His Work Among the Luo People Of Kenya Go ... and make disciples of all nations Matthew 28:19
June 3, 1994

Fraley's Chapel Church of Christ
c/o Jeff Young
Rte. #2 Box 421
Corinth, Mississippi 38834

Greetings from Kenya,

As many of you already know, Stacy and Havilah are in the
States now. They left Kenya on May 3rd, and will be back by the
time you read this newsletter.  Kit and I are doing fine on our
own, though we both miss Kit's mother and Havilah a lot.

The work here continues to progress, and we daily see the growth
of many Christians in spiritual ways.  However, this growth
does not come without trials and temptations.  Money, hunger,
sickness and death seem to be the weapons that Satan is using
most these days.

First, since money is a temptation to many Christians, we have
suggested that the churches open accounts at the bank.
However, many have not done this yet, and the temptation
presented by keeping the money in their homes is often to
great.  The church often finds that no money is to be had in
the time of need, whatever that need may be.  Even opening bank
accounts has recently proven to cause problems, because some do
not agree with those that have been chosen to be over the
accounts.

Second, many churches do not hold "mid week" Bible studies in
various Christians homes, because they do not have anything to
"help" the host family with.  This is due mainly to the yearly,
or should I say bi-yearly time of waiting for the harvest.
Since April, many have been feeling the "lack of food", however
this will be ending by the end of June.  I say "lack of food",
because corn is scarce, yet many other foods can be found.

Foods such as beans, peanuts, cassava and sweet potatoes are
still plentiful.

Third, this time of year is cold in Kenya, since it is the
rainy season.  Many therefore become sick, and instead of going
to seek medical help, they go to the local witch doctor for
"treatment", or come to us to ask for assistance.  We try to
help when we are able, but the requests are often far greater
than we are able to assist.

And fourth; death continues to get a tighter grip on Kenya as a
whole.  Just yesterday I was invited to speak at the funeral of
a Mariwa Christian (brother-Ogola Anyango), who died of cancer.
While seated waiting to start the services we were told that
there would be a delay in proceeding with the schedule.  This
due to the fact that a thirty year old man in the next village
had just passed away, and many who were expected (250 +
people), at this funeral, were still at the next village.  In
reality, we were present to bury one person and two more
funerals will be taking place in that area in the next couple
of days.

Soon the only chance to "witness" for the Lord will be at
funerals, since all will be involved in burying their loved
ones.  This is not all bad.  Many things can be taught about
Luo traditions and the offering of sacrifices at the time of
death that are contrary to God's word.  If God's elect are
present at these funerals, then many will be converted to
Christ and His kingdom here on earth will be glorified.

Please pray for your Luo brothers and sisters here in South
Nyanza as they struggle daily with these trials of everyday
life.  May the Lord bless you and keep you in the days ahead.
We covet your prayers on our behalf as we toil in His vineyard.

Your Brother in Christ,
 
 

Barry J. Rosie