The apostle Paul's words to the Galatians in chapter five verse one have been of much encouragement: "It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Congregation:
We continue to see much of the Lord's goodness upon us. Sunday worship services are well attended such that the Marquee (Tent of meeting) is fairly full. The children's Sunday school work is most encouraging. Many children come. Helida and Irene R. faithfully teach these children Sunday by Sunday. Please pray for the following people who we have been discussing church membership with: Hirene, Queenvel, Simon, Charles and his wife Maureen, Henry, and Cynthia (who is the wife of church member Wilfred). The others are Alphonce and his wife Edith. Terry, the wife of church member Wence, claims salvation from 2003 but finds it ever so hard to expressly articulate her faith. Terry's case is not unique; so many people would hold that they are saved but you can be engaged in talking with them about their salvation for as long as thirty minutes without them naming the name of Jesus Christ! We, therefore, make it our serious duty to press the interviewee until we get deliberate, conscious and intelligent confession of Christ Jesus. By this we do not mean that one must be theologically intelligent. We want to see that a person knows and relies on Christ and His finished work on the cross alone as the way of salvation. We are yet to talk with Vincent and Peter. There are also newcomers to the church meetings from a nearby Students' Hostel. We are so thankful to God for enabling us to minister to all these.

Challenges:
Dealing with the practical problems of members requires much grace and wisdom. Having two pastors in the church here is such a big blessing. Some of our members are finding it really hard and they struggle to shed their old sinful habits. We labour to instill in them the need to move away from cultural practices which hinder their growth in grace. One member commented last Lord's Day that Galatians is proving to be very helpful; he had never seen it that way before.

Recently, a man wrote a threatening letter to the families of both pastors! He was one of the suspects in the burglary in David's home. Those who know him well say, "Those are just threats but he can do nothing of what he says." We reported the matter to the Police as we believe it was the wise thing to do.

The other challenge regards our meeting place. Recently, the municipal council informed us that we need to seek for a "Change of User Certificate" to continue using the front of our house for church meetings! We need wisdom in this matter. Ultimately, we need to consider and move towards purchasing land for church's meeting place.

Men's Conference:
This is fast approaching. David & Naphtally travel to Kisumu on Monday to join the rest for this years Men's Conference, which is organized by Graham J. Over fifty men are expected to attend. Brian M. (UK) is the main speaker. David and Naphtally among others will also be speaking.

National Concerns:
After a long dry spell in the country the heavens have opened and torrential rains are here! We are told that the country will experience El Niño till early next year! Parts of Mombasa are already seriously hit with trails of destruction recorded.

The battle to save the Mau Forests, which are prime water catchments, continues. A number of people who were allocated plots within the Forest by the politicians have voluntarily surrendered them back to the Government.

Constitutional review is another big headache for Kenya at the moment. There are a number of "Contentious Issues" within the package that threatens to polarize the country as in the last disputed general elections. Other issues are corruption, impunity, reconciliation after the post-election violence and security. Surely we ignore the preaching of the gospel to the peril of our beloved country.

Please brethren pray for us:
1. As we prepare new converts for baptism and church membership.
2. As we face the challenges of threats and meeting place.
3. For the Men's Conference in Kisumu.
4. For the numerous national concerns.
5. That we may be urgent and faithful in the gospel preaching.

Yours in Christ,

Naphtally & Helida O.