Africa

Taking the Gospel to the Giriama
Report from the Talleys

March 12, 2001

Dear Broadway Friends,

            Hello from the Talleys in Kenya.  Our phone seems to be working better these days and we are trying to make a concerted effort to do a better job of communicating with those of you who have email.   Here is a belated summary of “Talley Highlights” for last year.  Some of you have received this information already…..

I suggest you delete this immediately before you fall asleep. 

            The year 2000 was a busy one for our family. Our 17-year-old daughter, Elizabeth (“Libby”), started her A-levels (12^th grade) after completing her O-levels in June. She was chosen Coast Academy Head Girl (a strange mix of student body president, Homecoming Queen and hall monitor) which has kept her busy. Though she is still captain of the swim team, she’s had to drop many activities in order to study for her advanced classes. She is currently playing a lead role in “Steel Magnolias” for the community theater.

            Deborah turned 14 this year and is in Form 3 (9^th grade). Sports continue to be her passion. She is captain of the basketball, football (soccer) and rounders teams and is on the swim team as well. Deborah won the Mombasa Christmas card designing contest again this year. She enjoys sketching and painting and has received several honors at school for her work.  She would probably say her biggest accomplishment for the year has been that she learned to juggle, just like her father. The cost in bruised apples and squashed tangerines has been horrendous, but well worth it.

            Abigail is 8 years old and in the 3^rd grade. She has a voracious appetite for books and food and will probably outgrow both of her sisters in time. Abigail swims on the Junior School swim team. For the 3^rd year in a row she has been chosen to represent her school in the national verse-speaking contest in Nairobi. Her tendency to be over-dramatic and her ability to speak in a mixture of African, Indian, Arabic and British accents at school (and retain her American accent at home) has made reciting poetry natural for her.

            Rebecca is learning to juggle as well….not apples and tangerines, but roles. In addition to teaching rural women in Kigiriama and urban women in Swahili, she took on the job of PTA chairman for the girls’ school. Though their school has some fine qualities, there are many gaps that must be filled in order to ensure the girls get a well-rounded education.  Much of her time has also been spent in counseling women with marriage problems. The disintegration of traditional African values, the crush of urbanization and AIDS have brought a lot of stress and violence into even Christian families. This is one area in which both Timothy and Rebecca hope to spend more time.

            Timothy’s “sphere of influence” continues to expand. His emphasis is still in Malindi where he teaches and administers at the Uzima Christian Training Center. Though his main goal is leadership training, he is still involved in church planting. Tim ministers as an encourager and adviser to the 6 churches now meeting in Mombasa. For the first time in over 5 years the Mombasa churches are in full fellowship with each other, praying together, planning together.  Tim is now on the board of the Nairobi Great Commission School, which requires him to spend time in Nairobi as well.

            Here are some brief highlights of the work on the Kenyan coast last year:

·        Over 150 baptisms took place in 2000.

·        There are now 54 churches in Coast Province, 16 of them were planted this year.

·        Our goal of having churches in all 7 districts of Coast Province is a step closer with churches now in 5.

·        The new (to us) vehicles made possible through your sacrifice have been a great blessing.

We are greatly touched by your constant encouragement and support. The work here could not continue without your partnership. May God continue to bless you this year, filling your lives with joy as you serve Him.

With much love,

Tim, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Deborah and Abigail Talley

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