Spoke at a Women’s Meeting Saturday, May 26
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season . . . 2 Timothy 4:2

• Arrived late Friday night – our plan was to rest and prepare for the week of ministry
• We had no idea they were even having a women’s meeting until Mama Mercy came and said we are ready for you . . . so we grabbed our Bible’s and quickly asked the Lord to help! 

• This opportunity taught me the importance of my own personal study of God’s Word and dependence on the Holy Spirit.  I had no time to prepare or even think about what I might share.  Needless to say, I was a little panicked, but God reminded me that I didn’t need to be anxious, He would give me the words to say.  Romans 12 came to my mind, so I just shared what I have learned about be a living sacrifice, renewing my mind and behaving like a Christian.  Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”  The key is abiding - if we are going to be prepared in season and out of season, we have to spend time with God in His Word.

Ministered at PEFA Kimbo Church

• I wasn’t the only one who had to be prepared.  Michelle and Will were asked to teach Sunday School late Saturday afternoon.  Alexis, Kate and Emma were asked to share with the Youth Class.
• Michelle sang and Alexis signed “What a Beautiful Name”
• Our friend, Stan Bailey, shared a powerful message from God’s Word
• And we all enjoyed the vibrant, expressive worship of the Africans. 
• When we returned to the church each afternoon we were greeted by many of the village children that don’t attend school

​Feeding Needy Families
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble.  Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.  Isaiah 58:10

Provided food bags (approximately 2 weeks’ worth) for 20 families to include:

• Wheat flour
• Maize meal
• Sugar
• Cooking oil
• Rice
• Meat
• ndengu – which is a small green bean that is high in protein and fiber
• gave each family 2000KES ($20) to help with bills or other needs

We had the privilege of visiting with and delivering the food to several of the families

First Woman

• Woman raising her grandchildren
• Used a cane to walk – many health problems
• In Africa they don’t have any type of government assistance – no Medicare or Medicaid, no food stamps, no assistance for needy families, no child support enforcement
• The widows, single mothers and orphans are completely at the mercy of family members, who often can’t or won’t help provide.

Second Woman

• Woman has many grandkids she is caring for
• She was so joyful and full of faith trusting God to provide her needs!

Third Woman

• Shosho Elizabeth has trouble walking
• Has diabetes and high blood pressure
• Used to be a very prosperous business lady
• She lost everything she had during election violence
• Used what little savings she had to build this house – but know has no source of income
• Her son Michael recently went through an unwanted divorce, helps take care of his mom 
• has small butchery that helps pay the bills and buy his mother’s medicine
• Did share the gospel with Michael and church is going to follow up with him

Fourth Woman

• Ruth was abandoned by husband – think he may have another wife and children elsewhere – very common problem
• She  lost previous home during recent flooding – we drove past the lean-to that was her home - made out of tin and pieces of wood, had no floor and was in a flooded marshy area
• Friend found this one small room for her and her 4 children to rent
• has a sheet hanging to divide bed from rest of room  - cooks on a little coal stove – no other furniture other than bed.
• All 4 sleep in one bed – mattress is falling apart
• She doesn’t attend church yet – Mildred lives in this area and would see children not in school so she began to minister to them.  Children are attending
• We left additional money with Pastor James for some of the ladies in the church to help her start a business so she can provide for her family

Fifth Woman

• Mama Eric was also abandoned by her husband, she is pregnant with 4th child
• Son Eric lived on  the streets for a year because it was better than living at home – not really sure what he meant by that – think his father is an alcoholic and may have been abusive, but that is purely conjecture on my part.
• Supports her family as best as she can by selling vegetables
• Did have two rooms – there was a bed behind the checked curtain and maybe another one in the other room. 
• Eric is back home and in school, although school fees will be due again soon.  After being out of school for a year, he was already scoring 10th in his class
• We also left money with James to help with her business of selling vegetables as well.
• Metal building is the outhouse – the little two room house has no indoor plumbing
• Someone connected a hose to the city water so she could have a water source, but if they find out she of course will be in trouble.
• Has no way to cut the growth in the yard leading to the house

​School Ministry
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

• Brainston Academy is a private school and by far the nicest, best equipped school that we visited
  • Students in most private schools have to be in their seats reading by 6:30 am or they face the rod. Older children board at the school, those that go home don’t leave until 5 or 6 pm and they have several hours of homework.
  • Headmaster shared with me they focus so on academics that they don’t have recess or physical education
  • Average class size about 30
• Clanne Academy - Also a private school with class sizes ranging from 30 - 55
  • Each child at each school received a Pathway to Hope booklet that the church provided.
• Kwangethe is a public school – can you tell a difference in the class size and desks?
  • School enrollment was over 1600 and class size averaged over 100 students
• Scholar Springs Academy is a private school, but not near as well equipped as the others. 
  • They have an enrollment of about 1500 students as well, but in a more confined space than the public school. 
  • One difference I observed at this school is the headmaster and the teachers really love the kids – it was more than a job to them.

​Youth Conference

• Found out after we arrived that “youth” includes anyone that is single.  We were thinking 14-18 years old, not 25 – 40!

Life Principles Conference
Bill and Stan Bailey, from In Touch Ministries, taught 30 pastors & Kenyan Police officers while the rest of the team was ministering in the schools.

The training of Pastors and church leaders in Mt Elgon, Kapsokwony (with free distribution of leadership resources including the Life Principles materials, free tablets and Audio Messengers) was such a huge blessings to these pastors in the region.

Amid that poverty and the war that erupted few years ago,Mt Elgon is returning back to its shape.God is healing and awakening the church once again. With the breakthroughs we saw and healing among the pastors, it was obvious that the Holy Spirit had gone before us to prepare the ground.

Pastor Person Kororok,the lead Pastor at Deliverance church said, “Mt Elgon is among the most unreached regions in Kenya.  There is a great need for partnership to enhance the spiritual renewal of this mountain.  There is more need for ministries to come join hands with us to help us fulfill our God given goals and visions.  There are many hindrances to the spread of the gospel to this region because of the terrain and its topography.  Most of the pastors that are currently serving in this region, lack the resources and training needed.  This limits them to such an extent that they feel unable to answer their call for ministry completely.  But Water Mission has done what we can’t even explain, the resources and the materials we have got here, will help us do more for our community that we can’t even explain.  Also the gift to access clean water in our public hospital; in schools is truly a blessing.  I cannot thank you enough for being such a blessing in equipping the body of Christ and giving us clean water.  With the Life Principles Conference workshop, we are going to take the mountain for Jesus and lift up the banner of our Lord”

Pastor Chrispine from ATS (Mt Elgon African Theological Seminary said, “If this teachings came before the tribal clashes in Mt Elgon we wouldn’t have seen war, because as pastors we didn’t warn the church.  And also if we got these teaching after the fighting in the mountain the church would have healed already.  The topic which Bill spoke about, Adversity, was so critical for such a time as this.  On behalf of the Pastors in Mt Elgon, I just want to thank the ministry of Water Mission for the great service you have given the pastors in the Mountain.  May God bless you and give you more chances to reach us.  Please help us to facilitate follow-up with the participants for encouragement, establish accountability, share stories, and creatively initiate ways to keep the momentum.

Pastor Mark Ndiema, the lead pastor for Gospel Light Church said, “I have been praying for many years for the return of unity among the pastors of Mt Elgon, but God has truly answered through Water Mission and its partners.

It was truly wonderful to see prayers such as these like Pastor Mark’s and others answered.  There is something genuinely humbling to think, when God use you as a prophetic forerunner as an organization of individually with a prophetic mandate to align things and declare His word of hope to the most hurt like Mt Elgon Pastors.

It was like Jesus saying, to the people of Mt Elgon, “….I proclaim the year of the LORD’s liberty and freedom…”  I wish you could have seen the thankfulness and delight in the eyes of the Mt Elgon pastors – the smiles on their faces when they received precious gifts of tablets and messengers together with other materials.  It was awesome!!  Not just the times in God’s word, but watching pastors begin to open up to share their experiences with each other, which open great interactive sessions.  Washing away the years of tears and letting the very word of God speak deep in their hearts was so amazing and pleasing in the side of God.  The core of the Gospel in this Mountain region is that Jesus saves and He heals the broken-hearts through his work on the cross.
 
Discipleship workshop in this region has been the first ever since the brutal clashes in the region in bringing some healing to two hurting communities. Throughout the three days, pastors learned so much from Life Principles conference and went home energized by His presence.  Our prayers are that we continue to remain committed to providing training and resources to Christian leaders in such regions as MT Elgon and other regions as they navigate the fallout of violence in their region.  

What can we say, there was a tremendous success and without a shadow of doubt God’s presence has been tangibly felt in Mt Elgon.  We are grateful to God for making this a great success. Because of your prayers, hundreds were blessed to experience God’s Love for them.  This is the reason the gospel has to be preached 'unendingly' until all have known Him and His power.   God bless you for your prayers as we strive to win the lost at all cost!
​
Yours in the Lords service,
Pastor Harron Sabila Adams

With all the terrorism taking place over there aren't you afraid to go?" A question we often hear from friends and loved ones just about every time we are planning a trip to Africa.  The unfortunate fact is, there seems to be some type of violence taking place continually.  The following are just a few newspaper accounts of terrorism and violence that has taken place in areas we minister.  

In June 2010, there was an attack in Nairobi's Uhuru Park that police blamed on followers of Al-Shabaab. Three grenades exploded at a political rally in Uhuru Park killing six people and injuring 30. - we were in Nairobi at the time of the attacks!  July 2010 - An al-Qaida-linked Somali militant group claimed responsibility for twin bombings in Uganda that killed 74 people watching the World Cup final on TV, saying the militants would carry out attacks "against our enemy" wherever they are. - we left Nairobi and flew to Uganda, just days after our arrival this attack to place!   On April 4, 2012, two people were killed and 30 injured in grenade attacks at a church crusade in Mtwapa, Mombasa which was to be followed by another attack three weeks later which claimed one life and injuring 16 at the God’s House of Miracles International Church in Nairobi’s Ngara area. - we arrived in Nairobi on May 16, 2012!  On July 1, 2012, 17 people were killed and 45 wounded in grenade attacks at the Garissa Catholic and AIC churches. May 2013 - The man who hurled grenades that injured six police officers during a 12-hour confrontation in Nairobi’s Githurai Kimbo on Sunday, May 19, 2013 was a wanted terrorist.  Al-Shabaab militants killed 67 people in an attack Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Nairobi’s Westgate Mall - we have been to this mall on more than one occasion!  And on April 1, 2015, there was an attack on students at Kenya's Garissa University where Al-Shabaab militants killed 147 Christian students. 

It would appear our safety would be in jeopardy in such a violent place!  However, when posed the question my response is always the same - "If I believe God has called me to go, I am much safer obeying Him and being in the center of His will than I would be if I disobeyed and stayed at home."   If I allowed myself, I could certainly become fearful!  But I trust what scripture says is true, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  2 Tim. 1:7  Fear is a tactic the enemy uses to render us ineffective for the Kingdom.  We have a plaque over a doorway in our home that says, "The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect you".  This is a great reminder that God is our Protector and Satan is a liar!

The truth is there is just as much violence here in the United States! It's just not linked to terrorism and therefore not publicized.  I am more likely to succumb to a violent attack by one of my fellow countrymen as I walk down the street or sleep in my own bed, than I am to a terroristic act of violence in Africa.  I must remind myself that I am under the protection of my Lord, and nothing can happen to me without His consent. Psalm 139:16 says, "You saw me before I was born.  Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."  The length of my life has already been determined by my Creator.  I cannot lengthen the number of my days on this earth by worrying about what might happen, or by trying to avoid potential danger at the cost of ministry the Lord has ordained.

I remind myself that Jesus said, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"  Matthew 6:26-27  I am more valuable than they, and so are you! Worrying about what might happen will not change the outcome.  Instead, we must trust that Jeremiah 29:11 is true . . . "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

by Bill Loveless

Many days in ministry are difficult, but some are absolutely gut wrenching!  Today was one of those; I ministered in a small church in the middle of Masese - slipping and sliding in the mud and cow dung as we walked up the narrow path! 

Masese is a slum just outside Jinja, Uganda occupied primarily by the Karamojong, a semi nomadic tribal people who were pushed out of their homeland in northern Uganda and are now settled on a piece of government-owned property, where they cannot purchase or farm land.  Life in Masese bears some of the worst living conditions I have seen outside of Indian slums.  Abject poverty, drugs, alcohol; scantily clad little children everywhere - running, just to touch your strange looking white, hairy skin, laughing, giggling - just being kids. 

We had a great service, though it lasted until about 1:30 pm (long-winded preacher I guess).  It never ceases to amaze me that the simple Gospel has such power to save (Romans 1:16) in all cultures, all races, and all ages!  Many responded to the Gospel and shared testimonies after the service.

Dr. Ric Weibly reminded me several years ago that you can't own everyone's problems, but sometimes one really gets to you - like Brenda.  She raised her hand that she had received Christ during the service.  Afterward, she hugged me and whispered in my ear, “PLEASE take me with you when you leave!” 

Brenda doesn’t know how old she is, she thinks maybe 15, but looked to be about 13 or 14.  Both parents are alcoholics who basically neglect her.  She is unable to go to school because her parents refuse to pay the school fees.  Brenda recently had malaria, which has affected her brain because the parents wouldn't seek medical attention for her.  According to the local pastor, the government has a program that provides free medication to alleviate the damage, if a doctor certifies them.  

School fees of a meager UGX 330,000 (US equivalent of $119) for a year includes:  tuition for three terms, 2 uniforms, books and supplies.  I told the pastor to enroll her in school and to find out what it would cost to see a doctor and get her the medical attention she needs.  Not because I’m selfless or even compassionate, but because James 1:27 says that “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  Brenda is technically a orphan in distress that no one cares about, except KING JESUS!  We may not be able to help them all, but Go Ministries is going to do what it can to make a difference in this one’s life!  

You can help sponsor Brenda by making a tax deductible gift to Go Ministries, Inc.

Our theology must always impact the way we live our lives. Simply knowing God's Word is not enough.  Knowing Scripture, but failing to apply it to the way we live is not only futile, it is foolish.  God promises our faithful obedience to His Word will result in a successful life.

It takes courage to live a godly life in this present world.  As Joshua was preparing to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God gave him specific instructions that would lead to his success. These instructions are the same for us today:

Be strong and very courageous - Ephesians 6:10 says to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. When we come to the realization that we don't have to rely on our own strength, nor should we, the ability to stand courageously becomes much easier.  Verse 11 goes on to say that we are to put on the full armor of God, so that we will be able to stand firm against the strategies of our enemy.  God has provided everything we need to be a strong and courageous warrior. We must make the effort to study God's armor so that we will know how to use it!

God's Word is filled with promises and instructions that can provide us with strength and courage to face the spiritual battle we call life.  The following are just a few!  We can be strong and courageous because . . .

• God goes with you and fights against your enemies - Deut. 20:3-4
• God will give you the strength you need - Psalm 138:3
• God's strength is made perfect in your weakness - 2 Cor. 12:9-10
• God will strengthen and help you - Isaiah. 41:10
• God strengthens your inner being with His power through His Spirit - Eph. 3:16

My attitude can be the difference between success and failure; happiness and despair; love and hate; compassion and callousness; unity and division; humility and pride; triumph and tragedy; victory and defeat.  So what then defines a good attitude, one that can insure the former rather than the later of the above examples?  Let’s take a few moments to dissect Philippians 2:1-7 to see what advice the Apostle Paul provides under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?  Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit?  Are your hearts tender and compassionate? The first question implies that life will have many disappointments, and we've all had our share of them.  What we need to focus on during those times is the benefits we have from belonging to Christ.  The Psalmist reminds us of just a few:  Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:  Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,  Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:1-5).  The fact that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ should result in great comfort no matter the circumstances of life.  I should have an attitude of gratitude and contentment!

In the last several years, our travels have taken us all over the world and I can testify to the bond of love and the fellowship that is possible between believers.  I am reminded of the time Bill and I spent in the home of a Russian pastor and his family, none of which spoke English.  Our interpreter departed after dinner, leaving us to attempt communication on our own.  I must admit, I was a little on the skeptical side!  However, we had a Berlitz English/Russian Dictionary with which we frantically looked up word/phrase translations.  I'm not sure how well we actually communicated with words that night, but we did enjoy our fellowship in the Holy Spirit and a bond that will last through eternity.  It was one of the sweetest instances of camaraderie  I have ever experienced; and I will always cherish the time we spent in their home!  We have encountered brothers and sisters in Christ, all over the world and sensed the same bond instantaneously, even though we had never met. The Holy Spirit is able to remove the barriers and obstacles that stand in the way of authentic communion. We are family and truly do have all things in common.  I should have an attitude of expectation, tenderness and compassion!

Now Paul begins to address our attitude in regards to our treatment of brothers and sisters in Christ.  If we have hearts that are tender and compassionate towards Christians we have never met, how much more should we demonstrate the same conduct towards Christians we encounter regularly.  Specifically, our church family, Christian co-workers and neighbors, as well as, family members.  We should bear one another's burdens, as well as celebrate each other's victories, but do we?  Unfortunately, we become complacent and take for granted the blessing of those relationships.  Therefore, Paul charges us to check our attitude towards everyone!

2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.  3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

If you agree with someone wholeheartedly, there is no room for complaining or wavering from the agreement.  The definition of wholehearted is: 1) completely and sincerely devoted, determined, or enthusiastic 2) marked by complete earnest commitment; free from all reserve or hesitation.  I cannot be enthusiastically determined to live earnestly committed to complete and sincere agreement with my fellow Christ followers and insist on having it my way!  We, as Christians, are supposed to live in harmony with one another . . . to be of one mind and one purpose . . . working together for the glory of God and the advancement of the Kingdom.  I need to remind myself that I don't have all the answers, that I am not always right, that my way is not necessarily the best way.  When I think of others more highly than myself and put their interests before my own, I am promoting unity, which is the essence of Christian love.  I should have an attitude of love and self-sacrifice!

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.  

Even though Jesus was God, He did not cling to His position of King of kings.  Instead He willingly gave up His divine privileges and humbly accepted the position of a slave.  In obedience to God's redemptive plan, Jesus died a criminal's death on the cross in payment for my sin.  He gave His life, so that mine could be salvaged! Jesus said, "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:12-14  I may never be asked to give my life for someone else, but am I willing to change my attitude for the good of my brothers and sisters, and more importantly, for my Jesus? 

Do you know for certain if you died today that you would go to heaven?!?!? Click here to find out how you can.
 

In Alexis' devotion this morning, an example was given of preschool children going to the playground holding on to a rope to ensure their safety as they walked across the parking lot.  As the toddlers moved from point "A" to point "B", the teacher could be sure none would be lost, as long as they held tightly to the rope.  In our scripture today, we see that we are to hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good.  In order to remain safe as we travel through this evil world, we must hold tightly to God's Word.  Now I’m not saying that we should go through our daily lives with the Bible tucked under our arm.  What I mean is we must open it, read it, meditate on it and memorize it!  “How can a young person stay on the path of purity?  By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”  Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV)

The subtlety the world uses to glamorize sin and convince us that certain types of lifestyles are acceptable can only be recognized and overcome by knowledge of the Truth!  God’s Word is Truth.  It is life’s instruction manual; a guide wire I can follow when I’m not sure which way to go; a safety net that catches me when I fall; a lifeline when this sinful world has sucked the life right out of me!  The more I study and memorize scripture, the more I hate evil and am able to stand against it.  I am so thankful that God has provided everything necessary for me to live a godly life – by His Word and His Holy Spirit I can live safely and victoriously!

“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.  We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.  And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises.  These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”  2 Peter 1:3-4