Busy Months

Hello from Nairobi!  The last few months have been full, although Moses was not studying over the “summer” term, (in quotes because it’s been very cold here!! J ) he’s been very busy and enjoying and encouraged by the travels and ministry he’s been able to do.  Some excerpts from his trip to Chad in June/July:  “In N'Djamena, my friend asked me to meet with a young girl as she wanted to share about her charms/fetishes and seek council and prayers. Apparently her relatives gave them to her and she couldn’t offend them by refusing. It bothered her and she wanted prayer against consequences of getting rid of them. Witchcraft still binds a section of the church as they are caught between culture and religion in a syncretistic mix but there is hope as the young ones seek to break free and worship in Spirit and Truth. We prayed with her for deliverance and got rid of the fetishes for her.”  At a youth camp at the base in Sarh, “I taught on Missions and Evangelism on one day and on Worldview, Sexuality and HIV/AIDS on another. Other speakers taught on other subjects as I met with our volunteers and some local Pastors.”  Although the camp was attended by younger youth due to final exams being rescheduled for that week, it was a great week of encouraging them to live their lives for God.  He also was able to share with the graduating DTS.

August found Moses in Uganda for a week, speaking at the Biblical Studies (SBS) Hub gathering, a meeting of YWAM’s staff from all over Africa who are involved in teaching Biblical Studies.  It was a time of reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and being stirred up in our vision for transformation. 

YWAM Kenya had their national staff conference in September, with the theme, "Released Into New Beginnings,” from Isaiah 43:19.  Moses was one of the main speakers at the conference and was so encouraged to see the expectancy and excitement for what God has in store for this new season. Bringing people across the country and hosting was itself a miracle, as it doesn't happen often.  After over ten years with few or no staff at the base, and no schools running, YWAM Makwangani, on the coast of Kenya, is beginning to run Discipleship Training Programs again.  We are so thankful for the vision God has brought back to this place, and the staff who are running with it.  Moses had the privilege of being asked to re-commission the ministry after the staff conference. This is especially meaningful as it is the same location where Jo had her first cross cultural missions experience from ‘92-‘96 and led the Primary Healthcare School there in ‘95/’96. It is wonderful to see the 25 acres put to good use again as they farm and run a DTS. Moses will go back to Makwangani in Nobember to support the school, teaching on Biblical Worldview.

YWAM Kenya had their national staff conference in September, with the theme, "Released Into New Beginnings,” from Isaiah 43:19.  Moses was one of the main speakers at the conference and was so encouraged to see the expectancy and excitement for what God has in store for this new season. Bringing people across the country and hosting was itself a miracle, as it doesn't happen often.  After over ten years with few or no staff at the base, and no schools running, YWAM Makwangani, on the coast of Kenya, is beginning to run Discipleship Training Programs again.  We are so thankful for the vision God has brought back to this place, and the staff who are running with it.  Moses had the privilege of being asked to re-commission the ministry after the staff conference. This is especially meaningful as it is the same location where Jo had her first cross cultural missions experience from ‘92-‘96 and led the Primary Healthcare School there in ‘95/’96. It is wonderful to see the 25 acres put to good use again as they farm and run a DTS. Moses will go back to Makwangani in Nobember to support the school, teaching on Biblical Worldview.

 Please pray for Kenya!  Some of you have asked us how the drought in the region is affecting us in Kenya.  Although the drought has lessened, and it has started to rain, the reservoirs are still far below their normal level, which means municipal water is not on very often.  We, like all of Nairobi, have been majorly restricting our water use and using rain water when it rains.  Elections – Kenya held national elections in August, which went peacefully for the most part.  The presidential candidate who did not win, however, took the electoral board to court, and the results (for the presidential) were annulled due to irregularities, and we will be having elections again the end of October.  We would appreciate prayers for peace, justice, and civility.

The kids continue to grow in every way. We will hit a milestone this month as Katie (who loves all things involving story and drama,) turns 10 years old – all the kids in double digits now.  Joshua (15) is almost the same height as Moses, he’s especially enjoying his science classes at school and working on the computer. Zachary (13)  is the sportsman of the family and won a bronze medal in swimming in his district.. Marianna (11) continues to please everyone she treats with her baking and crafts, she’s also helping with the kids’ wildlife club at school.  They all are conversant in Swahili now but their French has suffered. Academically they are more stable and even top of their class in some subjects. We are so thankful for the grace that has been present to wipe away tears of transition.

Moses will be going to Uganda in October to teach on faith and finances, in Arua, a base that has many staff from South Sudan, and works among South Sudanese refugees. In November, he’ll be spending a week in Arizona at Fuller Theological for his studies.  He will be stopping in Pennsylvania for a week before going on to Phoenix.  (If you’d like to find out where he’ll be and when, just drop us an email!) He’ll also will return to the coast of Kenya to teach in the DTS in YWAM Makwangani. We are very thankful for some partial scholarships and adequate provision for his studies to this point.  We are also grateful to for the opportunities God has given to teach and minister in the region.  If you would like to give specifically towards his studies, travel for ministry and teaching, or for our regular needs, details are below.  Thank you so much for your partnership.

Much love, Moses & Jo Kariuki