Text Update From Jenni

Hi everyone-

Jill Cox here on behalf of the Kenya team!  They've lost their WiFi connection for some reason today, so Jenni texted me a few highlights to pass along.

First of all, Jenni says that overall, everyone on both the Machakos team and the Kajiado team is doing really well.  There are a couple of people still struggling with minor, annoying health issues on the Machakos team, so let's keep them in our prayers.  For more specific details on each team:

Machakos:
Jenni said that the Machakos team's work group is doing a great job and the VBS numbers keep growing daily.  There were about 120 kids there today (WOW!).  Groups are still going out and doing door-to-door evangelism and she didn't mention this, but I am sure there were also a couple of school visits as well.  So, despite those few who are feeling under-the-weather, it sounds like the Machakos team had another amazing day!

Kajiado:
Jenni said that they ended up talking to Brian through a long string of borrowed phones from the locals there at Scott and in Machakos.  Apparently, Brian had sent them several texts during the day today, but they weren't receiving them.  Ahhh, technology.  However, tonight, a whole slew of texts came at once- maybe the same issue affecting the WiFi is affecting the texts in-country?  Doesn't make sense, but you never know.

Brian said that everyone in Kajiado is doing great and that they've already gotten the posts and half of the walls up on the church... and they estimate that they'll finish the building tomorrow!  The first service should be this Sunday!  Isn't that AMAZING???!!!  The building, which Jenni says is simple and functional (wood beam frame and metal sheet siding and roof), will also be used as a school building.  So, first church service on Sunday, followed by the first day of classes on Monday.

Brian also said that he is astonished (and excited) that the local men are there helping them and are asking all kinds of questions.  As you probably know, the major role of Maasai men is to herd their cattle (their wealth) while the women stay with the children near the boma and take care of the homestead.  This is why Brian is so encouraged at their participation.  The Maasai men continue to remark to Brian (et al) that they can not believe our team has returned for a third year.  They want to know why TCA keeps coming back to help them.  Brian and Pastor Charles keep explaining that they were called there by God.  They must know of Mama Ruth's faithful prayers over the last several years.  This is visible affirmation that God is alive- and He's answered 'yes' to Mama Ruth!

As you can imagine, I had goosebumps reading Jenni's texts.  How amazing is the confluence of events that brought two groups of people from opposite sides of the globe together?!  God's plan is intricate and beautiful indeed.

I'd like to end my post on a funny note- because miscommunication and cultural differences are part of the joy of this type of trip.  The Kajiado team sent Koi English with a small group to a secondary school, and someone there offered Brian Millet FIVE cows for her to become their wife.  But never fear!  Brian protected her, telling the man that Koi had a big, burly husband at home, so that wasn't going to happen.  He did remark that it was a nice offer all the same. :)

Hopefully, I won't be your guest blogger again tomorrow (let's hope the WiFi is back up and running).  Please keep the entire team in your prayers.  I personally plan to pray that the LORD would put a hedge of protection around each and every one of them as they do His work in Kenya, and that every attempt that Satan makes to thwart their efforts will be shut down.  In my previous experience on this trip, as each day passes, you can almost hear the Enemy's cries of outrage as he tries harder and harder to discourage the team in every single way he possible can.  You may think that sounds hokey, but I assure you that I have seen it happen with my own eyes.

BUT, the Enemy is seriously wasting his time.  Because the war has already been won.

IN CHRIST ALONE,

Jill Cox (on behalf of Jenni Millet)