We are in the air.
As you read this, we are somewhere over the Atlantic — or perhaps already on the ground in Nairobi — beginning what will be two weeks of ministry in the Olderkesi region of Kenya. And before we say anything else, we need to say this:
Thank you.
When Moses called Israel to bring their offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle, the text does not describe obligation. It describes movement. “Everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, came and brought.” (Exodus 35:21) The gift preceded the ask. The generosity was already present in the people — it only needed a moment to come forward.
That is what we witnessed among you.
We are grateful to announce that because of your generous and willing giving, we picked up a dedicated ministry vehicle in Nairobi on this trip — a 2017 Toyota Hilux, diesel, 4×4. It is, without question, the right vehicle for this work.
The Hilux is the workhorse of East African ministry and development work for good reason. It will carry us across the rough, rocky terrain between Nairobi and Olderkesi and into the desert bush of Northern Kenya — roads that punish lesser vehicles and strand teams in places where help is hours away. It will transport pastors, supplies, and teams to communities that are not accessible by ordinary means. It will keep us safe on roads that demand both capability and reliability. Diesel availability across the region means we are never dependent on a single fuel source in a remote area. A well-maintained Hilux does not quit. This one will serve this ministry for many years.
This is not a small thing. Access is everything in this work. The gospel does not stop at a bad road — but without the right vehicle, we do. You have changed that.
We will have more to say about what this provision means on the ground in the weeks ahead. For now, we simply want to name it: this is your vehicle. Your generosity built it.
Paul reminded the church at Corinth that God does not measure the gift by its size, but by the condition of the heart behind it. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) We do not know the full range of sacrifice that each gift represented. But we know this — what was given was given cheerfully, and God sees it.
We will be sending regular updates from the field. There is much to look forward to — preaching in Olderkesi, gathering with the pastors, and continuing the discipleship work that you are making possible.
Thank you for stirring. Thank you for moving. Thank you for bringing.
From the road,
Mathew
From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. Acts 17:26-27