Novel quote

Hello!
       I like to read science fiction and fantasy.  I recently read something in a book by Terry Pratchet.  His character, Granny Weatherwax, has some comments on religion and faith that she makes to a priest of religion that had an inquisitorial nature in the past.  I thought they were pretty interesting words, so I will share them with you.  Let me know what you think :).

       "You say that you people don't burn folk and sacrifice people anymore, but that's what true faith would mean, Y'see?  Sacrificin' your own life, one day at a time, to the flame, declaring the truth of it, working for it, breathin' the soul of it.  That's religion.  Anything else is just ... is just bein' nice and a way of keepin' in touch with the neighbors. (...)  Don't chase faith, 'cos you'll never catch it.  But, perhaps you can live faithfully."  Carpe Jugulum Pg. 349 

       I hope you had a great Sunday and were able to worship the Lord with a glad and sincere heart!  Keep praying for rain for Turkana!

Culture Clash

Hello!
       I returned this week to Lodwar. I had several good meetings in Nairobi, but I am glad they are over and I am home. When I returned I found out that someone in the neighborhood behind mine had died. How did I find this out? It seems that when someone dies in town, the grieving family must not sleep for several nights. I don't exactly know why this is, but it is what happens. They must play loud, fairly obnoxious music all night long. It gets much louder after about 10 pm and goes on the rest of the night. So, I knew someone had died. 

       I do not know who it was, but the family is grieving according to their customs here in Lodwar. The music is loud and played over a loud speaker so all can hear. I am told this is so that if people are coming for the funeral, they will know where to come to.  It is true that many people here travel at night because it is cooler.  This is especially true if the moon is bright so they can see a bit better.  Even so, I have to say it is a bit annoying.  I find myself trying to go to sleep to the heavy beat of drums.  If I were in the States, I might call the police and complain about them disturbing the peace.  Here, it is just part of the way things are.  This seems to be a recent development.  I think they probably did it before, they just didn't have many loud speakers around to make the sound travel so far.  So, I fall asleep hearing the beat and praying that the family will find peace in the one true God who can raise their dead to real life.  I must confess, I also pray for better earplugs :).

       Please continue to pray for rain!  It has been very hot and dusty lately.  My old knee injury has been twinging the last few days.  I hope and pray that means there will be a change in the weather that includes rain.  You never really know with this knee.  It could mean a bigger dust storm is coming.  At any rate, keep praying for the rain to come and water this thirsty land!

Updates

Hello!

      I am sorry that it has been a while since I have written.  My internet provider has not been reliable.  I hope you were able to check out the link about the drought in Kenya.

      This past week I taught the Church history class for our Bible training institute.  A visitor was going to teach it, but she had to cancel a few days before the class.  So, I ended up teaching it.  It was fun but a challenge to get up to date again on all those people and what they taught.  If it was a challenge for me, think of what it might be like for people who have never studied any history - let alone church history.  The students did well in spite of the challenge and we had a good week.

      CHOLERA UPDATE - There is still cholera in Turkana, but they have treated the water in the area where it is the worst.  The number of cases is going down because they are no longer selling fish in the area.  So, that is hopefully good news!  Keep praying for those that are still fighting this deadly illness and thanks for your prayers!

      MZEE UPDATE - He and his dad went back to see the doctor.  He is much improved, but the doctor said that it should be cleared up by now.  So, he is doing another week of treatment and will check to see if it looks like the area will be closed up and healed.  If it is not, then he may have to go to Nairobi to see a doctor there as this doctor isn't sure what other medicine to try.  So, keep this young boy in your prayers!

      RAIN - KEEP PRAYING!  We really need rain in Kenya.  Please remember to lift this up to the throne of grace!

      Thanks for your patience in waiting for me to get something sent.  I am currently in Nairobi so my internet access is much better while I am here.  I have several days of team meetings and then I will return to Turkana on Tuesday.  I hope all is well with you all!

Turkana in the news

If you are reading this blog, probably you have pretty reliable internet service. Right now, my own internet service is hit and miss, so I've asked my dad to post this blog for me. Friends have notified me that there is an article and video on the NYT (New York Times) website, that details the current drought situation here in Kenya, particularly in the Turkana area where I live and work. Here is the link:



http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/08/world/africa/08kenya.html?_r=1&hp



Thank you for keeping Kenya and me in your prayers.