[Yes, again we give thanks for good internet service this day!!]
Give us each day our daily bread. -- Luke 11:3
Praying for daily bread has more meaning for us now.
Partly because Kenyans don’t really eat bread - they love
their cornmeal “ugali” - which is more like stiff mashed potatoes, and some
days we just crave a slice of good, whole-grain bread. But more especially
because the daily things we use and need can no longer be taken for granted. We
have a new expression lately: “Praise the Lord for 3 out of 4!” Our top 4
“breads” these days are electricity, gas, hot water, and internet. Lately (as
many of you know, and we’re sorry) we have really been missing our email and
internet connections.
Having a combination gas-AND-electrical stove/oven has been
a good way around the sporadic shortages of those utilities. And now that we
know the secret of running the water in the other sink (to let the air bubbles
out of the line) before bathing, we can usually count on a nice hot wake-up
shower in the mornings. So, life is good, and God is good, and we recognize the
luxury of those 4 as we visit and work with so many Kenyans who have much less.
We have also learned to pray for other daily breads: enough
rest, good health, prayer time, and fellowship with friends. And then there is
wisdom, compassion, energy, patience, time together as a couple, endurance for
the long run, humility enough to ask for help and forgiveness when needed - all
have to be apportioned to us on a daily basis. The bread of God’s Word also
needs to be savored every morning, so that during the rest of the day “we may
know the word that encourages the weary” - especially when the weary is us.
As we share the glimpses of our daily tasks and joys with
you, let us thank the Lord together for always receiving far more than our
favorite 4, and let’s not forget to honor Him as Father by our asking -and then
feasting, sharing, thanking, and asking again tomorrow... He has designed all
of our lives this way so that as His beloved children, we must come into His
presence again and again to know Him as Abba and receive loving gifts from His
hand.
Dear Father, please, please, give us each day our daily
breads. Amen.
Steve works with some of his students, who received training in Endoscopy at a hospital in Mombasa, Kenya
Alene stands with
other faculty at the graduation program of 3 chaplain students
Snapshots from a great retreat in Malindi with our missionary family
Alene officiated baptism in the ocean for Jamie (with his dad helping) and then everyone gathered around him for prayers on the beach after we came out of the water
We enjoyed a sunset
sail with fresh flower garlands and delicious seafood, like grilled shrimp and
calamari - so nice!
Correctional Ministry
Team had an encouraging 3-day retreat for rest, renewal, and some training
sessions. Chaplains, volunteers, and office staff appreciated the time to pray
and brainstorm about the future of the ministry, as well as learn new
strategies for tracking activities and expenses. Sessions included some
training for using computers to prepare their reports and organize case files
and photos.
The team trains with
computers on retreat
Pastor Peter’s new
wife, mother, sister and nephew visit and bring pumpkins
Emmanuel from Liberia
said goodbye to Steve and Dr. White on the day he and his mother were leaving to
return home after his successful care and making many new friends at Tenwek.
Emmanuel seemed sad to go, but we understand that he ran into the arms of his
uncle when they landed at the airport in Liberia. We have heard that he is
continuing well at home.
May the Lord bless you
and be your comfort, Emmanuel.
Steve’s endoscopy team begins training in electronic medical record systems as Tenwek Hospital prepares for
the big change!
Kipsigis weddings start with a procession of women from the groom’s village singing songs of welcome and escorting the car carrying the bride. The bride’s family often hires a bus to bring their friends to the wedding and carry the wedding gifts of furniture on the top of the vehicle.
We enjoyed attending the wedding of a former chaplain student. Robert and his wife Wilter are preparing to be missionaries with Africa Gospel Church one day.
Please thank the Lord with us:
• For Emmanuel’s safe return to Liberia with his mom
• For Kenya’s peaceful elections in March and transition to
new leadership in April - HALLELUJAH!
• For a generous grant provided by the American Society for
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy to the research team at Tenwek Hospital
• For safe travels to Malindi on the coast for our retreat
Please pray with us:
• For guidance for Alene in coordinating restructuring of
Correctional Ministry within Africa Gospel Church
• For a balanced and sustainable pace for our service
• For Tenwek Hospital’s challenging transition to an electronic
medical record system
• For GI Endoscopists to cover for Steve at Tenwek during a
few weeks in August and November
Contributions: Website:
www.wgm.org/burgert
World Gospel Mission, 3783 East State Road 18, PO Box 948,
Marion IN 46952 (account 02273-Burgert)
THANK YOU FOR
PARTNERING WITH US! -- Steve & Alene
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