Kisumu Yoder's: Our Weakness... His Strength....

"When you feel like quitting, think about why you started."

"Prayer is the cure for a weary soul, a confused mind, and a broken heart."

"Feeling weary? Shift your focus so God can renew your spirit."

I'm so thankful for God's strength on days when we feel weary and worn. The heat the last few days takes a toll on a person and heavy things on our minds doesn't help either! We've been VERY burdened for our dear Mama Zilpa from Lela. Many of you have met her. She was one of those "pillars" in the church... one who we could depend on to help us interpret for the other ladies, she willingly taught Sunday school, and often led out in singing. She was great with children and generally a very happy, bubbly person. In recent months her church attendance slacked off and then rumors came that there was a man at her house. Sad to say it appears that she has been inherited. She no longer dresses CBF and is attending another church. Wayne and Joe have worked long and hard with the situation but it seems her mind is made up and she refuses to own her sin. She recognizes she is a sinner but blames others for her problems. We are heartbroken and there were quite a few tears shed yesterday at the Members meeting where she had to be excommunicated. We were afraid there might be some members who would not support this step but Pake Yesu the church was united. We continue to hope and pray that Zilpa will be willing to repent and come back to God and the Church.

A few weeks ago Wayne along with some members from Ahero made a trip to Kaptarakwa, about an hour north of Nakuru, to pay dowry for Salina Chebet. Salina's husband died some years ago already but the clan took responsibility and paid dowry anyway. It was a LONG day with 8 hours spent on the road but thank God things went well and they returned safely soon after dark.

The next day we took a van load of Ahero members to Rhoda Arao's house for Bible study. Tobias had the topic and it was a long discussion. It was very hard for me to stay awake in the heat of the day after lunch! After leaving there we stopped at two other dalas in the community, where they have experienced death in the family. Hopefully we brought them some comfort through our singing and prayers.

On Friday Wayne was with Ahero folks again and helped them prepare for the Marriage seminar that was to be held there the next day. He took food from the market, etc. Our girls left with Joe's that day to go to Nairobi to pick up visitors... Joe's 3 nieces, Bethany, Alisha, and Tonya Yoder from Montezuma. They are Troy and Matilda's girls. Needless to say our girls and theirs have had a great time together!!

Winfred and Debbie Miller and family were around for the weekend because of the Marriage seminar at Ahero. Winfred does a great job with teaching on this subject. The day was very warm but enjoyed by all. The speakers did a good job and there was a good bit of discussion among the attendees. Some of the things Kenyans struggle with in marriage are quite different than what Americans face but we're all people with needs... and God is here for us!

We've been blessed with quite a number of visitors here on the compound!! As mentioned Joe's nieces were here, also Joseph and Becky are blessed with his brother Darvin being here as well as sister Rachel, and cousins Leonard and Danita. Kore Beachy was also here from Wednesday through Sunday with his brother Kevin, and friend Jonathan Yoder from PA. Delvin Zimmerman was here as well. He works with Open Hands in Nakuru. There has been a good bit of spikeball played on the lane evenings after it cools off. We were also blessed to learn to know Janell Stoltzfus' family, Ivan and Barbie Ann and family from Lancaster. Janell's special friend, Joe Fisher, was here as well. There were 12 in the group and we very much enjoyed their visit. In the evening we spent time at the lake. We chose to eat inside that evening because of a stiff breeze. It was actually cool!! The next morning Wayne and the family went on an early morning boat ride and then came to our house for brunch. Wayne had to leave before they left for Nakuru as he was scheduled to take a vanload of Rabuor members to Bible study at Dishon's house in Riat, which is south of the Dienya church near the Bondo road. They had a well attended and much enjoyed Bible study attended by the Rabuor and Dienya people. Wayne and Brian's both came home with chickens that they were given by the clan.

Our Thursday eve. prayer meeting at Jake and Jan's house was interesting because of all the visitors. I think there were almost more visitors than home folk. There were a number of nationals here from our churches that eve. as well because of a CBF annual general meeting that was held in Nakuru the next day. Wayne had a CBYC Board meeting after the AGM so he stayed in Nakuru at Tony's house for the night since it was too late to get home before dark. He surprised us by bringing Jamie (Tony's) home with him on Saturday morning... much to Bradlyn's delight! :) . Jamie left with Kore the next afternoon to head back to Nakuru. Brad and Jamie slept out in a tent that night and then last eve. Brad and Brian Mast's boys slept out. They had fun making eggs over a fire this morning for their breakfast.

Last evening we were invited to Gerolds for a special unit activity. Gerold invited a guest speaker, Pastor Richard and wife Janet, who live close by, to come share his life story. Richard grew up in a Muslim home where there was much witchcraft. But he was amazingly delivered from that life and has a wonderful testimony. There is a Mzungu lady who lives with Richard and Janet who also came along last eve. She wants to come share her testimony with us sometime. She lived in Washington state in the US most of her life but has now made Kenya her home.

Thank your for your prayers for us. We get very weary at times but your love and support helps a LOT!! Nyasaye Ogwhedi! (God bless you) Wayne and Clara

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal. 6:9

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28