Feeding the Maasai

Prayer requests and answers to prayer straight from the mission field; “behind the scenes” views of ministering to those facing hunger; a special look at the logistics/problems/realities/frustrations/joys of missions; a report on how your investments are reaping incredible benefits; a thank you note; news that includes happy/good bits; a kaleidoscope of emotions and colours from another culture captured in pictures; or simply a “great read” to include in your summer reading program – The following newsletters (begins with April update) from Bob and Nancy Calvert, IMB missionaries with the Maasai People, will provide all of these as you read of how they minister to Kenyans who are hungry due to the ongoing famine in Kenya.

These are the beginning words of the new blog that I just* completed. A friend wrote last week to say that there had been a few more showers after we left for our Stateside Assignment in late April, but the rains in Kenya are over for another season and once again, the rains were insufficient in most of the country – which means the drought is continuing – which means prayer is a continuing need for the famine situation. Please take time this week to go to “Feeding the Maasai” at http://imbmaasai.blogspot.com/ . I ask also that you take time, not just once, but at least daily to pray that the Maasai and other people of Kenya will receive both physical and spiritual nourishment. Pray that “They will know that He is the Lord” (Ezekiel 6:14). Bert Yates
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Explanation of why people from Kenya often use the word JUST: Kiswahili has a “present” past tense – expressing that something has “just” occurred rather than occurring in past hours, days, etc. Therefore the logical way to say this is to add the word “just” when translating Kiswahili into English. Good or bad, this becomes a part of our spoken English even when we are only using English! So … please take time right now to check out: “Feeding the Maasai” so that you can say: “I have JUST read about how I’m a part of ministering the Maasai!”

"Poor Rains to Persist"

Persistence is usually a good quality, but not when it refers to drought. Today’s Daily Nation reports: “‘Poor rains to persist, say experts’* … More people will be famished and increase the hungry to more than 10m Kenyans … although April is the rainfall peak period for the March to May long rains season, Nairobi and most parts of the country will continue to receive deficient rainfall … The forecast spells doom for farmers, who have received poor rains in the last four consecutive farming seasons. Pastoralists, whose animals have been dying in their hundreds due to lack of water and pasture, will also be devastated.”

The “GLOOMY OUTLOOK” of this article continues as it reports that the drought will also lead to increased charges for fresh produce and electricity (“thermal power … is more expensive), water rationing to homes, as well as outbreaks of illnesses such as cholera due to the resulting poor sanitation.

In a strange twist of fate, but a common one in Africa, there are some parts of the country receiving rain, but not relief: “the western parts of the country … are receiving enhanced rainfall, which has resulted in flooding.”

Continue praying for the people of Kenya, both those facing drought and those facing flooding. Pray for farmers receiving their fourth season of insufficient rains. Pray for pastoralists who are watching their animals and their livelihoods die. Pray for those advising “farmers on the best agricultural practices … as well as the appropriate crops suited for their respective areas.” Pray that “Contingency measures … be put in place to avoid any loss of lives and property” in the flood areas. Pray for good health and quality medical care for those who have no access to clean water due to drought or floods. Pray for those with no or little income as the costs of food rise due to the drought and failed crops in flooded areas. Continue praying for those planning relief efforts. Pray that government officials will truly look beyond their differences** and respond speedily to the needs of their people. Pray for wisdom and strength as they plan and deliver food – there are limited resources and choosing the most needy recipients and getting the food is often difficult. Pray that through all of this, God’s children will be strong ambassadors of His love and salvation as they relate to those who are physically and spiritually hungry and thirsty, Bert Yates
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(Pictures of the Samburu taken by the Daniels - www.samburuofkenya.org/blog )
* “Poor rains to persist, say experts” (Daily Nation, 4/17/09, p. 9) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/561032/-/u4a7nl/-/index.html
** “A ceasefire, for now” (Daily Nation, 4/17/09, pp.1,2) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/561038/-/u4a7nr/-/index.html

Praising God on Easter Sunday in Samburu Land

Rather than the “bad news” carried in the local press of more and more politicians/government leaders involved in graft, corruption and seeking discord rather than peace, the following FACEBOOK* posting by Sandra Daniels shares lots of praises of how God is at work among the Samburu people. You can find more about the Samburu work and the Daniel family at: www.samburuofkenya.org/blog
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“Tobolo mlango, Papa, panying shumata inoo.” We gathered for worship this morning at the Good Samaritan Home for the Aged. Several different Baptist churches sang praises, but as one group sang the lines “Open the door, Father, I’m entering Heaven”, the joy began to spread. The politician who invited us was moved to dance and sing. It began a wonderful celebration of praising our Lord and remembering the promise we have on this Resurrection Sunday. Everyone joined in. In traditional style, several people met each other face to face and shook hands as they sang. I don’t confess to understand all of it, but it was genuine rejoicing and praise.

We met councilor Fred during March, just after the food distribution in town. He told about his work helping the elderly and invited us to visit. Out of the profits from 2 businesses he owns, he feeds over 100 elderly men and women every day. He provides housing for some and has plans to obtain more rooms. He has visions of starting a residential home/rehabilitation center for street boys. He tries to help some of the drunkards stop drinking and has had some success in this area, as well. It is encouraging for us to meet someone who is trying to do good things to help people. It is especially encouraging to find a politician whose life is an example to others. He and his wife are both believers.

We also received news today that a church we thought was “gone” is still in existence and that they are reaching out to others and have begun new “preaching points.”

Also in attendance was a councilman from the area of Baragoi, to the north of us. He was also rejoicing and very nearly preaching when it came his time to greet everyone. If Maralal is remote, Baragoi is definitely out there. Perhaps he may be the connection we need to help get work started in that area. Councilor Fred says even he would be willing to go there and help preach if we needed him! All in all, it was a day of great blessing for us.
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FACEBOOK members can find more pictures at: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1072369268&ref=nf#/album.php?aid=2020507&id=1072369268