Thanksgiving from Kenya

Greetings!

Thank you for your prayers for me (and for Sandy) while I was in Miwani, Kenya. I was visiting with Joshua and Abigael Atieno, our precious brethren laboring in the bush of Kenya to bring the light and certain hope of Jesus Christ to their people.

This Thanksgiving I have included some photos I took two weeks ago during a visit to a small congregation in Miwani District, Kenya. The roof and sides of the humble building they had been using to meet in had been blown away, so we met at one of the homes of the brethren. This home was quite a distance from the dirt road but we were able to take our vehicle through the bushes and trails the mile or so to the home. If you look closely at the pictures you can see that the walls of the buildings are mud. This was a visit to a branch church of Saint Luke's Ministries which some of you have been blessed to be in touch with and help. I visited several of these branch churches during my visit and they all are in need of our encouragement, love, and help. I pray that these photos will stir your hearts this thanksgiving to remember our brethren who are living in devastated economies, or facing great persecution. Kenya is increasingly becoming a divided nation between Christians and Muslims. Our brethren need us very much. As you see the poverty of these people, you realize how fortunate we are as Americans to enjoy so many benefits and blessing. Some of these photos are taken in low light without a flash. But they are too meaningful to omit.

The wind blew the sides and roof off of the church building

The wind blew the sides and roof off of the church building

The humble building they had been using to worship in, with a few of the brethren. We stopped here briefly on the way.
Trail to the house church from the car

The trail leading to the home we would meet in.

Kenya sister in house church meeting

Thanksgiving, worship, and praise to the Lord as our meeting began.

Brother in Jesus Christ in rural Kenya

Thanksgiving
Kenya Pastor praising the Lord

Thanksgiving
Kenya sister worshiping Jesus Christ

Thanksgiving
Elder Juma in Kenya rural gathering

Elder Juma, a converted catholic priest

In Kenya Elder Juma and a brother in Jesus Christ

Prayer and Thanksgiving

After Brother Joshua and I had shared the gospel (my message was our present position in Christ as lambs offering grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ to our world; and our position in Christ at His coming as "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah" to "make His enemies His footstool" for their unbelief. Although feeling very weak physically at the time, I felt a great empowering from the Holy Spirit as He gave me words to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel which is Christ in us, the hope of glory.)

After the preaching of the gospel, we enjoyed fellowship together and had a wonderful "thanksgiving" meal which was a special feast these dear people had sacrificially prepared.

Godly elders in rural Kenya

Elders Gilliam and Juma rejoicing together in the Lord.

An early Thanksgiving meal in Kenya - Yams and Ugali
Below our kitchen
Kenyan Kitchen

In Remote rural Kenya the Body of Christ

The church family after fellowship, the word of God, and our "thanksgiving" meal.

As we offer thanksgiving to God here in America, let us not forget the Kingdom of God, living as "strangers and pilgrims," our family in Jesus Christ, "scattered throughout the world." I cannot imagine surviving for long in the conditions that these dear saints live in day after day. They need our encouragement and love, and we need them just as much.

Thank you so much for your love, your prayers, and your sacrificial gifts. It is only because of you that we are able to speak out for, and help the Body of Christ.

Gratefully your servants in Him,

Court and Sandy Wood

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." 1 John 3:16-20

Don't forget. Our address and phone numbers have changed to:

In Jesus' Name Ministries
PO Box 1059
Bristol, VA 24203

Phone: 1-276-644-1089

Email: court@injesusname.org sandy@injesusname.org

Website: www.injesusname.org