Lakes Entrance Baptist Church |
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The Spirit brings Peace by Bob Carter SIM, HOPE for AIDS, Kenya
When Christians seek the face of God together the Holy Spirit moves, often with
unexpected results! Pastor of music Manase Shiyuka became interested in AIDS
ministry when his church began participating in hosting the monthly AIDS Prayer
Day. This experience motivated him to become more involved in AIDS ministry and
he subsequently trained under HFA as an AIDS Educator. Last July he called
together a number of pastors and church leaders from different denominations in
his home area in western Kenya for a 3-day seminar on HIV and the role of the
church. This led to a subsequent request to hold another 0ne-day workshop for
other church leaders on the turbulent slopes of Mt Elgon.
The Mt Elgon area is notorious for generations of violent land disputes between
the Sabaot, Bukusu and Teso tribes. In the past 3 years there have been more
people displaced from their homes because of that conflict than were displaced
throughout Kenya during the post election violence of 2008. Rape as a weapon of
war became common, leaving many people HIV positive.
The workshop was held in September. For the first time in many years, church
leaders representing each of the warring factions gathered together in one
place. Due to the tensions, the site they chose for gathering together was just
outside the camp of the Kenyan army peacekeepers! They gathered to learn more
about their common enemy, HIV, and whatever role the church might play in
fighting it. They gathered to hear a message of hope, encouragement and vision
from the man of prayer and passion, Pastor Manase.
The army commanders, also attended the meeting, both out of curiosity and to
assure peaceful conduct. The soldiers managed to find duties that were within
earshot of the workshop and were unusually quiet as they leaned close to hear
what was being said through the public address system. The day was peaceful,
fruitful and anointed. Across factions, pastors and church leaders found
something significant that they could work on together – and they agreed to
begin by meeting together for prayer. They are now eagerly anticipating further
training on how to effectively address the ravages of HIV in their communities,
churches and homes. The Commander in Charge has requested similar training for
all his soldiers.
When prayer unites the hearts of estranged brothers in Christ, reconciliation,
forgiveness and peace often follow. Who knows? Perhaps God will use these
inter-tribal AIDS-focussed prayer gatherings to heal generations of animosity.
It would be just like Him!
Praise God for what He is doing. Pray God’s empowerment and provision for
all those trained and to be trained. Pray there will be real and deep healing.
Continue to pray for our church family in Borneo – Gary, Carolyn, Holly, Emily,
Jasmine, Susie, Katie, Daniel and Matt. For good health, wisdom in all areas,
team unity and that God’s light and love will shine through.
Martin and Kathy Snook should be setting up in Cairns this month. As God has
led them into this new area, ask the Lord to show the way in all that has to be
sorted and set up.
Progress
In Thailand, Cathy’s friend Boom has been asking questions about God for some
time. Until now though, she had been of the opinion that prayer was not
important and she was not comfortable with the idea of ‘asking God for things’.
However, recently Boom has acknowledged the praise, confession and intercession
components of prayer and then prayed with Cathy for the first time.
She gave praise to God for giving her more work and for his forgiveness. She
also made encouraging progress in her understanding of the human struggle with
sin and our need for a saviour. She also says that studying the Bible with
Cathy is the most fun that she has all week!
Pray for Boom and all who like her are seeking.
Newsflash from
Borneo….
Daniel and Matthew are working at building and maintenance on the village site
girls are involved in a big job of putting together sponsorship packages.
The whole team will then be involved in the School holiday programme
