2011, No. 13 (29/9/11)

Dear Brethren in Christ

We have continued to be encouraged of the Lord by the ministry and fellowship that He has given us.  There are the usual problems and disappointments, but our unity in the things of the Lord remains.  Such is reflected in the things I am able to share with you this time.

PTC (Pastoral Theological Course)
Almost all the students came and I was able to introduce the courses on Evangelism and Eschatology.  One could not come as he had to take his very sick father (with whom he pastors) to hospital.  With Evangelism I sought to emphasize the relationship with the Sovereignty of God, and trust they will find Packer’s book, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, helpful.  On Eschatology I was very concerned to show that the whole system of Dispensationalism is unscriptural, as it is a very common teaching in Kenya.  It does not come so much as a package, but in its more exciting manifestations such as the nation of Israel and the so-called secret rapture.
The students will come for the last time this year in November, and I will have done all the teaching.  We are seeking in 2012 to invite a few guest lecturers so that the burden for me will be lessened.  Even apart from that it is not good when there is only one teacher as different styles, approaches and insights are needed.  There are a good number of students interested in joining (re-joining) the Course.  Please PRAY for useful men to be willing to come.

Churches Registered
You will be aware that for any church to operate legally it must be under a registration cover.  This is why there have been many local churches registered under Trinity Baptist Church.  It might seem like a denomination but we have let them operate independently except in the matter of choosing their leaders.  However, now the Government is registering new churches and 2 of ours have received their registration: the church at Oyani and its church plant at Arambe are now Upendo (Kiswahili for love) Reformed Baptist Church; the churches at Maranda and Ndira with one church plant are now Guildford Park Church.  They have assured us that such registration will make no difference to our fellowship and that they will be active participants in the Association (RBAK).

Titus Tumaini
Our brother Titus is seeking to establish a witness amongst a few unreached people groups in the Garsen area of the north coastal area of Kenya (100 kms. north of Malindi along the Tana River).  We had a telephone conversation in which he sounded encouraged, having started a morning service in Idsowe where he is expounding Ephesians, and now also an evening service.  Sadly Iddi is not working with him as we had hoped, and he does need a fellow worker.  This is a matter for us to PRAY about.  They are seeking to put up a semi-permanent church building in the plot they have in Idsowe and we will help them with the corrugated iron sheets when required.

Rendille
We are very thankful that we have received some gifts towards helping with the famine situation amongst the Rendille people especially, although we are seeking to extend help to wherever it is needed as funds permit.  From reports being received the Rendille are also suffering from their animals being raided by neighbouring communities.  Because of the lack of pasture they have had to wander further than normal and this has brought them into conflict.
It is especially because of the famine conditions that Pastor Murungi and myself are making a week’s visit to Rendille beginning tomorrow (Friday).  It will be his first time, and he wants to see things for himself so that he can make more informed decisions while here in Nairobi.  Please PRAY for every aspect of the visit:
We want to be an encouragement to our brethren working there: Patrick Ochieng in Korr, Raphael Bulkash in Ndikir, and now Stephen Leseitalo in Lontolio who resumed the PTC this last time.
Our health, especially for me as I am recovering from a sinus infection after a flu that started more than 2 weeks ago.
The good running of the car and our safety in travel

We thank the Lord for your fellowship in the gospel and trust the above is helpful for you to pray. 

In Christ’s service,

Keith & Priscilla Underhill

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