Dear Friends,

Thank you for your constant prayers for us.

We had a good church meeting on Sunday April 3, with members’ discussing issues openly, maturely, sincerely, and without any malice. In the members, there was a sense of ownership of the church programs and responsibility of church activities like I have never seen before. What touched my heart was that at the end of the meeting, a member recognized and thanked the pastors for their hard work and faithfulness, urging us to keep up the good spirit. This is the first time we have received a thank you for our ministry. Amongst many things agreed upon in the AGM were:

1.    The church to donate 15 seats for Oyugis congregation. Since Sam of Oyugis came for the meeting, he took the 15 seats immediately with him back to Oyugis.

2.    The men of the church undertook to buy a PA system to be put in the library for nursing mothers during service. They also planned to purchase an overhead projector to enable us sing more songs, including songs in Swahili.

3.     The ladies undertook to improve the ladies fellowship to greater heights.

4.     An exciting event was agreed upon: a family conference on December 8-9. Details will be worked out later, but the church, in collaboration with Eldoret (Naphtally) and others, will plan for the success of this. We plan to invite up to 200 people.  Pray for the logistics.

5.    Regarding finances, members urged one another to improve and be consistent in their giving; however, no program was shelved due to a lack of funds. We are to look to the Lord who is able to supply for his work.

6.    Mirunda fellowship is doing well. Simeon who takes care of the flock there now wants to come to Kisumu once in a while for training in ministry. They are now meeting in a small room costing Ksh 300/= per month (4 dollars). The church voted to pay this for them.


Do pray for our church. I see it going on the right track and the devil can strike hard sometimes, he is never happy with such progress and blessings. Soon we will vote a second deacon to help with increased need in the church in taking care of the church building. A man Stephen Ochilo has been ear-marked for this.

Yesterday, I had my first meeting with some students of Nairobi University (Kisumu campus) discussing the possibility of starting a Bible study with them. They are more than willing to start any time we are ready. We are scheduled to begin next Wednesday, April 13. On Saturday, this week, we will be at Maseno University for our regular bi-monthly Bible study. I hope our car will behave itself on the way.

On a different note, through God’s providence He has brought to our new house (since last November) more than 25 young lads between 8-13 years who play football in a nearby field. We have started Sunday evening Bible study with them. I wrote to their parents showing my intention with their kids and 20 replied saying that they have no problem with someone teaching their kids the things of God. We had our first session yesterday in our house at 6 pm after arriving from the church meeting.  I bought a football for them as an incentive. Now they want a soccer uniform! Each Sunday at 6 pm they gather at my house for the word of God and juice refreshment- they love it! There is great opportunity here for the Gospel, even amongst the youths.

Rains have come and we have now planted maize, sorghum, peas, etc. in our small plot in the backyard. Flower planting is also complete and the ground looks beautiful.

With love,

Sam and Melly