We had an exciting finish to 2024 and an exciting start this year, with much to report! As we closed out 2024, we had a great opportunity to start a ministry to the youth. One of our young men requested we start bonfires on Friday nights for the youth. For the months of November and December. We met every Friday night for games, fellowship, and preaching around the fire. We had a high night of 16. Most of these young people are in their first year or two of college. There has been a great opportunity for our youth in the church to fellowship and get to know each other better. As a new school year started in January, we have begun a once-a-month meeting.

For Christmas this year, we decided to do a Live Nativity just outside our church gate, as it is right on the edge of town and receives a lot of foot traffic. Many of the people who attend our church are more reserved, so I wasn’t sure how they would receive it. Elizabeth made costumes, and we had two shepherds, three wisemen, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in a manger. Elizabeth has a soft spot for donkeys, and we were also able to rent one for the day. Several of our people, who were there just to see what was happening, joined in and took turns in the nativity. Others came to take pictures and to support what we were doing. We had a number of positive contacts from passersby. People stopped to take pictures as we greeted them and handed out tracts. Elly and I were each able to lead somebody to the Lord.

Elly is a faithful young man who has been coming to our church for two years. In May, he expressed that he wanted to get serious about witnessing for Christ. Almost immediately after expressing that desire to me, he was given what appeared to be a blessing, but spiritually was not—a second job. Suddenly, he was missing church and Bible studies. Then the work slowed, and he got back into church more regularly and realized that being busy was not beneficial. He buckled down and started doing a Bible study on how to lead someone to Christ. He finished the 13-week series recently and has been on fire witnessing to friends and family.

Leading up to our Grand Opening, we handed out several thousand flyers. Annabelle, Marydia, and Hela invited a local shop owner named Carol. Carol told them that if they came and bought something from the shoe shop, she would come. They were unable to do that, but Carol came anyway. Since that day, she has given away many pairs of sandals and other gifts, including her time. She has been faithful to church almost every week. On Saturdays, she often comes to help clean the church to get ready for Sunday. Recently, she has desired to put together a schedule for the ladies in church to rotate cleaning duties. This has been a great blessing, and all of it was her own desire.

In the middle of December during a midweek service after closing in prayer, I opened my eyes to see three Afghan men sitting in the service. I was very surprised and went to greet them. They told me they were walking by and wanted to see what Christianity was like. These men are from Afghanistan, where the Taliban government doesn’t allow churches or Christianity. As I drove home, I asked God to help me decern if these men were sent by Him or by evil. A couple of Sundays later, one of the men came to church. After the service, we met in my office because he was curious about Christianity. I answered questions and gave him the Gospel. I found him to be extremely humble and kind. I was almost ashamed that I was hesitant about him. Within the week, T___ abruptly went back to Afghanistan, leaving behind all the literature I gave him. We communicate on the phone periodically as I encourage him in Christ. The next Sunday, another of the three men named F___ came to church. He spoke no English. Over the next few weeks, I was able to talk with him more, and he asked to be baptized. Through Google translate, I witnessed to him and found that he is a believer. The next week he got baptized. He was so happy. His father worked with U.S. troops in his country before he and his 8 brothers were killed by the Taliban. F____, only 22 years old, has fled the country for his own safety. Pray that God opens a door for him to get a visa so he can stay here in Kenya. It’s not looking good at the moment.

On New Year’s Eve, we decided to have a gathering with the church. This is the first year we have had facilities to do so. We set up games, lights, a bonfire, tea and food, singing around the fire, and praying in the new year. We had a great turnout, and everyone really enjoyed it.

Your missionaries,

Corey & Elizabeth McDonald and Family