August 1, 2007

Dear Praying Friends,

Our summer has flown by, and we are in the final stages of preparing to return to the U.S. Please note our new address. So far, we don’t know what our phone number will be, but you can reach us through the E-mail address listed.

We hosted the Baptist Faith Mission Adventures team last month, and they were such a blessing to us. Some of our dear friends were on this team; Hollis and Mary Jo Walter, as well as Pastor Brian May. We also met some new friends, and they each one blessed us so much, and our people here in Kenya. Pam’s sister and brother-in-law, Barb and Randy Jones, headed the team, and did an excellent job as always. The team was able to do a medical ministry in the bush, teach in our Bible Institute, paint the women’s building in the prison, preach in the morning service at Bethel, teach Sunday School, and do many other things in the short time that they were with us. We can truthfully say that we hated to see them leave. Their encouragement meant so much to us.

Our churches are growing. Our newest church, Wananchi Baptist, outside of Kitale, is doing well. This past Sunday, there were people standing up for the service, as there weren't enough seats. The building that the church rents is small, but it is an encouragement that we need to build more benches now for people to sit on. The pastor has started a youth Bible club, and is discipling youth to reach out to others. This is the church that the former prisoners are involved in, and God is blessing the evangelism and visitation efforts of the pastor, the youth, and the former prisoners, who have laid a good foundation in the community.

Imani, our second church, is slowly growing. The pastor there has a neighborhood Bible club in the area with between 25-40 youths attending each week. Now, there is also a Bible club at the church on Saturdays, and some of these youth are attending church, and becoming involved. The pastor and another faithful member are visiting, and God is blessing their efforts. We just need more good male leadership in this church.

Bethel Baptist is also slowly growing with more visitors attending. We have sent a young man from this church to Nairobi, for training in children’s ministry. He will be in school for the next four months. When he finishes, we want him to help each church in their Bible clubs and in ministering to children and youth. Also, we hope to get regular Bible clubs started in public schools around our churches later on.

The hospital ministry and community ministries are going well, too. We will really miss the people here, as these are our flock, and we will miss them so much. Please do pray for the works while we are gone. It will be great having Roger and Julie Tate and their family with us next year. They will be a tremendous help to us as we strengthen the churches, Bible Institute, and expand the outreach ministries and evangelism. Thanks so much for all of your financial support, E-mails and letters to encourage us, and your prayers on our behalf. We look forward to seeing many of you while we are on furlough, to thank you in person for all that you have meant to us. May our Lord richly bless each of you, and your labors for Him.

Your grateful missionaries,

Mike and Pam