The other day I overheard Debbie describing to someone how things have been going with us over the last few weeks and her summation was ‘crazy amazing’. That pretty much describes it. This trip home has been off the charts in every aspect. When we also throw in the state of things in Kenya, it has become very interesting. So here is an update on several things.
Outpouring of Resources:
Last week we loaded the sea container for Africa. We couldn’t believe how resources have poured in. Every year up until now we have sent 20 foot containers. This year, when we first arrived in Texas, we didn’t know if we would even have enough to send another one. Well, not only did we send another one but we had to get a 40 ft. container! Here is a partial list of the inventory:
- 10,668 Bibles, concordances, books (reference, study, inspirational)
- 68 Computers; 30 monitors; 17 printers; copiers, etc.
- 32 U-haul boxes full of a cassette tape library of sermons (John McArthur, Swindoll, etc.)
- 1,000’s of tapes, CD’s of music and messages
- Toro Riding Mower
- Electric Golf Cart, modified with back seats, a new top and hauling platform for use at the CMM compound
- 150 Pairs of shoes and slippers for orphaned kids
- 100 Boxes of new children’s teaching kits for Bible stories, with puppets
- 1 - 50 ft. x 100 ft. tent (will seat 800)
- 3 Piano keyboards
This is all the goods stored on pallets in the warehouse at Wellspring Church just prior to loading!! Crazy Amazing!! Wellspring: thank you AGAIN for your generosity!
As far as money given and pledged, if it all materializes, we will have the funds to purchase another vehicle, ship the container and start more building and construction. We will keep you posted, but so far, this looks like it will be our biggest year yet for resources!
Homeowners:
The Lord provided for Debbie and me to buy a new home in the US. We had planned to start looking for different living arrangements this coming summer, but through several unexpected events it just fell in place for us to purchase a home in Keller, Texas last month. We are totally excited, blown away and amazed at how this came about. We get up every day and inhale and sit in amazement in our 3 bedroom, 1600 sq. ft. home. A blessing direct from God to us. We can go and come now and do it from our own home…WOW!
Jerry’s back in Kenya:
“The TV’s here is so small and not very clear”….one of Jerry’s first observations after getting back to Kenya. He had a good flight back with no problems. He is car shopping at the moment and is dealing with his first bout of jet lag.
Kenya’s condition:
At the moment, the leaders of both parties that have been fighting for the presidency have finally met, had their first handshakes and started the negotiating process. Hopefully this will lead to some direction to the problems being resolved and things can begin to get back to normal. It is still very tenuous and the possibility of the “wheels coming off again” are high. Please continue to pray for Kenya and for God’s peace to reign.
Our return to Kenya:
We have been cautious about when we should return, but have decided to stay on our schedule. However, we have several caution flags in the wind and will keep a daily eye on everything. We have tickets to return February 13th. Our first major conference at CMM begins March 31.
Help is on the way:
Another exciting thing that is on the horizon for us is hosting several people that are making plans to come to Kenya for a few months to help us with the ministry and work at CMM. Terry and Kitty Strickland are planning to come for 4 months beginning the end of February. Chris and Amber White's plans have them arriving Nairobi March 23, departing the end of May and Austin Staats will be coming for 5 weeks beginning the first week of April. All this help will be wonderful and it will be great to have some domino buddies around as well.
Austin loading the sea container while Ronnie calculates all the boxes! Austin not only helped in the loading, but he will also arrive in Kenya in time to help with the unloading!
Thanks so much to each one of you who have made our visit to the States so wonderful and impacting. This trip home has been like none other and is just another confirmation of God’s hand on what He is doing through us in Africa.
We wish each of you a Happy New Year and may 2008 truly be a year of new beginnings in any area that you are believing God for change.
Ronnie & Debbie Matheny
9229 Goldenview Drive
Keller, TX 76248
home 817.741.9229
cell 817.371.2960 D
cell 817-371-4957 R
dwmatheny@aol.com
rcmatheny1@aol.com
