Assembly Aid Abroad
December 2008 Newsletter
Albert Fairweather
Dear Friends
On behalf of the Assembly Aid Abroad Inc. Management Committee, we wish you
every blessing at this season and for the year ahead. We also thank you for your
continuing prayerful support for the work in East Africa with its joys and trials. In this
Newsletter I will share with you some of these.
Uganda re-visited: Last December James Omwando visited Uganda with Amos
(from Kapenguria) who was later killed in the January riots. He has again visited
accompanied John Mbeke. “I was able to visit Uganda for two days and I was very
much encouraged with the work there. There are 10 adults and 15 Sunday School
children meeting. I gave them the Elders Handbook and the report I am getting
from there is that the book is very spiritual. So they are happy”.
From the ashes: James will soon again visit Kapenguria in the North West of
Kenya. He is in contact with Lucas who survived the riots. The church at Naivasha
planted by William Akoto was scattered with some believers killed, but from those
forced back to their tribal lands William advises that a new church has formed and
others may follow.
Land ownership: For the first time problems have occured over Chapel land
ownership. The sisal plant is the recognised boundary marker, but these can die
or be moved. Land is given to churches or bought on documents signed by the
owners and the local Chief. Neighbours can cause problems at a later date
claiming part of the land. Kopanga Chapel has this situation at present, and at
Ekogugue there is also a problem. Some are opportunists who see the possibility
of gain when buildings are erected. However overall, problems are few, and all
major new projects are to be on surveyed gazetted land.
Economic crisis: This has impacted on the exchange rate of the Australia dollar
against the Kenya shilling. We are receiving about 20% less at present, and have
suspended all new projects such as chapel building until times improve. We plan
to meet the support for the 29 evangelists and Bible teachers as God supplies,
and also we have a commitment to 55 orphans in the Fairweather Orphanage and
the 40 orphans in the Ebenezer Christian Centre. Those in the latter training in
Tailoring and Carpentry have taken their exams and we supplied money for tools
and materials to enable them to sit.
Projects on hold: The new Onjinyo Chapel only needs a cement floor, and is in
use as is. The Lange Chapel is up to window height - construction is on hold. The
Kopanga Trades Centre has believers teenagers in training - building is on hold
there for the present. It needs doors, windows and a floor to complete the
extension to accommodate carpentry.
From Tanzania: Vinoji and Joyce Samuel moved to Tanzania in September. “Last
week a lot of people came to church. This was the result of evangelism and
prayers. Now three Muslim sisters have got saved together with others. Few are
ready for baptism. I am teaching them the basic doctrines. Once the fellowship is
stable, I will send a picture. Joyce is facing some complications, we did some
tests, but donʼt know what exactly it is, but when tested she is diabetic also. She
may have to go to Mumbai for few days for tests and treatment. My brother is there
and also a mission hospital. We are praying for a decision in this regard. But we
are under the ever-watchful eyes of God.” Lawrence Lihondo from Nairobi is
helping Vinoji in this new work. Please pray for the extension of the Tanzanian work
overall, as there are many challenges.
From Nairobi: Jacob and Susan Varghese write: “The Lord was gracious to us to
find couple of plots in Witeithie and we were able to finish the transaction by last
weekend. Praise be to God. We've starting the work on the toilet pit and fencing this
week. Also, James Marubu is prayerfully preparing to work together for the Lord
(now supported by AAA). He with his family may move closer to Witeithie, and we're
praying that he'll be able to do the ground support work which is much needed at
this time. I've been discussing with Br. Peterson Otieno about Alex Kurian's visit
and a Saturday Conference is planned God willing on Dec 13th, targeting mainly
the marriage/family issues. Meetings are planned in the Nairobi areas of Githurai,
Witeithie, Westlands, and Maringo; in country areas of Rongo, Kopanga, Sindo and
in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Please pray with us that all the programs will be a
blessing to many and the name of the Lord will be glorified.” Susan is also
experiencing some health problems, so prayer is requested for her and Joyce
Samuel.
Our Treasurer: John Koning has not had his heart operation, it has been re-
scheduled several times. The Specialist Doctors are overworked and he is now
scheduled for January 5. This is extremely serious, please pray for him and Ann.
In closing, Elaine and I keep reasonably well, although we tire more easily with our
busy schedule of travel and meetings. We plan to continue in this ministry until
such times as the Lord tells us to ‘retire’ here or to our heavenly home.
On behalf of Assembly Aid Abroad Inc. Management Committee
Yours in His service,
Albert Fairweather
Assembly Aid Abroad Inc.
www.assemblyaidabroad.com
P.O. Box 838, Morayfield, Qld,
18 France Road, Hastings,
Australia 4506
|
|
