September 2022 update from Julia and Vincent Leiyoole
“Therefore, whoever hears these sayings to Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock”. Matthew 7:24 (NKJV)
It smees an appropriate time of year to talk about harvest. God has done wonderous works in Samburu, and we have been blessed to be part of His calling of disciples. We held 3 more MDT teaching seminars, and the leaders have gone on to hold their own gatherings to teach others. In the last few months, the MDT (Mobile Discipleship Training) leaders have pushed on to new heights of passion and determination to see the Gospel spread throughout Samburu. Armed with a supply of audio materials, we have all marched out into the harvest and shared the Gospel in some mighty remote villages. Two leaders often travel hundreds of kilometers every month, by food, to reach people. Vincent and I introduced The Jesus Film into a new area in Samburu; it creates such a powerful impact hearing Jesus speak in a person’s native language. The village leaders declared, ” I am like this Jesus, I love to give and help others.” Watching the story led to a personal connection with Jesus. We left him with audio materials to begin listening to the New Testament. His neighbors have already clamored, “bring the cinema back for viewing. Many people need to hear this story.” This is but one example of the multitude of ways God is calling and equipping His disciples in Samburu.
We believe children are a vital aspect to our discipleship ministry. In Samburu, it is often the children who lead their parents to church. We believe the children are not just the future of the church, but the present too! It is why we held a Sunday school seminar (akin to VBS) for the church in Arsim. It was two full days of praise, worship, fun, food and teaching. The seminar was planned for the 80 members of Sunday school, but to our great delight, 157 children attended the first day, and 182 attended the second day. It was a real-life ‘loves and fishes’ story during mealtimes. Having planned food for 80, we praised God that not one child went hungry. Imagine, the pots never went empty until every child had a plate!
Vincent continues his scripture study with local men. He has been able to begin discipling more of the morans (warriors) in the mountains. They live in the mountains herding cows, and it provides the perfect venue for Vincent share his knowledge of herding livestock and his love for sharing The Good News. He has ben able to distribute audio materials to many, who in turn, go on to share with other herders. Work on the mission compound has provided opportunities for him to gather work crews. It makes for ample time to discuss local social issues and biblical solutions.
The drought continues. They say it is climate change, but drought has been an ever-present threat in Samburu. We pray and trust God to being the nourishing rain in His time. Until then, we relay on His strength and our faith to get us through. Vincent and I deliver water and food, as we are able, to the most stricken villages. We praise God for the outreach; it provides a way to listen to people and share their burdens. It allows us to share the ‘Living Water’.
We pray for you and we are grateful for each of you!
Julia and Vincent