A CHANGE OF MASTERS


David and Perez Tunga

David (pronounced Di-'ot-e) and Perez are the oldest couple in the Kajulu church and live up in the Kabonya area in the beautiful Rift Valley. On Sundays, they start very early in the morning and walk the 2-3 mile mountian trail to get to church on time. It takes them about 2-3 hours and sometime health and weather doesn't permit them getting there at all. Diote was born in 1921 and Perez doesn't know her age. Diote was a typical African boy, growing up in the mountians and following family traditions and cultures. He inherited witchcraft and casting of spells from his grandfather. "The survival of the fittest" was the slogan.

When Diote married his first wife; space was limited in his father's dala (homestead). So he moved out and built a house at the base of the mountian. Hardly anyone lives up futher then they do and their crops are constantly plagued by the baboons living in and among the large rocks. After about 23 years, Diote took another wife, a niece of his first wife. Sometime in the following four years, his first wife died. Altogether, there were seven children. A few died when they were young.

Diote led a very wicked life. He was a fierce leader of a group of cattle thieves. They did their work at night, walking for hours, and sometimes several hours away. No one wanted to meet Diote and his cronies in the night. Approaching a dala, they would cast a spell (medicine) to put the owners in a deep sleep. After waiting a hour they would untie the animals and walk away. (The sleeping people sometimes did not wake up until 9 AM.) The group would walk their loot home and divide it among themselves. Sometimes at night, they were captured by the police who also feared them. They would cast a sleeping spell on the police, steal their guns and hats and leave. The guns and hats were hung on poles along the road for people to laugh at. Diote kept up this lifestyle for almost 20 years. He grew tired of running and fearing for his life. He left his friends and joined some traditional dancers. The reason was in part to make some money, but mostly for the social interaction. Many of Diote's old friends died as a result of their sinful life. Doite was introduced to Christianity and became converted in 1964. He kept searching for fulfillment. In 2000, through a friend named Andrew, Diote and Perez began attending the Christian Believers Fellowship in Aroba, an hour away. Kajulu opened it's doors in 2003 and they joined the fellowship there.

Diote and Perez have become changed people. Because of sinful habits for years, they do struggle with stubborn quirks. Overall, we marvel at God's grace in reaching down in this partially uncivilized culture and saving sinful souls. Do our efforts here as missionaries make a difference? For many; ABSOLUTELY!! It is only for God alone to know how many. We also marvel at how a person reaps what he sows....how he reaps MORE than he sows. Diote has lazy, wicked sons, who steal from their parents...especially food. Sometimes Diote and Perez have to go to a church sister's to eat because there is no food left in the house. Pray that the sons can follow their father's footsteps ALL the way. Like most Kenyans, they are religious, but they need more. They need Christ in their hearts to guide their lives. It is the only way.

Everyone in the CBF churches has a story and you will likely hear more on this blog. Thanks for all your comments; we appreciate and enjoy them very much. It's a great encouragement.

Mattie Kauffman



WATCHING BABOONS ON THE ROCKS

Left to right: Miriam, Daniel, Monica and Martina
front: Myrna and David

BABOONS ALSO WATCHING

THE RIFT VALLEY WITH DIOTE'S HOUSE IN THE FOREGROUND

GLEN HELMUTH'S FAREWELL

part 1

On Saturday, the Kajulu church grouped together to make a wonderful day of socializing for their departing pastor and his family. It was very similar to a school picnic. There was a somewhat organized program in the morning with several groups singing and many giving testimonies. At noon a meal was served; the adults visited and the children played


Two 'youngens' fascinated by Monica and Sara practicing the song,"Heartbeat of God".

Sam flanked by many little faces.

The Hemuth family singing, assisted by Sarah Anna Esh. (far left) Their farwell gift was a decorated 3 - legged stool.

Daniel, flirting with 4 year old Elmina, daughter of Tom and Pamela Ogema.

GLEN HELMUTH'S FAREWELL

Part 2


After the meal was prepared, the children lined up in an orderly fashion to wait their turn. For many of them, this was their only meal for the day, even though it was just rice and beans.

We 'white folks' were stuck into a stuffy, little corner to eat by ourselves. It was meant to be an honor and we tried to recieve it that way although we preferred to mingle with the rest outside.

By African standards we were fed a deluxe meal. It WAS delicious! The church worked hard and for some time to raise enough money for this farewell. It's a bit hard to accept, but for their sake of giving, we must be gracious.

Glen tried to pass out lollipops to the children. He was swamped by large and small and even parents grabbing for their children and themselves. He finally resorted to climbing on top of the van and tossing from there. What a great time of laughing and cheering. How they loved a "candy throw"! What memories Glen left for them!

We miss Glen, Rosanna, Galen and Melody and wish them the best as they re-enter the states. The adjustment is most times more difficult returning then it was leaving. Meanwhile we'll try to fulfill the call God led us to.,

GLEN HELMUTH'S FAREWELL

part 3

The faces of Africa



Baby Rosanna didn't get her hair done in time.


A local visitor joined the group out of curiosity, hunger or otherwise.

eating....

David trying to comfort weary, little Rose Millicent.

THE WEDDING OF JACK AND NORA LINDA

It was a beautiful day, then again the days are always beautiful in Kenya. We had a wedding at the Kajulu church, a first experince for these people. No seemed to know how to do and what to expect. Neither did we....there was no time for a rehearsal. Somehow in this culture things will work out. What does it matter, we do have all day.

Jack and Nora both grew up as orphans and hardly know each other. He is from the Kajulu church and she is from Aroba. He is around 30 years old,and is not sure whether he was born in 1978 or 1982. She is an innocent, though mature, young lady of 16. (I tried to picture our daughter in her shoes/sandals.) Jack and Nora are both strong, dedicated Christians and that makes the difference. Pastor Glen Helmuth and Pastor Joseph Hostetler made sure the bride stayed in the compound the night before to ensure her whereabouts. She was at the wedding in good time. The groom, however, was 20 minutes late. When he did arrive, he was smiling and looking quite 'smart'!


There was a blend of cultures in this wedding. The bride was escorted in by her bridesmaids and the church chior as they sang. Following came the groom, the best man and groomsman. It was a typical service for our people; Aroba's native Pastor Eric delivered the message, followed by Merle Beachy performing the cermony. While the candle was being lit and the marriage license signed, our family sang two songs, "Jesus Hold My Hand" and "The Camel Train". Then came the lengthy testimonies of various family members. They are interesting....just lengthy. After that came the receiving line.


The chior once again escorted the wedding party out to the bridal table behind the church house. Jack and Nora are in front with Sam and Reuben Yoder looking on. (Reuben and Mary Ann are on their way home from a 6 month stay in Jerusalem and stopped in to see their daughter Lavonna married to Jonathan Martin. During their 3 week stay here the attended both a funeral and wedding.)

The wedding table was very simple with a 'leso' as the centerpiece decor and a candle. The wedding cake was banana bread. The cooks were very efficent in cooking a large amount of rice and beans but had no plan in serving so many people. So.....Rosanna Helmuth and I wrapped our lesos around our waists and dished out food and chai to 250 people. And yes, a cook's nightmare came true...we ran out of food! Some of the white people just didn't get any. . we didn't care...how could we with so many other people/children much hungrier than we were.

The wedding guests sat on the ground eating the meal. In respect to another cultral practice, the wedding party, family members and pastors left directly after the reception and drove an hour to Jack's dala (home) for another meal. Sara Esh and some of the church ladies cooked more of the same along with soft drinks and delicious mandazis and chapatis.

The wedding couple spent their first night in his house. It was just built and newly mudded, just not very big, only 8' X 10'. The door way had no door and there was no window. Their bed was only a reed mat, but they were happy. Hmmm, how very different in America.

The Glen Helmuth family left today for their home in America. Sam and I feel a bit bereft and overwhelmed in carrying on the work of the church. Please pray for us. We are thankful we can only take one day at a time and that we can have a night of sleep in between.

For this post, it was very difficult chosing pictures, there are so many. This program only lets me chose four. If you are interested in seeing the entire folder, let us know. We'll send the link to you. It shows so much more.

The rumor has it that for the compound, electricity will be rationed every Monday and Thursday. Try that for a day and see how much you can do.:)

Mattie Kauffman

BAPTISMAL DAY


Last Sunday we had water baptism for four ladies at the Kajulu church. There is a continous instruction class going on and when applicants get to a certian point and meet all the CBF requirements they qualify for baptism. It's a special day for them and their families. Three of these ladies are widows and the other one was deserted by her husband. Two are elderly and two are young. They often wear white to be baptized if they chose to or can afford a nice white dress. Bishop Merle Beachy perfomed the baptism.

The pastor's wives, waiting to greet the newly baptized, Mattie Kauffman, Sue Beachy and Rosanna Helmuth.

The church members greeting the ladies.

Pauline, Judith, Judith and Historia

Many widows take in orphans and are supported by the Agape Orphans program. It's a nice income for them and it encourages them to reach out and help the needy. Some of these ladies are quite old and some of the ophans are their own grandchildren and relatives.

Our thoughts and prayers have been with the Olen and Emily Wingard family with the recent death of their lovely 16 year old daughter, Stephanie. The family lives in Thomas, Oklahoma and Stephanie was killed in Lott, Texas due to a motorcycle accident. I am related to both Olen and Emily through my father's side. (My father was born in Thomas,OK) Stephanie was one week older than our second daughter, Monica. She would have been 17 years old in October. Mourning her death are her parents and three younger brothers.

Life continues to be very busy...we are greatly anticipating the conclusion of our language classes in about 7 days. Glen and Rosanna Helmuth, Galen and Melody, whom we're replacing, will be leaving next Monday for America. The Kajulu church had a farewell for them last Saturday (watch next post). This week the two units are meeting in Nakuru for 2 days for the usual Unit meeting. On Saturday we have a native wedding at Kajulu. It's a rarity with all the typical leagalizations that generally takes place and excitement is running high. In fact the couple had too many people planning the wedding for them and pastors had to step in and organize and give some guidelines. These Kenyans are truly interesting people....:)

The weather as of yet is perpetually the same. Beautiful mornings and nice warm days with low humidity cooling down in the evening. There are covers needed at night. The last three years have been rather dry and crops are poor again this year. The locals are predicting El Neno this Fall. Maybe it's wishful thinking...I don't blame them. If your crops don't grow, you don't have food. It's that simple! Sugar cane, a main crop source, is being rationed. The government is also beginning to ration electricity. So far electric is off once a week (yesterday, thus the late blog) and there is talk of maybe having it off 2-3 days every week. Sorta makes it difficult for Americans who depend on it. At least every stove has 2 gas burners and the water runs out of storage tanks.

Mattie Kauffman

CHICKEN BUTCHERING DAY

Last Monday, at 6:00AM the Kisumu compound began stirring. It was chicken butchering day at Ivan Peacheys where 186 meat birds sat waiting for processing. The men gathered first setting up tables, tarps and burners and began sharpening knives. The women began trickling in at 6:15 with their buckets and more knives and found their places at the table. Today all are involved! Everyone is needed and has his/her position. This is our main source of meat and the ladies find all kinds of creative ways of peparing a tasty dish. This morning many are bleary-eyed at this hour, especially Merles and Ivans since they just returned from America a day or two ago and are still coping with jet lag.



The "little men" , David Kauffman, Jamin and Micah Peachey catch the chickens and Matthias Peachey and Daniel Kauffman get the job beheading the unassuming creatures.


Never in my life did I see my husband butcher a chicken. I was rather impressed with this hidden ability.


Jevon Beachy, Ivan Peachey and Tommy Wagler did most of the skinning.

The ladies did the dressing or gutting to state it bluntly. Around the table, left to right are, Sarah Esh, Rosanna Helmuth, Rosalie Beiler, Becky Hostetler, Monica Kauffman, Barbie Glick, Kay Peachey, Mattie Kauffman, Kim Beachy, Abigail Peachey and Lavonna Martin.
There is not much wasted. The feet we give away to the natives for a treat. Ugh.....the intestines we buried so neither human or animal can find them. The whole works was finished at 11:00, including cleanup.

We gathered again at Tommy Waglers for a good breakfast. We visited and relaxed with the good feeling of a job well done. Everyone's freezer is chuck full.

Mattie Kauffman