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REACHING OUT FOR CHRIST
PRAYER LETTER: VOL.11 Nov-Dec. 2000
AHSANTE SANA (Thank you very much) and Merry Christmas And Happy New Year
FROM BERNARD AND FAMILY:
The first semester is over--Praise God. We thank God for the following:
Success in my course work - completed the essays in time (2 x 4000 words each). Apart from the rush, I enjoyed
working them. One of them was a study of Paul's prayer practice as recorded in Acts, trying to determine the role
of prayer practice in Christian leadership. We definitely need a praying leadership and a praying church.
Better settled - We can get around, go to the City, trace our way to church (Wentworthville Baptist), friends houses,
etc.
Handling homesickness better, though greatly miss our parents, siblings, friends and aging grand parents.
Kids adjustment to the new life - Shirley struggled some with her studies. In fact because of the effect of our
long delay to get here caused her to miss a term. She has to continue in year two rather than go on to year three
(teacher's advice and her consent). We also believe this will be best for her. Carol will be joining pre-school
in January. Thank God for His provision. She got a place in a Christian preschool, something not readily available
this late in the year. She will be going three days a week (@ $20 a day). She is so thrilled.
God's continued provision of strength, finances, a car (a family here has loaned us one), clothes, utensils, furniture,
and other basic needs.
I think this is an item of thanksgiving this moment--i.e. continued burden and connection with the College and
our pastoral, Youth, Family care and other ministries in Kenya. Though the reports of some developments at the
College have been frustrating (causing me to lose some sleep) overall, I thank God for what is in store and in
progress. I really missed the graduating on 16th. It included 6 deaf Christian ministers who have completed a two
year Certificate. One of them has started a deaf church in Banana Hill in partnership with Banana Hill Baptist
church. There are two youth camps this month and a family life seminar that we definitely would have ministered.
Continued moral, prayer and financial support that we have and continue to receive from such as you. The realization
that there are saints praying for us and desiring that we prosper in our studies and ministry here and in Kenya
gives us new strength.
Our prayer is that we will be found faithful.
Hi-light: Shirley-thrilled to be able to ride a bicycle without training wheels.
PLEASE PRAY WITH US ABOUT:
Mary's studies--Awaiting a response from Macquarie University on admission in the Bachelors of Early Childhood
Education. We are also hoping to get a report on the assessment of her studies in Kenya hoping that she will receive
some credit and hence be admitted in advanced standing. We trust that we will be able to raise the money for her
fees (exact amount to be determined in the processing of the application). This may mean looking for a job. I am
working some at the College (maintenance and kitchen). Of course this is quite a challenge but we are ready to
take it.
Good holiday - renewed strength for all of us. We have an invitation to spend Christmas day with an Australian
family. We hope to visit some sites in and around Sydney--zoo, blue mountains, etc.
Local church ministry - whatever this may mean for both Mary and I. We are talking with the pastor and the leadership
on some possibilities. I will be doing some preaching next year.
Shirley's and Carol's studies - Speaking English is a major desire. However, we do not want them to lose the Kikuyu
(mother tongue) and Kiswahili (national business language) like some even near us. Quite a tension.
Outreach to Kenyans and others from East Africa in Australia - -In the process of starting a Christian fellowship.
Eight of us (including one Ugandan) met last Saturday to lay down the actual plan. All expressed a great need for
such a fellowship citing a variety of struggles in their spiritual pilgrim since they came over. Our first fellowship
meeting is on 30th December where we will also draw our 2001 program. We expect at least fifteen.
My studies next semester - Theory of Education and Christian Education, Conflict Management and Research Methods.
Increased financial support to meet our expenses.
Highlight: The other day, Shirley said that on Christmas day she will cut a branch off a Cypress tree and set up
a Christmas tree in our house. Carol was in total agreement and even pointed out a tree is no problem if in Kenya.
They already know that Christmas involves exchanging of gifts (not used to in Kenya). Amazing, but scary too. This
and many other influences. Mary and I have succeeded some to remind them about our uniqueness and hope to keep
on. Mary can make pizzas. Bravo. The kids are learning to eat salads - 'rabbit food'.
Bernard, Mary, Shirley and Carol.
Bernard Kabaru Mwangi.
25/120 Herring Rd.
Eastwood. NSW 2122. Australia.
Tel. 61-2-98895804
e-mail: kabaru@tpg.com.au
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