Bwanabob

1/15/2008

Dear Friends,

We made it back to Lodwar safely and had no problems on the journey.  We were shocked to see all the burned  houses and stores as we left Eldoret, but once we were a few miles away there was only an occasional burnt building.

Lodwar is relatively normal right now, the locals who I’ve talked to think that because the district is divided between government and opposition supporters there shouldn’t be any trouble.  Before the elections there were very few Kikuyus here, but now it seems they are coming in mass because of the relative calm in Turkana District.  We heard yesterday that 20 mini-vans full of Kikuyus came into Lodwar.  We hope this will be beneficial for Turkana as most Kikuyus are educated, industrious and business minded.

The day after we got into Lodwar we received news that Pastor Areng’s wife had not given birth yet.  They thought the baby was supposed to be due well before Christmas.  So this past Sunday we asked one of our friends who has more health care experience than we do to go with us to Lorogumu to check on the Pastors wife.  We are thankful to report that by the time we arrived there she had already given birth to a healthy baby girl!  We were so happy to see them well and not have to work with an emergency situation.

The boys are back in school, Vance is home-schooling and seems to enjoy it. Ericka has plenty of material to work with and we are thankfu for those who have helped us get the school supplies and curriculum.

We have a lot to do now, next week we plan to start the Bible Institute.  It will be the first month that the pastors will be running everything.  We have heard already that one of our students from last year will not be returning because he felt it was too much of a burden on him to continue. Please pray that everyone involved will be willing to give what is needed to keep things going.  This will be difficult for me as well because everyone knows I have the resources to pay for all the needs at the Bible Institute, but that it is our goal for the Turkanans to learn that with the Lord all things are possible.

With all the turmoil that has taken place these last three weeks I am even more committed to making sure I do all I can to help the Turkana churches and pastors be prepared to continue ministry and training without us.  With as fragile as the government and nation are right now it wouldn’t take much more to send us back to the States.  I would really hate to leave things here in a state where the churches would not be willing or prepared to continue to teach faithful men.

When we left Eldoret we made plans with fellow missionaries to continue to help the displaced Kikuyu pastors and their families.  Some needed food, some blankets, others were able to save everything from their houses but didn’t feel safe living where they were and wanted to move to more secure areas.  The money that we received is going to help with all of these needs, but especially to those who have lost everything and are starting over from scratch.  God bless you for your generosity, I can assure you that the money you sent is going to those who need the help.

Thank you for praying for us and please continue to pray for Kenya.  Things may be looking up, yesterday parliment was able to get on with business without any bloodshed or rioting among the parlimentarians.  We truly believe that it is only by the Grace of God and peaceful prayers of Christians in Kenya and around the world that things haven’t fallen into complete chaos across the country.  Thank you for your prayers!

God bless you,

Bob, Ericka, Vance, Edward and Riley.