September 2, 2004

Dear praying friends,

Another month has quickly come and gone, and there are many things to give you an update about. Many exciting things are happening in the ministry in Kenya, while there are other important things to report here in the States as well.

One of my major prayer requests before leaving the country of Kenya was to find a faithful leader who would be able to continue the work well and strong while I am in the States for furlough. This is a major task for missionaries, as many times, those who would desire a position such as this are in it for the wrong motives. The Lord blessed in a wonderful way by providing me with a faithful Kenyan who is teaching the Word of God each week in Kitale main prison.  Because of reasons of identification, I am not able to say his name, but please pray for him as he carries on this ministry presently. He wrote me a letter last month and told me that the classes have doubled in size since I left the country. Praise the Lord! He is now training around 200-250 prisoners, so this is exciting and I ask you to pray for him and his health and strength as he has much to do in the present day. Also, pray for the new believers in the prison, that God would encourage and strengthen them as well as they are new in their faith. There are around 110 new believers, both men and women, since the beginning of the ministry. (Proverbs 11:30)

I will be moving to Pennsylvania in the next couple of weeks to be with Carrie and also to attend pre-marital counseling. I will be continuing to raise support, so please pray that God would bring in the necessary funds in His time. Please pray for us during this time, as this is so important to our upcoming marriage and our future as a couple. Please pray for Carrie, as she has many responsibilities with our wedding and also with other duties at this time.

Concerning our support needs, we are praying for $2,500 per month, as there will be many new expenses as we will now be two, and not one. We are presently around 71% of our support. Would you please pray, as a church, or as an individual, concerning your role in this work and how the Lord would use you to further the gospel in Kitale, Kenya? Prayer is the key to everything, and it certainly changes things. I read a fantastic Christian book earlier this month, and it had great information on the subject of prayer. It said "Prayer is the cure for the disease of self-confidence. When we pray, we see ourselves as needy, and God as wealthy." How true! How much we need to "empty" ourselves of any pride, or other sin in our lives, and realize that everything depends on our Heavenly Father. We are to pray without ceasing and depend on Him for everything in our lives. (1 Thess. 5:17) Let's start trusting the Lord more than ever and watch what great things He will do for us.

The other ministries in Kitale seem to be running very well. In both churches, evangelism teams go out and share the gospel each week, and even now, when I am in the States. This is a great encouragement to me, and I know the Lord will bless those who are so faithful to Him.

Please pray for Carrie and I for our upcoming wedding, for our support needs, and also for the works in Kitale as they continue on. If the Lord would burden you to assist with this work, you can begin sending funds to the address below or contact me by email. God bless you and have a wonderful month.

Praying and trusting,

Nathan Radford 
2 Tim. 2:13