GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH – ELDORET AUGUST 2014 – PRAYER LETTER

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH – ELDORET

AUGUST 2014 – PRAYER LETTER

Dear Friends,
It is most fitting for us to begin our August Prayer Letter by first saying thank you ever so much for all of you who have contacted us to say you are praying for us. Your prayers and words of encouragement have been used by God to strengthen us greatly. Joseph Parker’s hymn of long ago has been in our minds and lips frequently during this time that our sovereign Lord has seen fit to allow us go through these trials:
1. God holds the key of all unknown
And I am glad;
If other hands should hold the key
Or if He trusted it to me,
I might be sad.
2. What if tomorrow’s cares were here
Without its rest!
I’d rather He unlocked the day,
And, as the hours swing open, say,
My will is best.
3. I cannot read His future plans;
But this I know:
I have the smiling of His face
And all the refuge of His grace
While here below.
4. Enough; this covers all my wants
And so I rest;
For what I cannot, He can see
And in His care I saved shall be
For ever blest.

Church Plot update

Ever since the destruction of our church property on July 2nd Helida and I have moved severally to various offices both to understand ‘why?’ and to seek all necessary and official approvals for work to restart at our church plot.
After we get all necessary documents and before we resume the work, we will insist to see the one who ordered the demolition of our property for that ‘Why?’ factor. Our patience has been tested and tried but we remain resilient by God’s grace alone. One thing we are learning is that the ‘wheels’ at the Lands Office and the Municipal Department turn ever so slowly.
We have since put in the application for the ‘Certificate of Change of User’ but which has a rather long process to fruition. The building drawings are also underway. After which we will engage a Quantity Surveyor.
Hardly two weeks after the demolition, we experienced yet another destruction. On 12th July between 1pm and 2pm while we were in the house, someone bravely came into our compound, broke and made away with two water meters. He left behind dry taps and litres of water running to waste! Those olden water metres made of brass metal are ‘endangered species’ here. We are learning that when stolen, they find their way to metal companies for re-melting and even for making bullets!! But even in this incident, we saw God’s sovereign control. Imagine what would have happened if we walked out of the house and met the vandalism going on. God is good.

Church life
Though the church has gone through these painful times, it is also going through a period of unique growth. There is a spirit both of togetherness and a more earnest prayer. Members are also boldly speaking of how the Lord has taught them unique lessons particularly in how Helida and I were enabled by the Lord to conduct ourselves through these challenges.
But our prayer remains this that ‘we may see the gospel run through Eldoret and beyond.’
Moses Magan has finally finished his studies in Diploma in Community Development. It has been a joy to see him grow spiritually

among us. God willing, he will be joining Moi University for further studies from September. He is very significant in our Sunday school and Youth activities. Please pray for his future.

Teaching opportunity

On July 19th I went to speak at the Moi University School of Health Sciences Christian Union on the topic of ‘Mentorship as a God Given Task’. They listened well and asked many questions. Please pray that they will apply the biblical principles of disciple making.

Millicent and the children

In it one year since the death of our dear Brother Julius. We all miss him much. But we don’t stop to thank God for the way He has proved faithful both to Millicent and to the five children. We do remember with gratitude the practical concern you have shown this dear family. As we indicated in the previous P/L, the children have settled in so well at the Testimony Faith Homes and the Lord has spared them from ill health ever since they joined the home a few months ago. Millicent has also adjusted well at the Polytechnic where she is taking Dressmaking and Tailoring. She visits the children about twice a month and then stays with us till after Sunday service before returning to the Poly. The photo shows the family last Saturday when we went to visit the children. We are arranging to bring them one Sunday morning to be with us for service and fellowship before they are returned. Please thank the Lord with us for them.

Family

At the beginning of July, my mum Fibi Ogalo fell critically ill. There was panic from the village and our presence was desired. We travelled on July 14th and spent some very quality time with her. While she is very weak bodily at 89, she is spiritually alert and vibrant. A number of medical tests were done and she was seen by her Physician. She is steady at the moment. It was also in God’s good pleasure that our youngest brother Dr. Slade came back home for a short holiday from Bahrain. His love for the Lord is very evident and most encouraging.

Cold and Rain
Weather patterns have certainly changed. The rains are here now but after being waited for anxiously, the weather is also very cold. Uasin Gishu County (formerly North Rift) has been a national ‘bread basket’ but that is under threat. It may not be hitting the media headlines but famine is a real concern in a number of areas.

Security
Security is still as elusive as before. The Government’s constant assurance that it is in control has not given people the much needed confidence.
When we consider all that is happening in Eldoret and Kenya at large, we are persuaded that the gospel of the grace of God must be preached. This is our consuming desire. Pray with us please.
In Christ by grace alone,

Naphtally & Helida Ogallo
Grace Baptist Church – Eldoret
P.O. Box 170
Eldoret, Kenya.
Cell: +254 723 918943
Landline: +254 53 2030823
www.gracebaptistchurcheldoret.com

3rd Reformed Family Conference

3^rd Reformed Family Conference

9^th to 13^th Dec. 2013 (ReCFoK – Kenya)

Dear Friends,

December Friday 13^th was a day of mixed feelings. It was literally a climax. On the one hand there were those who deeply wanted to return home and be with their dear ones for perfect reasons! On the other hand many felt it was such a blessing being under such gracious Biblical teachings and warm fellowship. They would have loved an extension regardless of the evenings when it rained heavily and meant that the usually hot and humid Lakeside City turned cold. The 3^rd Reformed Family Conference held at Grace Baptist Church in Kisumu came to a wonderful end.

There were two key speakers dealing with the theme of ‘Christianity – a Faith to Profess.’ Pastor Al Rommal of Northwest Baptist Church, Phoenix AZ taught eight times. He began with 1 Corinthians 12 from where he laid clear demarcation: ‘The church of Christ has many members but one body. It is God who has set each member in His church; so each believer is of value to God. Therefore it is an honour to share the gospel with those who lack it.’

In his subsequent session, Al used Acts 17:30 to show that God’s ministry in the Word is manifold but focuses on bringing the elect to salvation and obedience. Reflect upon this: “The Word of God plus the power of God equals obedience to God.”

From Mark 2:23ff and Genesis 2:1ff, Pastor Al showed the rich blessings that the Sabbath holds for God’s people. The subject of the Sabbath was very dear to Pastor Al’s and so he next used Isaiah 58:13 and 14 to persuade God’s people to ‘fall in love’ with the Lord’s Day. He proved convincingly from the Scriptures that those who obey God in this matter and ‘turn their foot from the Sabbath’ have everything to gain and nothing of worth to loose. God’s people will be faithful witnesses by honouring the Sabbath Biblically than by seeking to explain it away as some evangelicals are trying to do!

In his fifth session, Pastor Al, laboured from Psalm 86:1ff to excite God’s people to desire to be present in His house; when His people meet to worship. This is exciting because Christ is there and ‘He is altogether lovely’, His Words are spoken and ‘They are sweeter than honey.’ Believer can do no other than to delight in the one who paid so high a price for them.

The sixth, seventh and final sessions were geared towards preparing God’s people for heaven – their eternal home. These sessions covered 2 Corinthians 5:1ff; Revelation 19:6ff and 21:1-5 respectively.

Throughout Pastor Al’s teachings and conversions, one thing stood out; and that is love. He hammered home the urgent need of love. As a people who have been loved by God in Christ, love, he emphasised, is the antidote to the ills that frustrate the desired unity in Reformation in Kenya. Love, Pastor Al insisted, must be the driving principle reaching out to our charismatic brothers and sisters. He pointed out that ‘Reformation comes when God takes His people and moulds them into the image of Christ.’

                Pastor Chipita Sibale from Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia was the other guest speaker. He gave the keynote address on the opening night. He rightly set the stage from Romans 11:33-36 by showing that true religion must start and end at the glory of God. Paul’s response to the inexhaustible fountain of the knowledge of God was never to be ashamed of the Gospel. Believers, Pastor Chipita pointed out, must imitate Paul.

The rest of his sessions were all in the mornings. Pastor Chipita began by challenging the conference attendees from the ‘best known verse in the Bible’ of the unavoidable response of professing ones faith. From John 3:16, he showed 1) the divine person called God, 2) God’s amazing love and gift to the world and 3) the amazing ending of God’s plan for salvation. Thus, because of who God is and for what He has done, believers must be bold and humble as they witness of God to the world.

From John 8:34-36 Pastor Chipita argued that the evidence of slavery to sin is all around expressed in drunkenness, corruption, immorality, broken homes etc. He then showed that it is only the Son who truly sets sinners free. So believers must not be ashamed of their profession.

Kenya was celebrating its 50^th birthday on December 12^th and even though the Conference had adopted as its anthem Charles Homer Gabriel’s hymn “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene…”, Pastor Chipita led the Conference in singing the Kenyan National Anthem! It first stanza reads:

“O God of all creation,

Bless this our land and nation

Justice be our shield and defender

May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty

Plenty be found within our borders.”

Chipita then used 1 Peter 2:9-12 to show that while Christians live in this world they must show that they belong to another nation; heaven itself. As such, believers must walk in humility, and holiness. This is a powerful way to profess ones faith.

While he began with the well known passage, Pastor Chipita ended his sessions with a less known passage of 2 Chronicles 29:26-30. From David’s final days, Chipita challenged believers to live their lives responsibly passing on their faith to the youth. Believers must learn to depend on God and they with David will experience lasting joy. With such prospects, one can and must process his faith.

Four local speakers led workshops every afternoon. Pastor Michael of Bethesda Baptist Church, Nairobi took the youth in a two day discussion on ‘Getting along with others.’ Brother Lawrence Muiruri of Injili Bible Church Nairobi then spent the last two days with the youth exploring the effects of Internet Technology and how they can handle the challenge it poses. Pastor Sam of Grace Baptist Church Kisumu led a workshop on Missions. Key issues like ‘what is mission?’, ‘what it involves’, ‘its importance’, and ‘who is to go?’ were tackled. ‘Hindrances and manoeuvring mission obstacles’ were then discussed. The concluding note was that ‘local church, self-sustaining and self-regulating are what we find in the Holy Book.’  Pastor Naphtally of Grace Baptist Church, Eldoret led a discussion on “Why is the Charismatic Movement Thriving in Africa?” This was based on Dr. Conrad Mbewe’s article published in Reformation Today #255.  It was closely followed with a discussion of a chapter from John MacArthur’s book Charismatic Chaos.’ The discussion was not just lively but sobering.

The success of this year’s conference is squarely the Lord’s. But He used among others the churches that form ReCFoK, a number of other friendly churches and individuals who only the Lord will reward.

The host church GBC, Kisumu worked tirelessly and coordinated everything so well. Meals and accommodation for all the 120 registered attendees were first class. Many other local residents opted to attend on daily basis from their homes. Along with representatives from USA and Zambia, Uganda was represented by Pastor Bill Issa who also gave a very moving testimony of God’s gracious work in his life and ministry.

All were convinced that Christianity is a faith which must be professed and many left with their hearts burning within them to be urgent in doing just that. To God be the glory.

The 4^th Annual Reformed Family Conference is set for 8^th to 12^th December 2014. Please, pray with us as we begin to prepare for it.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Written by Naphtally Ogallo on behalf of ReCFoK.

LESSONS FROM JULY 2ND 2014 DESTRUCTION OF OUR CHURCH PROPERTY

A Day of Lessons and Reflections

Our Lord's Day yesterday was subdued yet joyful. This was the first Lord’s Day after our temporary church structures were destroyed by the authorities. We were never given time to explain our actions or the seven day minimum notice.

My colleague Pastor Paul led the Adult Bible study from 1 Pet.3:13-16 emphasizing that Christians should not live in fear.

I then preached on 

'LESSONS FROM JULY 2ND 2014 DESTRUCTION OF OUR CHURCH PROPERTY'

The question lingering in many minds has been WHY? I then sought to answer that question in three ways. Below is my outline:

1. Because of sin in the human heart.
- Though '...God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes' (Ecclesiastes 7:29) - SIN
- 1) there was sinful love of money portrayed; corruption; bribe (cf. 2 Tim.3:3; Prov.17:23). But because we were not willing to go that root then we were bound to suffer.
- 2) Hence, there was a love of destruction demonstrated in arrogance, heartlessness, lack of self-control, brutality, and recklessness (2 Tim.3:2-4)
- But, Bible concludes that not only the destructive team but 'ALL have sinned and fall short of God's glory' (Rom.3:23).

2. Because of Sovereign Control of God in affairs of men.
- 1) Sovereignty of God = 'The exercise of God's supremacy' (Psalm 115:3; 135:6). C.H.Spurgeon said 'this must be the most encouraging character of God for the believers...' Because God holds ALL that happens to His children in perfect balance.
We saw this at least in two ways:
i) God kept the evil plan from us for a whole month of hard labour at the church site!
ii) God ordered that the destruction take place before we arrive at the site!
If members were at the site the moment of destruction, you can only imagine what would have transpired! God is surely sovereign for the good of His children.
-> I then gently but urgently pressed the sovereignty of God in the consciences of the congregation.

3. Because the Gospel MUST Advance.
- Persecution never hinders but advances the course of the gospel! (Phil.1:12-18)
- Paul was in trouble because of the gospel (v.16)
- Yet the gospel advanced! (v.12)
- the gospel went to places previously shut (v.13);
-> in our case, this incident has made Helida and I to go to Offices and begin to witness to high ranking officials hitherto unreached by us!
- during troubled times true believers grow bold (v.14)

But what is this gospel?
- it is not plots, permanent structures or even powerful PA systems!
- it is that which Christ is at the center. As the one who died, rose again and now from heaven sends His Holy Spirit that sinners be made right with God again.
- this is worth suffering for (v.13)
- must be preached without envy, rivalry or selfish ambition (vv.15-17).

Application
-> I then brought a number of areas of application.
i) that the destruction must lead us to boldness for the sake of the gospel
ii) that God's sovereignty must be our source of comfort now and assurance for tomorrow
iii) that we must be convinced that the gospel remains the only hope for our sinful town and beyond.

Later during our Lord's Supper, various brethren shared their experiences and reflections. Some said that they were so affected and were observing keenly how Helida and I were reacting. And that our reaction or behavior through the whole episode helped them tremendously to know how to cope and behave through the same! We felt so humbled by these words. We were not conscious that we were actually being observed. We just give glory to God and pray for more grace.

In Christ by grace alone,
Naphtally.