October Newsletter

 Dear CMOI Family,

 October was a full and busy month. We had another Swahili test, our first safari trip, meetings, ministry, trips to government offices, and lots more. Our Swahili test went well and marked the halfway point in our studies. Brian preached his first Swahili sermon on Jonah’s struggle with God’s call on his life. He did a great job! He has gotten a reputation at school for being the best storyteller, because he is so animated and enthusiastic when he shares. We don’t believe God would send us to language school for five months without a plan for us to use this new language for ministry in East Africa.

 “Have you ever seen a lion?” We get that question most from kids who write to us. Now we can finally say, “Yes!” The second weekend in October we headed out to Amboseli National Park with six friends; a Kenyan, a Philippina, a Korean, and three other Americans (including the 10 and 12 yr old sons of our language school neighbors). We were quite the international crew as we camped, cooked for ourselves, and did self-guided game drives. Amboseli sits at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro and is full of elephants, lions, hyenas, hippos, Cape buffalo, zebra, gazelle, ostrich … lots and lots more. Amazing, God is a God of wonders!

 Not only was our safari weekend a blast, but it was also the inaugural drive of our newly purchased vehicle- a 4x4, 1989, Isuzu Trooper. We have wheels! The Trooper will be perfect for bush ministry into Maasailand next year. Thanks to all of you for praying and for contributing to its’ purchase.

 Please continue to pray for the drought and hunger problem in Kenya. A few Sundays ago, we visited a church near our school and provided tea and buttered bread for the whole congregation (about 100, more than half kids). As we have shared before, being at our language school compound has taken us out of the daily lives of Kenyans, but we were reminded once again how precious one meal can be to so many people. At times, the problems of health and poverty seem so overwhelming. Our God is a big God. The Love of Christ is reaching out to these hurting bodies and souls. Please pray we can all be an effective part of that outreach.

 A thanks goes to all of you who made extra contributions in September. Because of your support, we were able to buy 15 good quality Bibles (in 3 different languages) for families at the Emali Church. These brothers & sisters continue to need your prayers.

 Amidst all of the busyness of October, we paused to say good-bye to our landlord and dear longtime friend P.P. Singh. Mr. Singh and his wife Mrs. P.P., as those who have been to Sultan Hamud know them, have been friends of CMOI for many years. His easy conversation and welcoming hospitality made him an exceptional friend to anyone who stopped by for a visit. Mr. Singh had struggled for the last few years with a list of blood related illnesses and went home to be with the Lord on October 2. Please pray with us for his wife and children to find peace and comfort as they adjust to life without baba Singh.

 On November 21, Kenyans will vote in a referendum for a new constitution. These last months have been filled with passionate campaigning by powerful figures trying to convince the Kenyan people to vote “ndizi”- yes for the constitution, or “chungwa”- no for the constitution (ndizi > banana, chungwa > orange). The campaigns have been heated, confusing, politicized, and sometimes violent. If this new constitution is passed the face of Kenyan politics will change drastically, but no one has a clear picture if it will be a nicer face or not. Please pray the Kenyan people will have a clear understanding of what it is they’re voting for or against. Please pray that the political leaders will set aside their personal agendas for the good of the people they are meant to serve.

 Our first term in Kenya is ending. We are planning to write one more newsletter before we head back to the States (arriving December 4) and will keep you updated during our break at home as well. Please continue to pray for our studies, ministry decisions, and families. Last month you prayed for Paul Kisoso’s leg and we are happy to report that he has received good treatment and is recovering well. We all appreciate your continued prayers for the health of Pastor Gene’s daughter Tama, Brian’s mom Rhonda, and Stacy’s sisters Jeanette & Sarah. Our friend Francis Mutuku and his family have been struggling with many illnesses lately and would appreciate some extra prayer, especially for their one-year-old son, Jeff, who has frequent bouts with malaria. We covet the support you give to us through your petitions to Christ on our behalf and are happy to rejoice together at the answers to those prayers.

 Happy Thanksgiving!!! “Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.” Psa 100:1-5

 Our Good Shepherd is leading us and we put our trust in His ultimate plan. We are content to follow the Way of Our Master.

 With Joy,

 Brian & Stacy Cloud