Sewing God’s Love

Elijah and Ellen Ombati transform lives in Narok, Kenya, working through the New Mission Systems International.  They are proceeding in a ministry with Nasha’s Creations (sewing centers) whereby more women can be employed in an environment that can disciple them to know Jesus.  Two young Nasha-sponsored children were privileged this month to get a sponsor to be able to attend boarding school.  Ellen said, “The ministry had been searching for a sponsorship for these children for some time.  Shopping had to be done,  a school had to be found.  Finally, the joyous day came where the Nasha volunteers and staff  could take these two children to boarding school for the first time!  The excitement rose at the anticipation of a hope, opportunity and future for these two children.  They saw the love of Christ given to them through school sponsorship.   As we continue to serve with Nasha Ministries here in Kenya, God continues to remind us of His presence and work among the people here.  Nasha’s Creations is growing and is developing a plan to open its own shop in Narok town to sell its products, sodas and snacks.  Please pray for the growth and continuation of Nasha’s Creations as we seek to open a new shop in town.”

Well Drilling Project Provides More Than Water

Tomoka Christian Church recently received correspondence from Gary Finley, with International Disaster Emergency Service Inc., in Kempton, Indiana.  IDES is a recipient of donations from TCC.  Gary writes:

The following testimony is from a young man who was greatly blessed by an IDES well drilling project.  The story has been edited for brevity.  Because it comes from a country where Christians are often the victims of persecution, names and places have been omitted or changed.

“My name is Victor.  I am the eldest in my family.  I have two younger brothers and one younger sister.  My father was a drunkard.  Everything he earned from his daily work, he would spend at the liquor shop.  Every day he came home empty handed.

I studied up to the 8th grade.  But suddenly my father died, and because of the situation at home I had to discontinue my studies.  There was nothing to eat and my family was starving.  So I decided to go to work for daily wages.  At this time I was only 13 years old.  I had to work very hard but was paid very little.  As I grew up, more family responsibility fell on my shoulders.  To avoid the tensions in my life I also started to use alcohol and other intoxicants.  Soon, I too became an addict.

But praise God, the love of Christ came into my life.  One day I had the opportunity to hear the gospel, when, along with my mother, I went to fetch drinking water for our daily needs from a nearby well.  There we met a man who helped us load water from that well on our cycle.

I became this man’s friend.  I liked his honesty, and willingness to listen and help.  His words gave me comfort and joy, (at a time) when I was suffering and wanting to die.  Then one day I finally understood that the death of Jesus Christ was for my sins.  I committed my life fully into the hands of our Lord Jesus.  I was baptized and became a child of God.  I attend this man’s church.  He is the preacher, and a wonderful evangelist.  My siblings and mom have accepted Christ after seeing the change in my life.  My mother is happy that Christ changed my life.  If not, I too would have died like my father.”

Gary Finley goes on to say that like all of their projects, this was one possible because of the gifts and prayers of generous donors like TCC.  He thanks Tomoka Christian Church for meeting immediate needs, and making an eternal difference.

The Harvest Is Plentiful in Nkimpa

Jordan and Lee Anne Johnson serve with AfricaHope, a ministry of New Mission Systems International.  They sent to Tomoka Christian Church their story of training and helping the people in the community of Nkimpa start to grow their own food.  Here is their story:

When our team first began working with the community of Nkimpa, Kenya, in 2009, the remote community of 800 did not have a church or even a school.  The community had never had a farm or a small garden, and livestock was the key to their survival.  Goats and cows were the only source of income and were sold only to provide food in times of need.  This made access to education, medicine, nutrition and other resources unavailable to the community.

As we helped plant the first church in Nkimpa, we also joined leaders to help them grow their own food.  Most people were skeptical, but a few key individuals dove into the project.  The project nearly failed completely due to the first year’s harvest being destroyed by elephants and the second year’s crops failed due to drought!  However, our team with AfricaHope continued to encourage the community leaders, and they decided to invest in farming one more time.  The community’s hopes grew as the maize grew taller and taller, and in September the community rejoiced over their first harvest ever!

The joy of the harvest is even greater as Ole Rinka, a community leader and farmer, recently accepted Christ as his Savior!  His joy and transformation was evidenced when he and five other community leaders gave the first fruits of their harvest to AfricaHope to support our ministry to the hungry.

By simply developing farming in the community of Nkimpa, not only are the hungry being fed but also people are coming to know the saving power of our Lord Jesus!  Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement and support.  It is amazing and humbling to be a part of God’s work!