Thank you so very much for your prayers and financial support. Connie and I love and appreciate each and every one of you! It is an honor to have such wonderful folks as our partners in proclaiming Christ, seeing eternal fruit of souls. Just two days prior to my writing this letter, a young lady named Amber called on Christ as her Saviour. God had opened a door for me to preach to a small group of young people. We later learned that the Lord had been working on Amber for over a year. She responded to the invitation, and Mrs. Johnson and Connie talked to her at length. As with every soul our ministry sees saved, they would not have learned of their heavenly home without you making it possible. THANK YOU!
God has answered prayer in two wonderful and exciting situations. First, the Kenyan elections occurred on August 8. I had previously explained that in the aftermath of the last election, there had been much violence in which approximately 1,500 people had died. In the week following the recent election, there was some turmoil, but nothing like in the past. In most areas of Kenya, life has returned to normal, although the results are being challenged, and there are still some pockets of trouble. All in all, this is a great sign that the country has turned the corner, and things are looking good for a democratic future.
Second, we have purchased our airfare to move to Kenya! After much prayer and consultation, December 11 was decided as the time we believe God would have us go. Connie and I could not be more excited and have worked toward this time with much anticipation.
Outfit and Passage
We now need to prepare for some one-time expenses. Airfare ($1,350) has already been paid! We have set aside some money for miscellaneous expenses that will no doubt occur. We would ask for prayer about the following needs, and if God would prompt some to help with these costs, what a blessing that would be! We are taking extra baggage with us, as we are not shipping anything. Ten bags at $140 each is $1,400. In Kenya, as in most of Africa, it is normal practice to have to pay 6-12 months’ rent in advance, as well as a deposit to rent housing. We anticipate needing about $7,000-$8,000 for these upfront fees and for some needed furniture/appliances. We will also need a vehicle, but not right away, as we will use public transportation in the beginning; $2,000 has already been donated towards this need. This is something that we would anticipate saving for over the next 6-12 months, and the amount needed is subjective, based on quality. Vehicles are quite expensive by American norms, as they are taxed 100% when they enter the country–$20,000 and up for something dependable. We will keep you up-to-date as time goes on.
May God greatly bless each and every one of you as we strive to serve the Saviour in our respective locations and callings, reaching souls for Him!
Your missionaries to East Africa,
Andy and Connie Richey
