East Africa

October 10, 1986

Fraley's Chapel Church of Christ

c/o Jim Brown

Rt. # 8 Box 320

Corinth, Mississippi 38834

Dear friends and helpers with His Work among the Luo,

Wa mosu duto e nying Yesu Kristo. Pilepile, wa lemonu kutiyo ni Nyasaye e Amerika. Bende, nikech ukonyowa, ka watiyo ni Nyasaye e gweng ka gi Joluo. Wadhi maber ahinya. Wa lemonu mondo ubed gi ngima kod teko kulando wachne kanyo.

Interpretation: We greet you all in the name of Jesus Christ. Daily, we pray for you as you serve God in America. Also, because you help us, as we serve God in this area with the Luo people. We are doing well. And we pray for you so that you have health and strength as you spread His word there.

The above paragraphs should give you some idea of how we are progressing in our language learning. It also should be interesting to those of you who wonder what the Luo language is like. Language learning as well as cultural adaptation is a long and slow process, and we are still learning/and adapting. We thank God daily that we remain strong and well to continue this process.

This month, I want to tell you a little about two Luos whom we have come to love dearly. One of them is named Patroba Ouko Magak. You may recall that he was the man who served us Christmas dinner in the bush last year. He is about age 40, has a wife and three children. Patroba and his family were converted to Christ many years ago when the Barr family first came to Kenya. Over the years, he has been a very active Christian. Barry and I recall meeting him when we surveyed this area four years ago. One time, several years back, when Patroba was working in an area where there was no church within walking distance, he decided to take matters in his own hands. He set out one day to start a new congregation, and that is exactly what he did. He walked until he found a group of people who would listen, taught them, and converted them so that he could worship with them. Oh, if we could all be that zealous. Patroba did his job well, for those people still worship in truth today. Several months ago, Patroba erred and refused to repent. It was necessary to disfellowship him. We were heartbroken to see such a good worker to turn his back on God. But, just this week, Barry and I were in Kisii town one day when Patroba approached us. He wanted to let us know that he realize he has done wrong, and does not want to live without God. Rejoice with us, and pray for Patroba as he repents and labors again with us.

The other person is a young man (age 18) who cuts our grass for us. His name is Jabes Onyango. Jabes was baptized into Christ two months ago. He is already preaching weekly, with Barry's guidance, at the same congregation that Patroba started years ago. We admire Jabes for his willingness to preach and for his Light that shines so abundantly among the Luo. His home and family life is not so easy. Jabes' father is an alcoholic, and his mother spends much energy trying to shake his faith and destroy his journey as he walks the narrow road. But, we have yet to see Jabes down in the dumps. Everyday he is smiling, eager to learn, and eager to serve God.

Daily he uplifts our spirits. Barry and I enjoy him immensely, and thank God for sending us such a special person. Please pray for Jabes also, as he labors with us in God's Kingdom.

We cannot stress enough how much your letters mean to us. Going to the mailbox is still the high point of our day. We love you and appreciate all of you. You are a great help and emotional support to us.

Oriti! (Goodbye!)

In Christian love,

Barry and Stacy