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.

October 2, 2012

Dear praying friends,

Another month has come and passed so quickly, and we are now near the end of the year 2012. How we need to be busy serving the Lord and making the most of the opportunities that He gives us to serve Him. A quote I read recently which really challenged me was this: “Now is the time to serve God.” How true, and what a challenge, that we would be busy serving Him while we have the opportunity. This prayer letter will give current updates as well as prayer requests.

The church in Shangalamwe that my friend Roger Tate and I have been working with is continuing along well, although there are definite challenges. One of the major challenges here is the dependency in the culture. This is a regular battle here, and one of the major struggles. Please pray that these dear people would see the need to trust in the Lord and not the missionary or anyone or anything else. Philippians 4:19 says “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Please pray that the people would truly trust in the Lord and rely upon Him each day.

God has been providing people who are coming faithfully and regularly. We thank the Lord for this. The church members are doing well, and we ask you to not only pray for them, but also for those who have been coming and who wish to join the church in the future. We have taught them much, and are now progressing soon to the training and mentoring of the national whom the church chose as their elder. This time is very important, so please pray for us, each week, that we would teach the church in love, and also that the church would see the truth of the Bible and desire to break away from any false teachings or customs which are not according to the Bible. We will keep you updated of this ministry.

The Annex prison ministry is continuing along well. God has brought new prisoners to this ministry, for which I am thankful. I thank the Lord for the men who are coming, studying the Word, and am thrilled with the spiritual growth I see in many of them. We are now learning about the life of Christ on earth as well as His ministry. Lord willing, we plan to study many more teachings in the future. The chaplains and head office are cooperative, for which I thank the Lord. Please pray for these men, that they would not only hear the Word of God, but hide it in their heart and memorize it. This will greatly help them in their walk with the Lord. A very good verse is Psalm 119:11, which says “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” We will keep you updated on the progress of this ministry.

In family news, our daughters are both doing well. Camille is now walking very well and increasing in her vocabulary. She is such a blessing to our family. She will be two years old soon, which does not seem possible. McKenna is the typical four year old, and is growing very quickly. She will start school next year, which also does not seem possible. Please pray that we would be the Biblical example that we need to be for our children. What a blessing it is to be a parent, but also what a big responsibility.

As far as prayer requests, please pray for our safety, health, and that we would follow the Lord where He leads. Also, in a more specific prayer request, a work permit is needed through the Kenyan government for us to be able to stay legally in the country. The permits usually go for different periods of time, and ours expires in April of next year. Please pray, that if it be the Lord’s will, that this permit would be renewed quickly and without any difficulties or issues. We trust the Lord completely in this, and know the Lord will guide and direct us in accordance with His will. Psalm 48:14 states “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” What a great God we serve, Who is faithful to guide us throughout our lives. Aren’t you thankful for His guidance? We will be sure to keep you updated. Thanks again for your prayers, sacrificial giving, and encouragement. We could not do this without each of you.

Until next month,
Nathan and Carrie Radford
P.O. Box 4150
Kitale, Kenya
East Africa 30200

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