john.martin@africaonline.co.ke
Furlough
Some people think missionaries come home to relax, recharge their batteries and of course raise some money. The following is a short summary of how we actually spent the past year.
During our furlough we spoke in 83 different churches. We drove 48,000 miles. We flew to California, Pennsylvania and Maryland. We spoke in 13 states. We attended State District Council meetings, numerous seminars on micro enterprise including a USAID conference in Washington, D.C., visited Teen Challenge rehabilitation centers, and learned the basic of weaving and quilting. Anne also took online education courses and courses on micro enterprise development. I even served two weeks on jury duty for a murder trial.
All that said, our part was insignificant compared to what all of you, our supporters and prayer warriors, did. Everyone amazed us with their generous offerings, one time gifts and pledge support. We were blessed with delicious meals, comfortable rooms, and more love than we ever imagined possible. We carry all of you with us in our hearts as we return to the work here in Kenya.
After One Month
We arrived safely in Nairobi with all of our luggage intact. Thank you so much for your prayers. We went through a mini culture shock right away. This past 14 months with Anne's mother and our children was so wonderful. Leaving them is always extremely difficult. We began to question our decision to return. We were overwhelmed with the sights, the sounds, the smells, and the incredible needs here. We again had diarrhea, lice and Anne had something strange growing on her thumb.... Then we began to visit the group homes. We wept as we watched our children who were snatched from unbelievable situations in the slums begin to sing of the grace and mercy of our God. They have grown physically and spiritually into beautiful young men and women. If we had not come, where would they be now? The oppression began to lift as God brought people everyday to affirm that what He is doing here is worth it all.
Micro-enterprises
One of our goals is to get businesses up and running that will enable the churches to send the children to secondary school. Many of you have helped us so much in this area. One of the ideas is to make African lap quilts. We have come to find out that at least two missionaries on our Field are “fundis” (experts) at making quilts. Another idea is to use looms to weave African rugs. Anne just had a call from a lady who grew up in Russell, KS and now lives and runs a weaving business in Kenya. She has offered to help.
This week we will visit a working dairy goat farm. John has started building a pen in our yard. Hopefully, we will produce stock to take to the group homes that are interested in this project.
The rescue center started quite a pig operation while we were gone (the market was not good for chickens). They have built cement pens with waterers and everything. We are so proud of them!
HIV/AIDS
Again this horrible disease has hit us very close to home. Our night guard, Eric, has tested HIV+ along with his wife, Eric has become quite ill. Recently he showed up in our compound during the day. I barely recognized him because of his weight loss. He began to rant about computers, TVs and God. He was shouting about how “the government made up this HIV scheme to get money from people.” He was quite out of his mind. He started spitting and charged toward Anne. He tried to bite one of our other employees. Anne hit the alarm button and our security company showed up. They were afraid to touch him! Finally, John and another guy grabbed him from behind, tied him up with sheets, put him in the back of our car and headed for the hospital. Please pray for him and his wife, Linda
Teen Challenge
We have begun meetings to establish a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Nairobi. We have interviewed a candidate for the director. It seems nearly everyday we are brought into contact with people who need this program.
Group Homes
Over the past month we have visited the rescue center and two of our group homes. We also visited a new home that is almost finished. An anonymous donor in Florida made this home in Githunguri possible. It will house 12 children from the rescue center opening up 12 more beds for kids on the street. We are so excited because the national church built this one without any advice from us!
Again, thank you for helping us get back to Kenya. We love the Lord, we love the work here, and we love you all.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
John and Anne