August 3, 2004

Dear praying friends,  Another month has quickly come and gone, and now I would like to update you on some recent "happenings" in the work in Kitale, Kenya. I will also share prayer requests and other needs that I have at this time.

It was an honor and a pleasure to recently watch a video of testimonies of the team that went to Kenya in June. Person after person talked about how this trip had influenced them for the rest of their lives. This is certainly true, as I was not called to the field until I went personally to see it for myself. It was in 1997 and 2000 that I truly sensed God's call upon my life to be a missionary and reach this area of the world for Christ. I was changed forever as a result of these two trips, and it literally changed the course of my life. I highly encourage others to go on overseas missions trips as well - you will never see missions in the same way.

I have been very busy speaking in churches and talking to individuals about the work in Kitale, and to be honest, I am very tired as I write this letter.
Furlough is very demanding and has many challenges and demands: namely, constant travel, support needs, and missing friends and family. These are certainly things that are included in "true discipleship" as we read about it in Luke 14:33. It is not easy, but God has called me to Kenya and I desire to be faithful to His call upon my life. One of my favorite verses of the Bible that I am claiming during all of these challenges is Isaiah 41:10 which says, "Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed: for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." What a tremendous verse! I need not fear, for God will strengthen me, He will help me, and finally, He will uphold me. Let's claim these promises together and "press on" for the works that God has called us to, no matter how hard it becomes. God will honor faithfulness to Him and His Word. 

I am anxious to get back to Kitale and to continue with His work there. Many have asked about the prison ministry - Kitale prison by itself runs around 1,500 people. Another major door has opened to a different prison in Eldoret, which is larger than Kitale, around 1,600. Between these two prisons, there are greater than 3,000 prisoners to be reached with the gospel. The ministry is increasing and expanding tremendously and I need wisdom. (James 1:5) Please pray for wisdom with all of the opportunities that are now available.

Concerning support needs, Carrie and I are praying for $2,500 per month. We appreciate one-time gifts, but the main needs are for regular, monthly support commitments. These are legitimate expenses, with many new needs arising, such as insurance, car needs, travel needs, possible children, and further ministry supplies. We are praying to have our full support by April or May of next year. If you are a previous or current supporter, please continue to faithfully send the support, as I have other expenses here in the States as well. That is much appreciated. 

We are presently around 70% of our support. Would you prayerfully consider, either as an individual, or a church, being a vital part of furthering this work in Kitale, Kenya? I have been constantly praying that the Lord would burden others so that we can return within a one year time period. We are also praying for assistance with some other financial needs that we have, so if the Lord would lead you to assist us, please contact me. If God burdens you to support this work, you can send your support to the address listed below. Please contact me by email if the Lord leads you in this way.

God bless you and thank you so much for your interest in the mission field in Kitale, Kenya. Please keep me in your prayers.

Mungu ni mwaminifu kabisa, (God is completely faithful-Swahili language)

Nathan Radford
John 3:3

FOR MINISTRY DONATIONS:

Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280
Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280