Missionary Update: The Radfords in Kenya [August 2015]

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.

August 1, 2015

Dear praying friends,

It is hard to believe that we are already in the month of August. Where has the time in the past year gone? It seems to pass faster and faster each year. Time is one of the most important gifts from God that we have, and how we need to use it wisely for His honor and glory.

We thank the Lord for the opportunities each day that He gives us to serve Him. Service is a privilege. I think of Matthew 20:27-28, which say “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” What greater example could there be, than our Lord and Savior? Considering all that He has done for us, how could it not be a privilege to serve Him?

Please pray for the Annex prison ministry, as I am at the time of renewal of the prison permit. A permit is needed through the government to continue with this ministry, and I am praying that the Lord will provide this permit in His time and plan. My thoughts have always been to be faithful to this ministry as long as the Lord would have me there. I believe by faith that the permit will be renewed, and would appreciate your prayers as I am in the renewal process. It is all in His hands and I trust Him. The studies are continuing along well, and we are nearly done with the Old Testament and getting ready to move into the New Testament. The men who have been coming seem to be very dedicated and have a heart for the Word of God, which is a definite encouragement. Many of them face many challenges, yet they are faithful to come and study the Word of God. One of my favorite verses on the Bible is Psalm 119:89, which says “For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.” What a comforting verse to cling to throughout our lives.

The village ministry in Robinson is continuing along well. It has been challenging, as many who were coming at the beginning have fallen away. This is to be expected, as it happens anywhere. I think of John 6, where so many were following the Lord for the loaves and fishes and not to truly follow Him. I have been praying that the Lord would bring those who would be there for the right reasons, and Lord willing, to be a good foundation for a future church plant.

My partner Roger Tate and I agree that we need to bring further teachings and do visitation, share the Gospel faithfully, and pray for the Lord’s will to be done in the Robinson area. We would appreciate your prayers also to this end. We desire to be faithful, and leave the results in the Lord’s hands, trusting Him each step of the way. We are currently teaching the group on offerings and the Biblical uses that we see in the Scriptures. It has been good and has brought many questions. As we continue in the teachings of the Word, and pray for His will to be done, may we serve together in a spirit of love and unity. John 13:35 says “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Thank you so much to each one who writes, sends letters, or emails. We appreciate each of you so much. Homesickness is a real challenge that missionaries face, and each caring act is greatly appreciated. Thank you also for your faithful prayer and financial support, and for the faithful example of service that each of you are to us. May God abundantly bless you as you serve Him, wherever He leads.

Blessings,
Nathan and Carrie Radford

P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa, 30200

Click here to donate to BFM.


^