OFF TO KENYA AGAIN

ONE OF THE DESTITUTE WIDOWS: Joyce Hongo - 78 years old. Widow for 26 years. Children: Two sons and their wives - all dead. Granddaughter, Joyce (sponsored in boarding school) Grandson Meshack 7 - HIV positive. Health: Ulcer from worrying over grandchildren; eye problem. Income: Digs for other people; well wishers. Prayer Requests: Healing and care for grandchildren.

WE ARE GETTING READY TO GO!

On July 26 we take flight once more. This time it will be a new route for us since there have been administrative changes within our airline that make it necessary to go through Switzerland and spend the night on the way to Kenya. NOT GOOD - but unavoidable!

Our church in the UK has been actively supporting us and the ministry in Kadawa. Jeremy, an elder in the church, is coming to spend two weeks with us to get first-hand knowledge and experience of village life and what is being accomplished through your and their involvement in the projects and adventures in Kadawa, Kisumu and surrounding areas. We are really excited about having him along; needless to say, he will be actively participating in a whole lot of ministry - AND - has a great, life-changing adventure before him.

JOHN'S HEALTH

John is doing quite well physically and we have the OK to go from the doctors. We have been told by his cardiologist in the UK that he has never had a heart attack - he has had a virus, such as the flu, and whereas it would affect most peoples respiratory system solely, in his case it also invaded his heart.

THE WIDOWS FARM

We were just able to receive photos from the widows farm, but are delighted to be able to show them. The maize is ready to harvest now, so, sadly we won't be there in time to take part in that. It is ready and if it rains on the maize there is danger of it rotting on the stalk. In March two dear friends in PA, who are farmers and also in the organic fertilizer business gave Hesbone some hi-tech, highly concentrated liquid fertilizer, which was used on our field.

You will notice in one of the photos that there are two ears on a stalk. That is really good!

We are excited about the church being involved in harvesting it for the destitute widows. It will be a sacrifice for them because, or course it is harvest time for the entire village. That means they will need to take time from their own patches or fields to help. Hopefully we will be able to take part in taking the kernels off the cob. A wonderful family-type event that takes days and involves lots of work, fun and bonding.

PRAYER WEEK IN THE CZECH

In May we led a prayer team for a week in The Czech Republic. We ministered in Moravia - which borders Poland. The Moravians influenced and ministered to John Wesley. That ministry resulted in his "heart-warming" experience. Also, the Moravians settled Lititz, PA. where they continued the practice they had in their home country of 24/7 prayer - which they did for 100 years! Many of you heard from us during our ministry there because there was heavy rain the whole time we were there - resulting in serious floods that affected our activities. We urgently needed intercession on several days. God was so faithful - He kept us safe, and the attendance at only one meeting was affected by the flooding.

We touched many lives - some who weren't expecting us to minister to them. One sweet, gentle old gentleman saint was brought to tears, several times, by the words the Lord spoke to him prophetically through the team.

It was a time of real encouragement and edification for him, a man who has been in ministry and a pastor for years and is ready to retire and go on to the next phase of his destiny. It appeared that he received some real confirmation of what his heart was telling him.sn't the Lord so sweet to do that? He often just gives us totally unexpected gifts of love and affection - doesn't He? How lovely!

While

we were there it was the 100th-year celebration of the fall of Holy Spirit on that region (Czech & Poland) and a great celebration was planned to be held on the Sat or Sun after we left. The Church-planting Director said that he believed that the floods didn't get any worse because we were there and because of the prayers of the saints we had contacted back home. Had the waters come up another 5 inches the celebration of Pentecost would have been cancelled. Hallelujah!

Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters

The

last thing we did - on our way to the train station - was a prophetic action of throwing bread into the flooded river, declaring that it would return! While we watched it float away some pigeons (doves) swooped down and took some pieces of bread from the water. One of our intercessors saw that as prophetic as well. She wrote: "

The doves were very significant also as they picked up and flew away with the 'bread' the crumbs of which would be dropped like dew falling from Heaven onto the specific areas of the land over which they flew ".

The photo to the right is of the team - on the last day, taking a new high-speed train back to Prague. It took a lot less time going back than it did on the old train we took into Moravia (you can see the rain on the window).

PRAYER NEEDS:

** HEALTH & safety on our two-month trip to Kenya - July 26 to Sept. 28;

- Powerful anointing on all we say and do;

- Blessings on the widows and orphans as we minister to them;

- Cultural sensitivity;

- Hesbone & Violet and their responsibility in overseeing the ministry in Western Kenya;

- That the two daughter churches will become strong and established.

BLESSINGS, GRACE & PEACE

John & Marty

THE ONGOING ADVENTURES OF JOHN & MARTY

THREE JOHN SMITHS

Just as in Bible times - people in the Luo tribe (and other tribes in Kenya) believe that a child carries the attributes of its name. So if a child is named after someone it is because the parents believe that child will have the character and nature of the person after whom they were named. John has been given the great honour of having three babies named after him - one while we were there. It is our pleasure to introduce you to the three John Smiths.

VOLCANIC ASH - GOD ANSWERS A BOY'S PRAYERS

We were to have left for the UK on Tuesday the 20th. of April. We remain in the States until May 1. J.R. is a 10-year-old boy in the church we go to here in FL. He is a dancer and on Sat., the 24th of April was to be in a dance competition.(He wins prizes - he is that good.) He wanted us to come to his performance. I told him we couldn't because we were going to England. I told him there was this volcanic cloud and we were praying that God would blow it away so we could go home. He said he would pray that it would stay so that we could come to his competition. I asked him whose prayer did he think God would answer? He said, without hesitation, his. :-} Well - we are still here! The competition was really, really good. His group won first prize in their division.

ERECTING THE FENCE ON THE WIDOWS FARM BY FAITH

John was praying about the farm's infrastructure a few weeks ago and he strongly sensed the Lord telling him to go ahead and start erecting the fence and that He will provide the money. We need to put up the fence, and build a house/barn for the watchman and to keep the seed, fertilizer, equipment, harvest, etc. It is a major financial undertaking. We do not have the money for the fence, yet we believe we are to take a major step of faith and begin erecting it in obedience. So, the work has begun! We believe that all of the finances, and more, will be provided for everything that needs to be done to get this farm up and running.

HESBONE VISITS US IN FLORIDA - A MISSION IS CONFIRMED

The annual conference in Pennsylvania went very well. We thank you for your prayers on our behalf. We drove - this was the first long-haul driving that John did since his surgery and he did very well. Pastor Hesbone was able to come from Kadawa to the States for the conference; afterwards, he came down to Florida for a visit. He was here for Easter Sunday and after church we were invited to an Easter meal with a group from the church at the home of friends. He was treated to some real Southern hospitality and remarked on how the folks of the church demonstrated that being a Christian is a lot of fun - he was impressed by the way everyone related and were at ease kidding around with each other. The church held a reception for him on Easter Monday evening and he was able to share his heart and his testimony with a good number of people. We also were able to present the video of our work last year and tie our vision for the Widows Farm Project with Hesbone's vision. The church is planning on going to Kadawa on a mission in 2011 and many people cemented their plans that night. It looks like part of the mission will include a medical clinic - 4 ladies who will be coming are nurses/retired nurses. The mission is shaping up and we are really excited.

Hesbone Otieno Odindo

A ROYAL FUNERAL FOR PASTOR PAUL

It is Pastor Hesbone's practice to look at any bad or negative situation and see what God is doing in it and join Him, to allow Him to put Kingdom Principles into action. This is what he and Restoration Community Church (RCC) did in the funeral and burial of Pastor Paul. They gave him a funeral such as would be given to a King!

We have mentioned before that death appears to have more importance or priority than life in the village culture. Funerals last for several days and nights and the customs involved are quite complex by our standards. The body lies in state at the persons home in the village. When anyone in the Luo tribe dies, wherever they are, they must be returned to their village to be buried. In the case where they have been embalmed they are transported from the mortuary a couple of days prior to the burial and there are all night wakes for two nights. In the case of RCC there is dancing and singing and preaching all night the night prior to the burial. Additionally, for church members, when they are brought from the mortuary they are taken directly to the church and a large memorial service is held there. This is a new practice for the village and have drawn much attention to RCC. In Pastor Paul's case there were 6 vehicles involved in transporting him from the mortuary. When a body is brought into the village, people line the roads where the entourage passes and they wave tree branches as it passes. In the convoy there are people singing and praising God all the way to the church. There are whistles blowing and much horn honking!

Violet, Hesbone's wife, saw to it that Pastor Paul's wife, Eunice, and his two girls got new clothes for the memorial service and for the burial. She took Eunice to the hair dresser as well. This was done to bless her and to see to it that she was able to have dignity as a widow. This also was a major witness to the community. Paul's casket was exceptional as well - great care was taken in choosing it. Special Black T-Shirts were printed for the pall bearers that said - " Servant of God Rest in Peace" on them and also had the church logo. The actual burial lasts from about 9 AM to dusk. There are many testimonies, much singing and dancing, a meal to feed many and finally words from the widow. There were about 2000 people at the burial. Many of our friends contributed toward Pastor Paul's medical expenses; however, he died before all of that money was expended, so we authorized the remainder to be used toward funeral expenses. Again, we thank all of you who had part in that. You made it possible for him to have a wonderful funeral; one that will be remembered by the community for many years, and one that brought glory to God.

Pastor Paul's Casket - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Eunice, Bianca & Angela

The Assistant Chief Takes Part in the Burial - - - - - - - About 2000 People Attended -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A Salvation Message is Always Given

We will be off to the UK on Saturday, May 1.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

• Our flight on May 1;
• Our trip to the Czech Republic in mid-May to lead a prayer team to the NLI church-plant there;
• Our plans for returning to Kenya in July. There are a lot of date, and flight arrangements, and finding of accommodations.
• The working out of details for downloading the data from John's electronic heart device (ICD). We must get the data from the UK to the USA using a new device that works via satellite. (How amazing that this new method has become available just as we were in a dilemma about how to get this done - considering the time and distance and technology.)
• THE BUILDING OF AND FINANCES FOR THE FENCE AND WATCHMAN'S/STOREHOUSE ON THE WIDOWS FARM

SHOULD YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED FINANCIALLY IN THE WIDOWS FARM PROJECT YOU CAN SEND CONTRIBUTIONS TO:

(In the USA)

DOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP-LEBANON

P.O BOX 37

Lebanon, PA 17046-0037

(In the UK)

Emmanuel Christian Centre

Netherstowe

Lichfield

Staffordshire

WS13 6TS

Please note on the check, or in an enclosed note: 1) For John & Marty Smith; 2) The purpose for the check.

BLESSINGS & MUCH LOVE!!!

JOHN & MARTY

THE ADVENTURES OF JOHN AND MARTY SMITH

TO SEE OUR NEWEST VIDEO: www.gallery.me.com/kukuwoman/100161

THE FIRST 1 1/4 ACRES IS PLANTED BY THE STRONG WIDOWS!!

What GREAT news. Hesbone brought us photos of the first planting on the Widows Farm!!! You may remember that our emphasis has been on the people of the church assisting the destitute widows by helping on the farm. Well, it is planting time and about 20 strong and younger widows, along with a couple of frail ones, came out and planted 1 1/4 acres of maize. It took about a week, because they came in shifts - you see they also have to plant their own crops on their shambas. It was also a learning experience for them in that they were using fertilizer as they planted each kernel and they also were being taught to use a line to keep the rows straight, and also to measure the distance between each kernel. These are innovative measures for the people and it was a bit tricky to get them to do it. Now we will pray for continued rain (this is the time of the former rains) and watch the results!!! The whole area will be watching to see as well!!!! Behind the women in the photo below is a small grove of some type of trees. They are growing in a circle. The inside is an open space - that is to be Marty's prayer chapel. We are truly looking forward to getting back to see the land and to be part of the harvesting.

We will be out there picking maize!!!

OMELETTE AUCTION FOR DESTITUTE WIDOWS' WATER!

While in Pennsylvania two weeks ago we had our annual get-together of our supporters. Marty made scones (some with currants) and a reasonable facsimile of clotted cream (oh yum, yum) and we showed the video we made of our Kenyan and Rwandan adventures last year. It was our first experience with editing and making our own video thanks to the help of our good friend and guru Nate Mudge and the support of Sharon his wife. We also talked a bit of our experiences and the various projects with which we are involved out there. One of the things we can do is provide a widow clean drinking/cooking water for a year for $15.

The following Sunday, as part of a sermon illustration, the pastor of the church we were attending called his 14-year-old son up to the stage. His mom set up a griddle and got the eggs, cheese and ham out of a cooler. The boy put on an apron and chef's hat and began to whip up an omelette. At that, the pastor told the church of the cost to give a widow water for a year and asked if anyone would buy that omelette for $15 - got a bid - then asked for $30. The bids went up to $250 and he said "do I hear $300"? There was a long pause and then a little boy raised his hand and shouted $300! Well, our first thought was - boy is that kid going to be in trouble. But the pastor took the bid! Then we realized it was the pastor's younger son (about 9 or 10 years old)! We saw his grandmother sitting next to him - she's a widow - so we thought she must have told the boy to bid and would give him the money! NOT SO! The little boy gave out of his own savings account. We had dinner with the family afterwards and he was so delighted and excited about giving his money for the widows' water, and his parents were even more excited. Then afterwards a fellow who had been bidding came up to give us his money - he said that even though he didn't get the omelette he had made the bid and gave us $105. 27 widows were provided with water that day. We now have funds for just about all of those really destitute widows to have water.

ORPHAN GIRL REMAINS IN SCHOOL

Later that day we received new that a secular women's group at which Marty spoke this time last year, had decided to provide funds to sponsor an orphan girl in boarding school for a year. Due to unavoidable circumstances funding was unavailable for one of the girls that was previously being sponsored. Without funding she would have to leave school. We had confidence in the Lord that her education and care would continue to be provided and here it is!! Now Brenda can continue for another year! Hallelujah!!! This is the first time, in the very long history of this women's group, that they have ever provided grants for an international project. Isn't it wonderful how they are being used to provide for this girl? God is so good and so faithful!!

This is all for now! We have other news to share and also photos of Pastor Paul's funeral - which was attended by about 2000 people!

WE BLESS YOU ALL AND THANK GOD FOR EACH OF YOU IN OUR LIVES!

LOVE,

JOHN AND MARTY