September 3, 2003

Dear praying friends,

I wanted to write and inform you of the many things that God has being doing here in Kitale over the past month. It has been exciting to see the many ministries that God has been doing here, but also we had an unfortunate incident that happened this month that I will discuss later. 

Please continue to pray for me and the prison ministry. Presently, both ministries to the men and the women are doing well, and all involved are continuing well with the lessons. Even more women are interested in the Bible studies, as we are having around thirty presently for the studies. The ministry there is continuing to grow and expand, and it is exciting to see God’s hand at work. Also, with the men, we are having two groups that are faithful to come and be discipled in the Word of God. I have started a branch of our Bible school in the prison for the men, and many have already taken one of the first exams. Many have commented on how much they have enjoyed the exam, and want to study other topics as well. Also, the women are interested in this branch of the ministry, so please pray that it will be “up and running” in the near future.  

I am planning to teach another term of “Sharing Jesus Without Fear” this coming Sunday. The last term went very well, and we continue to have large groups that go out on Sunday, and use the teachings that were taught to them three months ago. There was a large interest in the teachings for a second term, so I have agreed to start a brand new term this coming Sunday. Many have already expressed interest and will make excellent students, so please pray for me as the teacher, and they as the students, as we learn and study together from the Word of God. It is my goal to train and equip many from our church, so that they will be with the ability to share their faith with others in the near future. Please pray that we will not only receive the teachings, but that the Lord will be preparing the hearts of those that will be reached with the Gospel by this program.  

Nearly two weeks ago, the country of Kenya was shocked with the news that their Vice President had died suddenly in a London hospital at the age of 59. I myself was shocked, as I went and saw the VP personally here in Kitale this past April. He appeared to be in good health and to have a good condition, but very suddenly, he died and has left large shoes to fill in his position. Please pray for the country of Kenya, as this is a shock, and for the mourning period that has happened for the past week and a half. The burial will be held here in Kitale this Saturday, as he was born and raised here, and this will most certainly be the largest crowd ever assembled here in Kitale. Several presidents from other African countries are expected to be in attendance as well. Please pray that during this time, that there would be no violence, and that all matters will be safely taken care of. Also, please pray for the hearts of the people, that there would be many who would realize their mortality, and that they would be even more open to the message of the Gospel even through this tragedy. Please pray for us as we will be going out to evangelize in the near future, and that all would be open, and that God would use this time for the good of the people, and not just a hard time of mourning.  

That is all the current news from here. I am so thankful to each that has written and sent words of encouragement as I serve here in Kitale. Please pray for my continued health during the rainy season here, as it is easy to get sick. Also, please pray for continued leading and guidance with the ministries that God has given me here. God bless you. 

Until next month,

Nathan
John 3:3