In Jesus' Name Ministries |
Joshua praying for orphan children under his and Abigail's care.
Greetings in Jesus Christ
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Today I received a heartbreaking email from Pastor Joshua Atieno in Miwani, Kenya. He had just returned from the U.S. Consulate in Nairobi hoping to receive his visa to travel to the US to speak at our quarterly board meeting, to a principle speakers at a conference in Sikeston, MO, and to visit with Christians across the US for an 8 week period. This would have been a needed and refreshing time for Joshua; to strengthen his wonderful efforts for the Kingdom of God in Kenya. Sandy and I have known Joshua and his dear wife Abigail for over 12 years. I have visited his godly ministry in Kenya three times. My greatest disappointment over Joshua's not coming is the loss to the American Christian family Joshua would have visited while here in the US. His wonderfully cheerful love and boundless faith would have brought great strength to his American brethren during a time in history when we especially need it.
Following is the email I received this morning. It clearly revealed the agony of Joshua's heart as he and Abigail were making the dificult 12 hour journey by bus at night back from Nairobi to their home in Miwani.
"Dear Brother Court, Like those who served the lord with all their heart soul and mind while facing the worst persecution, and disappointments following them, my wife Abigail and I are now among them. My journey back from Nairobi was heavy. I almost got off the bus between Nakuru and Naivasha to surrender my self to the wild animals just in case I could be usefull to the Lord this time in this manner but my wife said no we must reach home and pray. She handed me the bible and drew my attention to Psalm 55:22 and 2 Corinthians 1:5. "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." "For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." I have been feeding on that scripture since yesterday. My wonder is that the Consulate officer did not even ask me for any of the documents I carried. He just handed over a general form letter telling me I have no ties in my country Kenya and that my visit to the US will not be consistent. With the amount of work we have here in Kenya, how can I admire even to live in America? Could I have refused to come back home with all the widows and orphans and pastors looking to us for bread? So depressed I am indeed my brother. Your friend and brother, Pastor Joshua"
Joshua giving corn to a widow needing help
 Below, Abigail providing food to a very poor Chrisitian family in Miwani, Kenya
Two precious children receiving Christian love and the Gospel through Joshua and Abigail 
Below: A precious teenager receiving a free Christian education at Joshua and Abigail's school for girls.
My friends, please join with Sandy and me in sending Joshua and Abigail a special gift at this time to encourage their hearts and to "comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
A gift would be so deeply appreciated by Joshua and Abigail especially at this time. I called Joshua on the phone this morning from the US to encourage him and to pray together. I reassured him that "...we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
I will be encouraging Joshua to make another effort to obtain his visa later this year. I believe the Lord will make a way for him to come to America to encourage us here. We need our brethren even more than they need us. They face adversity and trial every day beyond anything that most of us can imagine. When I was in Kenya last June, it occured to me that I could not survive an extended time in rural Kenya. Life is too harsh and threatening.
Thank you for helping our brother Joshua if you can. Even a small gift will encourage Joshua and Abigail so very much. 100% of your gift will be forwarded. Joshua will personally write to let you know how much your love has meant to them.
"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
Gratefully yours in Jesus Christ, Court and Sandy Wood
Below: One of the praying widows being cared for by Joshua and Abigail
|
