We give God praise and all the glory as He allows us to continue serving Him and His people through Lighthouse Baptist Church, Karuguru. The year 2024 has been an amazing year of growth and blessing, and we thank all of you for making it possible by way of finances and prayers!
In recent months, we have had seven people join our church by way of baptism, six of whom made a profession of faith in Christ by way of the ministry of our church. A young man by the name of Jabez was saved when he was invited by a member to visit the church. Upon hearing the Biblical teaching in our services, he began discipleship lessons with me and learned that his baptism was not Scriptural, so he presented himself to the church to get baptized in submission to God. This man has been so excited to find a place that teaches the Bible and not false doctrine. He has been very active in inviting many to our services. Four people have attended Lighthouse Baptist Church, called on Christ, and then been baptized because of his passion to share the true salvation that only Christ provides. Jabez has begun using our personal vehicle to start his own “bus route,” bringing people to church every Sunday and Wednesday.
Our church and its members are under constant Satanic attacks. The majority of our members learned of salvation by faith in Christ because of the church. We have many first-time visitors come and then disappear because we preach the truth, which is seen to be lies because of the many false churches that saturate Kenya and our area. Those who receive Christ Jesus and become faithful often face persecution from friends, family, and neighbors. George was invited to church by Jabez, was saved and baptized, and now attends very faithfully. His family has since mocked him relentlessly and says that he is attending a Satanic church. In another case, a precious husband and wife were saved and baptized through our ministry and have become faithful to and involved in the church. Their neighbors treat them very badly, and some local shops where they previously would buy food for the family are also spreading around that they attend a Satanic church. Despite such treatment, these great people have committed themselves to the truth and the place they first heard it—Lighthouse Baptist Church!
All in all, the church is growing strong in faith and Biblical doctrine, and Jesus continues to build His church as those who would be saved are discipled in truth. With God’s help, we are continuing faithful in our part, and He is proving ever faithful in His part. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 28:19)
On a Personal Note: Thank you for praying on our behalf. Sometimes God answers prayers, but in a way we could never see coming. On Thanksgiving Day, I went to a gathering with some fellow missionaries and was attacked by bees. It was one of the craziest things that has ever happened to me. I was stung more times than could be counted. I ran about a half-mile before the bees left me alone. I saw the possibility of my passing, while giving God thanks for every breath when I finally escaped the continuous stinging. From that point, I was in and out of consciousness, and thanks to great friends, I found myself in a hospital bed receiving treatment. God is good! I say again—thank you for your prayers. God answered them that day!
Please pray for our church and our great members.
Your servants for lost souls of East Africa,
Andy & Connie Richey
Baptisms
