April 4, 2006

Dear praying friends,

Another month has come and passed so quickly, and the Lord continues to do much work here in East Africa. My wife and I thank the Lord for good health, and for the strength that He provides to us each day to continue with the ministry in this needy area of the world. This update will give current ministry opportunities, and also provide the prayer requests that many ask to be made aware of.

This month is a very important month for the prison ministry. Each year, the government of Kenya requires me to get a permit from the capital city of Nairobi which allows me to continue with the work in Kitale main prison. Without this permit, you are literally considered a visitor and your work can be cancelled immediately by the government. Please pray with us this month, as my permit is due for renewal. The head chaplain of Kitale main prison is going to Nairobi this next week to assist with the matter, so please pray that the permit would be granted quickly and that there would be no problems. There have been some recent changes in the government, so please pray that these officials would allow this work to continue for this next year. We know that the Lord is in control, and is completely sovereign. (Isaiah 55:8,9) We are praying to Him to grant us help and assistance in our time of need and completely trust Him to work out this situation in His time.

The Bible school continues to go well. We are continuing to provide the best materials that we can to the prisoners to assist them with their spiritual growth. This is perhaps the best class I have had in my three years at the prison, as each student is very serious and digs very deep for the truths of the Word of God. I am seeking to train faithful men who will train others also, (2 Tim 2:2) so please pray that these men will leave to become "lights" in their communities for Christ. We believe and pray that the theological training they are receiving is providing a strong foundation for them in their Christian walk.

In the middle of this month, we welcome my brother-in-law Graig, my sister Sara, and their daughter, Melia. They live in Michigan and work in a church that is located at the University of Michigan. They are bringing a team of sold-out students for God to Kenya, so please pray for these students, as many of them have never left the United States and certainly have never lived in a cross-cultural setting. They will be here for around a month, so please pray for this time, and the impact that it will have upon these students. I will later give an update about their trip. We love visitors, and this year is the busiest year, as we have several different groups/teams coming. If you would ever be interested in visiting Kenya and seeing what God is doing, our contact information is above.

In closing, please pray for my wife and I, as we are still going through many changes on the mission field. Life on the mission field is not easy, but it is where God has called us, and we desire to be faithful to His call. We believe that the Lord will reward the missionaries that have been faithful to His call across the world, although the cost is great. (Mark 10:29,30) Thank you so much to those who have written and asked how we are doing, and how to pray for us. Our main request is for continued strength for the day-to-day challenges, and for God's help as we continue to pass through significant cross-cultural changes. God is our refuge and strength, and we trust Him for all of our daily needs. (Psalm 46:1)

God bless you and thank you for your interest in this area of the world. May we continue to be God's "vessels" through which He can work great and mighty things. "Expect great things from God - Attempt great things for God." This should be our motto as we continue to serve Him wherever He has called us. God bless you.

In Kenya,

Nathan and Carrie Radford