WOW!

                    Wonderfully Outrageous Week!

What a wonderful and adventure filled week! This week was packed with cliff hanger suitcase mysteries, near tragic accidents, fun filled reunions, hair raising (I mean hair scalping) mistakes, Kingdom Hiker meetings, and was topped off with a great Gathering on Sunday. Let me start with explaining the scalping mistake.

One of my favorite things here in Kenya is getting a haircut in Nakuru. It only cost four dollars including a generous tip and it is completely relaxing. The whole experience lasts up to forty five minutes. He begins with the hot towels on the face and head. This is followed by a shoulder and scalp massage (which almost puts you to sleep) then he begins to slowly and methodically cut each hair or so it seems. After the cut you get your head washed three times. Then you come back for another lightly oiled full head message (which definitely will put you to sleep). I had been waiting for this for eight months.

This time I told him I only wanted one quarter inch removed. He smiled knowingly and said OK .Then began the hot towels and massage. I settled back in bliss for the full treatment. You cannot imagine how surprised I was when I heard (my eyes were closed from the awesome massage) an electric clipper gliding down my scalp!

When I looked up and there was my friendly smiling barber cutting an inch and a half wide highway right down the middle of my head. I sat up and the look on my face must have informed him of his mistake. I thought you were only going to take a quarter of an inch off, I exclaimed? Horrified he quickly explained that he thought I meant only leave a quarter of an inch. Oh well, he’s such a nice guy and my hair grows fast, so I said… “Kuna Matata” (no problem) on with the treatment!

When we arrived in Nakuru we vainly imagined that this time we were going to take the first week kind of easy, but looking back; God had other plans. That’s OK because as the man said… “It’s been a good week.” Those who watched The Thirteenth Warrior will know what I mean.

After the suitcase escapade and the near tragic traffic accident we spent most of the week re-connecting with people. It is so good to see so many familiar faces and equally gratifying to see some new ones as well.

The Kingdom Hiker meeting was great but very late as usual. George scolded them to be on time when next we meet; …. But we’ll see. We spoke to them about coming up higher spiritually and seeing what they could do if they put their heart to it. At the end of our time together the kids were ready to step up the meetings to every week instead of twice a month. We are going to try and put together a small concert/talent show in Nakuru. They seemed excited.

As I previously stated in my last blog we have some new young people (Gideon, Robert, and Adrian) who are very talented musically. Gideon and Robert play in a band that plays weekly in Hotels and other places. Both love the Lord and desire to help other kids with learning music. The band is called Tamasha and means festival. You’ll be hearing and seeing more of Gideon, Robert and Tamasha later. 

A few of the young people met us this week at our favorite tea place called Kopeck. Seated at the table from right to left is Gideon, Robert, George, Lily (who also plays guitar and dances)  and of course Tabach. These young kids seem very interested in creating something that will help the teenagers here in Nakuru.

I have taken the brother who wrote me from India a few days ago advice (see previous blog) to focus on what’s happening here in Nakuru. So there are five main areas Tabach and I want to focus on this trip. They consist of working on building up the men in the church, teaching the clan leaders to teach others, working with the Kingdom Hikers, and spending time with the pastors who are asking to meet with us. Amma’s and Yashanah’s focus will be with the older and young women’s relationships. Chloe’s will be interacting with the Kingdom Hikers. Please cover us in each of these specific areas.

As usual our Father picked the perfect people from the Village to come with us to Kenya. Chloe has been awesome, diving right in with the housework and talking to the young people. Yashanah is magic with the kids and has really connected with our house girl Betie. She made Betie a crocheted phone case and Betie absolutely loved it. Tabach has been his usual wonderful rear guard self and helping immensely with George and I being able to communicate better. He has also taken over “Bob Miller’s” job (Joel Hall) as chief meat cooker. Thank you Tabach! Amma and I are extremely grateful for all their fellowship and help and a special thanks to all of you who gave them up to come to be here with us.

Well, the challenge this week is to find the place our Father has for us to meet. We are going and looking at a place today. It’s just a bare lot but it has electric, is fenced in and is located in a much better part of town yet still close enough for everyone in Lakeview to walk there.

Maybe this is it.

Much love   RCV Grandfather

Bedtime Stories

I arrived home from work earlier to find my Daughter investigating this months edition of my favourite amateur radio magazine - RadCom.

It looks like she is following the "HTS" path hi hi, perhaps I could read some of the articles like SOTA, IOTA and tell tales of DXpeditions far far away during bedtime stories.

WE GOT' EM !!

We got our suitcases! After scores of frustrating calls and driving all the way back to Nairobi to find the Turkish Airlines Office …. we got’em !

It’s amazing how we take some things for granted. Like fresh clothes and a hot shower.

Sometimes it’s good to experience the absence of life’s amenities so as to know how different our lives are from most of the rest of the world.

Most people in our church family here in Nakuru don’t ever get to feel a hot shower in the morning, or even a cold one. They bathe out of a bucket. Many don’t have enough clothes or basic necessities of survival. Now we are working on helping with all of that, but meanwhile it’s good to feel a little of what they go through each day.

One of the most favorite times of my life is when we moved to the land we now call Rose Creek Village. Through circumstances beyond our control we were deprived of houses, hot showers, inside toilet facilities and other things that we thought were “basic necessities”.  

For over 6 months 180 people lived “kind of like” most of the rest of the world populations; and right in the middle of the United States.

Now I say “kind of like” because we always knew we could get access to medical attention, food, or whatever else was required to continue life. Most people in the world do not have that assurance. We can never know what they feel. I can tell you now with all the hassles we encountered it was the best of times. But that’s another story; back to today.

Let me tell you of something that happened to me that I believe to be a miracle.

As some of you well know, every time I have come to Africa there is a great fight for my mind during the first few weeks. Discouraging thoughts, oppressive feelings are always there to meet me in abundance. Before I came this time I asked God for help that I might overcome these formidable attacks before they got a hold on me.

This morning I woke up assailed with the negative feelings and depressing thoughts that always begin to come when I first arrive in Kenya. It was if a cloud was descending on me. I began to praise the Lord, read my devotions and got up to take a shower.

 Although I felt better, the oppressive feelings still lingered. After dressing I went to my computer and found an email from a man I met for 2 minutes 5 or 6 years ago in India. He stated that God had awakened him in the middle of the night and gave him a vision. The vision was about me.

As I began reading this letter it was as if this man had been in my head reading my mind. He addressed every discouraging specter floating around in my head. I was ecstatic! I could not believe this was happening. A brother I barely knew in a distant country was awakened by God in the middle of the night to let me know that God saw me and had arisen to come to my aid. I don't even think this brother knew I was in Africa.

Receiving the exhortation and encouragement as God’s word to my heart I begin to be filled with joy. 


Instantly all the oppressive thoughts and feelings lifted. It was like the sun of righteousness rose in my heart!  

Though I have no recollection of this man, God through him remembered me and rose up to fight my enemies. 

Here is his letter. His English is a little rough but his spiritual insight is right on the mark....

Greetings in the name of our lord jesus                                                                                          abba,am writting you and i dont know you well we met in india several years ago and you were with pastor daniel,we chatted abit and you gave me your contact.I woke up in prayers this morning and when i was praying the lord was dealing with my life,it was deep in the spirit that you cant imargin,i saw the heavens opened and when i bowed down he remindend me you,i saw you in a deep cloud of wondering,you were in africa,i dont know if you are doing anything there!am not going to any church!is like you are in africa now,the lord has sent you there with your wife and your seeying that whet is a head is imposible!remove doughts in you! he is able to acomplish,he is with you in that mission,BE STILL,THE LORD IS WITH YOU!is has alresdy done it,praise him and dont complain alot.put your hands in the ploug and till,the plough is already there dont you see!he has rent you with his blessings!dont you see,you are not old!please labour in africa,do it with your all heart.He has given you alot!do it that way,dont strain your heart he is moving there and you shoud not stop him,move with him and support his work in that way!stop complaining!you are the one that he has chosen to do that work not somebody else and if you will resist he will take someone else and it will be a regret!He is with you.dont be discouraged.there shall be a crown in heaven for you. thats what the lord is saying.

The lord be with you!
nipur garnesh from india.

Who is like our heavenly Father? What can be compared to His love?
Give thanks for the Good Shepherd... for He looks well to the needs of His sheep. Praise the Lord Christ lives!!

OBTW… On the way home from Nairobi we were almost in a serious wreck. George switched lanes to quick and clipped a semi tractor trailer! His bumper snagged the semi’s bumper and ripped George’s bumper off. We could have flipped but managed to stop in time. We were right next to a gasoline truck while it happened. We stopped and George “negotiated” a settlement with the driver and headed home. That's George in a white shirt in front of the United semi. But with all God did today we weren’t frightened at all and continued to praise God for the suitcases and the angel from India. That’s enough for one day.                Much love  RCV Grandfather

We Made It!

Well… We made it; mostly anyway. Here we are safe in the arms of those we love and who love us dearly.

With the exception of four of our eight suitcases not making it out of Istanbul Turkey the trip was a pretty run of the mill flight.

This doesn’t mean the flights were boring as Amma will fill you in on the details of the journey.

You can find her blog at…. http://haviylah.blogspot.com/ . Suffice to say that we are once again grateful to the One who safely delivers us wherever He sends us. We also have faith that if He can deliver us safely to Nakuru He can do the  same with our luggage.

But let me tell you about the Gathering we just came back from. It was awesome and eye opening!

 It will be hard to explain exactly why it was so good, except you understand what God is doing with us in Rose Creek Village. I have spoken previously about the Gardner being in the garden. He has come not only  pruning the plants that they should bear more fruit; He has been removing some as well. He is removing unbelief and replacing it with His spiritual Life.

Lakeview Church is so connected to us that I believe they go through the same spiritual events we do … when we do. The difference here from when we left 8 months ago is really amazing. Truly the Gardner has left his mark here as well.

Last year a middle aged man named Morris began attending the church. Soon after Morris arrived he began to work his way into the young people’s hearts and began leading the worship on Sunday morning. A few short months later, he began to speak against George and the way the church was headed. He also began to pull the youth to himself.

The last time we were here we were greatly disturbed over the emotionalism in the Gatherings. I had to physically stop him from “ministering” in one of the meetings because of his blatant carnality.

After we returned to the States, George was forced to put him out of the church. I understand that he is now reviling throughout Nakuru. Sound familiar?

The History of the Church is filled with men who want to be first at the expense of the sheep. Yet their ego is not what’s so deadly; it’s their unbelief. The presence of unbelief in meetings can stop the Holy Spirit from doing what He desires to do. Listen to a missionary who was greatly used in China over seventy years ago…

"So much as one person with a contrary spirit to God is enough to affect all the meetings - that the revival fire did not flow until that person broke and confessed, or the Lord removed him." - Jonathan Goforth

What was true in China many years ago is just as true today as then. Whether in Tennessee, Nakuru or Nazareth; unbelief will hinder the work of God. May we never again allow unbelief to stay so long. May our cry for purity reach the ears of the One whose garden we are.

Today though, thanks to the Heavenly Gardner the “revival fire flowed” in Lakeview Community Church.

The gathering today was filled with light, joy and pure African praise. The word of God flowed so people were healed and encouraged. 

The testimonies came from the folks from Tennessee and the folks in Nakuru. We danced and sang and gave ourselves afresh to the work of making us into God’s household.  What wonderful blessings He has in store for His children here. Take a look at some of these pictures of today... they say more than I can write.

In the next few weeks I hope to introduce some of the living stones Christ has brought to Lakeview. Here are two of my favorites… Adrian and Robert.

Well that’s it for tonight. Give my love to all….

RCV Grandfather

All Things to All Men?

Can you imagine what my brothers in Kenya would think if Amma and I showed up at the Nairobi International Airport dressed like this? Do you think it would help them any to say “I’m following Paul’s teaching to become all things to all men so that I might win some!” I don’t. I think they might pretend they didn’t know us and look for someone else.

Yet I think some of our ideas in doing God’s work are equally as silly. Especially mine. I so desire to help my Kenyan brothers and sisters I would do just about anything to be able to effectively speak and demonstrate the love of God to them. I have been thinking about it all week and getting a little anxious about going.

Then I was reminded of some wonderful advice from a dear friend named Nathanael. At first glance his counsel doesn’t appear too spiritual, but for me, it’s straight from the heart of God. I think most of God’s counsel comes that way. This is what he gave me.

First, I need to be myself and not somebody or something else that I’m not. I should try and  just be a good friend. God is not sending to Kenya the man I wished I could be, should be, or need to be …He’s sending me!

 I need to relax.  Truth is I really don’t know what my brothers and sisters need there in Nakuru. Yet, I suspect if I go to be their friend and trust that God sent me, I can expect the ruler of heaven will show me what to do.

That is, after all, what Christ did when He came down to visit us. He didn’t try and relate… He came to be our  friend. I think, just like us, He had to believe that He had been sent by God and that the Father would show Him what to do …minute by minute. So the first thing He did was to find out what His Father was doing and join Him. That’s exactly what I intend to do as well.

Second I need lighten up. Most of the people we will encounter in Nakuru have never seen the “lighter side” of Christ. They really don’t  know He will; teach you how to not take yourself so seriously, how to laugh at yourself, show you how to have fun everywhere, and how life can be an incredibly exciting adventure.  

When He came to the earth men were already weary from trying to “imitate God.” I mean, just think about it… try and  imitate God?  It makes me tired just thinking about it.

He has something much better in mind. That would be Him living through me… His life. Talking about an adventure…. Wow! We have really don't have any idea what He wants to do! And you know what? He wants to do it through us. The answer to what I should do is …get close to Him and stay close.

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psa 16:11)

Because of terrible misinterpretations of His teachings the idea is prevalent that if you walk around all day looking miserable you are really spiritual. Nothing could be further than the truth. Being miserable all the time is a misrepresentation of Christ and His gospel. So if I am to show them the path of Life I really need to ….lighten up.

So if you really want to experience a great day …stay close to the One who keeps joy and pleasure close to Him! Some might ask … even at the cross? Yep. Remember the scripture says … For the joy set before Him he endured the cross…

...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
 (Heb 12:2)

Lastly my friend said I needed to show them that God is everywhere and in everything. From dragonflies to the dragon’s lies, God our Father is in it all.

We live with a very present God. One who reveals himself through sunshine and clouds, dragonflies landing on your finger to government agents driving through the gates to take our children. He is above all, over all, and very much for us.
He will always and in all things love us, protect us, discipline us, nurture us and if we’re watching ….reveal Himself to us in all things. No weapons against us will work, and like the person said…. I read the end of the book and ….we win.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me," Says the LORD. (Isa 54:17)

Therefore there is nothing to fear, nothing to be anxious over, and nothing even to fret about. Nothing at all better to do than spend the rest of our days being grateful and showing our thanks.

So begin to pray for us that we go in His Spirit revealing His love and His incredible good news. I know that's what He wants to do. We will try and blog every wonderful revelation of Him we see.  David Noah