This morning is a gloriously sunny morning and I’m sat outside the guest house with my laptop on my knee while I let the sun warm me through. I definitely can’t complain!! On the flip side though, the rains have settled in now and every afternoon this week it has rained for a few hours at least making the temperature fall later in the day and also making the roads become muddy! They’re not too bad at the moment but I can tell it’s only a matter of time until they are pretty hard to walk or drive along and then I reckon I will slip over and land face first in a big pile of mud!
So, what have I been up to lately? When I last wrote I had completed the lists of farmers who were involved in the maize and beans project but had an inkling there would be more to do...which turned out to be true! Now that the maize and fertiliser has been distributed there is another massive task to do of checking that all those who have received farm inputs have been given the amount the bank has allowed for in their loan. So, we now have long lists of signatures that we have to reconcile against equally long lists from the bank of how much they have lent to who. It’s going to take a while!! I have been working with Phoebe, one of the secretaries here, and it has proved to be an ideal opportunity to teach her some new computer skills that will help her in many of her other tasks. But, it is slow work and Phoebe is juggling her everyday typing work as well so it is even slower. I have had to resist the temptation to go and do it all myself knowing that even though this would be quicker it would also not help in the long run! So, we plod on bit by bit and we will get there eventually...I hope!
Alongside this, I have also been getting a better understanding of the whole project. I have to confess that I have had some concerns about the wisdom of encouraging farmers to borrow money from the bank...what if they cannot repay the loan and end up in a worse situation than they started off in? What if the crop fails and it all goes wrong? What I didn’t realise was that in previous years much land had been lain barren as people simply couldn’t afford the initial outlay to buy seed and fertiliser. People have been unable to grow crops to feed their family or to sell so are stuck in a cycle of extreme poverty.
I think there is a government initiative to put more money into farming to help deal with the food shortage issues and as part of this, banks have been making loans to farmers to enable them to get going on farming their land. By uniting a large number of farmers and helping represent them to the local bank IcFEM have been able to secure loans for many farmers who would not normally get noticed in the larger scheme of things. IcFEM have effectively given a large number of farmers a voice they would not have had if they were tackling the issues as individuals. As a result, many people who were unable to farm their land last year will be able to do so this year, in turn growing enough produce to pay back the loan, feed their family and earn some extra money by selling their produce.
Alongside this, IcFEM have been busy training farmers about running small businesses. This includes many simple things like keeping records, weighing up expected income compared to initial outlay and the importance of using the correct fertilisers. This is so important. IcFEM are attempting to provide the farmers with both the initial capital they were previously lacking as well as the knowledge and skills to succeed. The amount of money that has been invested in the land and the growing of much needed food is way more than IcFEM could have input by themselves and I am sure they are looking forward to the harvest time when much more food will have been produced in this area that in previous years.
I suppose though there is still one worry I mentioned that I haven’t addressed yet - what if the crops fail? Well, I guess that’s where faith is so important. The amount of prayer that has already gone into this whole scheme is incredible. I know that IcFEM haven’t entered into it lightly and truly believe it is God’s will for this project to take place. Therefore, they, and I, trust that God will work out his purpose in it. I believe we can already see him working out his perfect timing. The rains initially began about 3 weeks ago and many farmers rushed out to plant immediately. The rains however didn’t settle straight away with there being only a small amount of rain the second week and then a dry week. This means that some crops have suffered already, getting off to a bad start. Meanwhile, IcFEM were struggling with delays at the bank who were failing to release the money at the agreed date. This meant many farmers were worrying that they were missing the all important first rains and would not get their crop planted in time. Farmers were daily contacting and visiting IcFEM and bitterly complaining at what seemed like failure. However, during the week with little rain and the dry week, all the money was suddenly freed up by the bank and the seed and fertiliser delivered to all farmers who were then able to plant in perfect time for the settled rains that have now begun! Now we have the benefit of hinds sight it is much easier to see God working out his perfect timing, whereas a couple of weeks ago, when we could not see how it would all play out, it was hard to trust that all would be well! But it was well and I am sure that God will continue to be involved in the work here!
Amidst all the maize and beans administration, in the times I’ve been waiting for Phoebe, I have been joining Jo and Gemma who have been busy painting the front gate at IcFEM headquarters. Armed with lots of paint and an outline plan, Jo and Gemma had got to work. Jo is very artistic so tackled the pretty bits like the logo without a fear, Gemma set to work with her great patience and determination on lots of the fiddley bits but both were a little scared of the letters that needed to look like printed text. But it just so happens that I love maths and drawing precisely so was able to join them and help out with all the spacing of the letters and the measuring of the fonts. Between us, the gate is now done and dusted and looking quite smart...if I do say so myself!
Last week we returned to the Sikuku family home where we had helped to build the new house for the handing over ceremony. We were a little apprehensive about going back - we wondered whether the community fellowship would have carried out the final works to the house and also how the children would be. Would their feet have been healed or would the jiggers be back again?
As we drove up, two of the boys ran out to meet us without a limp or walking stick in sight! They stood tall and with their feet flat on the floor! I was almost in tears again at the sight of them and the amazing change in them! They were closely followed by their grandma, Flora, who was wearing a pair of shoes - something she was previously unable to do as her feet had been so painful. Not only that, but we turned to see the house and the community had done a wonderful job of carrying out the finishing touches! It was the best return we could have asked for.
The handing over ceremony got going with some singing and praying then various people shared a little about the history of the family and the fellowship before Paul from IcFEM gave a short sermon. Following that we prayed for the family and then everyone there gave them gifts to help get their new start off well! All the members of the community gave what they could, ranging from a few coins, or some salt all the way through to a mattress. Added to all this, thanks to some kind people in York (friends of a friend out here) offering to cover the costs, the children will now be able to go to school! It was a very joyful occasion all in all!
So, as you can tell, God has used IcFEM, and graciously let us be a part of his plans, to help bless this family and make a real difference to their lives. The family also have some very caring neighbours who have tried to help them previously but have not been able to for a number of reasons. It is great to know that they are there now and, as the door has been opened by the building of the house, these same neighbours are now welcome and able to help the family. In fact, it was them who continued to remove the jiggers over the couple of weeks after we started. Japeth, one of the neighbours, said that after Abel’s feet had been soaked in the treatment, the following day he removed about 70 jiggers from each of his feet. Poor little boy...it’s no wonder he was limping and using a stick to help him walk.
All this is really exciting and I do believe there is something more exciting happening alongside all this. Edward, the father, has struggled with alcohol addiction for a number of years and it was clear to see that his relationship with his children was very broken. At the time of building the house we were very impressed that Edward came and helped all week - I am told that on previous occasions when similar families have been helped there has been no sight of the father. We prayed with him and for him when we were there and have continued to do so since we left. When we returned he had smartened up his appearance, shaving his beard and cutting his hair, and was wearing clean clothes - I am sure this is an outward sign of an inward change. I also noticed the way the two little boys in particular looked for him whenever he was out of sight,something they had not done when we first visited. As soon as they saw their Dad their faces lit up and I sense that this shows a change in their relationship. I am sure all this comes from a difference in the father’s heart. A friend at IcFEM spoke with him (his english isn’t great so it was hard for me to communicate directly) and he is seeing God’s love in action and wants to turn his life around. I am sure there will be hard times ahead for him, times when the local brew tempts him, but my prayer is that he will stand strong. It seems as though he has opened his heart to God and if he continues to let God in, then I am sure that the whole family and their lifestyle will be transformed!
This week I had a chance to sit down with Lesley and Tatwa and discuss my programme for the rest of my time with IcFEM. This was great as I’ve been feeling a little like I’ve been wandering along, doing lots of exciting and useful things along the way, but maybe not heading in the right direction. I don’t want to reach the end of my time here and realise I haven’t done what I actually came to do! Anyway, the upshot was that I now have a fairly full timetable for the next three weeks and an outline idea of what I’ll be up to in June and July.
I got going on my shiny new programme this week by spending time with some of the 12 line ministry representatives at head quarters. The 12 line ministries are the core threads that run through all the work in the communities and are things such as working with the elderly or the disabled or focusing on advancing agriculture or education. Each takes an important role in helping a whole community to move forward out of the poverty that has held it previously.
It’s been really interesting to hear more about the work that is going on and some of the challenges people have come up against as well as some amazing stories of transformation in peoples lives. It really is incredible how IcFEM are so integrated into the communities and are so hands on in their approach. Sadly, due to a lack of funding, many people have been unable to get out into the communities for the last couple of months so have had to work in a more office based capacity. On one hand it is no bad thing as it has provided the opportunity for people to write all the end of year reports that are needed. On the other hand it seems really sad that there are people desperate to get out and about and help people in their struggles, but due to a lack of finance they are held back.
I also had the chance to spend a day out in Kabuyefwe with the formation team. This is a new local unit being established and it was election day for the positions on the committee. I reckon there was about 400 people there who had all come together and were united through the fellowships at village level. Having seen some of the benefits and changes to a community when people work together, it is easy to see what an exciting time it is for those getting involved in Kabuyefwe! The new unit will officially be launched at the end of the month if all goes well. It was a great day apart from the moment where I got dragged up to the front and had to say something about who I am and what I’m doing...400 pairs of eyes looking at you and expecting you to say something sensible off the top of your head is slightly daunting!!
I have to confess, I took a break half way through writing this and it’s now about 4 in the afternoon. The sunny morning has now gone and all of a sudden the heavens have just opened. It is absolutely chucking it down! Happily, I’m sat under the cover of the veranda so I’m still dry, but I can hardly hear myself think the rain is that loud on all the iron sheet roofs. It’s so loud I’ve just given up on listening to my music on my laptop because even at full volume I can’t hear it over the rain! The temperature has also dropped substantially...in fact...I’m I think I’ll move to sit inside...hang on a moment!
Right, I’m back...and I’m glad I made that decision when I did. Just as I had finished packing up my stuff to come in, the rain got even heavier and a strong wind whipped up and started blowing the rain under the veranda!! I can’t believe how wet it is out there!! The funniest thing is though, there is blue skies and fluffy white clouds on the horizon so there’s the promise of a nice evening once this big storm is over.
Well, I think I had actually nearly finished before the rain rudely disturbed me!! Oh, I wanted to tell you a few of the things that make being here so wonderfully different to home. It’s hard to capture a culture in words and I fear I won’t do it justice, but I’ll try to explain some of the sights you see on a normal day that give you the moments of realisation that you are actually far from home and living in Africa!
As you walk down the road there is always a number of goats or sheep with a tired looking rope round their neck with the other end fastened round a bit of a tree or bush. They’re left here to graze what small amounts of grass their are and if you walk by them after it’s rained they all look thoroughly fed up and bedraggled! It’s not unusual to walk round the corner to face a small herd of cows meandering along the road, grazing as they go, followed by a boy with a stick keeping them heading in roughly the right direction. When you’ve passed the cows (I always have a small fear they may come and get me!) you’re quite likely to see a donkey or two, laden with all sorts of random looking bundles plodding along. I think the donkeys are really beautiful. They are all brown with a black diamond shaped stripe across what I guess is their shoulders and they have such a soft look to their eyes.
Add to this the boda boda (push bike) and pikki pikki (motorbike) taxis that whizz by ringing their bells or hooting their horns and you, along with all the others walking down the road (including the ladies carrying wood or massive bundles of things on their head), are dodging out of the way of all sorts! It’s definitely important to pay attention as you walk along...which can be difficult as you constantly get accosted by little kids shouting “ ‘Ow are yoooou I am fine thank you” without even stopping to take a breath, never mind waiting for an answer! Some of them dash out to shake hands with you (everyone shakes hands to greet each other here) and the kids get upset if you don’t wait for them to reach you! An occasional cheeky kid will ask you for 10 shillings, never giving a reason, just trying their luck! Every now and then you also get a cheeky grown up who will ask you for 10 shillings just in case...
I love the way that people here seem to have all the time in the world. There’s a group of men who are always sat outside the small row of shops at the end of the road. They seem to spend their time just talking to each other or playing draughts, using coke bottle lids as the playing pieces! There’s also normally a small gathering of boda boda drivers sitting waiting for a customer, all chatting and whiling away the time.
There is one part of life though that I’m definitely not so keen on...on a couple of occasions recently I have been woken at 1.30am (always the same time bizarrely!) by some weird crunchy-crackley noise. When I’ve investigated, I’ve discovered a huge cockroach in my bin! Gross!!! They’re fast movers as well them cockroaches and I’ve had to move faster to get rid (not something that comes naturally at 1.30am).
Despite the nasty bugs, it’s safe to say the pros of African life are definitely outweighing the cons!
___________________________
Thank God for:
- all the work he is doing with the Sikuku family.
- an outline plan for the rest of my time here.
- a renewed love of reading the Bible!
- many answered prayers, both little and large.
Please pray for:
- the continuation of really good meetings with the IcFEM staff.
- provision for IcFEM so people can get back into the communities and carry on with the work waiting for them there.
- protection from doubt about whether I am the right person for the job! I know God has sent me here, but worries creep in sometimes and I’ve noticed that I have been letting them do so recently, so I need some of God’s great help to stay on his right path.
So, what have I been up to lately? When I last wrote I had completed the lists of farmers who were involved in the maize and beans project but had an inkling there would be more to do...which turned out to be true! Now that the maize and fertiliser has been distributed there is another massive task to do of checking that all those who have received farm inputs have been given the amount the bank has allowed for in their loan. So, we now have long lists of signatures that we have to reconcile against equally long lists from the bank of how much they have lent to who. It’s going to take a while!! I have been working with Phoebe, one of the secretaries here, and it has proved to be an ideal opportunity to teach her some new computer skills that will help her in many of her other tasks. But, it is slow work and Phoebe is juggling her everyday typing work as well so it is even slower. I have had to resist the temptation to go and do it all myself knowing that even though this would be quicker it would also not help in the long run! So, we plod on bit by bit and we will get there eventually...I hope!
Alongside this, I have also been getting a better understanding of the whole project. I have to confess that I have had some concerns about the wisdom of encouraging farmers to borrow money from the bank...what if they cannot repay the loan and end up in a worse situation than they started off in? What if the crop fails and it all goes wrong? What I didn’t realise was that in previous years much land had been lain barren as people simply couldn’t afford the initial outlay to buy seed and fertiliser. People have been unable to grow crops to feed their family or to sell so are stuck in a cycle of extreme poverty.
I think there is a government initiative to put more money into farming to help deal with the food shortage issues and as part of this, banks have been making loans to farmers to enable them to get going on farming their land. By uniting a large number of farmers and helping represent them to the local bank IcFEM have been able to secure loans for many farmers who would not normally get noticed in the larger scheme of things. IcFEM have effectively given a large number of farmers a voice they would not have had if they were tackling the issues as individuals. As a result, many people who were unable to farm their land last year will be able to do so this year, in turn growing enough produce to pay back the loan, feed their family and earn some extra money by selling their produce.
Alongside this, IcFEM have been busy training farmers about running small businesses. This includes many simple things like keeping records, weighing up expected income compared to initial outlay and the importance of using the correct fertilisers. This is so important. IcFEM are attempting to provide the farmers with both the initial capital they were previously lacking as well as the knowledge and skills to succeed. The amount of money that has been invested in the land and the growing of much needed food is way more than IcFEM could have input by themselves and I am sure they are looking forward to the harvest time when much more food will have been produced in this area that in previous years.
I suppose though there is still one worry I mentioned that I haven’t addressed yet - what if the crops fail? Well, I guess that’s where faith is so important. The amount of prayer that has already gone into this whole scheme is incredible. I know that IcFEM haven’t entered into it lightly and truly believe it is God’s will for this project to take place. Therefore, they, and I, trust that God will work out his purpose in it. I believe we can already see him working out his perfect timing. The rains initially began about 3 weeks ago and many farmers rushed out to plant immediately. The rains however didn’t settle straight away with there being only a small amount of rain the second week and then a dry week. This means that some crops have suffered already, getting off to a bad start. Meanwhile, IcFEM were struggling with delays at the bank who were failing to release the money at the agreed date. This meant many farmers were worrying that they were missing the all important first rains and would not get their crop planted in time. Farmers were daily contacting and visiting IcFEM and bitterly complaining at what seemed like failure. However, during the week with little rain and the dry week, all the money was suddenly freed up by the bank and the seed and fertiliser delivered to all farmers who were then able to plant in perfect time for the settled rains that have now begun! Now we have the benefit of hinds sight it is much easier to see God working out his perfect timing, whereas a couple of weeks ago, when we could not see how it would all play out, it was hard to trust that all would be well! But it was well and I am sure that God will continue to be involved in the work here!
Amidst all the maize and beans administration, in the times I’ve been waiting for Phoebe, I have been joining Jo and Gemma who have been busy painting the front gate at IcFEM headquarters. Armed with lots of paint and an outline plan, Jo and Gemma had got to work. Jo is very artistic so tackled the pretty bits like the logo without a fear, Gemma set to work with her great patience and determination on lots of the fiddley bits but both were a little scared of the letters that needed to look like printed text. But it just so happens that I love maths and drawing precisely so was able to join them and help out with all the spacing of the letters and the measuring of the fonts. Between us, the gate is now done and dusted and looking quite smart...if I do say so myself!
Last week we returned to the Sikuku family home where we had helped to build the new house for the handing over ceremony. We were a little apprehensive about going back - we wondered whether the community fellowship would have carried out the final works to the house and also how the children would be. Would their feet have been healed or would the jiggers be back again?
As we drove up, two of the boys ran out to meet us without a limp or walking stick in sight! They stood tall and with their feet flat on the floor! I was almost in tears again at the sight of them and the amazing change in them! They were closely followed by their grandma, Flora, who was wearing a pair of shoes - something she was previously unable to do as her feet had been so painful. Not only that, but we turned to see the house and the community had done a wonderful job of carrying out the finishing touches! It was the best return we could have asked for.
The handing over ceremony got going with some singing and praying then various people shared a little about the history of the family and the fellowship before Paul from IcFEM gave a short sermon. Following that we prayed for the family and then everyone there gave them gifts to help get their new start off well! All the members of the community gave what they could, ranging from a few coins, or some salt all the way through to a mattress. Added to all this, thanks to some kind people in York (friends of a friend out here) offering to cover the costs, the children will now be able to go to school! It was a very joyful occasion all in all!
So, as you can tell, God has used IcFEM, and graciously let us be a part of his plans, to help bless this family and make a real difference to their lives. The family also have some very caring neighbours who have tried to help them previously but have not been able to for a number of reasons. It is great to know that they are there now and, as the door has been opened by the building of the house, these same neighbours are now welcome and able to help the family. In fact, it was them who continued to remove the jiggers over the couple of weeks after we started. Japeth, one of the neighbours, said that after Abel’s feet had been soaked in the treatment, the following day he removed about 70 jiggers from each of his feet. Poor little boy...it’s no wonder he was limping and using a stick to help him walk.
All this is really exciting and I do believe there is something more exciting happening alongside all this. Edward, the father, has struggled with alcohol addiction for a number of years and it was clear to see that his relationship with his children was very broken. At the time of building the house we were very impressed that Edward came and helped all week - I am told that on previous occasions when similar families have been helped there has been no sight of the father. We prayed with him and for him when we were there and have continued to do so since we left. When we returned he had smartened up his appearance, shaving his beard and cutting his hair, and was wearing clean clothes - I am sure this is an outward sign of an inward change. I also noticed the way the two little boys in particular looked for him whenever he was out of sight,something they had not done when we first visited. As soon as they saw their Dad their faces lit up and I sense that this shows a change in their relationship. I am sure all this comes from a difference in the father’s heart. A friend at IcFEM spoke with him (his english isn’t great so it was hard for me to communicate directly) and he is seeing God’s love in action and wants to turn his life around. I am sure there will be hard times ahead for him, times when the local brew tempts him, but my prayer is that he will stand strong. It seems as though he has opened his heart to God and if he continues to let God in, then I am sure that the whole family and their lifestyle will be transformed!
This week I had a chance to sit down with Lesley and Tatwa and discuss my programme for the rest of my time with IcFEM. This was great as I’ve been feeling a little like I’ve been wandering along, doing lots of exciting and useful things along the way, but maybe not heading in the right direction. I don’t want to reach the end of my time here and realise I haven’t done what I actually came to do! Anyway, the upshot was that I now have a fairly full timetable for the next three weeks and an outline idea of what I’ll be up to in June and July.
I got going on my shiny new programme this week by spending time with some of the 12 line ministry representatives at head quarters. The 12 line ministries are the core threads that run through all the work in the communities and are things such as working with the elderly or the disabled or focusing on advancing agriculture or education. Each takes an important role in helping a whole community to move forward out of the poverty that has held it previously.
It’s been really interesting to hear more about the work that is going on and some of the challenges people have come up against as well as some amazing stories of transformation in peoples lives. It really is incredible how IcFEM are so integrated into the communities and are so hands on in their approach. Sadly, due to a lack of funding, many people have been unable to get out into the communities for the last couple of months so have had to work in a more office based capacity. On one hand it is no bad thing as it has provided the opportunity for people to write all the end of year reports that are needed. On the other hand it seems really sad that there are people desperate to get out and about and help people in their struggles, but due to a lack of finance they are held back.
I also had the chance to spend a day out in Kabuyefwe with the formation team. This is a new local unit being established and it was election day for the positions on the committee. I reckon there was about 400 people there who had all come together and were united through the fellowships at village level. Having seen some of the benefits and changes to a community when people work together, it is easy to see what an exciting time it is for those getting involved in Kabuyefwe! The new unit will officially be launched at the end of the month if all goes well. It was a great day apart from the moment where I got dragged up to the front and had to say something about who I am and what I’m doing...400 pairs of eyes looking at you and expecting you to say something sensible off the top of your head is slightly daunting!!
I have to confess, I took a break half way through writing this and it’s now about 4 in the afternoon. The sunny morning has now gone and all of a sudden the heavens have just opened. It is absolutely chucking it down! Happily, I’m sat under the cover of the veranda so I’m still dry, but I can hardly hear myself think the rain is that loud on all the iron sheet roofs. It’s so loud I’ve just given up on listening to my music on my laptop because even at full volume I can’t hear it over the rain! The temperature has also dropped substantially...in fact...I’m I think I’ll move to sit inside...hang on a moment!
Right, I’m back...and I’m glad I made that decision when I did. Just as I had finished packing up my stuff to come in, the rain got even heavier and a strong wind whipped up and started blowing the rain under the veranda!! I can’t believe how wet it is out there!! The funniest thing is though, there is blue skies and fluffy white clouds on the horizon so there’s the promise of a nice evening once this big storm is over.
Well, I think I had actually nearly finished before the rain rudely disturbed me!! Oh, I wanted to tell you a few of the things that make being here so wonderfully different to home. It’s hard to capture a culture in words and I fear I won’t do it justice, but I’ll try to explain some of the sights you see on a normal day that give you the moments of realisation that you are actually far from home and living in Africa!
As you walk down the road there is always a number of goats or sheep with a tired looking rope round their neck with the other end fastened round a bit of a tree or bush. They’re left here to graze what small amounts of grass their are and if you walk by them after it’s rained they all look thoroughly fed up and bedraggled! It’s not unusual to walk round the corner to face a small herd of cows meandering along the road, grazing as they go, followed by a boy with a stick keeping them heading in roughly the right direction. When you’ve passed the cows (I always have a small fear they may come and get me!) you’re quite likely to see a donkey or two, laden with all sorts of random looking bundles plodding along. I think the donkeys are really beautiful. They are all brown with a black diamond shaped stripe across what I guess is their shoulders and they have such a soft look to their eyes.
Add to this the boda boda (push bike) and pikki pikki (motorbike) taxis that whizz by ringing their bells or hooting their horns and you, along with all the others walking down the road (including the ladies carrying wood or massive bundles of things on their head), are dodging out of the way of all sorts! It’s definitely important to pay attention as you walk along...which can be difficult as you constantly get accosted by little kids shouting “ ‘Ow are yoooou I am fine thank you” without even stopping to take a breath, never mind waiting for an answer! Some of them dash out to shake hands with you (everyone shakes hands to greet each other here) and the kids get upset if you don’t wait for them to reach you! An occasional cheeky kid will ask you for 10 shillings, never giving a reason, just trying their luck! Every now and then you also get a cheeky grown up who will ask you for 10 shillings just in case...
I love the way that people here seem to have all the time in the world. There’s a group of men who are always sat outside the small row of shops at the end of the road. They seem to spend their time just talking to each other or playing draughts, using coke bottle lids as the playing pieces! There’s also normally a small gathering of boda boda drivers sitting waiting for a customer, all chatting and whiling away the time.
There is one part of life though that I’m definitely not so keen on...on a couple of occasions recently I have been woken at 1.30am (always the same time bizarrely!) by some weird crunchy-crackley noise. When I’ve investigated, I’ve discovered a huge cockroach in my bin! Gross!!! They’re fast movers as well them cockroaches and I’ve had to move faster to get rid (not something that comes naturally at 1.30am).
Despite the nasty bugs, it’s safe to say the pros of African life are definitely outweighing the cons!
___________________________
Thank God for:
- all the work he is doing with the Sikuku family.
- an outline plan for the rest of my time here.
- a renewed love of reading the Bible!
- many answered prayers, both little and large.
Please pray for:
- the continuation of really good meetings with the IcFEM staff.
- provision for IcFEM so people can get back into the communities and carry on with the work waiting for them there.
- protection from doubt about whether I am the right person for the job! I know God has sent me here, but worries creep in sometimes and I’ve noticed that I have been letting them do so recently, so I need some of God’s great help to stay on his right path.
