Dear Friends and Partners,

Faith, serving our children in Kenya and a stroke...what do they have in common? I am sorry this newsletter is so late, but I have been a little out of it the last two weeks.  I had three strokes in a period of 7 days...the strokes were minor and I am now feeling fine.  The reason I am telling you this is to remind you we must understand that God uses all things for His glory and our good.  You would think most people would not see a stroke as "good", but this is not the case.  What has happened over this period is my faith has increased once again, Tammy and I have been given more affirmation of what we have been called to do, and the Lord has pointed out through circumstances and friends an area of my life that has to be worked on over the next six months before we move to Kenya.  If we are simply asking the Lord to be in His will each day and to use us for His glory and purpose, we have to have faith that these things which we see as "bad" are for His glory and our good.  We must give thanks that our Lord loves us so much to do whatever it takes to allow us to serve Him fully.  Don't despair; He has overcome the world...our purpose, rest and salvation is found in Him.

Rains have come...or have they?  We were overjoyed when we were given news rains had come to Tala two weeks ago or so.  It was short lived as they only lasted a few days.  What did occur is they were able to plant and are now waiting to see if the crop will germinate and begin to produce vegetables.  During this most trying time we have been graced by our Lord to have strong supporters to assist the kids to ensure they will eat.  We had calculated about $11,000 would provide enough food until the January harvest (praying that our Lord would bring the rains to allow a harvest).  We have received $7,000 of this amount and have been able to purchase food which will last until the end of November.  The remaining $4,000 will allow us to ensure providence through the harvest in January.  If you are able, please consider a gift to help us raise the remaining funds so we can purchase the rest of the food for the kids.

Chuck McDonald