bericht27 | nextstepmassai.de

Newsletter January 2022

Auf Deutsch

One of our main prayer concerns is for the serious drought that the country is experiencing with cattle and many wild animals dying; (no food or water). Our friends in Maasailand have hundreds of birds coming to drink, daily. Many people are struggling to get water on a daily basis. There is much hunger as last year's harvest was poor or non-existent.

Thankfully we have generous friends who have enabled us to fill the 2 maize stores (1.75tons) and some beans. On a normal year, this will last till harvest time in August/September, but this year with a lot of extra needs, who knows how long the stores will last? In another part of the country, they have had lots of rain on a daily basis.

Steve is a lot less mobile, slower, more shaky, off and on and walking is not easy. He doesn't drive any more. However, he is full of hope and encouragement, spending time with the Lord, praying for the many visitors who come, pass on the road, the many needs nationally and internationally and playing Scrabble and too much Sudoku!

Anne is busier than before as she has to do what Steve used to do, plenty of visitors (whom we love to have). Her favourite pastime is to visit second hand and local markets where she has a real gift for buying things which can be remade into other things/clothes. Shoes and clothes for needy people, can be had at incredible bargain prices. She loves to tell people about Jesus and she has seen a number give their lives to Him. She has many friends there and they love her as she loves them. We still need prayer for the situation we referred to in the last letter, that the Lord will bring a satisfactory, loving resolution for all.

Health Care dispensary. We continue to support it, and it treats sick people from Kimashuku and we settle the bill. Puly struggles financially and with over-the-top bureaucracy. Her heart is to serve the Lord and to help people. We are very grateful for those who help to support this work and the many hospital needs that come our way.

The farm.

We have had to reduce the numbers working on the farm from about 20 down to 8.

This is in order to help the farm to at least break even or even make a small profit which can be reinvested in the farm.

They continue to grow tomatoes, green peppers and a variety of local vegetables.

The passion fruit plants have been replanted but will be another 6-9 months before they fruit.

We planted 32 mango trees and 2 are fruiting. They are the most delicious we have ever tasted.

Visitors. We are almost back to the busy times before the virus. We receive many from abroad and from within the country and locally on a daily basis (though very few from the UK). We are blessed to share the gospel with newcomers and help and rejoice and encourage those who know Him.

Our young people. Melubo is doing very well with his sewing;

now making a number of garments very well.

His friend Isaya recently came to stay with us and we are praying for his future.

Abbas continues to be blessed as he sees slow improvements in his body (a miracle),

as well as more of his relatives have come through to know the Lord.

Eliya now called Kotema, came for a week after Christmas and was a great help to Anne.

He continues with his studies at university and is doing well. We continue to pray for

Shadrak who is struggling with his living conditions at university in Mwanza.

Zubeda comes to see us four times a week and needs more input.

We pray regularly for these young people, many of whom are a great blessing for us in the absence of our own family and we want each one to know the lord's blessing. Thank you again for all your prayers, support and love in these interesting days.

Lots of love from Steve and Anne.