be the same size – took about half an hour for the whole process – Cost: 600 Shillings for 1 2x4 7 ft long and 2 2x4s 5 ft long($9.25) Couldn’t have done it without Terry.
Family devotions – Randy read the end of Paul’s letters about how he sent greeting to many different people that he made friends with thru the years. We discussed friendships we all have made thru our years and he stressed that we should keep in touch with them.
God Bless, Jerry
Jambo(Hello) friends, Rita here again
Nov. 6 Tuesday evening-Becky’s teachers came over for prayer and sharing. 7 came there were a few missing. They started arriving at 4:30 and the last one arrived at 7 pm. The one I have known the longest is John –he is 30. He is most helpful to Becky-the chairs must be wiped down before the children arrive on Sunday morning. He is always early and does this job. He is most responsible –the children love him. 2 came from school as they had their school uniforms on. They have exams this week-all ask for prayer to study and do well. We served them strawberry cake with berries & cream ice cream. Definitely not Schwan’s or even the cheapest ice milk. But they loved it. Also served Chai with lots of milk, sugar and tea. They introduced themselves to me by each one saying something about the one that was being introduced. A good way of encouragement and showing respect for one another. They enjoy being together and they dearly worship Becky. For the sharing time, Nichole gave her testimony. In closing, they each voiced a prayer concern and someone volunteered to pray for that person all week. They are very mature in their faith. They all have major family and financial problems. They all told me how happy they were to meet me and thanked me for meeting with them-“please come back”. I know now why Becky is so attached to each one. 6 boys and 1 girl. She is 16 and can she pray I felt very humble to be in the presence of these young people.
Nov. 7 Wednesday The Middleton (they are here for a week –they live in Turkana)girls, Beck, Nichole and I went shopping where the Kenyans shop. Quite an experience. Each vendor has a space, some have covering over them and some don’t, the ground had had water running down the middle so it had a deep crevice. Trying to walk on the sides was very hard. Kind of walk like a duck straddling the crevice. I wore sandals –not a good choice as my feet slipped all over in them. But when I spied the prefect dress for Jennifer and one for Glenda I forgot about trying to stand and to walk.
If anyone wants a dress from Kenya let me know I still have some shopping days left!
Nov. 8 Thursday-Geraldine and Susan were here for lunch. Susan told us that a woman called her late at night to come to the hospital as her 5 year old daughter had been raped by her school teacher. The child was in the hospital and had to have treatment –no money was available to pay for it. The priest was called and he ask the mom to forgive the teacher and say nothing. When Geraldine heard that she went ballistic –she reported the guy to the police. They are sure there are others that this has happened to. It took the child 2 days before she could speak and tell them who did it. Susan says this is a common experience in Kenya. How heartbreaking We are praying the police follow through and the guy is discharged. We did pray for him and the priest.
Nov 9 Friday-I shopped at the Massai Market where you bargain for low prices. I had very good luck. Jean I got you a black dress-and earrings for Jennifer and Glenda. Sandy, I found a key chain with a giraffe on it for our locker keys We had a blast. The vendors are so funny and friendly. Lots of tourists there. I thought I had the hang of the bartering but know I over paid for a lot of my stuff. Oh well, probably fed a family for a week or a month
Nov. 10 Sat. –this morning while Nichole and Melissa Middleton rode horses, us moms and one other missionary-Pearl went to a fabulous place. It was a house made into a store-fantastic and very nice items. Some were out of our price range but you know they took my Visa and so there you go I never leave home without it.
Pearl is with the Baptist and her husband is with AIM-he is a pilot. What a wonderful Spirit filled young woman. Monica Middleton is also. God has blessed Becky with kindred spirit friends. They laugh at all the things that don’t work(my pet peeve), encourage each other, share information-the standard question is, “how much did you pay for that?” They all ask this question-I wanted to remind them when they are in the states, that is a no-no question. Perhaps they know that already
Tomorrow we go on Safari. Praise God we are flying to the Masa Mara. It was a treacherous bumpy trip in the past.
God bless you with abundant Love Joy and Peace –Rita T
Thursday 11-8
Posted: Friday, November 09, 2007 - 4:07:04 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Thursday 11/9/07 5:45 A.M.
Yesterday morning Nichole went riding and Rita went shopping – Randy went to work. Terry Jones picked me up and we went to the industrial area of Nairobi(20 minute drive) to pick up some hardware – drawer slides, door holders(both spring loaded and magnets), wood glue and a piece of flashing for the top of the plywood on the basketball backboard.
We ate lunch at 1:00 with Terry – Geraldine and Susan(friends of the Coates who have ministries of their own) was the guests of honor – they both like cake so Becky had made a pineapple cake for dessert. Very good – we ate outside under the trees.
After lunch, the welder(Peter Paul) and his assistant arrived at the gate carrying a small welder with no cover on it, big sidewinder grinder, welding rods, etc – they had carried all this several blocks. The basketball court was about 50 yards from our nearest electrical outlet and we didn’t have enough extension cords to reach so Terry took them back to the shop for cord. The cords they brought had no ends on them including the welder and grinder. They got all the cords fastened together and Peter Paul was able to cut off the angle irons at the 3 attachment points on the pole – two cobbled up 2x4 poles were attached to the backboard and we were able to tip the backboard to the cement – there Peter Paul welded a short piece of angle iron to the top brace – I put 5” extensions on the poles and we tipped the backboard in place – He tacked the lower attachment point and we adjusted the positions of the legs to square the backboard up to the court. He then welded all three attachment points – .job well done. We then went to the compound gate which was dragging on the ground. We cut off the top attachment and welded it so the gate didn’t drag. Peter Paul did all that welding with just dark glasses and sandals on his feet which had him jumping when the welding slag hit his feet. Not quite up to OSHA standards – He charged me 2000 Shillings($30) for the 3 hours work – Good deal for me by American standard and good deal for him by Kenyan standards.
After a supper of delicious chicken and biscuits, we had family devotions where Randy read from I Thess: 5 where we are to encourage each other and to seek out the timid – very good message.
We go to the Jones for lunch today – another good meal.
God Bless, Jerry
Wednesday 11-7
Posted: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 - 8:41:05 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Wednesday 11/8/07 4:20 A.M.
Yesterday, Randy and I left at 9:40 to meet up with Bishop Njogu( the N is silent) at a Java House. He has been a friend of Randy for many years. Randy said he looks up to him more than any other pastor. He’s about 5’10” tall with an expanding stomach – not as bad as mine. He has traveled with Randy to Turkana before. He’s a funny guy with many stories. He’s the head of about 40 churches of his denomination and also pastors a church. We traveled about 1.5 hours into Maasai land where we met up with Pastor John who is a Maasai pastor that is over a few church pastors and has his own church of another denomination. He’s about 6’2” and slender – beautiful smile and spoke excellent English –age estimate early 30s. John then guided us to where he is now living off road about a mile. There were 2 dwelling – a Maasai hut 10’ square and about 4’ high made of sticks plastered with a mixture of mud and cow dung where his parents live. We all went inside where it was very dark and greeted his mother and sat down – there was a charcoal fire going and it was extremely smoky – the smoke went out thru a small opening in the roof which was sheets of galvanized steel held in place with rocks. John told us his mother slept on one side of the hut and up to 7 slept on the same bed on the other side of the hut. He also said the small goats stay in there at night. He said some cold nights the hyenas come in and sleep by the fire. He told of killing many cheetahs with a spear that attacked their livestock(cattle, goats, and sheep) Randy then blessed this home and then went to pastor John’s home(10’x14’ steel building with cement floor). We met his wife Mary who was also tall – they have a 5 year old girl and a 2 year old boy – the little boy was really watching me – probably the grey hair and glasses – Mary served us Chai and then lunch which was rice, greens, potatoes and another dish with some kind of meat in it(probably goat) – it was very good. We then got down to the business at hand – planning the 3 day training seminar of the 8 Turkana pastors and their wives. Randy handed out the tentative schedules of who would speak and at what times. There was good input by all. We then all prayed and we thanked Mary for lunch and headed back to Nairobi where we got in a big traffic jam during rush hour – got home about 5.
Rita spent the day with the Coates and Middleton women shopping.
Rita had the family devotions and said that God loves us as we are but he will change as he wants us to be.
Today, Terry suppose to come by in the morning and if he got an appointment for the welder to come we will work on raising the basketball backboard 5” – I’ve cobbled together two 2x4’s which I can screw into the wood on each side of the backboard that will reach the cement and have 2 5” extensions that I can quickly screw on so getting it the right height should not be a problem.
God Bless, Jerry
Tuesday 11-6
Posted: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 - 10:05:38 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Tuesday 11/7/07 5:45 A.M.
Health wise, things are looking up – Randy got good report from the doctor – Rita’s at 95% and Joel is at 70%.
I spent the morning putting the sliding locks on the bathroom doors and fixing an old vacuum cleaner – the switch is broken and has to be continually held down to run – drilled hole thru plastic foot petal and fastened a heavy wire hook that would hold the petal down.
The Middleton’s came for lunch at 1which we had out in the yard and stayed till 4 – Walter works for AIM(Africa Inland Missions) where he uses his talents in construction – They were stationed here in Nairobi for 7 years and became good friend of the Coates – they were reassigned to an area close to Turkana – He, Terry and Randy are going to work together on some water projects. He & Monica have three wonderful children – Nathan who is 14 likes to play with Joel(gel guns and computer games) and the girls are 15,16 and are Nichole’s best friends. Wonderful family who love the Lord.
Every Tuesday evening Becky invites her teachers here for fellowship, games and prayer – Rita participated and will have her write about it.
Family time Becky led the devotions on the good and faithful servant – and asked us if we knew Christ was coming in 30 days what would we do different??
Today, the women are going shopping with the Middletons and Nathan is coming here to be with Joel and I’m going with Randy and picking up a pastor to meet another pastor who is Maasai – they have never met and will be the leaders of the Turkana pastors and wives retreat. The meeting will be for prayer and planning and we will have lunch together(hope we don’t drink cow’s blood).
God Bless, Jerry
Monday 11-5
Posted: Monday, November 05, 2007 - 10:04:14 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Monday 11/6/07 6:20 A.M.
Yesterday consisted of putting up more selves in the laundry room and Joel’s work room. Also putting slide bolt lock on the bathroom and bedroom doors. Raising a curtain rod 2 inches so the drapes wouldn’t rub on the floor in the office.
Rita’s back to almost 100% - Randy has a Doctor’s appointment this morning but he was feeling good last evening. Joel is also getting back to his normal self so maybe by tomorrow we’ll all be up to full strength.
Terry Jones(missionary friend who was a former pilot, carpenter, etc) stopped in. He and Randy have worked together in Turkana some. I asked Terry for some advice on how to repair our basketball pole that was moved from the other house. It consists of a 4 inch metal pipe 17 feet long with 1 inch angle irons making a frame to hold a 4 foot square of 1 inch plywood that holds the hoop – angle irons hold the backboard away from the pole 1.5 feet. When they moved the pole to this place they miscalculated and the hoop is only 9 feet 6 inches high so we must raise it 6 inches. Terry’s suggestion is to grind off the angle iron at the 3 attachment points and rowel it 6 inches higher. Easier said than done(How do we control the backboard 10 feet above the ground?? We’re going to give in a try Thursday.
Rita worked with Nichole making a costume for school. Becky spent a lot of time going thru the APs(must have at least 40 of them) and relabel the outside.
Joel led the family devotions on faith – did a good job – I didn’t have my praise song list but got by.
God Bless, Jerry
Sunday 11-4
Posted: Monday, November 05, 2007 - 12:17:55 AM
by Jerry & Rita
Sunday 11/5 3:00 A.M.
Joel got sick about 5 A.M. and vomited on the kitchen floor. He felt rotten all day and was running a little fever – seemed to be better last night. I stayed home with Joel while the rest went to church. Rita will report on the church service.
Randy’s back to eating solid foods and Rita is almost back to normal. After everyone got back from church(3 P.M.) we ordered Chinese and it was good.
While everyone was at church James(alternate gardener) scrubbed out the kitchen and washed all the dishes and did the laundry. He did a wonderful job. He works Sundays and Mondays and Nicholas works the other days of the week. He was the Hunt’s(previous renter) gardener and Fred and Evanston were the guards which Randy kept on. During the night Fred scrubbed out the rooms where we built the shelves. Becky was able to get many of the APs put away – will hopefully get done today.
Due to Joel being sick I was moved up a day for family devotions – I am reading a book called Roaring Lambs where the author states if we are following our shepherd, we must go out and make a difference on our world. Matthew 5:13a and 14a stated that we are the salt and light of the earth. Salt seasons and preserves and should mixed in. Are we leaving our salt in our salt shaker(church)??
God Bless, Jerry
Monday 5 Nov. 8 am
Hey friends, Rita here. Hopefully the Kenya stomach bug has left this household-just knocking half of us out I was upset that I was allowed to get sick on my shopping day at the Masai Market. But then guess things like that just happen. I have discovered a “mini mall” about a mile from here. I can walk there! Only problem I won’t be able to carry all my purchases home. I will find a way
Sat. Beck, Nichole and I went to a Christian School flea market. What a variety of people and stuff. Can you believe we shopped for plastic coat hangers and found them! We were shopping for a bike for Joel as that is one exercise he can do with his knee problems. Didn’t find one but will keep looking. We met the Coates’ good friends there-the Middletons and Yosts who both live in Turkana. Such a welcome they gave me. Girls shopping together is most fun.
Sunday I went with Randy to church. Beck and Nichole left earlier at 8:30 to meet with the teachers before class. This was a special celebration Sunday. The Cornerstone Assembly church is 9 years old. It began in the Coates’s living room in June of 1998. Later Francis rented a huge house to hold the services in. When that got too small they built a pole building on the grounds that held 500 and held 2 services. That got too small and they have moved again to a larger space and built another pole building church. They have 3 services now. Only for this Sunday there was only one service 10 to 2 pm.
These people know how to celebrate in a very loud way Praise and worship for the first hour. Band and choir and dancers. I was still a little weak so did not participate in the high aerobic dances but did do a little swaying and clapping The loud speakers were booming so loud I could sing as loud and off key as most of you know I can. Evelyn, Becky C. our voices would be welcomed and not heard
Bishop Francis Kamau, Randy’s partner, preached on 1John 3:2. He wears all the gear a bishop wears now. Looked quite elegant-never seen attire like his. He married 2 years ago and his wife gave her testimony as part of the service. She has made a CD and she sang some of the songs on it. I bought it-it is all in Swahili but she sounds good even if I have no idea what she is singing. She had some of the church’s choir members be part of her back up group. The girls had on the most beautiful dresses. I didn’t bring my camera with me –dumb dumb-I do hope to get a photo of them as video cameras and flash cameras were going full time.
Becky had a full house of children for the four hours of service. She usually gets 3 different classes when they have 3 different services. She has bigger class rooms now which is great. But the noise from the church is over powering. Her voice is worn out after talking loud for that long. The children love her and Nichole. Their teaching is full of love and joy and fills these children’s empty hearts. Her teachers are young teens and 2 older young men. They are coming over Tues. night for supper and worship-also fun and games.
I slept all night –first time I am enjoying a fresh mango smoothie at the moment. Jer building shelves with Fred. Mama Kevin washing the mountain of dishes. Randy, Joel and Nichole still sleeping. Becky reading her Bible.
Nichole and I are working on an assignment. She is to design and make costumes for 3 of the Nardia characters. She choose the Snow Queen, Queen Susan and King Peter. We shopped at the flea market for some of the fabric and went thru the action packers for the rest. We have the cape finished for the Snow Queen and will work on the dress today. Making the sleeves out of an old white nylon gown and the dress of an old table cloth. Plan on putting white glue on it and sprinkling with sugar to make it sparkle like snow. Found some fake fur on a Santa hat for the neck of the cape. I am in my glory as it was a dream a life time ago to be a costume designer
Becky has prayed to live in a home with a yard as big as the one on the farm. Her dream has been fulfilled. God is so good. I call this place an oasis. We are surrounded by blooming flowers, lush green foliage, tall graceful trees, grass to play soccer and now to have soft gel wars. If you don’t know what that is ask your sons or grandsons! They are the rage in West Bend
I would like to hear from Sandy about the activities at the Y; from someone from the church; middle school basketball; weather reporter; UMW conference officers about MEE; in fact, any news would be great. Just don’t send forwards. And you know the correct email address is: cmi@iwayafrica.com
God bless you indeed this day my friends, Rita T
Saturday
Posted: Saturday, November 03, 2007 - 7:44:02 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Saturday 11-4 3:10 A.M.
Yesterday went well – Randy & Rita are both feeling better – Randy 60% - Rita 75%.
Nicholas, Joel and I worked on our shelving project and by 5 P.M. we had 3 tier shelves installed in the laundry room and Joel’s work room – we drilled over 40 holes into the cement.
Rita, Becky and Nichole went to the large garage sale held at a Christian School. Becky bought some shades for the glassed in porch, so another project for me.
We have our noon meals outside and our evening meals inside – at noon we had spaghetti and at night we had pizza – both very good – Randy’s still on broth.
We had our family devotions with Nichole leading it. It was good – on stumbling – we each related incidents where we tripped and was maybe embarrassed – she than related how we stumble in our life and how God can pick you up. Each family member has a night to lead the devotions – Becky did the first night, Randy the second, Nichole the third – I’m scheduled for Monday and Rita Wednesday.
Today will be a big day as the church is celebrating its ninth year of existence 4-5 hour service.
God Bless, Jerry
Friday
Posted: Friday, November 02, 2007 - 7:01:26 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Friday 2:00 A.M. 11/3
When I couldn’t sleep the night before last due to Rita having the light on reading because she wasn’t sleepy, I thought I just as well get up and go to the office and do my blog. To get to the office I had to unlock our bedroom door to get to a glassed in porch which was also locked and go around the outside to the main door of the house – the alternative was to go thru the bedroom where Randy & Becky were – which we had orders not to do if the door between our rooms were closed. Here comes the rest of the story – when I got done writing yesterday’s blog, I laid done on the sofa in the office and tried to go to sleep but a mosquito bussed me so went to another part of the house and fell asleep on the sofa in the living room. During this time Rita got sick and decided she needed a bowl to vomit in, so she goes around the outside of the house to the front door which I relocked and started pounding on it – the guard came to see what’s wrong and misunderstood her thinking I was sick so he pounds on Randy & Becky’s window and wakes them saying I was unconscious – Becky got up and heard me snoring on the sofa so mystery solved. Rita was very sick all day only able to have ice chips – was able to eat half piece of toast in the evening – appears to be better now – will know by 8:30 as Becky & Nichole are going to a sale where you rent a booth if you have things to sell and you can usually find good bargains. If Rita can’t shop, she’s really sick.
Randy is a little better – drank a lot of Sprite and was able to eat a potato at supper.
Our shelving project – Nicholas and Joel cleaned out the laundry room putting the Ap’s outside and putting the other boxes in the other rooms. We then removed the lumber that was salvaged from Mountainview. We had only one cement bit and it got bent on the 4th hole and we needed some mollies so Randy was up and felt good enough for us to drive to Yaya Centre(shopping mall) where we were able to purchase 4 different size cement bits(3,4,5,6mm) and mollies for the 6mm. Got back home to eat lunch and then to the stables where Nichole had a lesson on jumping, Joel took the other horse to the arena and practiced making the horse go around him one way and then the opposite on a long rope leash – Joel also had a 5’ long whip in the other hand – he didn’t whip the horse just used it to signal the horse. Joel can’t ride yet as it makes his knees sore. Nichole can control her horse well.
Nicholas, Joel, and I went to work on the selves at 4:30 – things went well – the new bit worked good and the cordless saw and drill worked good that we brought from the states.
After supper we had family devotions and I showered and went to bed. When it’s my turn for a praise song it seems that I know at least 20 but can’t think of one. Maybe Donna or Darla could e-mail a short list of familiar ones.
Continue praying for Randy & Rita and also for Becky and Joel’s knees.
God Bless, Jerry
Thurday
Posted: Thursday, November 01, 2007 - 7:08:08 PM
by Jerry & Rita
Friday, 11/2/07 1:45A.M.
Yesterday, it rained off and on most of the day – We ate breakfast on the veranda which was scrambled eggs and bacon with fresh squeezed orange juice. Their home is beautiful – bigger than I remembered – 4 bedrooms – two full baths and another toilet – office, dining room, nice living room that open out to the veranda with fireplace – the grounds are beautiful – many tall trees – many with flowers – one has the ground covered with purple flowers – huge garden.
The quest house is almost out of sight from the main houses because of trees and bushes(30 yards away) – it is L shaped with several rooms all with doors to the outside(guards room, laundry room, Joel’s room where the dogs sleep and he keeps his tools and stuff, and a storage room. My first project is to put shelving in the laundry room, Joel’s room, and the storage room. All three rooms are full AP’s and storage boxes so for at least the first one things will be outside – the walls are all made of good cement so drilling to put in molly’s will be a challenge. Nicholas( the gardener), Joel and will do the project – Nicholas removed all the shelving from the guest house from where they moved from so we will reuse as much material as we can.
Today, Rita, Becky and the kids are headed to the Maasai Market(outdoor market where about 200 Kenyans sell their crafts), the kids do a good job of bartering.
Yesterday we unpacked supplies, gifts, etc – had lunch outside on the patio – supper inside in the dining room. Yesterday I gave the kids two math problems – Joel’s was to figure out the size of the grounds and Nichole’s to find out the height of the tallest tree on the grounds – Joel’s answer was 0.6 acre(80 stepsx120 steps) and Nichole’s was 90 feet and there are 3-4 other close to that.
Last night we watched Collin’s(cousin) 5 8th grade football games on DVD after which we had family devotions where we each chose a praise song to sing(Nichole made booklets of praise songs so Rita and I would know the words) and then we each said a prayer.
Concern – Randy still had the scoots but was able to keep Sprite down – if not better today – will go to the doctor.
God Bless, Jerry
We're here!!!
Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 11:23:36 PM
by Jerry & Rita
We arrived last evening at 8:10 and all our luggage arrived with us. PTL Our flight from Detroit to Europe was only half full so Rita got about 5 hours sleep lying across 4 seats. Our flight from Europe to Kenya was a 747 and it was crammed full. Becky and Joel came to the airport as Randy was sick. Randy's faithful mechanic Elijah drove. Their home and grounds are wonderful. Thanks for your prayers, Jerry
On the way to Africa soon
Posted: Monday, October 22, 2007 - 10:41:26 AM
by Jerry & Rita
We will be leaving the states Oct. 30.
Muslim Seik Meets Jesus
Posted: Saturday, August 12, 2006 - 10:12:00 PM
by RC
In 2000 I had the prividedge of participating in one of the most dramatic conversion and discipleship experiences:
Abu Bakr is an intelligent man from a Muslim tribe along Kenya’s coast. Equipped with a degree in Islamic law from Saudi Arabia and an unbridled zeal for the teachings of Q’uran (which he had memorized), he was appointed director of Islamic apologetics and propagation for East Africa at a very young age. Abu Bakr’s work had caused hundreds of Christians from all walks of life (including many members of the clergy) to abandon their faith and turn to Islam. For his excellent devotion and profitable service to the cause he was paid handsomely by the government of a certain Muslim country in the region.
Later Abu Bakr began to question various aspects of Islamic dogma. Though he had won the debates in public, his soul still thirsted…the guilt of sin weighed heavily upon him. Unfortunately, at this time of searching, Mormon missionaries appeared at his door step with answers to all of his questions. He renounced Islam to join the LDS. This decision cost him his family and his status in the community. Within two years Abu Bakr was riding a bike around his village spreading the teachings of Joseph Smith. But his soul still thirsted.
Three weeks ago Abu Bakr was passing our church on the way to the Egyptian Embassy. He felt “strangely compelled” to come in. It was the first time he’d ever entered a church (with the exception of LDS). After counseling him for a long time, Abu Bakr finally realized it was Jesus that his heart had thirsted for. He was dying inside and he needed a savior. He gave his life to Jesus in an emotional prayer and is now a part of our church.
Followup:
Abu Bakr’s conversion caused a huge stir in Kenya’s Islamic community. Within weeks of his conversion, I found him in a hospital in critical condition after members of his own family beat him with sticks causing severe internal hemorrhaging. His youngest daughter died and Muslims everywhere (including his own family) blamed him for renouncing the “only true religion”. His wife and children and other family member would not speak to him. All his belongings were seized by the Muslim community. Numerous death threats were issued…and they even sent me a letter (which I still have) claiming I had paid him a large sum of money to become a Christian.
Through it all Abu Bakr remained firm to his devotion to Jesus. He gave me his Q’uran, his special hat, his ring and many of his prized books. Even when I assured him the choice was his to return to Mohamed if he wished, he stated he would rather die than turn away from the peace he had found in Jesus. A month after his conversion, by certain divine appointment I had the privilege of meeting his oldest son Abu and praying with him to receive Jesus. We rejoiced with both men that now they were two--together in their new faith. The joy was short lived as Abu was ambushed by car-jackers and killed within days of his conversion.
It is so difficult for Muslims to come to Christ. They give up everything in order to receive Jesus: jobs, friends, family, status, health and often their lives. Abu Bakr is still serving Jesus. I haven’t seen him in a while. His life is still in danger but he now lives in another city where he was not well known. His faith and commitment still amaze me.
Nine Warriors For Breakfast
Posted: Friday, August 11, 2006 - 12:14:31 AM
by RC
It was July 2004 when we first reported the following event...
I awoke early in the morning in the remote village of Lomurie. As I unzipped my tent I was startled to see nine fierce looking warriors seated ten feet from my tent and staring intently straight at me. I was uncertain if they had come to harm us...but they definitely did not look very friendly. It turns out that we had led their father, a very powerful witch-doctor in the community, to Christ the night before. Subsequently, he directed his sons to find us the next morning in order to hear the same “Good-News.” God led these young warriors to our tent before dawn so that before we even had time to comb our hair, we were sitting in the desert sand and teaching these men about the love of Christ... and then we watched them earnestly pray to receive JESUS as Lord and Savior. Halleluiah! For Seven years now we have seen over and over again how the grace and power of the Holy Spirit draws men, women & children to the point of salvation. Sometimes we feel we are as much spectators as participants in this great mission of Christ to reach the unreached. Your prayers and support have enabled us to be there for people like these nine warriors who are now elders in a newly planted church. God Bless you!
When Al Qaeda Came To Us
Posted: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 11:54:00 PM
by RC
Terrorism is a huge issue for all of us in today's world. What follows is our account of when Al Queda bombed us out of our offices in 1998.
The Unites States Embassy sits directly across the street from our office in down-town Nairobi. Each day, I sit at my desk and look out my window to the front of the Embassy. We can’t remember a day when Francis, Luci (our secretary) or myself have not been in the office...until August 7, the day of the bomb. That particular morning Francis spent an extra hour in prayer at home and I scheduled to be out for the day. At 9:30AM (an hour before the bomb) Luci left the office to walk down the street to the post office—she walked right past the building where the blast was about to occur. At 10:30AM Friday August 7th the bomb went off killing some 170 people and injuring over 5,000. Our office was completely destroyed, glass and blood everywhere. The walls blew in crushing the desks and chairs. If any of us had been there, it seems that serious injury or death would have been certain. Francis and I were away from city-centre at 10:30 but Luci was on the street only 2 buildings away. She doesn’t remember the blast, only running and jumping over bodies and twisted metal, and glass flying like snow flakes through the air—she wasn’t even scratched though. We praise God that He was watching over us. At the same time we grieve for the families of many of our neighbors who either sustained permanent injuries or lost loved ones as a result of this senseless act of terror. We are immensely grateful to all of you who e-mailed with concern over our safety and assuring us of your faithful intercession.
Post script: though our office was totalled, God used the timing of this tradgedy to move us into the location where we would plant our first church. Today that church is a fast growing congregation of nearly 1,200 people.
Profile of a Refugee
Posted: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 11:40:40 PM
by RC
CMI regularly does ministry among the large refugee population in Kenya. What follows is an account from our first year of ministry:
Deka is a beautiful young Muslim woman from Somalia. By her perpetual radiant smile you would never guess she could have been through so much hell in her life time. Deka has one leg, the other was shot off as she, her mother and younger brother narrowly escaped the murder and mayhem of the tribal clashes in her homeland. The refugee camp was no refuge. Repeated rape, beatings, torture, hunger and fear were all that awaited her there. And Deka is one of five young ladies, with similar stories, who have become close friends with Becky at a Refugee shelter not far from our home. They fled on foot from Rwanda, Congo, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Claire, a shy young Christian from Rwanda carries her new-born baby—conceived from of a brutal rape as she fled her home. Aline is a Rwandan Tutsi and still receives death threats from malicious Hutus here in Nairobi. Viki was studying to become a doctor in Congo, now she only hopes for a home and freedom someday. They all wait patiently in hope that someone will sponsor them in a foreign land and give them a chance at a new life. Most of them have already been waiting for years.
Each week Becky visits these ladies. They play games, share stories and talk about dreams of a happy life. Becky also shares the gospel of Jesus with them. Deka listens to Becky as she sensitively explains the gospel and Deka has been reading several Christian books we have loaned her. Other Muslim ladies have responded positively as well. Please pray for them to have a home soon. Pray that the Muslim ladies will remain receptive and come to proclaim faith in Jesus.
Furlough
Posted: Monday, July 24, 2006 - 11:32:37 PM
by RC
Hey everyone. This summer we're in the USA visitng family and many of the CMI partners. We've got a 12,000 mile road trip through 35 states.
Please pray for us! We want to rest and we want God to be glorified with each visit.
During this summer, until we get back to Kenya, I'd like to post some of the remarkable events we experienced the past nine years in ministry.
Please drop us a short note just to let us know your thoughts on this blog. God Bless
The Family Mission
Posted: Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 11:22:01 PM
by RC
The Bible says all of us will be working for God. Joel and Acts tell us men and women, young and old will be filled and used by God's Spirit.
Well we're just simple enough to believe the Bible is talking about our family. In May we went to work... to do ministry in the Spirit among our friends in Turkana Land.
When the crowds gathered, Joel and Nichole stood in front dressed in their Turkana sheets and spoke and dramatized the stories of Jesus. They pulled people from the crowd to act in the impromptu dramas. Our kids helped the village churches realize the universal application of the Word of God to their lives. The Spirit of God used them mightily.
We visited Natade, Nadoto, Lomurie, Katapakin and Lokoio. Becky and I felt so much joy watching our children run around with the village kids, playing chase and the Turkana version of duck-duck-goose....and even in that...even in the playing and laughing and falling down gigling in the desert sand was the Spirit of God.
Joel has a Turkana name: Erukudi. It means "road." Nichole's name is Alim one of the local "trees." Becky and I have cool names meaning "rain" and "thorn tree" respectively. One of our friends from Nairobi was dubbed the Turkana word for "goat dung". I'm glad they didn't baptize me with that. The point here is that it is an indescribable blessing for us to stroll through the Turkana villages hearing people call us by names similar to theirs and to accept us as one of their own. Every single time we go to minister to the Turkana, we gain so much more than we give.
And we baptized and baptized and then baptized again. From Nangalopus and Nadoto and Lokoio we marched with God's people to celebrate their life in Christ. And we sang and danced as we baptized some 200 new believers in testimony of their life and freedom through Jesus.
Forgiving the Unforgivable
Posted: Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 10:32:38 PM
by RC
Jean Petit saw his whole family butchered before his eyes in 1993. In panic, the Burundian teen-ager grabbed his younger brother and sister and sprinted until exhausted. The next four years were a whirlwind of horrors: narrowly escaping similar attacks as the genocide terrorized every corner of Burundi. Refugee camps in Tanzania and Kenya were no consolation prize for the kids who grew accustomed to fear, abuse, hunger, intimidation and hopelessness.
3 months ago I was preaching about Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness from Matthew 18. Jean Petit was in the congregation. Grabbing me after the service he tearfully described his story and then pleaded: “Randy the man who killed my family is here in Nairobi—I’ve seen him—please go with me...your words, the words of Jesus, convinced me I must find the man to tell him to his face ’I forgive you’. God has convicted me.”
Charles, the Hutu gang leader that killed hundreds of villagers that day in ’93, was now hiding in Kenya. We cautiously accompanied Jean Petit deep into one of Nairobi’s massive slums. But the meeting never happened: when Charles recognized Jean Petit (now 22years old) approaching, he ran in fear, suspecting that he intended revenge.
I was so amazed by Jean Petit. His resolve to reconcile with the murderer only increased. Upon investigating, he discovered Charles fled Nairobi to blend among the populous Hutu community in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp. Jean Petit took the difficult two-day journey to the camp and he cornered Charles in an alley...not to avenge the death of his mother, father, siblings, friends and neighbors, but to say through tears and embrace that “Charles, Jesus forgave me and He has told me to find you at any cost and to tell you ’I forgive you completely for all you’ve done.’” Charles was speechless! But in the course of the next 24 hours, Charles prayed to confess Jesus as the Savior and Lord of his wretched life. Jean Petit’s amazing willingness to forgive the “unforgivable” lead to Charles’ encounter with a Redeemer who forgave all of his sins. This story still amazes and challenges me.
Season 2: Episode 1
Posted: Friday, July 21, 2006 - 10:06:59 PM
by RC
Ok...consider that last entry in May the season ending cliff hanger. And now..."the rest of the story..."
Kidewa has no church and no believers. The journey to reach the villagers is a long off-road affair…but the reason Kidewa and hundreds of similar communities have no church is owed largely to this difficulty in reaching them.
Kidewa is a typical Turkana village: grass huts scattered widely across the arid landscape. Since we got stuck crossing a river along the way, our time in Kidewa was limited so we divided into three teams and began the long hot walk. The reception was amazing: some cried, some cheered, and some waded across a swollen river anxious to know the reason of our visit. We sat outside their huts, alongside a swollen river, and in the shade near our parked car and in each case people listend intently and responded enthusiastically. That day twenty people learned about Jesus and put their faith in Him and thus a church was born in Kidewa. The elders urged us to return and share more of God's Word.
Pray for these new believers and for God to raise up a spiritual leader to serve as a pastor among them. Our team has returned to Kidewa since that trip and more villagers have been added to the Church.
Land Cruiser Blues
Posted: Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 2:40:45 PM
by RC
Toyota Land Cruiser’s are very tough vehicles. I love ours and it has served us very well these past two years. Nevertheless, this past week pushed the sturdy truck to its limits. We just limped in from Turkana yesterday with two broken windows, two broken tire rims, two flat tires, two broken jack-points, a cracked head lamp, bent front and rear bumpers, 8 broken tire stems and lug nuts and a malfunctioning air-conditioner.
No…we did not relocate to Iraq since you last heard from us. The cost of reaching the isolated villages of the Turkana can be high… but still well worth it. A team of seven: three Americans, one Nairobian, two Turkanas and I (whatever I am?) drove off-road, through rivers and over lava-rock-mountains in search of Kidewa—the Eastern most village in the district. Nobody in Kidewa has ever heard of Jesus!
The challenges were many. First adventure: Stuck for three hours, all tires buried in the loose beach-like sand of the lager. Next challenge was the next river we got stuck in—here at least there were trees to help us winch out. Then: The Futile attempt to sleep in the car after the spares and rims and stems and lugs had died in the battle. And finally—spiders! Lots of ‘em…big, poisonous and fast. Fortunately God held us and helped us through each difficulty and wow! was there a lot of fruit at the end of it all (see the next blog for that).
The car will be repaired and we’ll blast through the African Bush some more for the glory of Jesus name in just a couple weeks…and I’m most excited about my teammates for that journey: Becky, Nichole and Joel. For now, I’m just happy to be home.
Loving Muslims
Posted: Friday, April 07, 2006 - 3:29:48 PM
by RC
Recently two Muslim men walked into one of our churches and disrupted the program by proclaiming “we want to serve your Jesus. Teach us how to follow Him.” The believers were at first shocked and then elated as they burst into praise of God. Both men are now believers and very active in the church.
This is not the first time Muslims have come "out of their way", even putting their lives at risk, to seek and find Jesus in one our churches. I am aware of at least 5 such dramatic conversions in our nine years here.
There is a cost! The recent case of the brother in Afghanistan who converted from Islam gained huge international media attention. That story is not an anomaly—it may be normative across the globe. For our Muslim friends there is rarely a middle ground: to put faith in Jesus Christ means to give up everything…even to die for this new faith. Our friends who’ve converted here have lost their jobs and their families. They’ve been beaten, threatened and even had family members killed. Most have had to leave their home towns to hide in new communities.
Western believers are shocked by this, but Jesus isn’t. He told us/warned us repeatedly of the cost of following Him. From Stephen and James in Judea, to Huss in the Middle Ages, Bonhoffer in Nazi Germany and even Cassie Bernall at Columbine H.S. many have died for the faith. Most Muslims who come to Christ will never have their story published. Most will never be elevated as heroes or highlighted in Christian periodicals. Many even go back to Islam because the pressure is too intense…the cost too high.
Some of our greatest moments in ministry have come through interaction with our Muslim friends. It is a joy to love the followers of Mohammed…with a genuine love…not play acting to manipulate them into conversion…but to genuinely love people radically different than us regardless of religion. In the process, walls have come down, healing has taken place and several have professed Jesus as Lord.
We urge everyone to pray for the salvation of Muslims everywhere and particularly for those in East Africa.
Doing Life with Incredible Teenagers
Posted: Monday, April 03, 2006 - 9:53:01 AM
by BC
Laughter, smiles, dark chocolate brown eyes twinkling with excitement always greet us when we arrive at the hospital children’s ward 3C. Little hands soon grab to hold our big hands. Boniface begins with a worship song, sometimes Muslim adults will leave, but yet their children stay. Dennis will teach a lesson using Bible story pictures. Out come the puppets, the children are in wonder over the yellow and orange faces talking with them. Then laughter overcomes them when one of the puppets doesn’t know any of the answers to the story. The team then breaks up into twos and prays with each patient. Stephen, age 9 in a 4 year old body, just had a tracheotomy due to a large growth disorientating his face. Janet, age 11 in a 6 year old body, looks like she’s pregnant with twins and her mother is stroking Janet’s stomach as Janet cries softly in pain. Gladys has been there for months. Baraka, whose name means blessing, smiles at me with his oversize tummy. There’s Frita and a host of other children eager to receive love and attention. Joel and Nichole are always favorites. Joel manages to get those who are able to move running after him. He frightened my puppeteers when he jumped on the ledge of the wall to get away from all the kids who wanted to touch his hair (this is the same four story high ledge that mothers have thrown their babies over to someone to catch to escape from the hospital). Dennis and Nichole partner off to pray with the sick. Joel and his best friend Malcolm pair off. Nichole remembers the people she prays for until she knows they are healed.
Visiting hours are over, we jump in the bus revived even after most of the teachers and puppeteers have been at the church since 7:30 AM teaching and loving children and having had nothing to eat but the samosa I bought them for the trip over. It is now 4:30 PM as Paul, our leader, leads us in prayer when our bus safely pulls into the church. I look at this group of 12-20 year olds and am amazed at their commitment and desire to give. The lives of these teenagers are difficult—a house and food are not “givens” for them. They struggle to live and yet they are rich with love for Jesus! They desire to share Him with others. These are the kind of people my children and I get to do life with. We are blessed!
Living LIfe in the Real Kenya
Posted: Monday, April 03, 2006 - 9:50:38 AM
by BC
“We’re in real Kenya, now,” Randy says as we drive off the main road onto a dirt path that is full of potholes and ruts. Driving on a narrow road lined with kiosks, we look forward to reaching our friends, Margaret and Oliver, who are playing, teaching, and feeding around 80 children every Saturday. Many of these children aren’t able to attend the free public schools because they aren’t able to purchase the school uniforms and other normal school supplies. They are clad in torn clothing, many shoeless, but all wear a smile and have a countenance full of hope! We made several twists and turns before arriving in the hot sun of a treeless compound. Iron sheets were the walls reflecting the sun onto us. The family soon split up. One of my teachers asked me, “Where’s Joel?” I looked in the direction of a mob of kids laughing and he was buried among them somewhere. Nichole was wedged in on a bench and had a 3 year old on her lap. She was trying out her Swahili with the older girls sitting beside her. Randy was soon involved in a game of transporting water by a cup to fill a bottle—the kids were laughing as he was losing the race to someone who was trying to let him win. Smile. Me, I was with Wambui and Wanjiru and a host of other little girls teaching them a couple of Bible verses in sign language. We love living life in the real Kenya.
Alim's New Eyes
Posted: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 4:34:12 AM
by RC
Lodwar, Kenya. January 2006. Naomi Alim steps out of the crowd with the guidance of a friend to ask for prayer. Alim is not a Christian but this night she’s compelled by an odd notion that she should ask these Christians to pray for her and…”just maybe their God will heal me.” Blind from birth, she is asking God for the impossible: to give her sight. I am one of several hundred witnesses that Jesus immediately responded to our prayer and Naomi’s greatest desire—she can see perfectly. In an instant her life was forever changed. Today she sees! No drama...no theatre...no screaming, spitting, or bashing on the head...just simple supplication to our Almighty God and the girl is healed. This miracle led so many unbelievers to turn to Jesus (including Alim). Singing, dancing, shouting. The street turned into a carnival celebration and cars were not able to pass through. Alim was out of control...just looking at everyone and everything...soaking it in, crying tears, hugging necks and joining in the dance. It was a scene straight out of the Gospels. This is fun ministry! This makes all the hard stuff bearable. Alim’s miracle also gave hope to the village: God has remembered us...God has visited us...He will see us through this famine”.
You're taking your children to Africa?
Posted: Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 8:54:38 AM
by BC
My dear great Aunt Emma was so concerned about Randy and I bringing our children over to Kenya 8 ½ years ago when our children were two and four years of age at the time. She said, “I can’t believe you are taking your children over there!” I tried my best to explain to her that more than anything in the world we wanted our children to grow up following Jesus and how could we do that if we, Randy and I, didn’t follow Him? So if my children didn’t go to Kenya they would never have:
*walked with giraffes, felt their rough tongue slurping over their hand; held a boa constrictor around his neck; ran next to a cheetah with a thin fence between one another and then stroked the cheetah; felt the rough skin of a baby elephant; ran from a water buffalo which was hidden a few yards from us; had their carrots stolen by a giant baboon; heard the sound of hippos playing in the river about 30 feet from our tents; had ostriches keep them in the river because they were blocking the only path up the bank to camp; and seen wild animals on the savannahs.
*personally shared God’s stories with people who have never heard the stories before and see how God’s stories impacted their lives!
*played a game with camel dung in the desert with the Turkana friends.
*seen God heal a 12 year old boy who was very sick through their prayers.
*done puppet skits for refugee children in our home.
*witnessed to Muslim children at a playground and understood the meaning that the child could not tell her parents she was saved.
*prayed with the family of a girl in our children’s church who an adult had tried to kill.
*been close friends with orphans.
*swam in a lake which has crocodiles.
And they would never have met:
*their adopted aunties who have ridden on a cattle bar above cattle for hours at a time due to bandits on the road and no passenger vehicle going to that remote area. They went to share the Gospel.
*a teenager who works in the children’s ministry whose father gets drunk and chases him from his home at midnight. This teenager, they watched grow into a man and continue to show his father love.
*Waguchu, Joel’s age, who they visited weekly and prayed with in the hospital for two years. Waguchu left us to be with Jesus. But God healed many of the children in the children’s ward that Waguchu was in that Joel and Nichole made friends with. At the same time, Nichole and Joel dealt with some of their hospital friends dying.
*a young man who came to us when he had just been saved two years. This man had stolen a radio with a friend on Christmas Eve and his friend was murdered by mob justice. This young man now teaches Joel and Nichole in children’s church and there is no one that we know that loves like this young man.
…..and the list goes on, but I am told to keep blogs short. Great Aunt Emma, what do you think now that you are looking at us from heaven’s perspective?
A Window in Sudan
Posted: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 2:29:31 PM
by RC
Sudan is calling! Nearly 20 years of civil war ended last year. The window is now open (and the border is open) and they are calling for help and we are burning to respond. God has placed us in the most unique stratigic position to "go ye" into Sudan. We are so grateful.
Before 2006 closes, CMI will have completed the first steps toward our first church plant among unreached Sudanese peoples. At the moment we are praying and strategizing. Will you please begin to earnestly interced with us for this venture?
There are many obsticales: landmines are everywhere; the populace is shell-shocked--depression, alcoholism, hopelesness are the norm in many villages; the peace accord stands on fragile limbs; the lack of stable government in much of the South makes security a concern. But the biggest giants are spiritual. We know the enemy will oppose the Gospel. That is why right now prayer is priority #1!
Again...we invite you to join the Spiritual work of CMI..and pray, pray, and continue praying for the advance of God's Kingdom in Sudan.
The CMI Book Club
Posted: Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 12:41:07 PM
by RC
Oprah has her reading list which people apparently get excited about…so for all you Oprah-fan-types, here’s our list of most recent CMI reads with our important critiques:
Joel: Bruchko by Bruce Olson. An all-time classic missionary biography. Hank the Cow-dog “Faded Love” by John Erickson. Hank is without doubt the coolest dog in literature since Snoopy. You’ve got to read Hank whether Oprah recommends him or not.
Nichole: Hangman’s Curse and Nightmare Academy both by Frank Peretti. What would the world be like without truth or God’s love or kindness? “Best books I ever read.”
Becky: The Bible, by God. Great stories, great morals, great ending, greatest author.
Randy: Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. The sub-title says it all: “Non-religious thoughts on Christian Spirituality”; The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs. A brilliant, hugely influential, humanistic, utopian, liberal economist gives some great insight into Africa’s economic plight with some excellent ideas for correction…he only over-looks the human soul (a minor oversight!).
Family read-a-louds: Lord of The Rings Trilogy. Started this 2005 and will likely finish around year 2020. DC Talks’ Jesus Freaks- Wow! Amazing, inspiring stories of people sold-out to their God.
We do a good amount of reading here. This is partly because: 1). the kids are home-schooled so a big part of their curriculum involves diving in to some awesome books; 2). we don’t have TV: so we’ve never seen Survivor, CSI, Star Search or any of the latest “in” shows; 3). reading really does empower us to be better leaders and better servants among God’s people.. Books are our form of Continuing Professional Education in other words.
Monkey in the Middle
Posted: Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 10:55:30 AM
by RC
Sunday! The busiest day in the Coates family week. Becky has it hardest: at church from 7AM until 3PM, on her feet the whole time, teaching hundreds of kids and administrating a lovable but challenging bunch of children's leaders. The rooms are overcrowded with kids and the PA system blaring from the main church drowns her out to the point of frustration...but she presses on anyway and kids are always blessed. Nichole and Joel are her side-kicks attending each service with her, worshiping Jesus, receiving the Word and actually loving every minute of it!
I was out of town. My team and I preached in our Guirubi church, dedicated babies, prayed for the church leaders and then baptized 14 new believers in the dirty water of a make-shift baptistry outside the church.
So what did we do when the four of us reunited at home Sunday evening? Monkey in the Middle! Maybe you call it keep away. What fun! The four of us with our two dogs with a foot ball in the back yard and the beautiful African Sunset over our heads.
The ministry was great to be sure. But the favorite part of the day for all of us was the running, laughing, out-of-breath, tackling, screaming and even jammed fingers of Monkey in the Middle.
Hunger...for the Word of the Lord
Posted: Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 10:34:24 AM
by RC
I just finished a pastor's conference in Kalokol--a town of nearly 40,000 people along the shores of Lake Turkana. Seven days of ministry with all 18 senior pastors from the community and many of their lay-leaders. God blessed us all: the pastor's gained a lot of helpful instruction in the first ever leaders seminar in that village; and I and my team were touched by the deep hunger they had for God's Word.
This blog has already alluded to the severe draught/famine that has devastated the Turkana people (and it has not shown signs of abating yet). But I was moved to see a similar hunger for spiritual things among the churches of the region as well. All day long we tought them in temps ranging from 94 to 113. We taught for hours, changing from one speaker to the next/ one subject to the next, until we had lost our voices and they wanted more...more of God's Word. They did not want to stop except for the fact that they needed to leave to fetch water for their families each evening.
We provided lunch and dinner for all those attending. This was lunch for many people who had not eaten substantially for many weeks. Yet, frequently when we would break for lunch, the pastors would complain and just ask for "another ten minutes please" or "don't stop, keep on teaching."
Wow! How many believers are so well fed (or is fat the proper term) that they're bored with "the Word"? How many of us have so many competing "good things to do" that we easily tire of "the best things"? How many of us grumble (at least in our minds) when the pastor goes ten minutes too long on Sunday morning?...and we all ate a substantial breakfast before coming to church.
Thank God...those of us who are that well fed! There is no condemnation for those whom God has prospered physically and spiritually. But perhaps we can be challenged by some of the Earth's "poorest in Spirit" who "hunger and crave for more of the Lord" and who "seek first the Kingdom" even when the flesh is aching. It all causes me to rethink who is poor and who is really rich in the Kingdom of God.
Dad's been gone 4 days
Posted: Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 4:08:01 AM
by NC
Dad has been in Turkana 4 days now. He called us on the first when he was in Kitale, but he won’t be able to use a phone for the rest of the time.
We all miss him a lot, and can’t wait till he comes back next Monday. The rest of us will hopefully be going with him this April.
It’s been raining, HARD!!!! Everybody’s so happy about it. The plants had all been dying, the grass was all brown, but now, whew!!! Everything’s coming back to life. Our water tank has been broken for a while, but will hopefully be fixed by next Monday.
A dark day for Kenya
Posted: Friday, March 03, 2006 - 1:17:54 PM
by RC
Some say today was one of the darkest days in Kenyan history. Police with masks invaded one of the main newspaper and TV media companies, beat, harrassed and jailed many people without warrant, burned thousands of copies of the newspaper edition that was preparing to go out, and then confiscated equipement that shut the TV station down most of the day. The UN, 27 govenments, Church leaders, over 100 NGO's and most of Kenya's populace loudly condemned the act. Top government officials confirmed they directed it but no account is being given for "why".
To read the USA/Today brief on the incident, type in the following address (sorry I'm not sure I can make click-on links work with this blog): http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-03-02-kenya-media_x.htm
Many people are very angry or depressed today. I'm asking you to please pray for the people of Kenya today!
Hey it's Raining!
Posted: Wednesday, March 01, 2006 - 1:58:38 PM
by RC
FYI it is raining this week in Nairobi! No news from Turkana if they have any but people are rejoicing here. Wish you could see the excitement--all the local farmers have rushed to their fields to get the seeds in the ground. News reports show people in drought stricken areas dancing and shouting and singing in the rain (the first in two years). Thank God with us and please keep praying 1) that it will reach the desert regions in the north and 2) that it just won't let up. We need tons of rain for a long period of time. The equation is simple in Africa: rain=life.
Three Million Lives
Posted: Monday, February 27, 2006 - 11:57:38 PM
by RC
What are we concerned about? The millions in Kenya at risk of starvation due to the severe famine that has hit this region. Two "rainy seasons" passed us by without the rain. Thus two planting seasons never happened. Thus millions of people relying on their small gardens for food are desperate and those who rely on their goats are equally stressed because their goats are dying. The UN is reporting 3 Million at risk in Kenya alone. Neighboring Ethiopia and Somalia are also severly impacted. Our Turkana friends are in the middle of this crisis and I know several that have died. Many others have resigned...given up...because all their goats have died, their children are weak, the watering holes are just sand. Relief efforts have minimal impact given the scale of the crisis. (See USA/Today's take on our situation: www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-03-04-kenya-drought_x.htm)
Only God can help and so we are praying fervently. Will you please join us in prayer? We need a huge God-sized miracle around here.
Kenyata hospital
Posted: Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 10:14:44 PM
by NC
Yesterday we went to Kenyata International hospital. We go there once every month, to do puppets and pray with the kids. (this is with the other children’s workers of course.)
Many of the people there are not treated, and some are so weak and thin they can hardly move. I love going there, though it hurts to see their pain, they need, I mean they REALLY need, love.
When we go in there, immediately the children are just grabbing my hands, or hugging me, or anything that involves touch. They love the puppets! It is so neat to see the joy and laughter on their faces as a blue guy pops up from behind a blanket.
Many of these people die, and they really need your prayers, for prayer is one of Satan’s greatest enemies.
To save a baby's life
Posted: Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 8:26:49 AM
by RC
This week I am working to save a life--a baby's life. The wife of one of my pastors in a remote Turkana village (Lokoio) has given birth to six children in the last six years. Five of them died within the first 24hrs after delivery. Her only living child is a small malnourished five year old boy.
For the Turkana, delivery happens in a grass hut on a straw mat with flies, desert heat and little water. There are no doctors, nurses, pain killers or IV's...only a traditional midwife.
Miscariage and infant mortality are extremely common in our villages where prenatatal care, proper nutrition and emergency medine are not an option. This sister has had more than her share of suffering.
The last infant to die was July 2005.
Now she is preganant again..about six months. She and her husband are worried...if not depressed and resigned.
CMI is bringing her to Nairboi this Tues. We have enlisted the aid of a superb OB/Gyn and she will be given the best care before during and after delivery that is possible. A friend of ours will provide a bed and a comfortable home for here to wait out the next many weeks. I've promised this couple we will do everything we possilby can to fight for the survival of baby and mother this time around.
Please pray for this sister and the baby she is carrying. Her name is Muthoni. There is always a spritual dimension to these battles. Your prayer will make a difference
Intro...
Posted: Saturday, October 01, 2005 - 4:33:46 AM
by RC
This the inaugural blog of Randy and the Coates family. Here you can get the latest news and ideas from each of us about our ministry in Kenya. Please visit frequently to keep up to date and so you might be better equipped to pray specifically. We welcome your comments along the way as well.
Special thanks to Tim Frank in Iowa who has worked hard on our behalf to get this site up and running. Please speak a prayer of blessing for Tim and his family today.
Stay posted for news to come.
New Blog for CMI
Posted: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 12:09:54 PM
by Webmaster
I just want to introduce to the friends of CMI Ministries a new feature. This will be an online "diary" of this ministry. We will have entries from all of the family members. Please return often to the site and follow our progress.
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