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Published: October 18th 2007
On Tues. we traveled to the small village of Bondemi toward Mt. Elgon. The hills are long and steep and those traveling on bikes have their work cut out for them. It's interesting to see how much commerce is done by bicycle. We've seen unbelievable loads being carried. Couch frames, up to three standard cream cans, corrugated roofing, racks of bread, and cases of pop are some of the loads. You can also hire a bike as a taxi and ride on a cushioned seat. May have to try that!
Timothy found out his car needed many repairs. By the grace of God it is holding together so hope he will be able to get some of the needs addressed. We drove one day on the doughnut spare until he was able to get the tire repaired. While looking over the corn fields the ministry has planted we drove on a trail between two fields. An aardvark had made a huge hole that was completely covered by weeds so was unseen. We bottomed out and were stuck! Timothy hiked back for help and it took five men to lift the car out. Needless to say it didn't help the
car any!
In the village of Bondemi we were welcomed warmly. People carried our backpacks and gave us chairs to sit on that were covered with beautiful white lace. Of course they sit on rustic benches. Inside the small mud hut that serves as the church there were at least 25 men serving as pastors or pastors-in-training. Some came from other ministries. There were an additional 15 elders present, with three being women. Gary led three sessions during the day and Karen one. Karen prefaced her remarks that she wasn't preaching to them but giving advice as a "mother". The pastors enjoyed her saying how she was blessed with two daughters and now 25 sons! They responded so much as words were direct against abuse of any form. It was humbling and heart warming at the same time. Many "sons" thanked both us when the day was finished. Pastors here have positions that are overwhelming. Not only are they charged with the spiritual needs but every physical need imaginable of members in their congregation. Food, housing, clothing, jobs and the list goes on and on. We trust what we said was an encouragement as they travel back to their
Inside of Bondemi Church
Those on the altar guild have their work cut out for them making and cleaning these altar cloths!villages and serve faithfully.
We also stopped at a private high school. Elizabeth, Timothy's sixteen year old daughter is a boarding student at this school. She gave us a tour. The classroom was stark with about 50 desks and only a blackboard in front. There were no books, no maps, and nothing on the walls. As we visited the school's secretary we saw the only thing she had on her desk was an old, large typewriter. There are about 900 secondary students at this school and all classes are segregated by gender. Appreciate all you have students at FCS. Bye for now.
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Bonnie
non-member comment
You're an inspiration!!
You must be overwhelmed with the needs of the wonderful people you are meeting. Who could resist hearing the words of a mother? We pray for your continued strength as you minister in the villages. From the realm of the mundane - Bison fans are still celebrating their 27-21 victory over the Gophers. We watched the game with Gasts, both SU grads, at the Thornberry sports bar. Talked with Mom on Sat. night and her voice sounded strong and we visited for about half an hour. This may be a duplicate as I hit the wrong button earlier.