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