We are officially into the Fall season and the weather is much cooler than it was a few short weeks ago. We have been having a lot of rain and we expect more this weekend. However today is supposed to be a dry, sunny day. I look forward to it and will run some errands later in the day.
I hope the weather is good for you wherever you are in the world.
I have some happy and some sad news to report from Kenya.
The young man named Livingstone has now had his cast removed. I think they botched the job when they plastered his leg more than once. He is now taking a few sessions of physiotherapy to reduce swelling and other concerns. The good news is that Livingstone has stopped drinking and accepted Christ as his savior. We are overjoyed for him. He has been getting visits from a local pastor in his village and getting counsel from others. Through that and through the love and helps he has been getting during treatment for his leg and for Covid, he has decided on this faith step. He is now making plans as to what he would like to do to earn a living (raise chickens). It's an awesome change and the first time in years that he has a dream and a vision for his future.
Ernest, the other man who we have been helping in Kenya for the past few years, has also fully recovered from a few health issues though his diabetes is ongoing. His most recent health setback was a stint in the hospital with Covid and we're so thankful he has recovered fully. He's been very anxious to try and get back to work. His doctor advised him to stay out of the larger town center during this pandemic. For now it means he is only able to earn very small amount of money by cutting hair for the villagers, mostly children. The payment for services is not reliable since villagers have very little money but what he gets pays for his phone airtime. If he could purchase a good set of barbering shears he would be able to do better business. If you are reading this and want to contribute toward buying this item for him please let me know.
Now for the sad news. Pastor Jonah is in hospital after a very bad reaction to his second Covid vaccination (Moderna). His first jab was Astra Zeneca and his doctor recommended vaccine mixing for better effectiveness. This view is based on studies showing that a vaccine mixture can have a more potent immune response and thus give more protection against the virus. Though he expected he might have a reaction, especially since he experienced a bad reaction to Astra Zeneca, he certainly did not expect such a serious reaction.
On Wednesday night my time, I asked him how the vaccination went. He wasn't feeling well at all. As he explained his symptoms and showed me photos of his swollen limbs and his swollen tongue, I became very alarmed. His tongue which was about 3 times larger than it should be. I immediately told him to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. He went in to inpatient services on Thursday afternoon Kenyan time. I insisted he remain overnight (or longer) in hospital to make sure he is safe. He is now recovering and resting at the hospital under doctor supervision.
We covet your prayers for Pastor Jonah's full recovery and for the material needs of Livingstone and Ernest to be met.
Joining in with Skywatch Friday.
