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.
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.
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
Great to hear from you again and what you are up to. I couldn't believe what I was reading when I came to the German couple having Miriam's documents. God sure was watching out for her!
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