SNIPPETS from John

The other day as we were driving the Nairobi road to Alara with Jared we came upon an 18 wheeler on its side having jackknifed across the road stopping traffic both ways,,,,,there were people everywhere and we were looking for casualties,,,well silly us the lorry carrying beer was being looted and people were going crazy taking crates and bottles and drinking on the spot not even bothering to run,,,or maybe they couldn’t

The lorry was still in the same spot when we returned an hour and a half later only this time the police were on the scene attempting crowd control but by this time the drinkers were well sloshed and running around with tv cameras in pusuit trying to make a story out of it,,,,,,,people

You may remember me mentioning a young man named Jolie a 20yr old who broke his femur a year ago,,,a cast was used for the repair,,later the cast was removed but his bone had failed to mend,,,,,Jolie came to our attention and we visited with him on several occasions and attempting to get him medical help,,,,,,,,now as you read picture our lord at work.


Myrna is a lady who we met the first time we came to Kenya,,,,,she comes for about two months every year and is in the process of setting up libraries,,,she’s also a nurse.

After reading about Jolie Myrna emailed to say that she would like to see the boy.

Well Myrna is here now and she has seen the Jolie and we took him to a private hospital for an examination and xray,,,,you wouldn’t believe the break,,,,,the leading edge of each broken piece was now overlapping and rubbing by about an 11/2,,,,,but here’s the best bit as Myrna was talking to the surgeon that she had used previously for another boy , through a grant the surgery and the plates for Jolie will be FREE,,,,,,YEEEEEEAH!

THANK YOU GOD,



I am growing my hair due to popular demand , namely ,,,,,,my wife so I probably wont pull that stunt for awhile,,,,,what I failed to mention when I told you about shaving my head was that I also shaved my eye brows,,,,,,with no hair on my head it made my eyebrows pop out so I tried to tone things down a bit by losing the brows,,,,but when my brows disappeared ,,,,,,,,so did my face,,AAAAAAAAh

Don’t ask for pictures,,,,there are none







Connie and I were talking about Amarillo South the other day saying how lucky we were to have such a great church and the way you continue to support us in practical ways and spiritual ways

In particular you need to know how Milton has come alongside us as we have encountered difficulties over here.

Milton has written the most loving encouragements together with practical advice on how to deal with issues we faced . To Milton and Barbie we say a heart felt thank you

Steven

Where Steven lived.

top of Steven's head

Please pray for a home for Steven.We have an appointment with possibilities on Wednesday.He is a gentle boy who needs love and attention and kindness. The evaluations say he operates on the level of a 2-3 year old. This means he needs constant care and supervision.

John with Steven at our compound after he was cleaned up.

He has had a haircut now and we hope to have a new picture soon.

Reaching out to the least of the least

Weeks in October 2009

It has been awhile since we have had time to blog. Today seems to be the day. I need to express to all who make it possible for us to be here Praise God for you! We have met so many missionaries who are always praying for finances and we feel so blessed by you who support us and our wonderful church Amarillo South Church. There will always be needs for more money but as we have seen this week when there is a need God provides in a mighty way and just in time.

God is teaching us so many things but I think I needed it more. The past six years my husband John has been a constant support to the singles ministry at the church and always there to lend a hand. In fact I think most thought he worked there as well. Lol! Now God is teaching me to be behind the scenes and at first I think I was a bit rebellious but now today it has come to me that John is out there being the feet and hands of Jesus in amazing ways and he needs me as his helper. If you know me you know I really want to be in charge and here in Kenya I am in charge of nothing not even my kitchen! Thank you God for your amazing ways of teaching your hard headed follower I am learning slowly but surely. This is a prayer request in case you that are reading this didn’t catch on. Thanks!

This week as in every week but more this than ever I saw John be the feet and hands and my heart is still so touched I can’t even write without crying.
The Casting Crowns song about ignoring people right under your steeple comes to mind. If you don’t know find it and listen to it.

John spotted a boy 12-14 years old living in the gutter basically he was at the gate of a school and church. John walked up to him and saw he was in rags and exposed and covered in flies. He had a pile of rotten food beside him and that was his food. John took him food for a couple of days and people gathered to watch each time.

Monday John left to take him milk and when he returned he had this boy with him and said I couldn’t leave him. Two other young men came in as well.
They introduced me to him and called him Steven. Steven is mentally handicapped. He probably operates on the level of 2-3 year old.
These 2 young men and John bathed Steven and put some clean clothes on him. He seemed so happy to be clean.

The biggest treat for Steven is riding in the car. He repeats everything John says. They get in the car and start the journey of finding a place for Steven to live and learn. No good news happened on Monday. So Steven spent the night in our servant’s house out back of our house. Our night watchman sat by his door and watched after him. Let me back up and say this is because as the Maasai were in the house talking with us Steven escaped into the next compound. Oh my! The commotion was wild. They were chasing him and he was making noises like ET. John was over the fence and so were the Maasai. It was quite an adventure and Steven was scared to death but they got him back in the compound and all the neighbors had something to say and advice to give as you can imagine. He hasn’t tried that again.

John has devoted his week to searching out places and taking Steven to be evaluated and nothing as of yet! We think we are getting closer but please pray for this. One of the young men John met has come everyday to help us with him. He sits with him and goes with John to all these appointments. We pay him each day and he is always here when we need him because Stephen needs constant watching.

Wednesday we purchased a mattress for him and sheets and he seems pleased. He tries to help me clear the table and will do whatever he is asked.
He communicates best with John the helper. But he will follow John Okill anytime. Sometimes he says mama but mostly muzungo to me. He seems to be more content to stay here everyday and hasn’t tried to escape again.

John reads the Bible to him and sings to him. We play music for him.

Today, Saturday I am home and they are outside sitting under a tree. John has had to go to a funeral and deliver some ladies from the church. I was scheduled to go but we would have had to lock the boys out of the house for the day and John felt it was best I stay and he went. I think God wanted me to tell you this story because John Okill would not have given himself any credit and now you can know the real story from my eyes.

In the middle of all this we were able to get the builder started on Jim’s house that was washed away in the rains. I posted a picture of John with the boys from Ring Road helping to clear the area so we could save money. So we hope Jim will be sleeping safe and dry soon.

There are so many stories to share and what we hope is that through our eyes you will see the great need and pray for us continually and maybe come and experience life with us. Anyone is welcome and we have space and hopefully soon we will have beds in the rooms. If you come we will have a bed for you.

Wednesday Night:
We had the staff at Ring Road here for dinner. 40 people in all and a few extras. Jackson did all the cooking and everyone was satisfied as they would say. We sang songs together and prayed and they went home. It was a sweet time for us to be able to open our home to our co-workers and friends. God has given us this wonderful home and we want it used for ministry.

I could write forever but I will post this and some pictures.
Please pray for the Lord’s direction in all we do
For a location that is safe and loving for Steven

Blessings Connie

Ring Road Boys help clear for new house washed away by rains