Praying for Peaceful Elections and Protection in Kenya
The Tate Family has served the Lord in Kitale, Kenya since January 2008. Their main ministry is indigenous church planting.
July 29, 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Do you all remember what was going on in the States a little less than a year ago, in November of 2016 to be exact? Yes, that’s right…it was the presidential elections. Wasn’t that fun? Or was it not so fun after all? I’m sure you were all fed up with the whole process by the time election day rolled around.
Well, we are also right in the middle of an election process here in Kenya. In fact, we are almost at the tail-end of the campaign. And we are all fed up with the process here as well. The current president of Kenya is even in Kitale today campaigning, which brings lots of extra people to town, lots of police and security, lots of traffic, lots of noise and lots of headaches. The main campaigning and advertising tactic for politicians in Kenya is to hire a pickup truck, load it full of enormous speakers and drive it around town all day blaring music and campaign slogans. And there has been a lot of that seeing as every elected position in Kenya is up for grabs right now – President/VP, Members of Parliament, Governors, Ministers, Cabinet. Everything. Local, regional, and federal. And it all comes to a head as Kenyans head to the polls on August 8th.
So, while we will be glad to have this election year in the past, we head into August 8th with a bit of anxiety and trepidation. You see, elections in Kenya are not quite the docile affair you expect in the States. We really have no idea what to expect as a result of these upcoming elections. In 2007 there were riots, thousands of people were killed all over the country, churches were burned with people hiding inside of them, businesses were destroyed, and supply lines were cut off as tribe went to war against tribe. This went on for about 2 months. In 2012 the elections were held mostly peacefully and there were only little pockets of violence across the country. But this year is shaping up more like 2007 than 2012. The same tribes are involved and the same man is running for president that lost in 2007 and who sparked the riots back then. He has already vowed not to accept the results as legitimate if they should go against him. That will lead to more trouble here in Kenya.
I have tried to keep my finger on the pulse of what is going on around here. There are European Union representatives here that predict trouble. Also, the last few months I have been asking a lot of people here in Kitale what they are thinking. Many think we will have no trouble. But many others are not so sure. Most business will be shutting down over the elections and will not be re-opening until they know it is safe to re-open. At home we have been in preparations also. I’ve purchased extra cans of diesel for the car, extra tanks of gas for the stove, extra water, extra food and extra phone credit. Most of the other missionaries have left or are leaving Kenya in the next week in order to avoid the elections. They will return when things have settled down. But we are not able to leave Kenya on account of the fact that we cannot travel with Chloe outside of the country. We will have to ride out any storm that may arise. We are placing ourselves in God’s hands and praying that everything will go smoothly and that He will protect us from any potential violence that may occur.
Please also be in prayer concerning our elections here on August 8th. We are really more concerned about out Kenyan brothers and sisters than for ourselves. If there is trouble they will be the ones most likely to suffer and not us. There is much unrest and people are not happy with the current administration. We do not wish to see our Kenyan brothers and sisters hurting and killing each other.
Lord, may there be peace in Kenya throughout this election process and may the peace that results also cause Your kingdom here to grow, prosper and bring You much glory.
Until next month, beloved.
May God’s peace and joy be with you.
For the glory of God in East Africa,
Roger & Julie Tate (and Amy, Josiah & Chloe)
rojuta[at]gmail.com
Visit their blog!
Read more
News & Reports [August 2017] – Online Edition
Read more
God is at Work—Even when the Devil Sticks His Nose in Our Plans
The Hensleys have spent nearly 20 years serving in Brazil. They have established a church in Caraguatatuba and mission points throughout the city. They have also recently started a seminary to train pastors.
July 17, 2017
Dear friends and family,
Most of the time all I have to say is how AWESOME is the God we serve—the same still applies for this month. However, it has been a month in which the devil stuck his nose into our plans. So, where do I start?
1st—BUS: We have a great bus and it is an awesome tool for our church to “reach-out” to our members and the community. You name it and we have had a problem with it. The problem with the brakes is solved. Then there was the problem with the suspension, springs and bushings (riding like a wagon). While fixing the springs, etc., we discovered that we need shocks. We are managing to pay this on our credit card. During all this we missed having the bus for another week but the Lord provides with our two cars and several trips to pick up the people. If anyone would like to contribute to the Bus Ministry, start with prayers and then let the Lord lead you in what He wants you to do.
2nd—School Project: Our plans were to go to a public school and do some painting and do a Bible School with our visitors from Central Baptist Church in Paris, Kentucky, and Pastor Steven heading the group. When we got there, there was a contractor that the city had hired to do some much-needed work. So, we pitched in and started to pressure wash the walls that we had planned to paint. But the contractor came and informed us that the cleaning and painting was in his contract so we put up the pressure washer. The principal of the school came to us and told us that the caretaker’s house in the back of the school property needed painting and asked if we would consider painting it. The devil tried to take away our pleasure in helping and God gave us another avenue to help. During this time, the others were having Bible School with the students. It was a great success and the children were able to hear God’s Word from someone other than us. The ways of God are AWESOME and we just have to be still and listen.
3rd—Member’s House: Central Baptist came prepared to put a roof on Martha’s front porch and there we encountered some minor problems with family trying to delay the project (her husband). We eventually overcame the problems and got the roof completed and in the end, we were able to get her husband to attend church. Pray for Jose as he needs salvation.
Our visit to the Indian tribe was our best ever. Another Bible School success!! While there I was summoned to the house of the Chief, and I did not know what to expect. It turned out that the Chief wanted to give me his testimony regarding his salvation. Absolutely wonderful, AWESOME, hearing a 116 year-old Indian Chief talking about his faith. This tribe believes in many gods but this Chief believes in the REAL GOD. Sometimes words are not enough to express or tell about how Lord and Savior is working in Brasil. Before we left, some of the tribe’s younger adults sang several songs for us. The Chief asked or told me that he needed a new guitar for the group. The guitar that they were using was held together with wire and string. He asked specifically for a guitar and the colors needed to be blue and yellow. How many guitars have you seen that are blue and yellow? Central Baptist Church has solved the problem when they returned to the States, one of the members bought a guitar and took it to a body shop and had it painted! You guessed it—Blue and Yellow. How AWESOME is the God we serve. This week we will receive another group from Durbin Baptist Church and they will bring the guitar. We will be able to present the guitar to the tribe and the Chief. We will send pictures.
We were also able to work at the Church building one day with some needed carpentry work. Sometimes I stand amazed at how things get done, people get used, and the Lord gets glorified. AMEN!!!
Come see what God is doing with your missionary dollars.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
Aj and Barbara Hensley
ajcaragua[at]gmail.com
Click here to give. | Like them on Facebook.
Read more
Open Doors for Discipleship; 100 Chairs Needed
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.
July 12, 2017
Dear friends,
THANK YOU
We are grateful for your constant prayers and monthly financial contribution. Please know, we couldn’t be here without you.
FAMILY NEWS
The kids are all in great health and are doing well in school. They have two weeks break during this month and are enjoying it thoroughly. Playing at the beach, fishing and going to the mall are on their radar of events.
Raquel had a cold last week, but quickly recuperated. This must be the 4th time she had one during her lifetime. She has amazing health and stamina for daily adventures. Praise the Lord!
Thanks for the many birthday wishes on May 23rd.
So, I turned 40 years old and decided to do a complete physical exam at the doctor’s office. I am completing follow-up lab exams he requested and have several other appointments with specialists later this month. All the recent heavy lifting has caused a lot of swelling, pain and numbing in my arms. I went online to research the medication prescribed, and discovered it is “geriatric medicine”. Well, I must be getting old…But geriatric, already? Really?
It was especially revealing this week when I went to the barber shop for a much-deserved haircut and was asked “Do you want to cut any on top?” I responded, “Yes, please.” The barber then politely asked “Are you sure?” I couldn’t help, but chuckle, in the midst of being annoyed at my hair loss. But, it was most funny when Melissa (5 years old) pointed out, as she stood behind me – a day after my birthday – and said “Is that white hair on your head?” Well, so it is. I must be getting old! LOL
EXPANDING
As we interact with people, it is intriguing to see the understanding they have of evangelical Christianity. I often hear statements like: “People of different religions believe in the same God. The import thing is to have faith and do your part.”; and, “What? You are a pastor? But, you are so ‘normal’, different than the stereotypes from TV.”; and, “Your kids are so well behaved. Tell me your secret.”; and, “You have hope in your eyes. What makes you so happy?”; and, “I reject God, because Christians reject me. But, you´ve never said anything about my piercings or tattoos. How come you haven’t said anything about the way I look?” Love & hospitality never ceases to amaze people. This is how Jesus draws them to Him.
Over the last several months, the Lord has allowed us to meet so many unsaved people through the different community events. The canvasing, prayer walking, and evangelism visitation in strategic neighborhoods has created positive contacts. As a result, we have two meeting locations. There are several families that are considering opening their homes for a Bible study as well. Ultimately, we will go where doors open. It is exciting to see how people are responding to the Gospel message.
ADJUSTING
In the midst of everything, the Lord directed us to move into a new home. We are three minutes away from the previous house. The street is much calmer for the kids to play in the front lawn and the house is all on ground floor. We were tired of going up and down stairs in the house and all the accidents we were having (not a month would go by without someone getting hurt on the stairwell). Renting a house is very bureaucratic, but this time, it only took one month to get everything squared away and approved. Praise the Lord!!
100 CHAIRS
The Lord has opened incredible doors for sharing the Gospel and discipleship. One of the challenges we run into as we receive people, is seating. We need chairs! We need to purchase 100 chairs – each at roughly 40 dollars. As you read this, (and if, the Lord puts it on your heart) would you consider a financial contribution? I am thankful for your consideration on this matter.
FLOODED CAR REPAIR
A few months ago we had our car engine rebuilt due to a river flooding. The damage caused by water was repaired, but are still paying the cost. We are in need of $3,000 to cover the charge. Could you assist?
PRAYER MATTERS
- Family health and education
- Opening new doors for making disciples
- 100 chairs
- Car repair costs
Thanks for loving Jesus and loving us.
Grateful always,
Jud Hatcher
Judson & Raquel Hatcher
(859) 544-9040
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
Website | Twitter | Facebook
Click here to give now.
Read more
News & Reports – July 2017 [Online Edition]
Read more
God Blesses Missions Workshop; Planning Two Mission Trips for 2018
Bobby, Charlene, Jessie, and Brennen Wacaser have served the Lord as church planters in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, since 1985.
July 7, 2017
Dear Friends,
The Missions Workshop went very well last month. After two weeks of classroom studies in biblical studies and missions analysis, 24 students went out with our veterans to share the gospel in 12 public schools in two different states. Over 140 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through their testimony and preaching! We are so thrilled to know that God saw fit to bless these efforts and pour His grace out on these people. The students who were involved are really motivated to continue to use their lives for God’s glory by how they saw Him work through them during this workshop. Some will stay with Projeto Vida for several months as they go into other cities and states and others will return to help their local churches with what they learned in the Missions Workshop.
The young lady, Zoe, from Brandon, Florida is ready to travel to Brazil next week to begin a 3-month missions venture. She has been studying Portuguese, saving money and spiritually preparing herself to join with Projeto Vida in evangelistic outreach before she heads off to college next year. I am excited about the future when I see young Christians with this kind of focus and desire to see God’s glory exalted through their lives. I thank God that I can have a part in helping young people like Zoe get engaged into true Great Commission ministry. She isn’t waiting until she gets to a foreign land to share with others what Christ has done for them, though. She already shares the gospel with her classmates and friends in her own hometown, but she isn’t content with just doing that. She feels a burden for the unreached in other lands as well. Please pray that Zoe will be both a blessing and blessed by her missions venture in Brazil.
Charlene and I are working on plans to guide two short-term missions teams to Brazil next year. We usually work in or near Curitiba, our home for nearly 30 years, but we plan to take these teams to a different part of Brazil that will be more challenging logistically. Foz do Iguacu is the name of the main city where we’ll be ministering. It is located where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay share a border. We are just beginning to work out the details for lodging, dining and transportation for two groups of nearly 50 participants. We need your prayers, please.
In Christ’s love,
Bobby Wacaser
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Stateside Address:
3912 Casaba Loop
Valrico, FL 33596
Field Address:
Rua Laudelino Ferreira Lopes, 279-1
Sobrado 1, Bairro Novo Mundo
81050-310 Curitiba, PR Brasil
Phone: (813) 481-7007
Cell Phone: (813) 727-6405
Email: bobbymichael_1@hotmail.com
Give: Click here to give.
Read more
News from a Disciple in France
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
July 1, 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Sometimes it is good for you to get news “straight from the horse’s mouth”. So, I thought that you might like to read a portion of this personal note I received from “Sam”. I have his permission to share it with you. Sam made a public profession of faith and was baptized about 3 years ago. We became acquainted with Sam, who is a software engineer, through his sister who was a member of the church in Tournefeuille. He came to me asking me to have Bible studies in English. He had two goals: Improve his English and understand what God wants from us.
Each week for a year Sam would spend about 3 hours with me in Bible study. Since he was single, we invited him to come straight from work and have dinner with us. In addition to the Bible studies we also had great discussions each week while eating wonderful meals prepared by Judy. Sam always brought desserts from a French pastry shop. When we had been having Bible studies weekly for a year, the light went on, Sam trusted Christ and followed the Lord in baptism. We continued having Bible studies.
Over a year ago Sam took a job in Paris (8 hours by car north of us). He was able to find a church, but it takes an hour each way to get there from his house. We continue to have regular contact and when he is in the Toulouse area he comes to the Tournefeuille church. I will let you read a few words I received from him this past month.
Hi my dear brother John,
I never replied to your email about forgiveness, but I’ve read it with great attention, and today, I read it again.
Today, at work, I parked on a parking place reserved for another company in the same building. The neighbor wanted to make his point by parking right behind my car so I couldn’t leave. He left a note under his windshield so I can call him, which is what I did. He came with another coworker and they both criticized me for taking a parking place that wasn’t mine. I accepted my bad, said that I was sorry and that I won’t take his parking place anymore, and asked him to move his car so I can go back home.
He said: “No, I will work until 9 PM”. Somehow, he wanted to make me pay, he wanted me to feel miserable. I told him that he could left a note on my windshield, I would have stopped parking on his place, there’s no need to block me now the evening, but he didn’t want to listen anything, so I walked back home.
No need to say that this attitude made me very angry. I said to myself how stupid he was: I apologized, I said that I won’t do it anymore, what did he want more? I felt sometimes people really seek for destruction. If I just listened to my human feelings, I would seek for revenge, after he would revenge on me and going to work will become a hell for both of us…
I took some time to cool off tonight, and I read again your email about unconditional forgiveness, and it helped me 😊 I feel that I need to let it pass, forgive this man, though what he did was illegal. If I had to pick up my children at school for example, or something more urgent…
Otherwise, I don’t know if you remember, I have a friend Denis that has been condemned to 10 years in jail. I kept writing letters to him, trying to understand his state of mind, comfort him as much as I can and encourage him. He didn’t really believe in a God that would be worried about his existence, as to start with, he goes to jail for an attempted homicide while he was not in control of his body as he lost his mind because of a melancholic depression. He told me that when it happened, he was like a spectator of his own body… I suggested him to read the Bible with a book that you may know “Dig Deeper into the Gospels” which explains the Gospel of Mark, and he accepted it.
He wrote me a letter after that, that I share with you: … (I [John] did not include this interesting note as I had no permission from Denis to do so, but it was very encouraging.)
I feel very encouraged and I try to keep on corresponding with him and help him dig deeper into God’s Word. Thanks God, I got a very good teacher for myself 😋
I’ve been in Toulouse last weekend, I talked a little bit with Philip, got some news from you. It’s been a while I haven’t been at your church, and though I like it, I realized that it’s hard to develop some roots in God’s word just by going to the church on Sunday. I realized that what I liked the most with your church in Tournefeuille was the Bible study with you in fact. They were most of my spiritual bread, and I am really grateful for that. I think that the gospel of John, Acts or Romans, I naturally associate it with you, and there were great memories.
I keep Peggy, Judy and you in my prayers. I’m not very good for those kind of situations, and I don’t really know what to say. I love the three of you, that’s what I feel.
Getting apart is sad, but we all have this hope to see each other again in God’s presence and I’m looking forward to rejoicing all together.
With love,
Sam
So, this is just one of many examples of what you are participating in as disciples of Jesus are made in France. Just think of all these people you will meet in the presence of the Lord.
Yours in Christ,
John and Judy
Stateside Address
John and Judy Hatcher
1901 Shepherd Dr.
Evansville, IN 47715
jmhatcher@aol.com
Field Address
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
Read more
Translating Materials in the States During Kenyan Election
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
June 30, 2017
Dear praying friends,
We hope and pray this finds each of you doing well as you serve the Lord. What a privilege it is to have the opportunities to serve the Lord, and may we make the most of the opportunities that we have each day. We can serve God by serving others. Philippians 2:3-4 says “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” May we have an attitude of humility before the Lord, as we serve Him, as well as serving others.
Some of you do not receive the prayer letter by email, so I wanted to write by snail mail and update you on our plans for returning to Kenya. Later this year, in August, Kenya will hold a presidential election. Presidential elections in Kenya can go either way – they can be fine and peaceful, or they can be problematic. The last election five years ago passed fairly peacefully, but the one before that, there were many uprisings and problems throughout the country. After seeking the Lord’s will on the matter, and seeking advisement from our mission board and the pastor of our sending church, we all agreed that it is best to wait it out and go back after the election has passed. I believe this is the wisest move at this time and feel at peace with the decision.
Please pray for the country of Kenya and those who will be there during the election. I read that the nationals are tired of the unrest and uprisings and do not want to see a repeat of 2007, as there was much loss in the country at that time due to the unrest. Please pray that no matter what the outcome and results, that the people would accept it without turning to violence in any way. God is in control of all things, and sovereign. He rules and reigns over all matters, and nothing is outside of His control. Praise Him for that. What a mighty God we serve. Nothing is too hard for Him. I take comfort in a verse such as Jeremiah 32:27, which says ” Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me?” Of course, the answer to that is an affirmative NO! He has all things under His control.
As we have this time in America while waiting on the election results, I (Nathan) plan to do much translating of our training materials from English to Swahili, the language of Kenya. Yes, this will be a big project, but I really feel it needs to be done and should be translated into the language of the people. It will not be easy and will be challenging, as I have not used Swahili in several months, but it will be a good time to “brush up” in the language and practice, even when not in the country. So, if you could please pray for me during that project, it would be appreciated.
Please also pray for God to raise up Godly, Biblically qualified men for me (Nathan) to train. Please pray that God would raise up leaders for the churches that Lord willing, will be established for the glory of God. To Him be the glory for all things. Please also pray for the family as we prepare to go back, that we would stay healthy, safe, and for friends for our daughters.
We lay all of these things before the Lord, trusting Him by faith. How we need to step out in faith, trusting God each step of the way. We cannot please Him without faith. (Hebrews 11:6) It is definitely a privilege to serve God and what a joy to join Him where He is working. We appreciate you each so much and your interest in missions. We will keep you updated.
Nathan and Carrie Radford
Furlough Address:
56 Lobo Lane
Culloden, WV 25510
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280
Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
Read more
