In Jesus' Name Ministries
Dear Brethren
 Derrick, a
"Stars" graduate student giving thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ, leading us all in singing "Amazing Grace."
"As for the saints who are
in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight."
Psalms 16:3
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A few weeks ago when I was in Miwani
District, Kenya, I was astounded by two great extremes:
Immense poverty, and great hope. The hope most evident was the wonderful fruit
of Christian character and scholastic development that I observed in the
young people, including pre-school, primary school, secondary school,
high school, and soon college. This follows several years of dedicated efforts
by our Kenyan brethren, Joshua and Abigael Atieno. This is a team effort involving their associated elders, pastors and
wives, teachers, the brethren of St. Luke's, the praying widows, and their American brethren.
 
I took these photos during
my visit with the students that are a major part of St. Luke's Ministries, located in
the bush country of Kenya. Only last year did they finally have an abundant and
fresh supply of water. Only two years ago did they have electricity. (When the
power works). All of these children and young adults come from impoverished
homes with dirt/mud floors, mud walls, grass roofs (tin if they are fortunate).
Malaria is still a killer. Poisonous snakes abound including cobras. Violence
from Muslims and criminals is not uncommon. Joshua was almost killed last year
by Muslims following his preaching the gospel in nearby Tanzania. Just after the last elections,
thousands were killed by rampaging Muslims and opposition party members, many
in the close vicinity of St. Luke's ministries. Our brethren could not leave their
homes for nearly two weeks.
Please keep these dear saints, and brothers and
sisters in your hearts and prayers. And please pray for these beautiful young
people so filled with hope. It is your financial gifts that make this all
possible. It takes tremendous courage for Joshua and Abigael to lead this effort,
but they absolutely cannot do it alone. Your gifts enable them to be a great
blessing to these young people especially, but also to all the widows and saints of the surrounding area.

On my last Sunday in Kenya,
most of the graduating "Stars" students (above) attended the service for the entire day.
These godly "Stars" students above
(singing about the Lord Jesus Christ) just
completed their final high school exams. Without help, they could not have
attended high school because of the financial poverty of their parents. They
all demonstrated outstanding Christian character, instilled in them greatly by
Joshua and Abigael's example, encouragement, and teaching of the Word of God.
Students are sponsored for a high school education costs through the help of
dear friends, Ken and Tangeet Prussner, who began the ministry of "STARS
Children Africa." You can learn more about "STARS" by going to
Ken's web site www.starschildrenafrica.org Please pray these wonderful
young people will become future leaders in Kenya, in the Body of Christ,
and in our world. In the evening, Joshua had these high school graduates slaughter and roast a ram over a fire as a celebration for their achievement. It was prepared and eaten in the dark, with a lantern, as a storm a few hours earlier had ended our spotty electrical service. It was a beautiful evening I will never forget. Sharing this time with these godly young people, and with Joshua and Abigael, a true father and mother to in the Lord to these young people. Seated just to my left, also joining us for the feast, were about 20 orphans. Joyce, Joshua and Abigael's daughter was leading them in singing hymn after hymn in the almost total darkness. It was an unforgettable evening.

Above: Abigael, Joshua, their
oldest daughter Hadrine, and an infant named Haddriann whose mother died within
two days of its birth. Abigael and Joshua are raising this orphan along with her
brother, and many other orphans living at St. Luke's. Both Joshua and Abigael
have university degrees in education and could have chosen a much easier
direction for their life. Instead they have chosen to "lay down their
lives for their brethren." 1 John: 3-16-19

Some of the orphans, singing about the Lord.

Above: One of the Christ centered primary school classes recently started at St. Luke's ministries.

Young girls from the Christian high school for girls at St. Lukes. I would wake up early each morning to the singing of Christian hymns by these dedicated young women. These young women live on the campus of St. Luke's.

Joshua and Abigael with
this years graduating students at the Sunday service. They would never have
been able to attend high school without financial help received from their American
brethren. Their families are too poor.

My first Sunday with Joshua and Abigael, they honored these pre-school children as they prepared to enter primary school. Their parents came (most of them single parents or no parents) and we prayed for each one of them. Christ in these children is the hope of Kenya.

These praying elderly saints, some married, and many widows, are at the heart of God's blessing on Joshua's and Abigael's work at St. Luke's ministries.

Sunday afternoon, we relaxed together at Joshua and Abigael's home, which is only a one minute walk away from the church, and the schools of St. Luke's.
"How good and pleasant
it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on
the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon
the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount
Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore." Psalms 133:1-3
Thank you so much for your love, your prayers, and your sacrificial gifts. It is only because of your help that we are able to speak out for, and help, the Body of Christ.
Gratefully your servants in Him,
Court and Sandy Wood
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:12-14)
"We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." Acts 5:32
Website: www.injesusname.org
Photos by Court Wood and In Jesus' Name Ministries
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100% of Gifts sent to In Jesus' Name Ministries, designated to help our brethren in any country we are presently working in, are delivered directly to our brethren. All designated gifts are given as directed, in full, to the Body of Christ. | |
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In Jesus' Name Ministries
PO Box 1059, Bristol, VA 24203
Phone: 1-276-644-1089
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