Challenging Times in Kenya

Posted on 6Jun CATEGORIES: General, Mission Sheets Newsletters, Nathan & Carrie Radford [Kenya] Tags:Tags: , , , , , , ,

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.

From what we hear on the news, the virus is spreading rapidly in the slum areas, mainly Kibera in Nairobi. Of course, this makes sense as the people there live so closely together, making it difficult to restrict the spread of the virus there. Kibera is one of the largest slums in Africa and has had many visitors over the years. I (Nathan) visited it years ago and found it really interesting to see the culture and lifestyle there. Kawangware is another big slum area in Nairobi.  As I said, the numbers of those infected with the virus are rising rapidly. The President will be making an announcement in the next few days about whether things may begin to reopen or not. Please be praying for us and all the other missionaries here at this time, as it stretching our faith, teaching us patience, and relying upon God. Nahum 1:7 says “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in him.” Also, Psalm 27:1, which says “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” These are comforting verses at this challenging time. 
 
I (Nathan) have tried evangelize and pass out Swahili tracts as I go out, and spread the Gospel message. Most normalcy is gone at the moment but that does not mean the Gospel cannot still go forth. Praise the Lord for the opportunities He gives us to serve. 

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.

In Kenya,
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.

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