THE TOM OGEMA FAMILY

(This article was part of the AMA newsletter, with some editing, and we decided to post it here as well.)

When we first arrived in Kenya, we were appalled at the masses of people, the “squaller” and poverty....the trash...it was everywhere! How can people live like this....? and survive?! But, soon we adapted to our surroundings and started knowing the people as individuals. We soon discovered what former missionary friends had told us, “ you will fall in love with their shiny, black faces!” The warm hearts and friendly smiles soon made the poor conditions in which they live fade. They don’t seem to mind, why should we? Then again, do they know any different?
Being assigned to the Kajulu church, we are learning to know and appreciate the Christians very much. The simple faith is so refreshing and encouraging. Sometimes it puts us to shame. No, they are not quite all that way. Like anywhere, there are always a few annoying cranks and beggars who think the Americans owe them something. But we sure appreciate the level-headed, faithful ones we have come to rely on heavily. They know their people and their culture much better than we do and can meet and interpret the needs more appropriately. One of these is the Tom Ogema family. (I will introduce a family from time to time and tell you what we know about them. There are some very interesting stories.)




Tom and Pamela and their four children attend the church in Kajulu. Eddie is 18, Ida, 16, Alvin, 12 and Elmina is 4 years old. Not everyone is so fortunate to have the entire family with them. Born in 1957, Tom handles the English langauge very well and is the main interpreter.
How did this all begin? Back in early 1996, Tom was asked by Barack Abuto, a friend he bought newspapers from, to attend the CBF church services at Rabuor with him. Barack was already a current member and after Tom went, he was so moved by the sound Biblical preaching ; he said he has continuously attended since. He would take his 2 oldest children with him. His wife, Pamela, 12 years younger, was not so convinced. Nevertheless, in order for Tom to become a member, their marriage was legalized. This was a requirement because of the adulterous situation. This took place in June of 1996 when baby Alvin was 2 weeks old. Tom became well acquainted with the Lloyd Beiler and Wilmer Stoltzfoos familes.
When the Kajulu Church, in the foothills of the mountains, opened it’s doors in 2003, Tom was asked to transfer and assist Steve and Martha Esh in the outreach. Pamela began attending with Tom and the children. This time convinced,, she soon became a member and now they all attend faithfully as a family. It’s such a testimony and blessing to other families. Tom also serves on the ‘Needs Committee’, and is a very helpful person to call on when the needs arise. Aside from that, in Kisumu, he has a government related job in the ministry of culture and social services. A diplomatic person, he does well in every area he gets involved in. Pamela, an accomplished seamstress, sews many dresses for the Agape Orphanage Program. This brings in extra income which helps keeping food on the table and putting their children through school. (Pamela also assits me in measurements and dressing the ladies in CBF clothing.)
Others don’t fare so well. We have church people facing a food shortage, due to lack of rain in the past three years. Crops haven’t been adequate. Closer to Naroibi, many people and cattle are dying because of no water. But locals were predicting “El Nino”to come this way and hang around awhile. Meanwhile it appears El Nino is arriving, it has poured rain and caused much flooding. Now we are facing sodden mud huts and fearing collapses. We try to encourage and assist where we can. Continue praying for the Christians in Kenya that they can be faithful even in the midst of physical and spiritual storms. A STRONG STORM WILL EITHER MAKE A TREE FALL OR PUT DOWN VERY DEEP ROOTS!

Sam and Mattie Kauffman Family




Tom translating for Sam at the church services today.

"The Needs Committee"
Tom Ogema and Joshua Ochieng