The last couple of months have been amazing and quite busy, as God has been blessing in many ways. We have also had some burdens come our way as a church, yet even in the challenges, it has been good to see our people grow closer to God as He guides and comforts.

A truly wonderful story has come out of a very difficult situation for a lady who was saved and baptized through the work of God’s church, Lighthouse Baptist Church, Karuguru. We will call her “Jane. She was first introduced to the church by her “husband.” As “Jane” grew closer to the Lord after salvation, her husband began to treat her very badly. This is not uncommon, and her story reflects many in this culture. He would abandon her and their two children for months at a time, as they were struggling to eat and survive within no financial support from him, though he was working steadily. Every few months, he would have a fight with the new “wife” and want to come back into the house, which he was not paying for. “Jane” came to me for advice, so the three of us sat down for a talk. She would not allow him into her bed unless he would meet with me. The extent of abuse from him was tremendous, and many times she would not be able to function physically in a normal way as a result of his actions to her. This man decided to disappear completely from the lives of “Jane” and their children.

Of course, “Jane” was devastated, but she had experienced this before. However, this time was permanent. My counsel afterwards to her was to replace him with God in the empty void of her heart and life—and she did! As a result, there has come a joy in “Jane’s” every step and a big smile every day. As her relationship with God developed, she began to be an incredible reflection of Christ’s love to those around her. She is a teacher, and through her, we have been invited to teach the Word of God and preach Christ Jesus to the students and teachers there. Because of her testimony of love and influence with those around her, she has provided an opportunity for many to know Christ and eternal salvation.

Even as I have just reviewed this paragraph, tears of both heartache and joy have come to me. Thank you for making it possible to be here in Kenya sharing the love of God. Know that people’s live are being changed eternally and in this present world through a personal relationship with Christ.

Emmanuel, our assistant pastor, unexpectedly lost his father recently, and due to culture and the realities of life here, he went to his home area and remained there for two months. Seventeen of our church members made the long journey to attend the burial to show our love and solidarity with him. His absence was difficult for the church but also a time of growth for several, as they filled in for his responsibilities.

The amazing members of Lighthouse Baptist Church continue to grow in grace and understanding and also in service through sacrifice. It is humbling to serve you, God, our members, and the nation of Kenya. The church is seeing slow but genuine growth in numbers as the current members grow spiritually. To God be the glory.

Prayer Requests

• Pray for God’s help in training soul winners.
• Pray for wisdom to lead the church and members as we grow and meet new challenges.
• Pray for God to bring up leaders from the Kenyan people.
• Also consider praying for our finances; inflation and increased ministry together have stretched us quite a bit over the last few years.

His servants serving Kenyans on your eternal behalf,

Andy & Connie Richey