Life Center Foursquare Church

Pastor Joe's Kenya Update - Part 4 (click here to see all the updates)

Below, I've included an email I wrote on Tuesday but was unable to send.

We're having a meeting in about three minutes and the computer was open so I'm sending this quick note. I'll try to get on again later tonight and send more. Today, we went to the Homa Bay Children's Home and primary school attached. We all spoke with the children in their classes, and to the faculty and staff. Same as Adiedo: large classes, dirt floors, no electricity, no running water, etc. Amazing what they do with so little. They teach the kids in Kiswahili and English; they are not allowed to use their mother tongue (Luo); if they do, they are caned!

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I'm in Homa Bay; it's Tuesday at 7:05 PM. there was no internet at our hotel yesterday; today one computer is working and i'm hogging it right now! (If I messed up anyone's internet address, please make sure everyone gets this.)

Today, we went to Adiedo for the first time. it was an hour and fifteen minute drive (only a few miles, but the "roads" are unbelievable; almost unpassable! When we arrived at David's family's home, they had a big celebration prepared...fixed us lunch...we were honored guests. We were there from about 11 to 5 today; met his family, extended family, neighbors. his dad is 86, has 3 wives and 20 children. The first old mama i met shook my hand and grinned and said "Hallelujah! Amen!"...the extent of her English, but I understood her completely. :) I sat for awhile talking with all the old people through an interpreter (Grace, the lady at the orphanage whose husband died recently). It was fabulous. Being here, meeting them, listening to their concerns...makes the well seem all the more important.

After lunch, the village chief showed up unannounced in military fatigues (he was delivered on a 175cc motorcycle that is used as a taxi...i'll show you pics). There was an impromptu community meeting, with lot of formal greetings. After the chief welcomed us, and talked, I was asked to address everyone. i gave a short speech, and then opened it up for questions and discussion which went on for over half an hour...I learned alot!!! They are so excited we have come to help and so appreciative...and have so much need. They asked if (after the well) we could pipe the water to strategically placed tanks for wider community access; put in troughs for their livestock; help them install rooftop water catchment systems for rainfall; help them build a hospital and a school; help them sponsor students for college education; and help them with all the orphans. I fielded each request, answered the best and could, and teased them, saying, "You're not asking for much." After I spoke and fielded questions (they applauded after every answer--and Dan videoed most of the meeting), they asked each of our team who was there to bring a greeting. Everyone did very well...although they were fairly emotional. The chief asked Joey Cwik if he was married; when Joey said no, the chief insisted on finding Joey a nice Kenyan woman so he would come back often! :)

The children are beautiful and i've got scads of terrific pictures!

While this meeting was going on, a van load of our guys went to Oyugsi where our driller is currently drilling, trying to finish up and get to Adiedo. They asked me to go with them...i'm so glad i didn't since the chief's visit was impromptu and it was very important for me (and Dan) to be there. By the way, you'll have to watch the video of the mama giving the final speech and prayer--a very old mama who can preach! it was awesome...they really love Jesus...in fact, one of the questions (all done through an interpreter) was about David Opap's spiritual health--he left Adiedo a strong Christian, is he still a strong Christian? :)

We just got back to the hotel 30 minutes ago, and I just heard that the other van got stuck--the road was very muddy and running with water after a big rain--evidently they are not only stuck in the dark somewhere, but are nervous...feel it is dangerous. I'm praying for them...it's one adventure after another here! Everyone is concerned right now...I'd better go see if I can help. (They got back safe and sound...but very muddy!)

I haven't even told you a thing about yesterday...another amazing day riding on a public bus from nairobi to Kisumu, then in vans to homa Bay. Beautiful country...people everywhere...more about all that later.

Every day seems more powerful and important than the one before. Tomorrow we're in Adiedo again, and meet with mick at the well site...go to the school and deliver the pencils and school supplies...another big day.

I'll write more the first chance i get