THE FIRST FRUIT OF SALVATION- BAPTISM

Life has its ebb and flow. This phrase means to decrease and then increase, as with the tide. Life has its times of decrease, followed by times of increase.   Ecclesiastes reminds us that there are different seasons and different times for different purposes. The ebbs, and flows of life.

The same thing takes place in churches and ministries, there are times when things seem to not just be going as well as they should and then there are times when the increase is evident.

For a while it seemed that the Grace Bible Baptist Church had gotten into a rut and was somewhat just going through the motions of duty. This was evident in many areas of the church. Whenever this happens in a church, it is always a dangerous time. 

However recently it is becoming evident that the church is beginning to enter one of those times when the blessings are flowing.  There is a growing excitement in the church that can be seen in the people as they serve the Lord in their ministries.  Prayers are being answered and people are recommitting themselves to faithfulness.

This past week saw a number of our church member see salvation decisions made amongst their family members.  It is always a time of rejoicing when someone makes a decision for salvation but it is a little extra special when it is a family member.  I always rejoice in the decisions but I wait until I see the fruit of the decision before I get real excited.  This past Sunday was cause for great excitement as we were all able to witness the first fruit of genuine conversion- baptism.

·       The husband of a church member was baptized.

·       The daughter of a church member was baptized. 

·       The brother of a church member was baptized.

·       The mother of a church member was baptized.

·       A father and daughter where baptized.  

Thank you for your continued prayers for the Mickey family and the work here in Kenya and the Regions Beyond.

 

Part of our Sunday Morning crowd

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2016 PRAYER LETTER

WORK PERMIT UPDATE

We continue to ask for prayers concerning our work/resident permit.  It is now seven months late in being issued.  We still believe that there is not any trouble in it being issued, just a matter of disorganization.  We are told that our file has been lost and to date it has not been found.  Two weeks ago I was finally able to talk my way into the “inner” offices where the decision makers work. I was able to explain my situation and found a sympathetic ear.  I was told a “temporary” file would be opened in order for our permit to be issued and when our official file was found they would combine the two.  While in these offices I saw rooms of immigration files piled from the floor to the ceiling.  Maybe there was some organization in the disorganization, but I certainly saw how my file could have been misplaced.

TEACHERS DINNER

This last Friday we had our annual teachers dinner for all those who serve in the teaching ministries of the Grace Bible Baptist Church.  We have endeavored since the beginning to develop within the church the mandate of the great commission to teach all things.   We are thankful for the fifty church members who involve themselves in teaching others each week.   In total not including preaching, the Bible College and the Christian School, the Grace Bible Baptist Church has thirty four different teaching classes and times. 

TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY

Next March we will be celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Grace Bible Baptist Church.  We will also be in our twentieth year of missions work in Kenya.  We plan to have a special anniversary service remembering this special event.  Our Pastor Kevin Folger will be with us along with many visitors from all over Kenya and other parts of Africa.  We have begun in earnest the preparations for this event.  Please begin praying with us that this special event will produce fruit that remains

GRACE BAPTIST ACADEMY

One of our most time consuming yet important ministries is the Grace Baptist Academy.  We have 250 students from various backgrounds from several countries. Besides Kenya we have students from Burundi and South Sudan.  One problem we have had through the years is to have someone with the right vision to lead the school. We have done the best we could but recently God has begun to lead us to pray more earnestly about someone coming to help lead the school.  Maybe there is a school teacher or possibly a retired teacher that God would have come to Kenya to help in this needful ministry. Will you pray with us about this? 

TEACHERS DINNER

This past Friday we reserved an area restaurant for the Grace Bible Baptist Church annual teachers dinner.  All those who volunteer to teach others the Word of God fellowship together over a nice meal.  We are so thankful that we have 50 members who volunteer to teach in the many teaching ministries of the church. We have at least 34 different teaching opportunities. In reality these members are the back bone of the church.  We endeavor to continue adding to the opportunities that our members have to teach others the Word of God.  Some of our teaching ministries include:

·          

• 12 children Sunday school classes         
•  Junior church
• 3 youth Sunday School classes
• 3 Adult Sunday School classes        
• 7 Saturday Bible Clubs       
• 3 Wednesday children classes 
•  3 Weekly home fellowship Bible Studies·        
•  Ladies Meeting    
•  Men’s prayer meeting teaching

·

The workers at the restaurant mentioned to me that it was nice that we had a dinner for the whole church.  I mentioned to them that these were only those in the church who are teachers.  Their jaw dropped in amazement as they said in their church they didn’t have but one or two who were willing to teach.

Truly it is a blessing to serve God with those who desire to fulfill the great commission!

Some of the teachers

Mr. Kosgei and son Ian

Mrs. Kosgei and daughter Joy

Enjoying the food