Good News from Far and Near

In the months of April we were invited to two weddings, one in South America and the other in Kenya, East Africa. We would loved to have been at both of them, but due to distance, dates and dollars it was not possible for us as senior citizens to seriously contemplate that. However thanks to the wonders of ‘You Tube’ we were able to be at Kate and Kevin’s wedding in Buenos Aires, and also to enjoy a description and photographs of Somo and Jennifer’s wedding in Kenya.

My nephew George Robertson was born in Argentina to our friends Dick and Irene Robertson who came from the Carnwadric and Pollok districts of Glasgow, Scotland. George and his wife Priscila had four children and Kevin was the last one of the four to ‘leave the nest’ with his marriage to Kate, all the way from Australia! How and where they met I have no idea, as the wedding of course was conducted in Spanish. George the son of Christian parents, and himself a preacher and evangelist conducted the service. The last time we saw Kevin was when we visited the family in Oran, to see and witness a thriving church and the work being done amongst children and teenagers. Kevin was just a wee boy, now a young Christian man and happily married. Whew, how time flies! We wish them both God’s blessing as they set out on this journey through life together. A few photos taken from the You Tube video link follow.

Somo and Jennifer’s wedding in Kenya was hugeley different, but similar in the main aspects. We loved hearing about it and especially seeing the pictures. Somo’s mum was a friend of ours when we worked in Kenya with Tearfund, and a synopsis of her story is told by her son Somo below.

The life of the Rendille people has dramatically changed since we were there with ‘Tearfund’ in the late 1980’s and early 90’s. At that time a Christian couple from South Africa had recently arrived, and were there to learn the Rendille language and then to teach the Rendille people how to read and write. An incentive was offered, to encourage people to join the literacy programme, and among those who joined was Somo’s mum Narejo. Here is what he said to her on Mother’s Day.

Narejo’s enrolling for the adult literacy course rewarded her away and above what she had hoped for. Not just goats, but the ability to read and write, opening up a whole new world of which she had never dreamed! Reading Marks Gospel then introduced her to Jesus who subsequently became her Saviour and friend and life began anew. What a lovely story! Her son and daughter in law are now both University graduates, who speak and write in Rendille, Swahili and English! Wow.

As I mentioned, since the message of Jesus has come to the Rendille life has changed dramatically, the Church has expanded, there are adult and children’s choirs, Bible studies, women’s groups, primary and secondary schools are excelling, veterinary training for camels, goats and cattle has been given, wells have been dug, and even Kenya TV News has recently been reporting on the progress and improvements that have come to this people group in a remote area of Northern Kenya.. Jesus said ‘I have come that you might have life in all its fullness’ is certainly being seen amongst the Rendille. Here are some pics of the wedding guests that tell their own story in colour, charm and character expressed in the faces.

Meantime at home we have just returned from our holiday on the Isle of Tiree, where we relaxed with friends and basked in the quietness and beauty of the place. The weather was mostly bright and sunny, the ‘machair’ was alive with wild flowers and the sound of birds, lambs and calves were around and the big sky and perfect beaches and sunsets were a joy to behold. Someone has said ‘Life stands still on Tiree’ and that was true for us.

It was also good to be at some Church services conducted by The Faith Mission, so we were refreshed in body soul and spirit.

Now we are back to face the challenges and joys of day to day life. We listen to the politicians making their pitches for our votes as we face a coming general election. We also hear the news of wars and fighting, refugees and deprivation, natural disasters and man’s inhumanity to man. However as we approach the month of June we are looking forward to some special Christian events, which are planned, so if you are around we are sure you would be blessed by being there.

The Keswick Convention in Ayr with the Rev. Tommy Macneil from The Isle of Lewis, and the Visit of Franklin Graham to the OVO Hydro in Glasgow with his GOD LOVES YOU tour, and Praise Gathering in the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. All these events have been a great blessing to us in our lives over the years, I recommend them to you. I’m sure you can listen on-line. Here are the details.

More on our travels will need to wait until the next blog and my daring return to ‘wild swimming’! 🙂 So until then I pray you will be blessed wherever you are – Matthew