September Update
Dear Friends;
We left the states 37 days ago having in our minds a schedule of events that lay before us. But God had a different plan! For example, we knew that Jim and Susie Horne, our co-pastor, would be returning to the states at some point during our stay. Little did we know that on the very day we arrived (13 of August) Jim was told by his doctor that he was to leave as soon as possible for an emergency surgery. So they left four days later! This happens to be the very thing that I did not want to happen. "My fear" all along was that I would be left with all the responsibility and not be able to maintain the demanding schedule of being the senior pastor at Crossroads Fellowship. I am very grateful for God's provision of Pastor Robert Lundi and Pastor Duncan Malalo who are dependable young pastors and they have assumed a lot of the day to day responsibilities. This has allowed me to prepare and preach on Sundays and to lead the Tuesday night church service and counsel people as needed. The Thursday night Life Groups are in the hands of these two capable men.
Last Friday night I met with several leaders of the church to go over the "drawings" and asked them all to pray Friday and Saturday about what God would have us do about building Phase 2 (the education building). By Sunday, it was unanimously decided that we should move ahead. We will be meeting again on Tuesday, the 22nd to approve the architect's contract. Please pray because the dollar against the Kenya shilling is in free fall again. It is down to 73 to $1.00 and upon our arrival it was at 78 top $1.00.
The architect believes that the building can be completed at around $300,000.00. I also believe that is a realistic figure. Should you feel led to contribute to the project, simply make the contributions to Crossroads Fellowship Ministries, P.O. Box 491 , Greenfield, In 46140, earmarked for the Building Fund.
Some of you may not be aware that three weeks ago Gary had a nasty fall, slipping on wet floor tile. He landed directly on his back and we thank God that no bones were broken and there was no blood (which as you know is a good thing, especially being on blood thinners). He is feeling a bit better, but still not pain free. As some of you might remember, he has a "Wednesday group" of men he has played golf with for many years. Since he fell, he has not been able to play, so he is hopeful that soon he will be able to continue. At least he goes out to visit the group on Wednesday nights for a chat. (Pray that he will have opportunities there to share Christ with that group).
Since our arrival, we have seen 5 people baptized, 4 babies dedicated to the Lord, a wedding, and a number of decisions to follow Christ! It is our prayer that the ones who have followed Christ will continue to come to church and be discipled and grow in faith, by the teaching of Word of God.
Please continue to pray for Tina and Nathan. After her ordeal in the hospital she has been recovering at home, but we still do not have word yet as to when she will need the other surgeries. The doctors say that with her blood disorders that this problem with infections at the root of her teeth will probably continue to be a problem so they are contemplating the best course of action for her. So please continue to pray for all the decisions about her health and for Nathan as he works.
Please keep Hanna in your prayers as she is keeping up the house in the states, going to school and looking for a part time job.
Lastly, please pray that the Lord would use us for His purposes and for His glory!
Love, Gary and Jean You can reach our Skype phone at 317-468-2293!
We left the states 37 days ago having in our minds a schedule of events that lay before us. But God had a different plan! For example, we knew that Jim and Susie Horne, our co-pastor, would be returning to the states at some point during our stay. Little did we know that on the very day we arrived (13 of August) Jim was told by his doctor that he was to leave as soon as possible for an emergency surgery. So they left four days later! This happens to be the very thing that I did not want to happen. "My fear" all along was that I would be left with all the responsibility and not be able to maintain the demanding schedule of being the senior pastor at Crossroads Fellowship. I am very grateful for God's provision of Pastor Robert Lundi and Pastor Duncan Malalo who are dependable young pastors and they have assumed a lot of the day to day responsibilities. This has allowed me to prepare and preach on Sundays and to lead the Tuesday night church service and counsel people as needed. The Thursday night Life Groups are in the hands of these two capable men.
Last Friday night I met with several leaders of the church to go over the "drawings" and asked them all to pray Friday and Saturday about what God would have us do about building Phase 2 (the education building). By Sunday, it was unanimously decided that we should move ahead. We will be meeting again on Tuesday, the 22nd to approve the architect's contract. Please pray because the dollar against the Kenya shilling is in free fall again. It is down to 73 to $1.00 and upon our arrival it was at 78 top $1.00.
The architect believes that the building can be completed at around $300,000.00. I also believe that is a realistic figure. Should you feel led to contribute to the project, simply make the contributions to Crossroads Fellowship Ministries, P.O. Box 491 , Greenfield, In 46140, earmarked for the Building Fund.
Some of you may not be aware that three weeks ago Gary had a nasty fall, slipping on wet floor tile. He landed directly on his back and we thank God that no bones were broken and there was no blood (which as you know is a good thing, especially being on blood thinners). He is feeling a bit better, but still not pain free. As some of you might remember, he has a "Wednesday group" of men he has played golf with for many years. Since he fell, he has not been able to play, so he is hopeful that soon he will be able to continue. At least he goes out to visit the group on Wednesday nights for a chat. (Pray that he will have opportunities there to share Christ with that group).
Since our arrival, we have seen 5 people baptized, 4 babies dedicated to the Lord, a wedding, and a number of decisions to follow Christ! It is our prayer that the ones who have followed Christ will continue to come to church and be discipled and grow in faith, by the teaching of Word of God.
Please continue to pray for Tina and Nathan. After her ordeal in the hospital she has been recovering at home, but we still do not have word yet as to when she will need the other surgeries. The doctors say that with her blood disorders that this problem with infections at the root of her teeth will probably continue to be a problem so they are contemplating the best course of action for her. So please continue to pray for all the decisions about her health and for Nathan as he works.
Please keep Hanna in your prayers as she is keeping up the house in the states, going to school and looking for a part time job.
Lastly, please pray that the Lord would use us for His purposes and for His glory!
Love, Gary and Jean You can reach our Skype phone at 317-468-2293!
posted by smiddy family ministries | 8:28 AM
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