November 3, 2005

Dear praying friends,

Greetings from the beautiful country of Kenya. I am happy to write this letter, as we have finally arrived back on the mission field after a year and a half away from the ministry. This past furlough was very important, as I married, and also was raising additional support. I was strongly advised to spend a year with my wife in America before leaving, as we wanted our marriage to be on a strong foundation before leaving. I am blessed, as the Lord has truly given me a Proverbs 31 woman, who will be a great help to me here in Kitale, Kenya.

We left the States on October 12th and arrived safely in the capital city of Nairobi on the evening of the 13th, after an 18 hour flight in the air from America. Although we were very tired, we are also excited to begin this next term and commit our plans to the Lord. In Proverbs 16:3, it says "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." We are committing this term to God, asking Him in prayer for wisdom and guidance, and giving Him our plans and lives to be used for His glory. It is overwhelming to think of all that we need to accomplish for His Kingdom, as He has done so much for us, but we serve Him day by day in the field He has called us to.

Many of you have been praying about the new officer in charge of Kitale Main Prison. The former officer retired while I was in the States, and this was a major concern, as the ministry would be under new leadership, and we were praying that the new officer in charge would also support the ministry. The Lord truly answered this prayer, as I have already met with the new officer in charge, and am happy to announce that he also in a born-again Christian and wants the ministry to continue with no opposition! The Lord truly is good and has answered this prayer, as it was a genuine concern. I praise the Lord for this answer to prayer, and ask that you would pray for him, that we would work together to reach this needy prison for Christ.

Presently, I am teaching two classes with fifty prisoners and we are studying Godliness from the life of Job. The study is going very well and the prisoners are extremely interested in more materials to be taught. This was a group that was already formed in my absence, and I plan to start new groups this month, beginning with evangelism. I also would like to form a branch of our Bible school in the prison as well, as there are many opportunities. Also, there is a possibility of a church plant in the prison, so please pray for this as well. Please pray that the Lord would give me wisdom, as it is very overwhelming with all of the needs represented.

Please also pray for my wife, as it is difficult to leave family and friends and live in a completely different culture from America. It can be very overwhelming at times, but others and I are continuing to pray for her, that the Lord would give her strength and wisdom during this time. Whenever we are afraid, we can trust the Lord, and He will help us. (Psalms 56:3) She has made a large sacrifice to come and minister to the people of Kenya, and I know she would appreciate your continued prayers, as there are so many adjustments to be made. The Lord will help her as she makes this major transition, just as He helped me. We would appreciate your prayers.

Concerning our financial needs, we are still not where we need to be for total support. Our support needs have increased, as there are substantial raises in expense since my first term. We now have a compound where there are many repairs to be made, we have four workers that must be paid to maintain the compound, our ministry expenses have increased significantly, as there are more needs, etc. Also, the standard of general living in Kitale has grown more expensive since my departure. So, these are very legitimate needs and we are praying and trusting the Lord to provide, even though we do not have full support. Also, my wife is interested in orphanage work, as this is a major mission work in itself here in Kitale. She is very gifted working with children, and feels that this is where the Lord would want her to work. We do not have the funds for this undertaking, but we are praying that the Lord would provide the funds for this crucial work here in Kitale. If you would like to donate to her ministry needs, please list "orphanage" on your financial giving records, so that it will go to the correct account. I have been told there are nearly 1,000 orphans in Kitale, so this is a fantastic ministry opportunity. We continue to wait on the Lord for the funding for this work and are praying for new donors. We know that He has called us and will be faithful to provide for us. (2 Timothy 2:13)

Thank you for your interest in the work in Kitale, Kenya. Welcome to Kenya anytime. Please keep us in your prayers.

Serving in Kenya,

Nathan and Carrie Radford

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