Jesus said, "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid" and so we see that the light of God shed abroad in our lives draws the seeking souls all around. Brother Lawrence reports: "Here at Makindu, we have many attending the services now. We are using the building even thought it is not yet roofed. God is dealing with hearts in such a way that we are sitting so many hours answering questions. Several have been coming from the other areas around Makindu. Please, pray for us to always walk in, and be led by, the Spirit as we try to feed the hungry souls." Several of the ministers that had attended the August meeting report on how the Lord has inspired and dealt with them. Praise God for His faithfulness!
The timber for roofing the center is now ready and they hope to be fixing the trusses this week. Extra time is needed to brush chemicals on the wood to prevent termite and weevil problems. They are praying that the Lord would enable them to finish before the rains, which are due in late October. Also, they have been advised to enlarge the drainage pits, which will cost extra time and money. But the vision for the work continues to unfold as God leads and blesses the labors. There is no cause to doubt His resources to carry on His work, both in the spiritual and temporal realms. May we crown Him Lord and King to "do as He will with us to advance His Kingdom," as the dear brother says.
Psalm 48 describes it well: "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Let mount Zion rejoice... because of Thy judgments. Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. Mark you well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that you may tell it to the generation following. For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death." (v. 1, 11-14)
The work of God is always beyond our resources or abilities. Though the Makindu ministry has been strengthened and encouraged through the recent meetings, there continues to be physical hindrances. After traveling to the Mount Kenya region for some God-appointed visits at the beginning of this month, brother Lawrence states: "we were grounded with exhaustion." He and his wife suffer from head and backaches with such trips, he explains. "I believe it is fatigue that goes with old age. These things slow me somewhat. So I have a backlog of work now. Please,
pray for us to be blessed with a vehicle. It would ease up matters a
lot."
They were greatly encouraged that funds were provided for roofing the Bible Center, and plans were made to start last week. "However, the people we had given the order for timber did not deliver," he says. "So we had to give others the order and we are expecting the timber any
time now. We have had to pay a lot more than we wanted to, which has
eroded the funds we had for the iron roofing sheets. But we are hoping to
make up for this in adding the iron sheets slowly, bit by bit, on the
timber."
The desire for people to receive spiritual light and to live to glorify God is the burden of his heart. "I know it will come, for we have began seeing God moving in wonderful
ways," he writes. "Please, please, pray on. The true church of God, where God is
given the right of glory, ownership and rule is just beginning to shine
forth in this area amidst the denominational organizations which have
influenced the lives of the people. It will take time for the inbred
habits to be cleaned out of the lives of the saints and for them to lift
God always."
The counsel of Psalm 118:8-9 is true: "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes." It is better. It will end up right. Let us look beyond people and circumstances and places and things to the Author and Finisher of our faith. He alone is worthy of our confidence. Amen.
The Spinks have returned from their Makindu mission trip with much to tell. Sunday evening was spent recounting their experiences with a photo slide show, and we rejoice to see God at work. It is a privilege to share in His labors in this far corner of the vineyard.
The blessings flowed in little ways...
Excited children hold up their colorful "Jesus Loves Me" bookmarks.
Almonds proved to be a favorite treat.
The literature table was crowded after every service.
The intensive week of meetings brought the ministers close as they shared burdens and labored together.
Standing together in the new Bible Center building.
Inspecting drying bricks, handmade with the local clay soil.
Brothers Lawrence, Mark, and Alvin working together on technical details.
A special kinship developed with Winnie and Melvin, as the Lord united hearts for the spiritual burden-bearing.
The trips to three outlying congregations gave more insight into the great needs these people face, while providing experience in spiritual warfare.
At Mbisu Mbiu on Friday...
Brother Melvin interprets the message.
Interceding for those that came forward with prayer requests.
As typical of these places, food was cooked over a simple fire pit in the kitchen hut.
And James Benson's congregation on Saturday...
A sister shares her testimony. Here and there were those overflowing with God's goodness.
An aged man testifies to being saved from witchcraft, which is a common recourse in this land.
The simple brick meeting house and kitchen hut.
Sunday was spent with Anastasia's congregation...
There were many children and youth at the meeting here.
And the burden for spiritual substance was very heavy on the preachers.
A special meal was served outside... 
and Anastasia asked for a prayer of dedication for her new meeting house.
Back in Makindu, they enjoyed last visits and good-byes.
Kenyan hospitality includes handwashing before meals - here at the Lawrence home.
A family photo: Josephine & Alvin (parents of oldest boy and twins), Wilma (and son), Mike, Evalyn, Joyce and Lawrence.
Dominic with his family - the youngest a new baby that his wife was told she could never have. They praise the Lord for His healing power!
Winnie and Melvin wave good-bye. Soon it is time to leave the dusty roads for the highway north to Nairobi and the flight home.
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." - Psalm 126:6
