Bryan and Tara in Africa

If for nothing else, we believe the Lord brought us halfway across the world to take a look at our own lives and draw us closer to Himself. To invest in our children, and teach them the ways of the Lord, to direct them in the way of righteousness.
A few weeks back, Calvary Nairobi had a visit from Ray Bentley and his wife. We were telling Ray how we intended to join him for his tour of Israel and he told us that we must read the book ‘Epicentre’ by Joel Rosenberg before we went. So Bry and I both sat down over a week or so and got into one of the most interesting, factual and dynamic books we have ever read. It reminded us both of the stark reality of Jesus imminent return and stirred in us an urgency to share and encourage Christians and non-Christians alike to redeem the time. The current rumblings in the Middle East and the prophecy in Ezekiel 38-39 of the war of Gog and Magog (present day Russia and Iran) suggest that the end of time is near. If you want to be reminded of the prophecies concerning the Lords return and His faithfulness to His chosen people Israel, please read this book- it will change your perspective and life dramatically. I have to say, for me it has reminded me how much we can trust the Lord to follow through on what He says He will do. Please pray for Israel as they face the largest war in history, praise the Lord that He will defend them.
So back to Nairobi!
It has been amazing to see the amount of relationships we have established since arriving here about two months ago. The Lord has blessed us with people to minister to and encourage all over the path our lives have taken over the last two months. One guy we want to tell you about is Eric. Eric works at a shoe shop in the shopping centre where we do our shopping and is an amazing young man. He works full time, six days a week for a measly 7000 Kenyan Shillings per month. ($110 AUD)
When we met Eric He had been a discouraged and defeated Christian. He had been out of fellowship for some time due to the discouragements that arose from the seemingly false teachings in the church. He thought that something had to be wrong with him due to him not being able to find a church anywhere that sat well with him. All that was being taught was prosperity doctrine and he didn’t like it. On hearing the truth of the gospel and the simplicity in Christ, Eric has read three books Bry has given him and is hungry for the word. He insists that Bry is his Paul and he is Timothy. All over Nairobi we have relationships with people, from Karaoke and Moses who sell movies on the side of the road, to Pili and Steven at the coffee shop, to Ruth and Maggie at Amani Ya Juu, to James the security guard at the shopping centre, to David the computer guy, to Isaac the missionary kid, to Violet who lives in Kawangwarie slums, to Omar (the guy who gave us a free safari), to Franko the Christian businessman from the US who fellowships with Bry at the golf tee, to our flower man (we get a bunch of roses for about $2.50 so Bry has no excuses now!!). We are very blessed.
Bry has been blessed to get to know about 5 back-slidden missionary kids as well. He and one of the other pastors from Calvary have been encouraging and teaching these guys every Wednesday night at our place, which he has been enjoying thoroughly!
Bry and I had the opportunity last week to go into the biggest slum in all of Africa, Kibera. On coming to Africa we packed a bag full of toys and gifts for the kids that have nothing, so we were able to hand these out. It was a great experience and one I’ll never forget, to see the poverty these people live in. The kids walk around saying “how are you, how are you, how are you?” cause that’s the only English they know, and touching your hands. Unfortunately I can’t get the pictures to work that we took in the slums to give you an idea of what its like- hopefully I can update that soon! While we were there Bry got to lead three guys to the Lord- Henry, Peter and Leonard, please pray the word they received will be cultivated. We are heading back in this week so please pray for our safety and for the Lord to lead our steps.
In the coming weeks I also have the opportunity at Amani Ya Juu to help train some of the new women to the programme how to sew and thus support themselve’s financially. I’m looking forward to this opportunity.
Also my Mum and Dad will be arriving in about 2 ½ weeks which we are looking forward too! After my parents leave we plan to go to Ethiopia for about 3 weeks before heading up to Egypt, Jordan and Israel. While the last three countries are a bit of a family holiday we are still open to the Lords leading. After reading “Epicentre” how could we not be prepared to share with people as the Lord leads! And encourage and support the Israeli people.
Thanks for the encouragement and prayers,
The Hendersons