My resident visa for Kenya was set to expire in the midst of a major change in how applications are processed. I spent about a week in Nairobi standing in lines, filling out forms, or just waiting to hear what the next step would be. In the end, all was worthwhile, as my visa is now good for another three years.
A young church that God has allowed our ministry to be a part of has grown from the founding pastor’s house and is now meeting in a tent. We are very excited about the growth of this church and Pastor Fred. We spent some time in his home talking and teaching, preparing for the future as God blesses Greater Vision Baptist Church in Ruiru. We preached in the tent Sunday and saw much fruit. Below is a text I received form Pastor Fred the following Monday.
Brother Andy, I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope you are doing well. I thank God for the great commission you are doing in missionary work in East Africa. As a new church we were challenged by teaching about the devil introducing worldly music in the church. Jesus told a samaritan woman in (John 4:23-26)-“the true worshippers will worship the father in sprit and in truth.” On behalf of my church, I thank FBMI and the Baptist church in America for the donation of Bibles and Hynm books to my church. God bless you, Amen.
Another disciple of ours is Pastor Solomon Magori Ondora. Much time was spent with him soul winning and talking (teaching) about his pastoral ministry. Some time ago we taught him how to go soul winning. He in turn has taught soul winning to men in his church as a true and genuine disciple. It was with great joy that I watched as we all went out together on the streets of Mombasa, as Pastor Solomon looked on while his disciple Bro. Isaac led several people to Christ. We also got to visit a new church he has planted and a home Bible study, which is the beginnings of a new church. Pastor Solomon has proven to be a worthy investment of our time and energy and has grasped our vision of seeing souls saved and discipled, then birthing a local church. Below is a letter from him.
Praise the Lord brother Andy, am grateful for your visit to Mombasa. I have learnt a lot from your teaching. May God bless you. I request your prayers and support where possible for you saw the great works God is doing that needs finance to keep it move. I still request prayers for. 1.finance for clearing the Church structure. 2.register ministry which will give us room to open more Churches. 3.teaching materials. 4.center of teaching pastors. I believe with God nothing is impossible. Send my greeting to family. Pastor Solomon, Neema Baptist church
God has blessed in so many ways over recent months. Through soul winning and invitations, we saw 40 souls saved! While we are thrilled to be used of God to further His kingdom, please pray that souls will continue to be saved, churches planted, and pastors discipled.
Praises
1. Visa renewed for another three years!
2. Many souls saved!
3. Young pastors and churches growing through our discipleship!
Prayer Requests
1. Pray for souls to be saved.
2. Pray for Lighthouse Baptist Church of Ruiru and Neema Baptist Church of Mombasa.
3. Pray for new churches to partner with us in our church-planting work.
Your servant for lost souls across East Africa,
Andy Richey