March 3, 2003

Dear praying friends,  

Greetings from Kenya, East Africa. I would like to update you on the things that God has been doing this past month in the city of Kitale, where I have been ministering for one full year this past month. The time has gone so quickly, but I am thankful for the opportunities that God has given me to serve Him here with the beautiful people of Kenya.  

I have been very busy in various ministries connected with Calvary Baptist Church of Kitale. This past Sunday, I began a new evangelism program entitled “Sharing Jesus Without Fear.” I took this program when I was in the States two years ago, and I was very impressed with it, because it taught me practical ways to share my faith with others. The challenge of this new class was using the language of Swahili. I have already translated half of the materials, and plan to finish the rest of the translation next week. Students will come to class, watch videos from the founder of the course concerning evangelism, take notes, and finally, will be involved in going to do personal evangelism after being trained. Evangelism is such a vital part of the ministries of the church, and I feel honored to be able to help those who want to tell others how to go to Heaven. I was encouraged after teaching this first week, as we had 15 involved in the class, and three youth that have much potential. Please pray for each student, that they would truly be mobilized to reach others with the gospel as a result of this class.  

Another vital part of the church is Biblical training of church leaders. We just started our Bible Institute today, and so far, we have 6 students enrolled. I taught for the majority of the afternoon today, teaching basic Bible doctrines, as well as other Biblical teaching. I was very encouraged as the students asked many good questions, as well as showing a genuine interest to grow spiritually as a result of our courses. The courses will not be easy, and will require much dedication, as there will be much information that we will cover, as well as exams and projects. The courses will challenge the students to think critically concerning Biblical issues, and they will increase their knowledge of the Scriptures as a result of this class. Please pray for each student, as there will be much work and effort involved.  

Finally, the prison ministry continues to go well. I have been able to go through half of a book of Bible doctrine, and there are two small groups that I meet with on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week. I have been very pleased with the growth that I have seen in the prisoners, as well as some excellent questions which they have asked. I truly sense a hunger for the Word from these prisoners, and have received many requests for additional Bible materials in the future. I have a plan to provide a library of Biblical materials for the prisoners, but the lessons need to be translated in the language of Swahili, and there are other projects and challenges involved. I have also been pleased with the guards, who must watch the prisoners as they are being taught. Many guards have asked me for Bibles, and there are possibilities of even starting Bible studies with the guards. It is truly exciting what God is doing at the main prison in Kitale.  

That is all the current news from this side of the world. Please keep me in your prayers, that I would stay healthy, develop well in the language, and be a blessing to those that I have come to serve. God bless you.

Sincerely,

Nathan Radford