Pauline Baptist Church

            After the group left on Sunday our friends Greg and Alison Simo arrived with their two sons to be with us on Monday. They have been our friends for a long time and came just to visit with us and take their vacation with us. We spent the entire week doing fun things with them and just visiting it has been so great to just unwind after the busy two weeks with the group not to mention the busy year behind us. Greg and Alison came and did this before in 2002 when we lived in Western Kenya. We are so glad that they came again. Kenya likes it because I actually am taking off that is why the updates and emails are so late.

Saturday August 1

            Alison is a nurse back in Indiana and we asked her to do a class for our ladies on basic health care for your family. She also brought a bag of basic medical things like a thermometer, band aides, Tylenol and so on... The class was on Saturday. They had twelve in attendance and the ladies really enjoyed it. We appreciate Alison being willing to share with the ladies and give them some basic information that will help them in their families.

            I took Greg out on visitation with me. We only got one visit in but it was a good visit. We are so blessed to have friends like the Simos! Not too many friends will travel around the world to visit with you but God has given us a few who will and have.

            Saturday night I also spoke to William Karisa in Singuaya about them meeting there and he said they had 15 last week. We will see how that all continues and, well, to be honest if William is telling the truth. He tends to exaggerate but pray for Singuaya that the Lord will give us direction there.

Sunday August 2

            We got to the church a little early so Kenya could meet with the children concerning starting a children's choir. We had a slew of kids show up. They practiced a little then it was time for Sunday School. Kenya had 34 kids in her class! There were so many kids! Moses taught the adult class and I took three of the little ones to the toddler class and played ball with them.

            This Sunday I asked Moses to preach with Greg and Alison here. I thought they would enjoy hearing and seeing how Moses has grown spiritually. When they first met Moses he was working as a security and grounds keeper at our home in Eldoret and now God is using him in amazing ways. It was so awesome this week because we had so many visitors, several first time visitors. Esther who is the Mganga's(witch doctor)girl friend came to services, Titus children’s’ mom came, Godfry's friend Andrew brought his wife, Juma's parents were with us. There were a lot of new faces. Moses was a little nervous but super excited. I opened the service, Ricklynn lead us in worship, and Moses preached a great message! It was an awesome service. We had over 65 in services.

            Pray for Moses he is doing so well. I really believe that he will soon be the pastor of the First Landmark Baptist Church Malindi. He does so well and the people love him and already follow him. He just needs peace in his heart to know it is what the Lord wants.

            After services Juma, his parents, and Moses went to talk with Mama Naomi and her family about breaking off their engagement and marriage plans. They also were going to talk about what to do with the children. We got word later from Juma that at the meeting Mama Naomi and her family kept the children so Juma can not have them unless she changes her mind in the future. It was heart breaking but at the same time a relief for Juma to know the answer. He still yet may get his children in the future. We will continue to pray but as for his engagement to Mama Naomi that is off for sure. She has really been deceptive. The doctor that delivered Juma's newest baby told Juma that Mama Naomi had other children also besides his two and Juma did not know anything about them. So there is more to Mama Naomi than Juma or anyone knew. I believe the Lord protected Juma from making a mistake in the future. The unfortunate thing is the children. When they get older they can decide for themselves to live with Juma so there is hope for the future if Mama Naomi does not change her mind. It was a hard day for Juma. Pray for him as he deals with all this.

            This evening we had good services at the house listening to brother Chad preach and singing together.

James Taylor

East Kenya Missions