March 5, 2007

Dear praying friends,

Another month has come and passed so quickly, and it is hard to believe we are already in the third month of 2007. May we each make a renewed commitment to use our time productively and wisely, and truly "redeem the time" that the Lord has given us to serve Him. (Ephesians 5:16) This prayer letter will give current progress on the ministry, share prayer requests, and inform you of the current ministries here in Kitale, Kenya.

This coming Saturday is a very special day for the prison ministry, as there will be a special service for the official opening of the new building in Kitale main prison. It has been confirmed that the head chaplain over all prisons in the country of Kenya will be coming to the service. This is a special honor, and I hope that those coming will truly be blessed by the ministry that is currently in progress. I hope to be able to take pictures and send them to supporters, and to those that gave so sacrificially for this building to be completed.

There are so many uses for this new building, and we have many plans for it. The main plans now are evangelism, discipleship, leadership training for those who qualify, and other uses as the Lord leads. We are also praying for its possible use as a church, most likely next term, if the Lord opens this opportunity. I continue to wait and pray and seek guidance from the Lord, and I would appreciate your prayers for these requests as well.

I thank the Lord also for the three main chaplains within Kitale main prison who have allowed this ministry to continue since 2002. There is a special permit from the main office in Nairobi that is needed each year, and I thank the Lord for their cooperation in allowing this ministry to continue for the past several years. Please pray that there would be continued cooperation, and that this ministry would be allowed to continue smoothly with no outside interference. How Satan would love to destroy what has begun in the prisoners lives, but I continue to wait and pray, and trust the Lord to continue lead and guide the ministry. Philippians 4:13 has been such a comfort to me, which says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Although there will be opposition, as Satan opposes the work of God, I can be sure that the Lord will continue to help and protect the ministry. Psalms 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." These verses have comforted and encouraged me, as I know upon moving into the new building, there will be challenges. Please pray that my faith would be strengthened in the Lord, and I would trust Him each step of the way in the prison ministry.

My wife continues to do very well in her ministry to the women prisoners. She recently gave an exam to the students, and they excelled in their exam. Each prisoner will be given a reward to encourage them to do well in their studies. These women have literally nothing, even the children, and we continue to pray that the Lord would guide us with future direction in this ministry. What a blessing and asset my wife is to this ministry. She truly is so valuable to me, both in the ministry, and personally. Proverbs 31:10 says "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." This is certainly true for my wife, and I am
blessed to have her as part of the team to reach the prisoners of Kitale.

There is a team from America coming to visit the ministry later this month, and I will be sure to update each of you on their time here next month. There are also some other ministries here in Kitale that we are praying about pursuing, which I hope to give a better update about in the near future.

God bless each of you and I will be sure to keep you updated on the ministry here, as always. Thank you for your prayer and financial support, for without your help, it would not be possible to do the ministry here. You are each a special blessing.

Until next month,

Nathan and Carrie Radford