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.