Renewing Work Permits & Planning for Furlough
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
Dear praying friends,
Another month has come and gone, and we are entering the last part of 2020. Time really does pass so quickly, and may we be busy serving where the Lord has us. This update will share current prayer requests as well as current updates.
This past month has been very busy. So many things to do. We made a big “to do” list, and you never really realize what a job it is until you start shutting down for furlough. Various insurances to be paid, trying to find someone to stay in our house while we are away, arranging for paying bills here while we are in America, and the list goes on and on. It can be overwhelming and you have to take one thing at a time. We are thankful to have neighbors now so if there are any urgent matters, they can inform and assist us.
We also were working on our work permits that expire next April. We did get the documentation done, and there are just a few minor items to send in soon. We are thankful for the progress that we made on the permits, and ask that you would pray with us that they will be renewed without any issues.
In health news, I (Nathan) had to see a dermatologist recently and she recommended the removal of seven different moles. There is a history of melanoma in the family, so I need to be seen regularly and need to be careful with sun exposure. I did have all seven moles removed and have been able to recover well, for which I am thankful. The sun is strong here in Kenya and you need to take precautions. Thanks for your prayers in regards to not only my health, but the health of the entire family.
We appreciate each of you so much. Thanks so much for your prayers, sacrificial giving, and encouragement. You are such a blessing.
Contact Info:
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200
naterad@yahoo.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
Read more
Coronavirus Update from Kenya
August 5, 2020
Dear praying friends,
It is hard to believe we are already in the month of August for 2020. Where has the time gone? Normally there would be so many summer activities, yet with coronavirus, so many things have been postponed or cancelled completely. I don’t think any of us have seen such an unstable time in years, if even in our lifetimes. God has been faithful through all the challenges and changes. This update will share current prayer requests as well as an update on the coronavirus in Kenya.
I (Nathan) need to give a little background on the decisions made on the coronavirus in the past few weeks. Last month, after a lockdown period of three months, the President of Kenya made the decision to reopen the country for a three week period, with the idea of assessment at the end of July to see what needed to be done, if anything. This was a welcome change, as we have been on lockdown since the month of March. So many things were different, with everyone wearing masks in town, having to sanitize all the time, getting your temperature taken, having limitations of passengers while traveling, etc. Nairobi, the capital city, was also on lockdown, and flights, both domestic and international, were cancelled. It was quite a challenging time, to say the least.
After the government decided to reopen the country, with fewer restrictions, the cases have increased dramatically. Some days there are nearly 700 cases just in a single day, and the total tally of cases as of the date of this letter is over 23,000 countrywide. Most of the cases are in Nairobi, as there are slum areas where people live so close together and it is difficult to social distance. Kitale has been spared the brunt of the cases, with just a few reported. We are so thankful for this, but we take nothing for granted, and are taking all necessary precautions, with keeping the family out of town as much as possible and away from crowded areas. We know you all are taking the same precautions in America.
The concern is that the cases will overwhelm the healthcare system and there will not be enough beds in the hospital wards to take care of the sick. This is a valid concern, especially in a third-world country with lower healthcare options in the best of times. Please pray for the doctors and the nurses as they are dealing with this new virus, and for the sick that need medical care.
Given all the current circumstances with the virus, we feel led to begin closing down for this term and begin planning for our upcoming furlough. We will have been here three years next month, so we feel our time has come. Please pray for us as we are in the process of closing down, as there is so much to do. Any missionary who is closing down for a term understands how overwhelming it can be and the need to make a large “to do” list to check things off. We are trusting God to keep us safe and in His care as we are in the process of closing down.
I will share more next month about some of the things the Lord taught us this term, and for the ministry progress that was made. I have been pleased and feel God has definitely led us this past three years. In regards to the global pandemic, may we take comfort in some verses from the Scriptures. I think of Psalm 57:1b, which says “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” Also Psalm 119:114, which says “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy word.” May we trust God always, not just in times of a global pandemic. We will find that He is faithful each step of the way.
We appreciate each of you so much and will keep you updated.
Blessings,
Nathan and Carrie Radford
Contact Info:
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200
naterad@yahoo.com
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
Read more
Kenyans Receptive to Gospel Message
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
July 4, 2020
Dear praying friends,
Another month has come and gone, and we are now over halfway through 2020. Time seems to pass so quickly, and the days, months, and years just speed by. May we be busy in the Lord’s work, putting Him first, and working faithfully for His kingdom. Also, a happy fourth of July to all of you in America at this time. I am reminded of Psalm 33:12a, which states “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” Also, Proverbs 14:34, which says, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” May we continue to pray for our country and for God’s leading in the future. This update will share current prayer requests and progress with the coronavirus in Kenya currently.
Currently, many restrictions are still in place in Kenya for the coronavirus. As of this writing, it seems the cases are spiking and increasing rapidly, with the capital city of Nairobi having the majority of the cases, although many are sick all over the country. There is still a curfew from 9 pm, no public gatherings (churches, schools, etc), and a lockdown within the capital city of Nairobi as well as other areas. We recently heard that schools will not be resuming until next year, probably January.
As far as ministry projections, there is currently no way to tell right now. The President is expected to address the nation on July 6th, and there are different thoughts about what restrictions could be lifted, if any. We will just have to wait and see.
It seems many Kenyans are receptive to the gospel message at this difficult and trying time, and many are taking the Swahili tracts that I have been passing out while going around. Even in a difficult time such as this, God will use it to bring glory to Himself. He will bring the increase. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 3:6, where Paul says, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” That is still true today. We can plant the seed, but we have to trust God to bring the increase.
Obviously, with all the restrictions, prisons are closed at this time as well. The prisoners live in an enclosed space close together, which is easy for the virus to transmit. Please be praying for the prisoners, and the staff there, for their health at this time.
Our daughters are really enjoying homeschooling and are able to keep up with their current schedule. We are so thankful they can homeschool and will not get behind in their studies. My wife, Carrie, has a degree in education, so this is a very good use of her education and a hands-on approach. God has been so good to provide this homeschooling opportunity for them. We are also very thankful that the new family in Kitale is reaching out to our daughters and they are able to play with another American girl their age. This has provided the much-needed friendships they have needed for so long, so God has been so good to them.
We will update each of you on the progress next month. Please pray for the many businesses that have been impacted by the virus, even tourism and transportation industries. We hope and pray things get back to normal soon. We are thinking of and praying for you all in America as well at this time of difficulty.
We appreciate so much your prayers, sacrificial giving, and thoughts for us. It means so much to us.
Blessings to each of you.
Nathan and Carrie Radford
Contact Info:
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
Read more
Challenging Times in Kenya
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
June 5, 2020
Dear praying friends,
Another month has come and gone, and we are nearly halfway into 2020. Hard to believe.
What a year this has been, especially with the coronavirus. It has been challenging here the past few weeks, which I will explain shortly. May God bless each of you for your prayers, sacrificial giving, and interest in work here. We know it is truly sacrificially giving at this time and we appreciate it so much.
To say that things have been abnormal the last few weeks would be an understatement. There are many police at the entrance to town, and there is a 7 pm curfew. Also, Nairobi, the capital city, is locked down and has been for the past several weeks. It is difficult to get entry, and from my understanding, you have to have special permission. International flights have also been restricted and are much more expensive to purchase than previously. Schools, churches, and other public gatherings have also been locked down the past few weeks.
My wife continues to homeschool our daughters. She is enjoying it and the girls are doing well in their studies. This has been a challenging and anxious time for them, as we simply don’t have the answers at present and have to trust the Lord.
We are thinking of and praying for you all in America as well at this challenging time.
May we trust God each step of the way, as He is in control. We will keep you updated and appreciate each of you so much.
Nathan and Carrie Radford
Contact Info:
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
Read more
Quarantined in Kenya; Concerns about MCHC
Greetings from Kitale, Kenya!
I pray this letter finds everyone doing well and staying safe and healthy at home. Our board has asked the missionary wives to write the prayer letter this month as Mother’s Day approaches, in an effort to offer you a glimpse into our life from the wife’s perspective. We are thankful for the technology which allows us to remain in touch with our friends and family in the US during this time of quarantine and uncertainty. We are also able to watch the news and keep informed of events happening there and around the world. It is a blessing to feel connected with everyone.
Our little part of the world has seen some drastic changes during the past month. Our school, as schools in the US, had to close mid-March due to quarantine. Our family is coping with this by homeschooling. We are enjoying this time as a family and the girls are thriving as they continue their studies with mom as their teacher. However, we are concerned about our little school, MCHC. Private schools here operate through the school fees paid by the parents each term. Very few schools are ever able to “get ahead” and have money to cover in case of emergencies. MCHC is no different. Unless they are able to open for second term beginning in May, there are concerns that rent and teachers will not be paid. Please pray that MCHC is able to restart in the future when the quarantine ends. The school is so important for many families in the area that otherwise do not have access to quality education and hearing the gospel each and every day.
Our family is handling the quarantine admirably so far. Nathan and I try to remain optimistic and upbeat around the girls, as I’m sure families in the US are doing as well. In addition to homeschooling, we are teaching the girls new board games and they are learning “life skills” in the housekeeping department.
A huge prayer request is for the spread of coronavirus to be limited as the medical facilities here are not adequate or able to treat this disease. While Kenya may be a more developed country in regards to other African countries, it is still third world and the lack of medical care is a major concern. There are very few actual trained doctors and the facilities and medicines available are extremely lacking. We don’t have access to ICUs or other specialized treatment centers here. And travel between cities and towns is very restricted now due to the quarantine in place. Please pray for Kenya, and Africa as a whole, that the disease will not spread as feared.
In other news, we learned today that our favorite grocery store is closing. This particular store is the most convenient for us, as parking is available and safe. They also had the largest selection of food available. Parking in town at the other stores is much riskier due to crowding and security issues. We are disappointed in the store’s closing and we are concerned it’s just one of many stores that will probably close throughout the country as employment dwindles and people have less money.
In closing, we ask that you keep the people of Kenya in your prayers. The spread of coronavirus here is a very real and dangerous threat due to inadequate medical facilities and unemployment. Many people here live day to day. They work for a day to feed their families. Many have no income beyond what they earn daily. We pray for all of you in the US as you continue through your quarantines as well.
A verse that comes to mind for this time is 2 Timothy 1:7, which says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” We are thankful for each of you who prays for us and the people here. God bless you all!
In Christ,
Carrie Radford
Contact Info:
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
Read more
Life in Kenya is Different Now
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
April 4, 2020
Dear praying friends,
Another month has come and passed, and there are many things to update you on. We appreciate each of you so much, and you are such a blessing to us. May God bless you for your heart for missions. This update will share current ministry progress as well as prayer requests.
“Stay home and stay safe.” These are the words we have heard over and over in the past few days. Wise words. Given the corona virus spreading all over the world currently, we are taking these words to heart and staying in as much as we can.
We were continuing along with regular life (I, Nathan, with discipleship and prison ministry and my wife, busy volunteering at school), when in the middle of the month of March, pretty much all non-essential activities were shut down. Anything with large groups of people is discouraged and people have been told to stay home as much as possible.
It has been very different when we actually do go to town to get groceries, etc. Minivans
called matatus that normally carry 11 passengers are down to 3 passengers. Guards at the various stores in town wearing masks—hand sanitizer all over town and for sale. Policemen at the entrance to town monitoring the flow of traffic and making sure all are following the social distancing guidelines. So, so different.
We know it is very similar in America and most things are closed there as well, with many people working from home. How we need to pray for the doctors and those who are trying to find treatments and medicines at this time. Of course, we know a vaccine is probably not in the near future, but if we can get good medicines to treat it now and give some relief and comfort, that would be crucial to the fight against the virus.
How long will this last in Kenya? How long in the world? God only knows. How we need to trust Him during these trying times. I am comforted with verses in Psalm 91. Psalm 91:1-3 says “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” Amen. Also, Psalm 91: 9-10, which says “Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” What a comfort these verses are in this difficult time.
Know we are praying for each of you and all the changes and adjustments that we must make for now. Our prayer is that as we follow the social distancing and staying home, that this will curb the virus and things will get back to normal soon. We want to get back into ministry as soon as possible, but at the same time, we want to be vigilant and careful at the present, taking the precautions we need to take. We know you all do as well, for the benefit of everyone. I am reminded of Psalm 56:3, which says “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Certainly this applies to our present situation.
May God bless each of you and we will keep you updated. Thanks again for your prayers, sacrificial giving, and encouragement. You each mean so much to us.
Blessings,
Nathan and Carrie Radford
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280
Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
Read more
Discipling Young Men in New Village; Security Concerns
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
March 4, 2020
Dear praying friends,
Another month has come and gone, and we are now several months into 2020. May we use our time wisely in service to God, trusting Him for the results. I am reminded of Psalm 39:4, which says “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.” May we truly use our opportunities wisely for His kingdom, and relying on Him each step of the way. This update will share current ministry progress as well as prayer requests.
I (Nathan) am continuing to disciple younger Kenyan men in the village of Taito, which is on the outskirts of Kitale town. The man that I have been relying on for help with recruiting younger men moved recently, and is now closer to town. Taito, this new village, has much potential for finding younger men to train. There are many schools around this area with students attending nearby. My prayer is that over time I will be able to make friendships with some of these young men, describe the training ministry to them, and pray that some of them will join up and learn from the teachings of the Word of God. The ultimate final goal is for them to be grounded in their faith before going out to establish churches, Lord willing. But, just as a house needs a firm foundation to stand upon, so these men need to be established and discipled before going out.
I have learned to take nothing for granted. Sometimes I look at some of the lessons and think they are not so much needed, only go to teach it, and have a student say, “This is the first time I have learned about this.” Or, “I have received teaching on this, but not in depth with Scriptural support from the Bible.” Each lesson has multiple verses that refer back to the topic, and my hope and prayer is that the men will get grounded in their faith, get the foundation they need, get a vision for their village/community, and then go out and do the work of the ministry. I am reminded of Proverbs 29:18a, which says “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Would you pray with me that these young men will get a heart/vision for their villages and communities, and go out to reach them? That is my prayer. I will keep you updated on the progress of this ministry.
Concerning the prison ministry, I (Nathan) have been continuing along through the teachings of the Old Testament. We have learned many things, from Creation, to Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood, Abraham and Isaac, etc. I am excited to start teachings in the New Testament, where we will learn about Jesus and His ministry. There are so many lessons, such as the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness, Jesus feeding five thousand, Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, etc. We will also see that Jesus is the door to eternal life – He is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6 says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Please pray for the prisoners and for me as I continue to teach them the Word of God. I am thankful for the chaplains and the prison officials for allowing me to continue with the ministry and would appreciate your prayers each step of the way.
In family news, my wife continues to stay busy at the Christian school here in Kitale. She volunteers there daily teaching fifth grade grammar, writing and reading. She is a blessing to the students there. It is also good for our daughters as they get to see her at school in the mornings.
McKenna and Camille have both done well. We would appreciate your prayers for them, and for us as parents. Camille will turn nine years old in February 2020, which is hard to believe. McKenna will be twelve in April, Lord willing.
Speaking of April, my wife’s parents are planning to visit for a few weeks. Please pray for them and their trip here, for our fellowship together, and for our time together as a family. I know they will be a blessing not only to us, but to many others as well. This will be their fourth trip here and we pray it will be a time of rest and refreshment for them, as well as getting some needed family time.
We are both so appreciative for those who donate sacrificially to the hospital ministry. The staff there have been very welcoming and friendly, for which we are thankful. Many mothers and babies are receiving much needed supplies, and the mothers are receiving the Gospel message in their own language, so we are thankful to those who give and for the opportunity there. We appreciate you so much.
In closing, please be in prayer for the safety of the Milimani area, where we live. There have been some robberies along the roads in our area, mostly at night. We try not to go out at night unless absolutely necessary, and to take all precautions. Please pray that the security forces will be successful in their efforts, and that the residents of Milimani here in Kitale would feel safe and protected. Of course, our ultimate security is from the Lord. Psalm 138:7 says, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.” May we trust Him for our safety and protection at all times.
We appreciate each of you so much, for your prayers, interest in missions, sacrificial giving, and notes of encouragement. You are each such a blessing to us. We will keep you updated.
Blessings,
Nathan and Carrie Radford
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280
Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
Read more
Teaching in New Area (Taito) & Annex Prison
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
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