Proverbs 13:19 says, “The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul . . . .” This verse describes the very feelings our family is experiencing at this moment, as we are now officially in Kenya, East Africa!
During the month of January, we had one last scheduled meeting with Cornerstone Baptist Temple of Dayton, Ohio. During their Sunday school hour, it was a blessing to go over and see the African service that they have in their gymnasium! It was great to visit all those in the services and to see the joyful children running around. The only other church we visited this month before leaving for Kenya, other than time with our home church, was the church in Marietta, Ohio, where Ali’s family attends. It was great to see family and friends one last time at Moss Run Community Church just before leaving for Kenya.
About three weeks before our departure date, Ali and I had to get our COVID-19 vaccine in order to be able to enter Kenya. Praise the Lord, everything went smoothly, and neither one of us had any complications. Another highlight from this month was getting to be a part of a prayer-chain call with our supporting church, Liberty Baptist Church of Yuma, Arizona. It was a blessing and an honor to share the devotion that evening over the phone on some life lessons that God was simply teaching me.
The very last Sunday before we headed out was a bittersweet Sunday, as we had our farewell service and said goodbye to our church family. Our pastor asked me to preach the farewell message that evening; and, according to him, I was a little long-winded. Praise the Lord, I was able to preach the Gospel at home one last time, loud and clear, to several loved ones and friends who have not yet come to trust Christ as their own personal Saviour. Please pray that those who heard the Gospel that night will come to place their trust in Christ alone!
On January 25 at 6:30 p.m., our family left Detroit International Airport for Kenya. We landed around 9:00 p.m. on January 26 in Nairobi, Kenya! We want to say “Thank you” to all of you who have had a part in making this day possible and for your continued faithfulness so that we can now bring the Gospel to those across Kenya and East Africa! Lastly, we want to thank the following churches for partnering with us this month: Bible Baptist Church of Las Vegas, Nevada; Iglesia Bautista Betel of Corona, California; Cornerstone Baptist Temple of Dayton, Ohio; and First Baptist Church of Lewiston, Michigan.
Finally, would you please pray over the following prayer requests for our family? First, pray that our visa process will go smoothly and that we can complete the process quickly. Secondly, pray for language school, as we aim to begin on March 21. Lastly, pray for the Lord’s direction and will for our family to begin ministry work in or around Nairobi. As always, thank you all so much. May the Lord bless you as you serve Him.
Your co-laborers for lost souls across East Africa,
Brandon, Ali, Jeffrey, Hannah, & Esther Heselschwerdt
Romans 10:14
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- Having some family fun at Chick-fil-A
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- Nairobi as we are flying in
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- Esther getting her beauty sleep on the flight to Kenya
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- Esther playing in the snow in Ohio after the snowstorm of the year!
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- Doing family devotions to begin our day right!
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- Ali and the kids heading to the airport with Heather Turnbow!
B
