The evangelistic Bible teaching has begun and we are once again amazed at what God is doing to build His church here in Moi land. Almost everybody who lives within a full days hike is here to listen to “The Creator’s Talk”. That’s over 120 adults and who knows how many children. Many of them are believers, some have heard before but don’t yet understand, while maybe 20% are hearing for the very first time.
Instead of ending at the ascension of Christ into Heaven, as we have done in the past, we are planning on doing something different. We’ve been in touch with the Crockett’s, who are currently on furlough in the States and doing well. (Mariah is starting her first year of college and Ashley is heading back again this year.) Together we’ve decided to use the completed Moi Book of Acts translation and Steve’s recently drafted book of Revelation to give an overview of the rest of the biblical narrative ending with Christ in his ultimate reign in Heaven.
Please pray for Rich as he works on developing the lessons to finish up the story; moving on from the Gospels, through Acts, and into Revelation. We estimate it’ll be an additional 10 or so lessons beyond the nearly 70 that are already being taught by the Moi Bible teachers.
In 2010 there were eight Moi Bible teachers. Six of those are now working alongside 11 others. Sepaiye, sitting on the left with a blue shirt, with the help of some others trained many of the new teachers as he patiently worked with them over the last year.
This time around Rich gets to sit back and let them teach everything. We’re excited as they have shown major growth steps towards being able to shepherd and feed themselves and now others.
Awayo teaching for the first time
It’s exciting to watch the Moi intently listening to all these men as they boldly teach God’s Word.
The Moi church helped the visitors build seven houses like this to help accommodate everybody for the three months of teaching.
They are feeding people from their own gardens, but with so many people we are concerned whether or not there will be enough food to sustain these numbers throughout the time of teaching.
Please pray for this very real and practical need.
From left to right: Piyando, Waihapane, and Ginogui
Waihapane is the oldest Moi lady around. She’s never seen white people until now. She told us the other day, “I’ve come because of The Creator’s Talk. I’m really excited to hear it, so I’ve come to listen.”
She was too frail to hike 1 1/2 hours across the valley to our hamlet, so her relative, Ginogui, who is a believer, put her in a net bag and carried her across.
Piyando, one of the very first Moi believers, immediately started working on a house for her right next to theirs. Now she has a home to live in while she listens for the very first time.
Real love and care for the elderly is not customary to the Moi. So, it’s encouraging to see many care for her and make sure she has a spot close to the teachers so she can hear well.
On Monday, we have two friends coming to visit for a few days. Near the end of the week we will all head out to town so we can drop Atalee and Alyssa off at the school dorm and make sure they are settled before heading back home. We will plan on sending an update soon after our return.
Thank you for praying for the Moi and for us.
By His Grace,
Rich and Karen Brown
Atalee, Alyssa, and Ashlynn