September 5, 2005
Dear praying friends,
This past month has passed so quickly, and there are many important items of information to give you an update about. My wife and I are very excited, as we leave in a little over five weeks for Kenya, but there is also so much to do before this important time comes. I will discuss each item of information that is important to us and the ministry in Kenya, East Africa.
First of all, please pray for our health, as there is still so much to do, yet so little time to get everything accomplished. The last few weeks before making a major, long-term move are always stressful, and we are right in the middle of this important time. There are so many details to take care of, and it can be very overwhelming at times. I am reminded of when those in the Scriptures needed to get away and rest, and used this important time to refresh their body and their spirit. We have two very important deadlines that we must meet this month. The first is getting a full shipment of supplies to Pearl River, NY by September 23rd. The office of Africa Inland Mission is in New York, and we are now very pressed to meet this deadline. Also, we must completely move out by the end of this month. So, these are two major tasks we must get done this month, and I would appreciate your prayers for us on our behalf.
Please pray for us, as we will both be going through a major life change in the next five weeks, as we prepare ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually for this event that God has called us to. Nothing can truly prepare you to go and live in a third-world country, as it is so different from America. There are so many changes, such as culture, customs, language, modern conveniences here that we take for granted, and the list goes on and on. We will have been married right around one year when we make this move, which is one major reason I announced I would be staying in the States for an additional amount of time than I had previously announced. There were just too many things to be adjusting to this past year, and we feel we have now had the appropriate amount of time for our marriage, and are ready to pursue what God has called us to do. Please pray for us during this important time, as there are so many changes to be made within the next few weeks. I have been out of the country for nearly a year and a half, as I was raising support and working on our marriage, so I also will have many changes to go through. We really need to rely on the Lord and depend on Him more than ever at this time in our lives. It is very exciting to return to do missionary work, but there are also many cultural changes to be overcome. We would appreciate your prayers as we seek to obey the Lord in what He has asked of us to do, to take His "good news" to the uttermost parts of the world (Mark 16:15). What a privilege to be able to fulfill His great commission in Kitale, Kenya.
Concerning our support needs, we still have not reached our goal, and are presently around 70-75% of our needed funds. We still need to raise between $350-400 per month. The reasons for these needs are that items in the country have become more expensive, and there are other financial needs that we were not originally anticipating. Also, we have lost some support from our first term. We believe by faith that the Lord will provide these funds by our departure date of October 12th, and we continue to pray and rely on Him. He has been so faithful to us, even when we lack the faith to step out and trust Him. (2 Timothy 2:13) We believe that God will hear us when we call to Him and answer our prayers for these important financial needs. If you would like more information about this work, or feel God burdening you to assist us financially or through prayer, please contact us at the information below. God bless you and thank you for your interest in the work in Kitale, Kenya.
Tunaendelea kuomba, (We continue to pray-Swahili language) Nathan and Carrie Radford
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd
Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280
Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280