Weekly Update for Tom and Cheryl Rees in Thika, Kenya                                                                  4-10-11

“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.” Psalm 63:1-2

Meeting Patricia

I filled out the paperwork for the financial office regarding my hospital stay. I asked them to please contact me soon as possible because I will be leaving for Africa. Patricia was the young lady who helped when I went to the office. A week later I received a call from Patricia who said my hospital bill was 23,125.00 and I owed nothing. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, so I went to the office the next day to see Patricia. She handed me the three pages of charges with the amount and it said I owed 00.00. Patricia then told me I would be used by the Lord in great ways. I asked if I could pray for her and she was very grateful as her family is not walking with the Lord. We give God all the glory for the great things He has done.

Return to Thika

Tom has enjoyed greeting everyone in the neighborhood. Tom called me and I could hear the kids on the street shouting “Hi” into the phone. He had the curtains hung in the church and took all the bibles over to the church office. People are asking once again when we will open the church. Tom is going to meet Isaac this week about the work permit and then we have to contact someone else about the registration. Pray that we can get clarity on what we can do as far as opening the church legally. We  trust the Lord to lead us step by step according to His perfect will.

Preparations for My Return

I have one week left to get ready to return to Africa, I leave a week from Tuesday. Continue to pray for health issues and that I will get plenty of rest this week. Pray for guidance as to what to pack that will be most helpful for us in Africa. I have a lot of writing to do, so pray that every word will come from Jesus.

Prayer Requests: Pray for Tom as he deals with the people who deliver our water, a new guy has taken over the route in our area and has not been delivering the water. Pray for travel mercies for Tom as he travels to Nairobi to see about the work permit. We are praying for accountability on the ground there in Thika, someone God would send for fellowship, wisdom and guidance. We would also like to make friends with some of the other missionary families in the area.

Have a great week with Jesus as you grow in love for Him, Tom & Cheryl

Weekly Update for Tom and Cheryl Rees in Thika, Kenya                                                           April 3, 2011

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:12-14

Pressing On

Tom left Murrieta on Tuesday and is now back in Thika. I stayed behind to continue healing for a few weeks. I will be leaving Murrieta on April 19^th to return to Thika. Eric, Sheila and their children who are staying in our flat will be leaving shortly for Mauritius where they will be starting a new fellowship please keep them in prayer. Tom emailed that it has been great to walk the streets again and greet everyone, they are praying for my recovery. I have not talked to Tom by phone yet and look forward to hearing the details of his return. Pray I hear from him soon!

Insurance

I was admitted to the hospital on March 19^th and discharged on March 22^nd. I was accepted for insurance on March 24^th which is a great blessing. Pray for God’s covering as the hospital decides what to do about my bill and also for the doctors who will be sending out charges individually. God is in control and makes all decisions about our medical care. We trust Him to once again meet every need according to His perfect will. Also pray for Tom as we wait to see if Tom is accepted for insurance.

Coming Alongside

There is a couple and a family who are praying about possibly joining us in Africa. Anyone interested in joining us will need to contact Far Reaching Ministries. Tom and I went through a 6 month internship with FRM and then spent time on the field. This was very helpful in training us to serve overseas. Prayer is always the first step and then waiting on the Lord to see how He will bring to pass His perfect will. Tom and I are praying as well for God to send laborers for the harvest.

Praise: Thank you to everyone who has helped me during this time of recovery. The Lord has brought so many to bless me in so many ways, God is so good!

Prayer Request: Pray for Tom as he needs to go to Nairobi to get the permit. Also for the next couple of weeks as he makes decisions about what we can do with the church while we wait for the registration. Pray for a complete healing for me and for many necessary changes once I return to Africa.

Blessings to each one as you walk by the Spirit bringing joy to the heart of God this week, Tom & Cheryl