The change of schedule in Tanzania gave us the opportunity to make a visit to the congregation of Emmaus Milimani, near Matunda, Kenya. In my original schedule I was not going to have time to make that visit, but the cancellation in Kajiado, opened the door for us to be able to make an unscheduled visit. Instead of staying at a hotel in Kitale, Russ and I were invited to stay at Anna’s home. We were made right at home. On Sunday morning we slept in until about 8:00am, and then began getting ready for church. Church was about a 45 minute ride (in the same ‘72 Peugot we used the day before) through several small villages to the church location. We arrived early and walked the “campus” looking over the now-completed classrooms and hearing of the plans for future classrooms.
We had a full house for church. Russ again presented his childrens’ sermon on the Good Samaritan and I was asked to preach. After the service there were three new visitors who came forward requesting baptism. They had recently begun attending Holy Cross but had never been baptized. After discussing the importance and meaning of baptism with these candidates, I baptized them before a small group of witnesses in the church.
After visiting with many of the members, both old and new, we drove to the house of Samson Otieno, the pastor of the congregation. He had been sick with malaria for over a week and has not been feeling well. His wife also suffers from diabetes, and recently had a leg amputated as a result. We came and offered prayers to the Great Physician on behalf of both of them, commending their care into His merciful hands. While they had been struggling with many problems it was a comfort to us to witness their trust in the Lord even in this. May the Lord continue to be with them both and their family!
On Sunday night we again returned to Anna’s where we again spent the night. We enjoyed a nice meal with the family, and had some very beneficial discussions together to late in the night. It had been a very busy, but very productive day!
On Monday morning we were up early again to get ready for our trip to Kisii. After a breakfast of chai and jelly toast, our faithful driver and his ‘72 Peugot arrived to return us to the main road where we would get another car to take us to Eldoret. (When someone suggested that we make the trip from Matunda to Eldoret in the Peugot, Russ exclaimed, “IN THAT CAR?????” To his relief, the driver said he would not be able to take us!)
Motorcycles are the main means of transportation in East Africa - here is an up-and-coming driver....
After reaching Eldoret, Russ and I boarded a shuttle to Kisii and arrived safely by early afternoon. We checked into our hotel and decided to get a jump-start on shopping for the school presents for the Etago school children. The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting store and pricing out presents and ideas for presents for the school children. Even though half the day was spent traveling, this day was a productive day as well.
Tomorrow I will head to Chotororo for teaching while Russ remains behind to finish up KINSHIP work here in Kisii in preparation for going to Etago on Wednesday. We thank the Lord for granting us safe travels over the past few days, and now ask for His blessing upon the work that we will be doing here in the Kisii area, to the glory of His name!
In the service of Christ,
Nathanael
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