In the last month, Ken has traveled to Rome, Beirut, and North Africa in support of various ministries; Keli has been busy in Egypt visiting and learning about many different charities and ministries. The boys have been back to many school routines and activities, and all of us (including Grace in the States) have battled seasonal cold/flu/illness. But through all the travel, busyness, and sickness, we continue to be protected, blessed and humbled by the great people we get to serve throughout the region.
There are many various ministry activities ahead for us in the coming months, but we get to focus at home in Cairo for the next month. Pray for us as we attempt to get the local children's ministry program on track. Pray for us as we explore a new and surprising local ministry possibility that we can't share here.
Pray for our kids. It's not easy being teenagers (14, 16, and 19) and the added difficulties of our various locations and cultures, distance from extended family, and other factors just further complicate the normal teenage stress and angst. Pray for our wisdom as parents, too.
By the end of January, we and our Three Worlds teammates were receiving multiple questions
and requests for thoughts about the recent executive order regarding immigration and refugees
from seven nearby nations. During the broadcasts, we encouraged viewers that while we need to
be involved in political advocacy with our government leaders, and while we encourage dialogue
(and not useless arguments) with friends and family, the greatest responsibility we have as
believers in the Kingdom is to act. While the debates rage over individuals not yet within the
USA, there are countless individuals from those and similar nations already there, perhaps even
within your community. While these are anxious times for Americans, these families may be
terrified in their new home country. We encouraged people to be aware and to act with
compassion, grace, and love towards these minority neighbors already present.
We have been encouraging prayers and support for the
Church of God congregation in southern Egypt who were
given permission from the government to rebuild their
facility. We have shared how the other eleven
congregations rallied behind this opportunity, giving from
their own means and helping to raise funds, and how their
example of unity inspired the Church of God in the United
Kingdom to also contribute. To date, roughly 82 percent of
the needed funds have been raised, so only around
$15,000 is needed to finish the exterior of the building, the
second (including new pastor’s apartment) and third floors.
The ground floor sanctuary is finished and has been filled
many times for worship. Compare the New Year’s worship
celebrations from 2016 and 2017. Praise God for what is
happening in Egypt.
Grace, Mercy & Peace,
Ken + Keli Oldham
