East Africa

September 11, 1986

Fraley's Chapel Church of Christ

c/o Jim Brown

Rt. # 8 Box 320

Corinth, Mississippi 38834

Fellow Workers in Christ,

May grace, peace and mercy be showered down upon you from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As time passes we see the Lord's hand at work daily. Along with the Lord's hand though, we are also continually confronted with the trials and temptations that come from the Devil. We are continually made aware of the amount of work that needs to be done, and how little the time is that we have to do it. But as Christ said in Matthew 9:37,38; we can see that this has al-ways been a struggle. We ask that you continue to pray for our growth as we learn the Luo language, and learn more about the Luo people.

I would like to spend some time talking about the Luo People. They also, have many struggles to overcome. Although they are the second largest tribe in Kenya, size is not everything. The Luo people are one of the less prosperous tribes. As with all tribes in Kenya wealth is gained through wives, children, land and livestock. The more you have the wealthier you are. This has become a large burden for many Christians because, they have been taught this from their youth and change is hard. There is a constant struggle because of outside peer pressure for the Christian men to add wives so they can have more children. Not only is this wrong in God's eyes, many times it is not feasible economically either.

Denominations also, are starting to have their influence on Christians in South Nyanza. They are building schools, places of worship and paying nationals to preach. All of which are making the African people dependant upon outside support to maintain what has been started. Many want us to do the same, and when we do not they become disheartened. Often, causing some to go other places because they are seeking physical wealth over spiritual.

Money is another hindrance to the church in South Nyanza. Kenya is growing very fast, especially in the larger cities. Because of this jobs are opening that are drawing the men away from the church and their families. Many leave for years at a time, only returning for a week or two each year. Because of this the local congregation is left with only women and children to carry on. Also in Kenya the father of the family is highly respected. Without his presence the Luo children grow up not having the guidance and support necessary to bring them to maturity in Christ.

There are other struggles that the Luo Christians face daily. I have mentioned these so you can pray for their growth in faith and wisdom. Kenya truly is a ripe field for harvest. If it were not, Satan would not be trying to stop the growth of the church so diligently. It is our prayer that the Christians here will realize this and gain strength through their trials.

Once again we ask that you remember us often, and pray for us as we do for you. Your letters continue to be an encouragement to us, for this we thank the Lord. Without your correspondence our lives would not be complete. Until next month we pray that the Lord will bless and keep you in His care.

In Christian Love,

Barry and Stacy