Just released for the holidays.  Dr. Kathy’s first children book. A “RRRibbiting” tale of two small frogs who find themselves “stuck in the muck” of disobedience.  Order today, a $20.00 donation feeds a child in Kenya and sends an autographed copy right to your door.

Click here to order!

April 26, 2012

Dear Friends, This is just a quick note of greetings from me here in Kenya.  It has come to my attention that we mistakenly sent a wrong name in our last newsletter for the New Project we have come alongside with here in Eldoret.  The organization is called Tumaini Children’s Home, not Children with hope….. They are making plans NOW for a new web page and all secure PayPal connections.  UNTIL THEN, ANY DONATION FOR THIS ORGANIZATION CAN BE MADE by selecting the Donate icon at the top of this page, which will connect you to the secure PayPal site. Please make a note on your donation that this money goes for the Tumaini Children’s Home.  It is tax deductible and will be allocated as such for the Eldoret Kenya Mission.

We have also joined hands with Rev. Auma Beatrice in Sega to build a church for this small community.  WE HAVE LOCATED PROPERTY that is quality land.  One acre off the highway but another group wants to build a Poly Tech Institute.  We must raise funds NOW to keep this land for the church and children.  Freedom House needs $4,000 to purchase the land immediately.  We have just received our first seed towards this project. PTL!  IF you would like to be part of this mission project, Please let us know as soon as possible. The Kingdom of God is moving ahead and the laborers are few.  COG project# 0650855.

I know Freedom House Ministry can count on your prayers and continued support that we may fulfill the calling of God to touch children in this last hour around the world.  If you would like to become a Prayer Intercessor for this ministry on a monthly basis, please contact us by email at freedomhmin@aol.com or call the U. S. Office at 618/273-3964.

Abundant Blessings,

Dr. Kathy Watson

I love the Easter season! Last Sunday in church we celebrated the entry of Christ into Jerusalem. The reenactment of the scene allowed everyone to participate. His joy was evident on the faces as they realized that Christ really came and others praised Him long ago, just like they did that day. The only difference was those who showed praise forgot Him, cursed Him and crucified Him in the days following. It is my prayer that WE DO NOT FORGET, why He came and what He gave; His life for us! Around the world, people are the same. Everyone is in need of a Savior!

But he did not die in vain but rose on the third day to bring hope and a future for mankind in the generations to come. Today, I want to remind you that children in Africa need to be told about the love of God. Only through your gifts and support can I continue to spread the good news to all who will listen. As the little ones sang a song today about jumping for Jesus, I watched their faces light up when they understood Jesus was their helper. They could help him by being good every day, simple but profound. We need to be good every day, love our neighbors close or far away, pray for those who are our enemies and even those in political office who do things that will only hurt the mass of people. Kenya as well as America needs your prayers. This is the year for elections and we need God to intervene so there will not be Mass fighting and killing once again.

Freedom House Ministry has completed teaching Everyday Life Skills to those in Lela. We continue to see some village folk grow and become more efficient in caring for their families on a daily basis. The Primary School continues to feed approximately 180 – 200 children and widows on a daily basis. Most of the parents have taken responsibility to help bring some grain for the project, assist the paid workers to cook and prepare, as well as clean up and to be responsible for the continuation of this program. I REJOICE in this! The parents appreciate what we have helped them to accomplish. This project will continue as long as FINANCES are available. Children are no longer thin and sickly but healthy, strong and ready to learn. ANOTHER THANKS TO YOU!

Many of the young men we mentored and trained for those 2½ years have almost completed High School. Washington and Fredrick are both completely healed of TB. YOUR prayers and God moving has helped these two young men to continue their education after being out of school for almost one year. Both are helping others to know about Christ and one even teaches Sunday School every week in the rural village. PTL!

One of my faithful long time friends of F.H.M., Miss Nola Love, just left Kenya after visiting for 3 weeks. What an encouragement, joy and blessing she was to me as well as too many others while she was here. One day Nola spoke in Chapel to students at Discipleship College on the subject, “What is the value of a Soul?” Students are still talking about this life changing sermon. Did you know every child has a soul?

The ministry has some immediate needs that have just recently come to my attention here in Kenya. Please read the following and pray with us for a “Suddenly” answer!

1) Some students we support need new shoes and additional trousers or skirts. (Most have one uniform they wear all the time and one pair of shoes. The wear and tear plus washing by hand every other day causes their clothes to become ragged rather quickly. The rough terrain eats the rubber off the shoes and they too wear out very fast). They will resume school May 1, 2012.

2) Freedom House Ministries has now become a Partner and Prayer covering for “Children With Hope,” a ministry to babies here in Eldoret, Kenya. This home is a tremendous blessing to 23 children, ages 5 and under. The founders are American and have fostered nearly 200 children in the states. They came to Eldoret five years ago and began a rescue mission for forgotten and discarded infants. They have provided a beautiful home environment for 23 small children, some with huge disabilities that have already been corrected by surgery. Due to a major transition in their ministry, THEY ARE IN NEED OF MONTHLY SUPPORT FOR EACH CHILD (total $3200) from this month forward. This information allows YOU and others to assist them in the future development and life of each child. Total care, 24 hours a day is a continual need. Many of these children were “thrown away” and have been rescued right from the latrine or ditch. Pictures are coming soon on the web page but I promise every child is beautiful as I have watched them grow from infancy to healthy children!! Once forgotten, they are truly loved and now have a FUTURE with Mom and Dad Leister.

3) Our mission for this year is to build a church for Pastor Beatrice Auma in the small village of Sega near the project sight. It will cost approximately $30,000 to buy property and build. Your loving support will help us to establish this place for many to be loved, trained and have a place to worship. PRAY, PROCLAIM GOD’S BEST and GIVE for the harvest is ripe but there are few that labor. A one-time donation of $100 will buy 10 bags of cement. $500 will help buy the iron posts that will support the roof or more to start the construction. Spread the word, Freedom House will build a church that will reach souls for eternity.

4) My personal budget is very low as I have given out to many who needed help while forgoing my own needs. An immediate influx of finances and support for this Ministry is vital to continue the great commission task of winning souls for the Kingdom. We are in the last hours. Help us keep running for Him as we teach, train and equip! The time is now. “Work now for the night cometh when no man can work.” Whatever we do must be for eternal value. Our mission is to touch others through his love, helping to restore, revive and lift up those who are broken and hurt.

Thank you for your LOVE, gifts and donations. Together we are accomplishing great things in many different lives for the Lord. Thank you for allowing me to see the fruit of your seeds sewn in this ministry here in Africa! I am so grateful for your friendship.

Dr. Kathy Watson,
Missionary to Kenya

Freedom House Ministries, Inc.
P O Box 382 , Harrisburg, IL 62946
618/273-3964
freedomhmin@aol.com

Freedom House Ministries, Inc.

Happy New Year 2012!

It seems impossible to believe that this last year is history but looking back, much was accomplished through Freedom House Ministries and your support in 2011.  I am excited about the future and what 2012 holds for each of us and this ministry.    I believe that each of us will see the fulfillment of many of our dreams and promises from the Lord during this New Year.  His Word says in Ezekiel 12:23 “…But say to them, the days are at hand, and the fulfillment of every vision.”  Many souls and unanswered dreams hang in the balance; it is up to you and me to pursue the impossible.

Thank you for your love, prayers and support during 2011.  May God bless each of you as we work together in this New Year.  I challenge you to dream with me and beyond yourself in 2012.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kathy Watson

Freedom House Ministries, Inc.

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings!

What a wonderful time of the year to reflect on the goodness of our Lord Jesus. He came that we might have life.  He was willing to sacrifice his royalty in a lowly manger so all mankind could identify with Him in every way.  I have walked many different roads in Africa and have stayed in many different settings, some common, some extremely nice.  Many were the “out of the way” places, mud huts and a single bed with a thin sponge type mattress that has been excessively used.  Sometimes I had nothing but a thin blanket on a cold floor but none of that mattered because the people were giving their best.  A matter becomes important when it is displayed from the heart.  This Christmas remember others who have very little.  Sew a seed of love and change a life for eternity.

Children in Kenya are waiting for Christmas from Freedom House Ministries.  The ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER is December 2, 2012 along with a book signing of the new released children’s book “Meet Harry and Herman”.  (Order today on the web site, $20.00 donation, just in time for Christmas)  This event will be locally at the Harrisburg Public Library in Illinois 2:30 pm – 6pm.  The Board and I would like for YOU to participate in this fundraiser by sending your year-end donation today.  Every Church and individual’s gifts will help share the Christmas Spirit as well as continue the feeding project in Lela, Kenya for the next school year that begins in January 2012.  Two hundred children eat every day because of the gifts Freedom House Ministries, Inc. receives.

For the last three months, I have been busy up and down the highways throughout the states of Ohio, Alabama, Illinois, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida.  Every person, business and church I have seen has graciously shown their love for the work of this ministry.  Every home I have stayed in has been a place of rest and an opportunity to share in the lives of those that have allowed me to stay.

Thank you for your constant prayers, gifts and encouraging words during 2011.  What a blessing they have been.  The financial goal budget for the year 2012 is nearing the half way point so your gifts are very important!  If you have given a promise or made a pledge to support the ministry, it is VITAL that you prayerfully meet that obligation.  Being a faith based ministry means that the needs of the many children and myself are only supported by the donations of others like YOU!  Every seed that is sewn into good soil reaps a harvest.

The future holds many new adventures as we prepare to return to Kenya early January.  I will begin the year   teaching ministry students at Discipleship College in Eldoret.  IF we help train and equip these key people, then they can change their own  world.  I am extremely proud of Pastor Beatrice who has just graduated in 2011.  Supported through school by donations from F.H. Min., she now returns to her pastorate in the village of Sega.  Her Dream is to build a church for her small congregation that faithfully held the fort while she finished school.  Let’s DREAM with her and give her a Christmas gift for 2012 – FUNDS to BUILD!!  Rev. Beatrice has been a huge blessing to this ministry.  She is a woman of integrity, therefore, I gave her the responsibility of caring for the needs of every student and the weekly feeding project while I am out of the country.  She is excellent soil to sew your gift into!

Merry Christmas from some of our kids in Kenya. Just a few that YOU touch with your gifts!

Every picture shows Children at play, at church or at school.  All are in need and they believe Jesus for a better day.

Willis, age 17   High School Senior

Children in the slums and in the village that need school fees, clothes Food and a Christmas Gift!!!     Blessed are those who give ….. “Give and it shall be given, good measure, pressed down and running over shall it be given unto you.” (Luke 6:38)

Thank You for sending your timely “Year – End” donations and gifts.  Use our secure PayPal for easy access at the ministry web site www.freedomhmin.org or send your gift through the Church of God World Missions Dept., P. O. Box 8016, Cleveland, TN. 30296-8016  Project # 0650855

Serving Others Through Him,

Dr. Kathy Watson  & F.H. Board

Freedom House Ministries, Inc.

P O Box 382, Harrisburg, IL  62946 618/273-3964 / freedomhmin@aol.com

Freedom House Ministries, Inc.

Season Greetings,

It’s Christmas again!  One more time our kids in Kenya anticipate surprises for Christmas and they will come from the heart of every Freedom House Ministries supporter.  YOU, make a difference in the small village of Lela, Kenya.  Your help gives us the ability to spread the good news of Jesus and share in the children’s Christmas Holidays.

The ministries goal this year is to raise 1,000 dollars for gifts and food for 200 plus orphans, teenagers and widows.  You may give your gifts through the ministries secure PayPal web site www.freedomhmin.org.  Or mail your gift today to the F. H. address listed below.  Freedom House Ministries gave gifts and food to over 100 children, families and widows in Kenya last Christmas.  Through the donations of supporters, we were also able to send 20 teenagers to a three day Youth Retreat during the second week of December.  Many of these young men and women recommitted their lives to God.  Some, even made a commitment to spread the good news of Jesus as ministers of the Gospel.  There are 18 teens waiting on your Christmas gift so they can go to this same retreat December 8^th.  Thank you for giving today!

Make this Christmas count as a special day for others, instead of another day of hunger and poor health in a child’s life.  YOU can and are making a difference when you give a “Gift of Love” by December 12, 2011.  Every donation will put a smile on a child’s face.

Hand In Hand together, We are Touching Children Across The World during this Holiday Season.

Blessings,

Dr. Kathy Watson

Freedom House Ministries, Inc.

Greetings!

I am standing still for four days in my wonderful home in Eldorado! Yes, the same house that God apparently doesn’t want sold. I have successfully managed to get everything out of storage that I had left after the huge yard sale 3 years ago, now little by little, upkeep begins. I suppose 38 years with the same house should prove significant, maybe even to begin Freedom House Get Away’s again!

I have had the privilege of sharing the story and heart of Freedom House Ministries up and down the road from Illinois, throughout Georgia, Florida and even in Alabama; and this week I leave for Ohio. What beautiful country I have seen, as well as meeting many wonderful people. Every individual, every group, business or Church have received me with open arms. The continued support of these individuals and yourself allow the vision in Kenya to remain constant.

I am also excited to tell you, my very first Children’s Book, “MEET HARRY AND HERMAN” is available for your Christmas shopping right now! “Two small frogs, caught in disobedience find help unexpectedly.” Whether you want one for that special child or perhaps, just for YOU, order online at our secure PayPal on the F.H. website. Your $20 gift donation will help feed a child as well as provide an autographed copy, right to your door.

Kenya youth in Lela have returned to school and our Bible students in college are halfway finished with this semester. The feeding program in the rural area (preparing 4000 meals plus each month) continues each day through the weekly finances that come by our secure pay pal or by mail. We are also seeing MIRACLES even while I am here in the states. I have received a report that one of the young men who had been diagnosed with critical TB has been healed through your intercessory prayers. I am excited to say, that now I know I will see them again when I return to Kenya in January 2012. THANK YOU.
Our vision for 2012 is to continue the work there in Kenya. We will help the small school of Lela to feed and educate youth (mostly orphans who can’t help themselves). There will be another scholarship provided to one perspective Bible student as well as assist 15 teens to complete their high school years. I will teach and equip young ministry students at Discipleship College in Eldoret during the first three months of 2012 as well as continue the many other outreach ministries that I am involved in with my long time friend, “Timmy the Turtle”.

Your continued support helps all of this come to fruition. It provides me the ability to reach many unreached individuals. There is much in my heart for the future. I covet YOUR PRAYERS, as I believe for the IMPOSSIBLE and the INCREDIBLE to take place so we can reach thousands more! God is in control in my heart. As the Board and I pursue the future we desire to move in the right directions. If you would like to join our Intercessory prayer group on a monthly basis, please send your email info to our website www.freedomhmin.org, Attention: Karen.

Have a wonderful Harvest season! Pray for protection, outpourings, financial blessings and SOULS as I travel. I invite you to join me in the services at the following ministries this month.

Ohio appointments: Sunday, October 6th

North Ridgeville Church of God, (both AM services)
Ridgeville, Ohio.
Sunday PM service
LaGrange Church of God, 6:30 PM service
LaGrange, Ohio

Sunday, October 13th
Mansfield Church of God, 11:00 AM service.
Mansfield, Ohio

Sunday, October 30th
Elyria Church of God, 10:45 am service
Elyria, Ohio

MORE Georgia appointments: Sunday, November 6th

Faith Walk Ministries, (both AM services)
College Park, Georgia

Sunday, November 13th
Messiah’s House Assembly of God, 10:00 AM service
South Harriston Rd, Stone Mountain, Georgia

We will keep you updated with future places of ministry. The immediate NEEDS are listed below:
• Travel Expense budget – Ticket home to Kenya plus…..
• Continued MONTHLY support of Feeding Program and Students
• Additional Small Livestock Projects
• Ministry Electronic Office Needs (stateside and overseas)
• New Camera / video ( enabling me to send better photos and videos for website)
• Projector for training overseas.

God’s Word says, “For with God Nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37. This ministry was birthed in faith and continues to see the Hand of God move through our “faith”. Thank you for standing with us and believing God to touch many through our obedience both here and abroad.

Hand in Hand together, we are touching the world and making a difference, one by one.

Dr. Kathy D. Watson

Freedom House Ministries, Inc.
P O Box 382, Harrisburg, Illinois, 62946,
Phone #: 618/273-3964
www.freedomhmin.org/freedomhmin@aol.com

The faithfulness of God is an amazing thing that is indescribable, especially when one walks through a dry season. It is hard enough to walk through ones’ own circumstances but when the place you walk effects hundreds of lives, the load seems tremendously harder to bear. Thank goodness for the faithfulness of your gifts, prayers and support through the last eight months. The word of God states that, “He is faithful… that He will complete those things that He has begun within us.” Daily I stand on these words.
I have recently seen God show up, moment by moment. There have been days that stretched into weeks that there was the issue of whether the feeding project would continue because of the lack of financial help but just when everything looked dark, your gift allowed us to continue to prepare 4,000 meals each month. There were days that we wondered whether some children would be able to finish this last school year but again, YOUR GIFTS made a difference. Every time there was a need and I presented them to the FH board members, GOD moved through you. Today there are 20 high school students starting school in Kenya that have been totally supported by Freedom House Ministries during the past 4 years. Some students are in their last year of school, so their needs have greatly increased. Two individuals are in college, one starting their second year, another Bible student finishing their last semester as well as numerous other children that this ministry supports in the lower grades with school fees, clothing and book supplies. Most of these students are orphans and they completely depend on your giving to this ministry to go to school. One young man who is in his last year of school, told me just yesterday, that he is walking almost 2 hours ONE WAY to school and carrying his sleeping bag to sleep at the school when it rains! It is our desire to see these young men and women through, from an early age to graduating secondary school. Your donations really do make a difference! Every $30 gift supports a student for one month. A gift of $50 supports them in school and provides medical help. Presently, we are supporting 2 students who have been diagnosed with critical Tuberculosis. God works through you and me to change this world around us. His amazing Love and an outrageous faith in God has kept this ministry moving forward when others are failing. I am asking YOU to stand with me today. Let us stretch our own faith and go beyond our borders to touch the heart of a child or young person. Make your donation now through secure PayPal on our web page and extend your love to an orphan in Kenya. I am believing GOD for mighty miracles and standing on His faithfulness through His people!

 From Kathy Watson, Missionary in Kenya

Merry Christmas 

2010 TESTS, TRIALS, TRANSITION AND TRIUMPHS…… 

Reflection of what one goes through has many benefits both personally and spiritually! 2010 brought many character growth moments in my life and in the ministry here in Kenya!  It hardly seems possible that another year has flown by!  But to each of you: Dear family, friends and Ministry partners……. I wish YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!  All over the world in just a few short days, people will celebrate Christ‘s birth and exchange gifts!  My GIFT to YOU is to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done.

 The Feeding Program has successfully prepared 4,000 meals each month at the little Primary School in Lela. A wonderful NEW COOK SHED was recently finished during this last school term.  It is a great addition, made of clay-baked bricks attached to the school in this remote village.  Our workers will no longer cook in the rain or the hot sun. Upon completion of the project, a very special presentation by some of the children was given for me, Rev. Gordon Bloodworth (Missionary & F.H. Board member), and Jordon Macron (ATL AG Tabernacle), who recently visited the site.    We have seen several teens give their life to the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal friend and Savior.  Some have also been filled with the Holy Spirit.  Three of our teenagers were miraculously healed from serious lung and heart diseases.  One student who had run away was found and has rededicated his life to the Lord.  Fifteen animal projects have been started to assist in school fees by next September 2011.  Life skills have been given to assist some widows with daily living expenses, plus a New Sewing Project is soon to be under way because God just sent a young man who has 2 years of training in sewing!!!!  He came, gave his life to the Lord and has proven himself to be faithful.  Now, God will use him to help others. 

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?  Your gifts, love and prayers through events, fundraisers, donations and monthly support, helps me help others, especially the widows, the children and the youth.  Starting in January 2011, we will assist in the beginning of a certificate Bible program which will enable adults to learn more about God and acquire an entrance into College if they did not complete high school.  WOW! In spite of the trials the tests and troubles, there have been and are, great Triumphs!  

AND TRANSITION…..

Transition took place this year as we resettled into a much smaller place but have had great peace on this locale.  Workers continue to take care of the fields and harvest grain for the feeding program.  I have also been able to assist another mission called GFI in several large Crusades across the country of Kenya, where the miraculous power of God healed the deaf, opened blinded eyes, broken limbs and many other powerful manifestations.  I saw the power of God save children’s lives and set them free from demonic torment as well as in adults.  What a wonderful Lord we serve who cares even for the children and allows me to minister to them! 

I have celebrated with one of my Kenyan daughters as she endeavors to build a church for a small community with lots of children…  She is a wonderful hard working lady but presently they worship in a small “STICK” structure.  Rev. Auma Beatrice is 37 yrs old, single and a COG minister in Kenya.  She presently is enrolled in Bible College and has one more year before graduating. Freedom House Ministries would like to assist her with this building.  Let us pray and WORK together to BUILD THIS CHURCH in 2011.  Would YOUR church take this on as a PROJECT?            

As a side note, after 30 years of taking Bible courses here and there, I have finally been able to complete an official four year degree!  Quite an accomplishment for a lady who will be 60 in January!!!  YOU are never too old to learn!  And I have learned much this year; about myself, about God, about the Kenyan culture, and about what is expected and in what GOD really expects…..  OH so much!  Ouch …sometimes it has hurt!  Let’s continue to grow together for the LORD and strive to learn MORE as He leads us and moves this ministry forward in 2011.  

Several of the regularly supported students have also successfully finished another school year, and most completed the year very well.  January 2011 will start a new school year with all the same school fees once more, so PLEASE remember these children as you think of giving a gift to someone for Christmas. We totally support 55 students with food, school fees, all supplies, clothing and shoes.  Give a gift that will last a whole life – EDUCATION and FOOD.  Each Christmas gift of $50 – $100 will put a primary age child in school for another 3 months.  A gift of $150 – $200 will meet the needs of a high school age student.  All donations can be given through our secure PayPal location on our web page at  www.freedomhmin.org  or any COG donations can be sent to COG World Missions Dept., P. O. Box 2430, 2490 Keith St., Cleveland, TN 37320-2430,  Project # 0650855.  A GIFT of LOVE gives LIFE to those who have nothing!  God Bless and Merry Christmas!

With Love From Kenya,

Dr. Kathy Watson

SPECIAL NOTE:   My VERY FIRST Children’s Book will soon be available FOR SALE on my web page for all those special children in your life or for a Sunday School teaching: “MEET HARRY AND HERMAN“… This is a delightful, adventurous story of two little frogs who learn the importance of Obedience.  All proceeds will be used for the mission field.

Fourteen youth plus 4 workers left the small village of Lela on Dec 12th to journey to a far away “dot in the road” called Oyato, for a 3 day Youth Meeting. What started out as an ordinary day quickly changed when, as the old saying goes, “the best laid plans go amuck.” The prearranged transportation (a dilapidated old pickup) didn’t show up at 9 am at the site. We started walking with good clothes on, hot sun blazing, dirt roads, and dust blowing; plus our entire luggage on our shoulders. We were a sight, marching down the road strung out like a long black belt, except for one WHITE dot. Guess who? After 45 minutes of walking, the pickup showed up with many excuses. Exhausted, we climbed aboard and settled down for the remainder of the trip. ALAS, 10 minutes into the drive, the pickup broke down and we once again were on foot for the next 30 minutes. We arrived in the town of Sega, here we divided the group into two groups; part to attend Pastor Beatrice’s Church and part to go with me to Bumala, where I would also preach this am. Of course, by the time we arrived in Bumala, I was almost 45 minutes late to the service, hot, tired, and to be honest, upset at the events of the morning. I should have realized what a powerful meeting these youth would experience right then and how much the enemy wanted to hinder the success of their lives.
God was clearly the one in charge of that service, not me. Because He touched lives when within myself, I was struggling to be who I needed to be. He always makes things quite clear even when we are not sure of anything! After the service, the other group joined us to enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by their host church. Around 5 pm we resumed our journey in an overstuffed sold out MATATU. We had managed to squeeze all 18 of us in, and were on our way, WHEN another group of 7 youth made phone contact and needed a ride. What should we do? Of course, pick them up and SQUEEZE even more. Laughing and talking, the 45 minute ride seemed to fly by. Well, not quite, my body had been conveniently thrust forward over the front seat and I was sitting on one of the girl’s laps, trying ever so carefully to balance my weight on one leg. Quite a feat, but we made it. A little stiff when we first arrived, but nevertheless, all in one piece. Supper would soon be given and then an evening service around 8 or 8:30pm.
I fell into a chair to wait for the service, only to be greeted by my host, where I would stay for the few days during the meeting. Brother Patrick extended his hand and suggested we go, since we had a distance to “walk”. OH my! But walk we did, in the moonlight over the rivers and through the woods. LOL! I prayed that my feet and legs would hold out and they did! Arriving at home, we were greeted by a dear friend and wife of Brother Patrick, who had chai prepared for us before bed. Kenyan Hospitality is amazing and I wouldn’t trade their warmth of visitors for nothing. My young friend, Nicole, who had met us in Bumala, accompanied me to the home, where for the next 2 or 3 days we would share the same room and one bed made ready for us. The only event that challenged the sleeping accommodations was the big hen that jumped up on our bed the next morning after sleeping with us all night under the bed. Shoo! Shoo! and Shoo! Finally, it decided that we didn’t need to be friends and the next night, our hostess made sure the chicken’s bed was in another room for sleeping.
The next two days flew by with great services, lots of laughs and a few other minor details. One, several of my healthy youth, instantly were sick. Now since this was to be their Christmas present from the ministry, the budget was tight but medicine was needed. We prayed, we asked for someone to go to the nearest town and we sent most of the money remaining for medicine. I somehow knew that this was a Divine appointment for these young people.
That evening, several prayed for the Lord’s help and I wept with joy that their hearts were responsive to God. Now, I had gone along on this trip just to be there, to visit with my friends and be moral support but I soon discovered that I was to speak as soon as the one speaking now, finished. WHAT? God showed up and gave His love to many but through my own sermon, I found comfort for several issues I needed peace about. Isn’t that amazing?
The next afternoon, the girls and I were in a teaching session outside against the building where there was a tiny bit of shade. Everyone was sitting on small pews and I was teaching about issues of life. All of a sudden, benches went flying, girls began screaming and I was in a daze! What in the world was the problem? Then I saw the trouble. A nice long snake had conveniently entered our midst, sliding down the sloped terrain in front of the church to intrude our quiet meeting. All the screaming automatically brought men from their agenda and with long poles, they quickly made light work of the intruder. In all my visits throughout Africa and in Kenya, I have never been bothered by snakes, EXCEPT here in Oyato. It was in this very church in 2006 while I was teaching, that I stomped on a small 8″ snake and killed it while preaching. Now, here again, another and this one much bigger. Hmmmmm, how dare the enemy try to disrupt what God was going to do!
But GOD!!! For He remained in charge and shook that meeting on the third night, lifting many burdens, drawing many of the youth to Himself and filling them with His power. Every youth that came with me, rededicated their lives, found the Lord as their own true friend or made decisions about their future. This meeting had been a challenge getting to it, the finances had been tight, some had struggled with sickness but in the end, What a HUGE blessing in each of their lives. When we returned to the site the fourth day, we rallied together in prayer before departing to their individual homes. I discussed with them that their lives were not their own from now on and that the enemy of their life would try to hinder them if possible. Only Prayer and close fellowship with the Lord would keep them strong. Committed and with great confidence, they each one left and I settled down with a cup of warm chai. RING!!! My phone jumped and I quickly answered, only to find that one of the young men that had decided his life must be totally GOD”S, called. “Mom,” he said. What’s wrong son? “While I was away, someone broke into my home and stole my book bag with all my books and even some of my school clothes.” Oh, No….. we will pray, I replied. But then, came a sentence that I will not forget. “Mom, regardless of what the devil has tried to do, I will not stop loving and serving Jesus because of this.” YES, that is the reason for the season isn’t it? Jesus! He continues to give of Himself in whatever manner we need. If we need healing and comfort. He is there. If we need confidence and peace. He will give it. If we need knowledge and boldness, He never fails. He gives us whatever we need and He gave these youth a “fresh” outlook on life. They can make it regardless of their situation, WITH JESUS!
Dr. Kathy Watson
Dec 12-16, 2010