Kenya's New Constitution

You will begin hearing more news about Kenya's new constitution. The vote to accept or reject is early August. I would not be surprised if violence escalates into world news.

So what are the issues? I am not aware of them all but here are the three that I am aware of:

(I do not have the exact wording. This will be a paraphrase.)

1. The new constitution allows abortion by demand. The previous proposed constitution allowed abortion by a healthcare professional (MD) only if the mother's life was in jeopardy. The new constitution would allow any health specialist to preform an abortion if the mother felt her life in danger. Notice the words specialist and danger. Specialist could be any trained person. Danger could be quality of life in danger. Abortion by demand becomes accepted.

2. The new constitution allows a Muslim court system to become established across the country. Nothing more need be said.

3. Gay marriages become constitutionally acceptable. In a country where family is held high and gay relationships are taboo, the new constitution promotes the gay agenda.

There are many other issues but these are the big three. Churches here are rallying to defeat this constitution. Please pray for these church leaders. Many of their lives are in harms way. Please pray for Kenya's leadership, many who are Muslim. Pray for their salvation which can only come through Jesus.

Pray for our national leaders. 10's of millions of our tax dollars are being spent right here in Kenya for this constitution. These types of expenditures can really let us know where our administration stands.

Pray without ceasing!

Internet problems

Sorry. Internet problems. Both teams wonderful. Team one in Nairobi. Team Two safe and on island. We hope internet issues are corrected soon. Please check back. God is doing something special!

Mfangano Sunrise

Mfangano Island is an incredible place. We wake each morning on the shore of Lake Victoria. There are exotic birds all around. The people are warm and friendly. We rejoice in God's creation.

At the same time, the island is frozen in time. The leading industry is fishing. Electricity comes through a generator, a couple of hours a day, if you are blessed enough to have one. Plumbing is primitive. Roads are trails for the two cars on the island. Food is simple offering rice, beans, fish and chicken, Kenyan like bread and a few fruits. There is enough to survive.

The locals here are thankful for Calvary Church. They are thankful that Calvary did not forget them through the years but has partnered with them. They know that through Calvary Church's service to the Savior that their life is better - in the here and now and for eternity.

We continue to see God's faithfulness. He is blessing our service. Each team has seen God's work in both preparation and action. We are grateful for your prayers. They sustain us.

Please pray for our health. Several team members are experiencing some stomach and cold symptoms. Pray that the great physician will calm our illness.

Monday

We began our ministries today that we will sustain for the week.

The first team visited two schools playing games, teaching about HIV prevention and sharing Christ.

It is amazing how many children have HIV. Young children. Some have been infected since birth, others through medical care and some by sexual activity. Our message is Jesus. A relationship with Christ and living by His Word is the best HIV preventative. We also discussed forgiveness and securing your eternity through Jesus.

The construction team began another widow's hut today. They completed the framing today and should complete the house tomorrow. These widows, many young, live in small two room dirt floor, mud side, thatch roof homes. They have numerous children - sometimes 4-10. The conditions are unbelievable. As building takes place, Jesus is shared.

The third team leads the Pastor's Conference. There are 35+ pastors seeking to serve the Savior. Most have no experience. Their doctrine is a mix of the Word and tradition. Teaching basic doctrine is paramount. Also, answering their questions is a challenge. Pray for this team as they develop their leaders.

Thank you for your prayers. It is an honor to serve the Savior with you.

Sunday

Sunday was a wonderful day. We saw our team divide and go into two directions. One team went back to Ringiti and the other to Gethsemane Garden Children' Center.

The Ringiti team led in worship and saw five new brothers and sisters accept Jesus as Savior. Praise the Lord!

At the end of the service, guests introduce themselves. One man stood and proudly shared his name then with a smile said, "I received Jesus as my Savior today."

The Ringiti team then traveled by boat of course to another part of the island to minister to a widow whose husband has been a major translator of the Suba translation. He went to be with the Lord about a year ago. What a sweet visit as the family was encouraged by the Word, prayers and a financial contribution by Calvary Church.

The GGCC team celebrated worst at the Children's Center. Spirited worship has taken on a new meaning as almost 500 children celebrated our Savior's live and grace.

The GGCC team remained the afternoon playing games and celebrating the love of Jesus.

Praise the Lord for a wonderful day!

All remain healthy. We are thankful. We have been in extremely unclean areas. We realize that only by God's grace and your prayers are we healthy.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership.

Delivering shoes

Today we delivered the shoes that many of you donated through Calvary Church. We sized each child, washed their feet and told them of Jesus' love for them. It was incredible. Many children and their parents prayed to receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.

We knew God was going to do something special. You prayed at our departure. You pray for us daily. Before we began the distribution, we dedicated the building to the Lord. We asked Him to make it His sanctuary. God is faithful! Many have their eternity now secure in Jesus.

Tomorrow, Sunday, we go back to the same village to continue the investment we made today. Pray for transformed lives!

We are all healthy. We are growing more together as a family daily but miss our real family. Love and prayers to you from Mfangano Island, Africa.

Building Huts

Building widow's huts is one of our tasks. In this photograph Calvary's own Chuck Estes helps dig holes for the foundation of the hut.

Pray for our construction crew as they create livable conditions for these Kenyan ladies and their families.