LELA CHURCH
(level lands)

On October 17, we as a family decided to visit the Lela Congregation. Most of the people attending live in these level lands where the rice fields grow. John and Barb Glick pastor this church which began in Spring of 2009. Many of you remember the beating of Gene Beachy and Ken Miller a number of years ago. This took place in this hostile anti-CBF area of Lela. Now there is a growing church here. Interesting!



In April, 2009, John and Barb Glick left their Lancaster County home serve in Kenya. Most of their 7 sons are either married or on their own. The youngest one is still at home caring for the farm. John has been ordained to the ministry for 35 years and they currently are members at the Pequea Amish Mennonite Church. John and Barb have adapted well to Kisumu and are doing a good job living in with the compound family and serving the people at Lela.



The small church building consisting of poles and a tin roof is located at the home of Pius (center). He and his wife, Pamela, are very active members. Pius is also an Agape supervisor and has a heart for orphans. Besides caring for their own 4 children; they also make a home for approx. 20 orphan children. Some of these are supported by CAM but others he supports personally. Many people love this happy, congenial man with a big heart.

This must be the season for the Weaver birds. Surrounding the church structure are a few trees loaded with nests and hundreds of chirping birds. You had to concentrate to hear the message, the birds were so noisy! But when we sang, we just joined them and praised the Lord together.

Peter and Benter Ochieng family walking to their home. The flat lands are subject to flooding in rainy season. Johns often have to walk abit to get to church because deep ruts detain them from arriving with their van.

Lucas Odewa, husband of Monica and father of Millicent (youngest dau) and Thomas Oda(oldest son), has died. He had been sick for a few weeks and finally was admitted to the Russian hospital with a diagnosis of Typhoid and diabetes. Lucas had been intersted in the CBF church eariler but didn't think he could give up his multiple wives. Since he didn't have any church affiliation, his wife asked us to be in charge of the funeral. This took place yesterday.

Mattie Kauffman

AND LIFE GOES ON...

Life in Kenya has reached a normal routine and we enjoy the work. Like in 'Amedica' your schedule can turn into a rat race....aye here....with real rats and real races! (Daniel still continues to catch rats in the chicken house before they reach the pantry. Simba, the dog, loves to dig into them them when Daniel routes them out. 63 total now, including babies)

You haven't heard from us in awhile?...well, busyness and discouraging internet service was part of the reason. Tommy Wagler checked into another company that provides faster service and even cheaper ...yeah!! Other than that it was low motivation. For almost a month, numerous ones of us were struggling with low grade fevers. Sam has recovered from his problem and feels better than he has for a long time.




Some of Kenya's beauty; this is our back yard with the thatched roof gazebo and hibiscus and plumeria flowers. The light rains are coming and foilage is green and lovely. Currently, we have sweet corn and green beans growing in the garden.

Not far away is the ugly side of Kenya although not every place looks like this. Next to Nakumatt (blue roof in back-our Wal-Mart) lies this literal 'landfill'. We drive past this several times a week and you never quite get used to it. Humans, animals, and large birds go rooting through this constantly in search of some...treasure or food. It's must be amazing what you resort to when you are VERY hungry.

This is our milkman. Joseph delivers milk from Nehemiah Farms into the compound every morning. All you need is a tuk tuk and some old-fashioned milk cans. The milk is good and fresh and we like it better that bagged milk. Joseph is a congenial type of fellow and loves to give rides..hence the crowd of children. :) It brings back childhood memories of how my siblings and I would stalk the gas man in hopes of getting some chewing gum.

These are not the brick layers, but the brick makers. Jason, Jevon, Matthias and Daniel keep working at making bricks; actually they're blocks by mixing sand, gravel and concrete. This is for building the Oroba school and they need 2500 blocks. Only one is made at a time and it's will take some time. It's a good job for teaching energetic young men patience and perserverance.

School is back in session with Rosalie Beiler and Martina Kauffman teaching the 12 students. Daniel often goes down over noon to help play fun games of scatterball. The ages range from first grade to tenth. What a challenge for the youngsters to tag the big guy!

As far as the churches; the pastors have recently worked through some heavy issues and continue to work on more. God gives us strength when it's needed. We desire so much wisdom and it's amazing how it's given when the need arises. Sometimes it takes some diligent prayers....it can be so frustrating but we need to remember it's as simple as trying to help souls make heaven or hell decisions. Even one of our native pastors was silenced after he was caught stealing books from the literature room in the compound. We have no idea how long this was going on. May God help us all....the end is coming soon and Satan is busy seeking whom he can devour. Stay alert, fellow Christians! Beware of apathy!

Mattie Kauffman