The Rogers' Family Neighborhood

It has been a school year filled with adjustments, modifications and lots of movement here and there and everywhere BUT we made it. We are so blessed with how well and quickly our boys adjusted to life back in Kenya. We spent our last week of school on the campus of Rift Valley Academy for homeschool week. The boys completed their standardized testing, enjoyed attending classes in the afternoons and games with new friends. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement this past year. We are looking forward to 3rd & 6th grade in mid August!

Joshua has loved working with his dad on this latest project. A new way to make charcoal.

The RAINS have started to fall in ELDORET, KENYA!

Most of the people throughout the Eldoret region where we live and serve planted the maize they depend on for their survival and income over a month ago – the rains delayed. For weeks – at almost every gathering we have attended, where believers were present – there has been one request that has been repeated over and over – “Let us Pray for Rains to come.”

Some who planted have had their corn germinate and sprout BUT the lack of water has caused the small plant to wither and die.

BUT – there are still many seeds in the ground and for three days now the rains have come! People are rejoicing and though the traffic in town is terrible now because of more accidents and delays – the inconveniences are not even considered by most because of the importance of the rain.

Everyone – including Joshua – has been motivated to turn the soil and plant some seeds. Dreams of a good harvest are now beginning in the hearts and minds of people who depend so greatly on the land and seasonal rains.

Today Kenyan Directors (Samuel and Julius) and I met with Stephen Reech (Sudan Dir.) here in Kenya for more discussions on the way forward as Southen Sudan becomes a new nation. The country has been at war for decades and the people are in desperate need for practical trainings and hands on opportunities to learn business and especially farming.  We are praying and writing up a plan/proposal to establish a vegetable farm along the River Nile.  If you want more information on this important idea/plan please let me know.

A beautiful sunrise walk this morning. Embracing God’s love and celebrating the HOPE that we have in HIM. Have a wonderful Easter!

I just arrived from Southern Sudan earlier today and here are some initial reflections…

(View Photos by clicking the Flicker panel on the right)

Juba – city in motion

Buildings coming up everywhere

People moving in and out

Infrastructure pushed to the edges

Ministry officers open and ready to dialogue “ We are not like some politicians that you have to struggle to see and have a voice with. We are here to see our country move forward and we are glad to meet you people and hear what you are doing as we also share what we have in mind.”

Dodge city –

High prices for food and appliances.

Dependant on outside resources

People use to hand outs and others supporting them

UN vehicles and Land cruisers everywhere

Ngo salaries push local salaries beyond reach

Airport in renovation – example of what is happening to the whole city

Tee shirts – reminding people to vote and to claim their autonomous destiny

Kenyans at every corner and restaurant

English spoken most places

Prefab housing everywhere with high rental prices

Everywhere getting ready for July 9th

Food prices unbelievable

Many idle youth

ELI and the Nile River farm

Tuk Tuk three wheeled transport carrier for $2,300

Visit to US AID and FARM initiative

Large screen TVs – smart phones – motorcycles – dust – traffic – markets – Nile river – stadium under renovation – JIT Supermarket

Eggs for 20-30 cents each

Tents – mixture of wonderful housing amidst dilapidated tents and bamboo fencing

People in need of training and knowledge of the love of Christ!

I look forward to tomorrow and sharing more photos and thoughts on this emerging nation and my time in the city of JUBA located along the River Nile. Blessings on your lives as we share Good Friday and the Love of Christ.

This evening Don safely made it back from Southen Sudan to Nairobi, Kenya.  He has much to share and after a good nights rest will post some thoughts and photos tomorrow.  Thank you so very much for standing with us in prayer and encouragement as we serve together to empower lives!