Shalom and blessings;
With God's grace we arrived safely in Kenya Wednesday night after an uneventful flight from Israel; that's the way you want your flights to be, uneventful. We started our ministering almost immediately with Erev Shabbat at the home of Akiva and Hannah, elders of the congregation in Nairobi. Saturday morning, together with the congregation elders, we led the Shabbat services in Nairobi. It was such a blessing to see and experience the new PowerPoint projector. Finally the words of the liturgy and of the songs were legible even in the bright sunlight. The congregation is so appreciative of your demonstration of love towards them.
Perhaps you remember me saying that we were accepted as member of the IAMCS (International Association of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues), well Shabbat I presented the congregation with the official certificate of membership. This was a true milestone for this congregation of Kenyans who have embraced the God of Israel and Torah centered Messianic Judaism. Now we are part of an international organization with all the privileges that come along with it.
Sunday morning we left for Migori where the orphanage is located, a grueling 7 hour drive over two lane, treacherous roads used by large transport trucks hauling goods to and from Uganda. Thanks to Akiva's driving, and of course the grace of God we arrived safely. Monday morning we stopped on the way to the orphanage to pick up loaves of bread and a few other items for the children. We already had assorted gifts for them and sweet treats, which they rarely get. The children were so loving and excited to see us again, needless to say Ellen and I were also overjoyed. The day started with a teaching on the significance of the High Holy Days and how to celebrate them. I can't tell you how eager the leadership was to learn, asked many questions. After lunch I started a Bible study on the Minor Prophets. In the evening we drove into town with the homes directors to purchase 60kg of rice and 50kg of beans for their food pantry. Tuesday morning we were back at the orphanage. The day started with Akiva and Hannah teaching the children and adults about Yeshua and His plan of salvation. They spoke in Swahili so that those who had limited English could understand. I then led the group in a prayer of repentance and salvation. I did it in short sentences, Akiva translated into Swahili as the children and adults repeated the prayer. We had prayed with the children previously but we wanted to reaffirm their relationship with the God of Israel, Wednesday we were back at the home ministering. We shared the Gospel with 4 unsaved adults, all of whom received Yeshua as their Lord and Savior; God is so good!
The home has so many needs. There are very few school book for the classes and 3-4 students are having to share; the old mattresses are a mess and many beds are even without; food is a real issue and a never ending requirement. The home has taken in a number of single parent children, and are feeding them and housing them because their parents can't support them. They need a clean water system; right now they have to carry water from the nearby river, which has to be boiled and chlorinated before they can use it, even then, it is suspect. With the funds we've received we can supply some of the needs. but sadly not all of them. However, despite all that they lack, God has given them a special joy. If the Lord puts it on your heart, please help us meet more of the children's home needs. Here is another way you can help. If you know anyone who would be blessed by receiving these updates and my Torah commentaries, after asking permission, send me their email address and I will add them to the list of recipients.
Ellen and I wish you a blessed, healthy and prosperous Shana Tova (New Year). Sunday night at sunset begins the year 5780 on the Hebrew calendar, may it be a years of accelerated spiritual growth in all our lives.
I've attached this week's Parasha, trust it will be a blessing to you. Please feel free to share the teachings and our blog address with anyone you think may be blessed by it.
Blog link: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/
Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.
Rabbi Jack & Ellen
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