July - September 2022
Hello from Kisumu, Kenya. We have had a very busy summer schedule, and we praise the Lord for all that He allowed us to do. We were able to visit our daughter, Abigail, and her husband, Robert, as they welcomed our first grand baby to their family, Andrew Allen Cepec, on June 23rd. We were able to spend some good time with them as they were transitioning to being on the full-time deputation. Tonya was able to be with Abigail in the hospital when the baby was born. That was a real blessing for both of them. Thank you for your continued prayers for all of our family. Robert and Abigail are on their way to Guyana, and they have reached around 20% of their support.
Please remember Breanne and Jeremy in your prayers, as they are about to have their first winter out in the village of Hatgal, Mongolia in their new house.
Also while in the States, I visited a Chiropractor and Orthopedic doctor concerning issues I have been dealing with around my hip over the last year. After a few visits it was concluded that as a result of arthritis and other issues I was in need of a full hip replacement. We were not able to stay in the USA for the 3 month recovery at this point, so we are scheduling the surgery for our furlough planned for next year. Please pray that I can manage the discomfort and try to keep going with as much of the ministry schedule as I can over the next 6-8 months before we begin furlough.
The outreach for the Bible Study has been going very well in several areas. We have a small rented building ready to start the new church, Hope Baptist Church, on October 30th. Please pray for this date as well as the preparation time leading up to it. The Smith’s have been a big blessing in helping in areas that I could not do because of my traveling, college schedule, and ministries in other cities. Many have been saved and discipled in the past few months, and we are meeting with over 30 adults in 3 different locations on a weekly basis.
We have started helping Calvary Baptist Church in the village of Sidundo build their permanent
church building. They are raising funds for the bricks and mortar, and we will come along beside them and match their offerings in building this building. Please pray for them and the work to be able to be completed in God’s timing.
Peaceful Elections
We thank the Lord that there was peace throughout the month of August and the election process, and there was not much disruption of ministry activities throughout the month. Kisumu is usually a problem area during the time of elections; but other than just a few days, the roads were clear and there was not problem getting the things done that we needed to. We did take precautions and helped the other new missionaries here know what to do if there was a serious problem, but we are thankful that there was not, and we know that this was because you were praying for us. Thank you very much for your prayers for our family and ministries in Kenya!
We thank the Lord that there was peace throughout the month of August and the election process, and there was not much disruption of ministry activities throughout the month. Kisumu is usually a problem area during the time of elections; but other than just a few days, the roads were clear and there was not problem getting the things done that we needed to. We did take precautions and helped the other new missionaries here know what to do if there was a serious problem, but we are thankful that there was not, and we know that this was because you were praying for us. Thank you very much for your prayers for our family and ministries in Kenya!
For Souls in Kenya,
Luke & Tonya Shelby Family
Luke & Tonya Shelby Family
