THE KENYANS SERVING US

The Kisumu mission is within a walled compound. At the gate we have watchmen/guards 24/7. These men take their turns on a rotating basis. One is on during the day for 12 hours, the next at night for 12 hours while the 3rd is off for the week. Every time one of us leaves the gate is opened and closed promptly with a friendly wave of the hand. These men become our friends and we trust their discretion in whom they let through the gate into the compound. During the day the time can get long for them and busy pastors will sometimes ask the gateman to wash their muddy vehicles. They deliver messages, and sell extra eggs for us, etc. We sleep well because we know they are trying to stay awake to watch the gate/door. And he who enters another way must be a thief and robber. We'll try to introduce these men we see on a daily basis. Behind each one there is a story. Those of you who have lived and visited here may find this most interesting.

JACKTON

Jackton Ododa is a CBF Christian brother with a calm, kindly demeanor. His aged father (non-CBF) used to be the gatemen years ago and it was through this contact that his son came on the scene in 2002. Born in 1977, Jackton has been a member the at Rabour congregation, for approximately a year. Jackton's first wife passed away leaving behind no children. He then married Helen in 2006 and they have been blessed with 2 little girls, Faith-3 and Anna-3 months. Jackton considers it a privilege to be able to work in a godly setting for Christian people and we consider it a privilege to have a church brother watching out for us.

SAMMY

Some of you may know Samuel Okeyo (Sammy) as one of the senior gatemen. At 42 years of age, he takes his job very responsibly . He's also a jolly sort of fellow who likes to have fun. Back in the early 2000's, Sammy was introduced to this job through Jackton's father. He likes to work with the mission people and loves his work very much. He tries hard to keep things in order and running smoothly.
Sammy's wife, Goretti, passed away in 2006 at age 33. Their twin baby girls were only 3 months old. The pregnancy had been rough and upon intensive testing they discovered they were both HIV+. Sammy said it was quite a devastating blow. A week after his wife was buried, one of the twins died. Sammy named the remaining twin, Goretti, in memory of her mother. Little Goretti, now 4 years old, is free of the virus of which her baby sister died. There are also 3 older brothers, Evans-14, Ben-12 and Felix-10. Sammy, now the head cook, struggles to keep food on the table but is so grateful for his fulfilling job.
Even though Sammy admires our faith, he seems to be caught in his culture and at this point doesn't seem to be willing to dedicate his life to Christ. Pray that Sammy could see his need and that he could FULLY trust Jesus as his Saviour.

JACOB

The third man is Jacob Mukok. He's 37 years old and came to the compound 3 years ago. He learned about this work through his cousin, Jackton. He and his wife, Agnus, have 5 children, ages 4-16. Jacob, a rather quiet and serious person, used to be a tailor and had a good business going making school uniforms. During the clashes/riots in 2008, his place of business was demolished and his 3 sewing machines burned. The government asked for a report on losses but he never heard back from them. He is thankful for his job as a gatemen but misses his tailoring job. He wistfully wishes he could get at least one machine to get back to sewing part time. His spiritual status is unknown to us.

LILLIAN

We compound ladies also appreciate a church sister who buys our fruits and vegetables on a weekly basis. With our busy schedules and being foreigners in this land she serves us well in knowing how to bargain to save us time and pesos. Lillian Owino, 34, is a friendly lady with a ready smile. She also is a member at Rabour. She and her husband, James, joined in 1995 but he passed away in 2000 from HIV+ complications. They have 2 children, Sharon- 14 and James- 9. Since Lillian is also HIV+, she is sponsored by Regina Derstine. She says it's so special to know her sponsor and that Regina has been such an encouragement to her.

My sister, Miriam Bender, and cousin, Marlene Miller, arrived back in America safe and sound. The trip was not uneventful, however. It's amazing what a tired mind can do or not do. When they first got off the plane and through the check point, Miriam left her passport and other documents needed for customs in a public restroom. Upon waiting at baggage claim, a couple from Frankfort, Germany approached her and wondered if she's Miriam Bender. She replied she was and asked how they knew. They handed over her documents! Can you imagine the knees getting weak? They found the papers in the restroom and tracked down the flight to the baggage claim and matched Miriam to her passport photo. She was so grateful and thanked them profusely. Do we wonder why we pray and ask God to watch over us while we travel! Thank God for honest people!

Rose Okula, one of our church sisters has been experiencing sickness and weakness for several years now. Finally today I took her to the "Russian" hospital for extensive testing. It took ALL day and would have taken longer if Rosemary Odeyo, a CBF nurse, would have not taken us here and there quickly. At every joint, there were about 50 people waiting....oh my! What a sight! So many frail, sick people. Made you wish Jesus could come and heal each one. It made a heavy heart but also uplifting to be able to help at least one.

Sam and Mattie Kauffman

JENIPHER'S GARDENS

Last Tuesday we decided to take the day off and visit Jenipher's Gardens an hour or so away in the Nande hills. It's an excellent place for beauty and relaxation. The place truly IS beautiful....possibly emphasized because of the Kenyan squalor we see elsewhere. The story is that Jenipher was a former president's daughter and this resort/park area was made for a getaway. (doubt she ever dreamed this would turn into a popular Mennonite missionary getaway) Sister Miriam Bender (Lancaster, PA) and a cousin's daughter, Marlene Miller (Advance, MO) are here for 3 weeks so the timing was good to get out for a little toot. They are having a good time taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of Kenya.


We've been hearing snatches that you all want to see and hear more of us especially since Martin's have joined us. So here you are...take a good look! This group includes the Martin and Kristy Bender family, the Sam and Mattie Kauffman family, Miriam Bender, Marlene Miller and Rosalie Beiler. We are all related in some way or other; mostly Benders with Rosalie being Sam's cousin's daughter.

A view of the new gazebo/pavilion overlooking the pond. There are many (house) plants growing prolifically, plants we American housewifes work so hard to grow in our houses. To add to the interest you may see few monkeys lurking about.



The lily pad pond and it's antiquated paddle boat always lures the children. These cousins are no exception; (left to right) the first four are Benders, the next four Kauffmans. Moms and Dads watch abit nervously, trying to play, visit and watch at the same time. A camera did get dropped into the lake.....pity!

Strolling about and admiring the beauty....Sisters-Mattie Kauffman, Miriam Bender and sister-in-law, Kristy Bender, holding Franklin.

Life remains busy....but that's what we want even though we are sometimes frustrated with it. This coming Tuesday the combined unit meeting is in Nakuru. From there John and Barbara Glick plan to head for Nairobi with the Miriam and Marlene to catch their evening flight and pick up one of their sons coming in.

On Thursday, the Kisumu unit is planning a dinner for all the church widows, approximatley 140-150 ladies ranging from the young to the very old. In the Luo culture, once you are a widow you can expect always to be a widow. Because of the dowry system, you and your children are clan property and you may not remarry unless your dead husband's brother inherits you. But he already has a wife. It gets difficult. What would you do? For many of our church ladies this is real! It's also very difficult supporting yourself and your children. God gives grace and the widows are so thankful for the church family.

More next time....we'll try to stay a little more consistant with our updates.

Mattie Kauffman

A KENYAN EXPERIENCE

The wedding of Agnes and Evans

(part two)

Jonathan Martin had gone to fetch the groom but he was still in his work clothes. Evans informed him he will come with his uncle. Jonathan left and arrived at church and was confronted by father Erick. "Where is Evans?" Back to the home went Erick and Jonathan, but where is the groom? He was nowhere to be found! Does he have the jitters or what? Is he hiding in a haystack somewhere or among some stuff?

Finally......after 2 hours and 15 minutes, the groom arrives! He had been running hither and yon after.....we never did find out! Father Erick (left) and younger brother Nicanol (right) weren't very impressed.

Bishop Merle made an interesting spiritual application. When the bridegroom arrived, the atmosphere changed. The people sat up, smiled and watched expectantly. As far as we know, none of our oil had run out or lamps gone out. The wedding party had not practiced their processional so we waited a little more.

Merle Beachy performing the ceremony with Pastor Erick interpreting. After Evans and Agnes sat down, someone draped some blue tinsel around their necks to hitch them together. It made for some tittering when they stood to talk and walk out together. It would tangle and hobble them if they didn't work together. In spite of the late start, it was a good day. There don't seem to be any set rules in Kenya regarding weddings or most anything. The bishop did make this statement; "One thing we don't do; is marry a couple without having the bride and groom BOTH present."

Agnes and Evans were obviously a couple in love. Kenyans are typically rather reluctant to display public affection. These two held hands and sat close. This picture was taken after the service watching their guests in the food line. We all ate in the auditorium with the wedding table in the corner. The rest of us ate the normal Kenyan fare of ugali, rice and beans, cabbage and tough meat on the church benches. The meal was eaten rather hastily because the afternoon rains made us hit the road while we could get out. And did it rain!!

These days are busy as you can tell the blogging doesn't get done. Last week, the annual pastors meeting was held here at the compound. Some of the meals were eaten at the Rabour church with the native ladies doing the cooking. This also included the Nakuru pastors.

Meanwhile Sam and I are kept busy visiting and encouraging our church people, interviewing new people, and distributing food parcels to the hungry and widows. As long as the earth remains, there will be no end to the needs.

Miss Rosalie is wrapping up the last few days of school with Martina helping push some of the slower ones. Monica is busy helping Martins while they wade through the language classes. Daniel is trying to get his Abeka homeschooling program finished so he can help Martin more with the Agape programs.

Another change for the compound family has taken place.....on Monday we said "good-bye"to Jonathan, Lavonna, Jackson and Kaiden Martin. They flew back to their home in the Virginia mountains for good! These changes could be difficult, but come they will. The sooner we accept them, the happier we will be. While we are sad at this end, someone at the other end is eager for their arrival. Jonathan and Lavonna are anticipating another family addition in about 5 weeks.

The Ivan and Kay Peachey family left for her brother's wedding in Antrim, OH; Josiah Raber and Bethany Helmuth. They are expected to return in 3 weeks. Their family of 10 leaves a big hole in the compound.

Next Thursday, we are looking forward to having my sister Miriam and a cousin, Marlene Miller, visit Kenya.

We are also having other visitors in our home we are trying to cope with. With the compound chickens in our background, the feed seems to attract the rats. Rather boldly, they started moving into the house. The attic romping is disturbing enough but must be boring because they want more action. One was raiding the pantry and was too stupid to cover his tracks. With a rat trap we snared two. Ugh! These are rats, ladies, not mice! It was really un-nerving, however, when one evening we saw one run from our bedroom into the office. We quickly shut the office door and set a trap. We all retired for the night and all was quiet, when......a mighty SNAP! I jumped up with a start....only to see a triggered trap but no rat! Only a leg lay severed...oh bother...I shut the scene from my mind and went back to sleep! The next morning we gathered our army together and proceeded to chase down the 3-legged rat in the small office quarters. It was a rat race with a real rat and a real race. The end details we will spare you, but it made for laughter and memories. Rats make lizards seem rather small; so we just let them run.

Remember to pray.....

Mattie Kauffman

A KENYAN EXPERIENCE

The wedding of Agnes and Evans
(part one)

For some time, we missionaries had been praying for this young couple called Agnes and Evans. They are both members of the Christian Believers Fellowship church and were eager to be married. With this culture and the daily pressures they face, it's difficult maintaining your moral purity. Evans is the oldest son of Pastor Erick and Gaudensia from the Kasongo church. Finally the day arrived on April 24, 2009!



The youth from all eight churches had been invited, so we with our Kajulu youth set out for the one hour drive to Kasongo. With the continual spring rains, the road back to the church is......umm....wet and muddy and slippery and not very suitable for wedding garments or shoes. We made it after scooting this way and that, but one van load did slide off to the side and got stuck in the muck! In spite of all this, most everyone arrived in good time for the 10:00 wedding service.



Ten o'clock came and went and people still kept trickling in. The bride arrived a bit late with Merle, Sue and Kim Beachy. They had gone to pick her up so she had to come. Many were waiting outside the church and some at the gate watching for the groom. hhmmm......this is different.....late to your own wedding.......this could get interesting!

While the bridegroom tarried.....the wedding guests waited.....some visited in the church......some napped......others like Pastor Sam watched the cows walk by.......we waited and still waited.....

Agnes, the bride, waited outside under the tree with her wedding party. I had to wonder what was going through her mind.One of the church ladies, Alice Adhiambo, had sewn all the dresses and they were a snazzy group.

(to be continued in part two)