Mission Safari April Update

"Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the aroma of His knowledge in every place. For to God we are the fragrance of Christ to those who are being saved and to those who are perishing, to the one we are the aroma of death leading to death and to the other the aroma of life leading to life." 2 Corinthians 2:14-16.

Dear Friends,

The words above are the prayer of our work here in Nairobi - that through us, the aroma of His knowledge will be made in every place. We pray that in every contact and relationship the aroma of Christ is being spread. It is a solemn reminder that we are called to represent Christ in every situation whether it is in Bible Study, medical workshops or lectures, or in our conversation in the office or at home.

This past month has been busy but a blessing. We saw God working in many different situations. We were blessed to have Medical Residents from the U.S. here in March. They were a joy to be with - they made us laugh every day. But God used our month together to confirm a call for one of the medical residents to be involved in medical student ministry when he finishes his training in 18 months.

We saw God working in the Trauma Course that I helped coordinate. It gave me opportunity to spend some quality time with several of the young doctors. It also gave me time to spend time with one of the Muslim faculty members at the hospital. We have formed a strong bond. God used the ordinary to build relationships.

We saw God answer our prayers in regards to the adoption process. We now have a Log In Date which means our paperwork has reached Chinese officials. We should hear official news of a referral for our adopted child in about 7-9 months. God has been faithful.

We saw God work in the life of one of our medical students. This 4th year student has accepted the challenge to mentor a few 1st year medical students this year. He has caught the vision for mentoring and discipleship. We are praying that God will really bless him as he ministers to other students.

We saw God use Sarah, Ben, and Sam encourage the medical residents. They made Kenya seem normal. It was a blessing to see God use our whole family.

As you can see, God is active here. It is not always easy; in fact, we find that a lot of days are still hard. But God promises to lead us in triumph in Christ. And through that, He will diffuse the aroma of His knowledge in every place.

Petitions

1. Continue to pray for our adoption process.

2. Pray for the Muslim faculty member. He is very connected in the Muslim community but we are building a genuine relationship. Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict him of his need for salvation.

3. Pray for our upcoming Home Mission Assignment. Pray for travel details and schedule.

4. Pray for the American medical students and residents we have worked with in the past 12 months. Pray that God will show them clear direction for their futures.

5. Pray for the Kenyan medical students. Pray that God will use our Bible Studies to encourage them in their faith and in their desire to be servant leaders.

Praising God in all things,

Tim