Pauline Baptist Church

Thursday 9/24/09

      Thursday really was a full day of nothing but doing email. I responded to several emails that I was backed up. I do not want to give the impression that we get soooo many emails I just let them build up sometimes before answering. We actually do not get that many emails but the ones that do come we love to read and respond. In the evening we had Bible study. Ricklynn did a great job teaching. 

Friday 9/25/09

      I had a great time with the Lord in the morning both in prayer and reading. I had to catch up on some financial work in the office both personal and missions. I think that it is all under control now. I took a little more time to send out some emails. We got an exciting email from a family that is praying about the possibility of working with us. They are in the preliminary stages of preparations, planning, and preparing but never the less it is exciting to consider the possibility. We will see how the Lord leads. We honestly could use four families or more here working, not only families but single folks, retired folks there are endless possibilities for ministry each one with its various tasks.

      I met with Moses and Juma about the weekend in Mazeras. They were both going to go Saturday to visit one of Juma's cousins on the other side of the river and see what the possibilities were there. Juma was going to return on Saturday afternoon while Moses did some teaching and stayed for Sunday services. We got the plan together for the weekend and prayed.

Saturday 9/26/09

      Kenya went to Mombassa with the ladies of the church for a day of fellowship. They went to some markets together and ate lunch together. Kenya said the trip went well and everyone had a great time. I stayed home and took care of the children. We had a great day together. We spent our morning doing a "project". We built a bed that can be put up during the day for school time and down at night for Kenya and I to sleep on. When the bed is up there is a wall of foot prints and hand prints painted by the children. We had an awesome time doing the "project". They were so excited to show Kenya when she got home.

Sunday 9/27/09

      Sunday we had good services. I preached on playing hide and seek with God. I think the message went really good. Our attendance was good but we had several of our members out for funerals, sickness, and ministry also. After services the children came to me with an issue with one of the girls that comes regularly. Nothing major but it was good to talk it out. Then they all went to choir practice with Mama Derrick and Mama Cedrick After choir practice all the children from choir came to our house and played. There were 12 of them plus our kids. It was an awesome day for our kids. They actually "played" with the children from church. Sometimes they play but this week they played several of the games kids here play and they were using their Swahili and it was good to see them happy. Malindi is becoming home. I praise the Lord for the break through with the kids!

      In the evening we had our services as a family. The services went great! The kids sang so well and they really got the message also. I preached in English the message I preached Sunday morning in Swahili.

Monday 9/28/09

      We spent the day in Mombassa Monday at the dentist and doctors. We tried to get Samuel his shots that he is behind on with no success but we will try again next week. Two of the kids and I had to have our teeth worked on. I also visited a skin doctor about some of the spots that I have on my skin. I have to go in next week to have a couple places removed and sent off. It was good to visit the dermatologist with my skin mixed with the sun here. He gave us some good information of how to care for my skin and know when to be concerned. We stayed into the evening so the kids could watch the movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Tuesday 9/29/09

      I spent several hours meeting with Moses on Tuesday about he and his family. His wife has had a hard time adjusting to living here on the coast so far from home and everything familiar. Moses is dealing with his calling and trying to figure out what God wants him to do. It was a really good meeting, but I am not sure what the end result will be. Moses could move back to western Kenya or he could stay here. It is up in the air right now. He loves it here but his wife is miserable. Pray for them that God will make his will clear. I talked with Moses a lot about culture shock and that it is not just a thing that white people experience but anyone can experience it when they make a big move. 

      I spent the rest of the afternoon in the office preparing for the school meeting on Wednesday.

Wednesday 9/30/09

      I made the final copies and preparations in the morning and headed to the meeting at 10:00 at the church. We had 10 men present for the meeting concerning starting the Bible Institute. We had seven from our church, Daniel Mbuvi from Mangangani, William from Gandini, and James from Kwandezi. The meeting went super good and the men asked some good questions. It was good to see them excited and eager to get started. The end of the month I will be asking the men to decide and to make a commitment to the school. The men will be coming in two Saturdays a month for classes and taking books home with them to study. They will earn a Basic Bible diploma in two years and an advanced diploma in Bible studies after another two years. I am super excited about everyone that came and I can't wait to get started.

      After the meeting Moses and I met with Brother Mbuvi and there are some problems at the church in Mangangani. I am unclear of all the details so this Sunday I will be in services in Mangangani to try and help them through the problems they are having. Pray that God will give me favor with the people and ears to hear the Holy Spirits leading. This situation has the potential to strengthen or destroy the church in Mangangani. Pray for God's protection and discernment to see the truth.

      We also met with William and James from out in Singuaya they are doing well there. Both groups met this week and had a good Bible study. We will try to make a trip out next week to meet with everyone and do some visitation. 

Thursday 10/1/09

      Hard to believe it is October but I guess the calendar does not lie. Today I met again with Moses concerning his family and several things here at the Malindi church and the school. I had to do some work on some office equipment but was able to get it all up and going. Doing this update, talking with Gertrude about translation work, and making some phone calls has consumed a lot of my day. This afternoon I hope to make some calls to the states to speak with the family I mentioned that is considering coming over and our mission committee chairman. So much to do and it seems so little time most days. I really am missing being in the field but I will get out of the office soon. Preparation, planning, and praying are all vital to the success of the work here also. I just like the field work best!!