Hello friends,
It’s been a while since we last updated you. I was waiting to get more information about my health, but now I’m long overdue. Since the last update in July, I have had many doctor’s appointments and lab visits. Infectious Disease, Neurologist, Endocrinologist, Gastroenterologist, Hematologist, MRI of the brain, PET scan, and bone marrow biopsy, just to name a few. We still do not have a diagnosis; however, we are getting closer to having one. The PET scan results show that my GI tract from the stomach all the way through has something wrong. I do have a colonoscopy and an endoscopy in November, and we are praying this will be the missing link. Through all of this, God has given me more grace and peace than ever—no anxious thoughts or worries about what might be wrong. I am grateful for the peace of God, my amazing wife, all the prayers, excellent medical care, and much improvement in my sleep. I have not had rest like I am experiencing now for over three years.
Since our last update, Naomi has continued her role with NYSUM. This month, in addition to everything else, she was involved with the fall makeover outreach. This is when women in the shelters receive pampering and are reminded that we do not forget them, and most importantly, they are not forgotten by God. This requires Naomi and the team to prep resources weeks in advance. We had some friends from Meadville who came to help us with this and encouraged us greatly. Naomi has also been quite busy getting me to medical appointments. I am still limited in my present weakness, but I am staying connected with our unhoused friends on the street. Meeting their needs but also trying to get more rest. Next week, I am planning to lead a couple of NYSUM short-term mission teams.
Since I’m still grounded, I am missing being in Kenya. We are continuing to meet our commitments there with the building projects. House and church construction are slowly progressing; both are being occupied but not fully finished. Providing school fees, widows and orphans support, and a feeding program for about 30 children weekly. We are also continuing to provide Bibles, and it’s been a great opportunity for us to give and a blessing to those who are receiving them. We are providing the funds, and one of my early carpentry students and his wife have been delivering them to various churches. A Bible is not affordable to many in rural Kenya due to the cost. When they are surviving by trying to provide food for their families along with the cost of school fees, and then a child with malaria, a Bible is about 1100ksh, that’s around $10 USD. In some churches, only the pastor has a Bible, so there are smiles and celebration when Okiyo and Doreen bless a church family with a Bible for each home. This year, we have provided over $3,500 for Bibles in Kenya.
We also continue to stay connected with the other projects and the carpentry/tailoring programs in Kenya. One more thing that brings me much joy is continuing to help a crippled man whom I have been helping for a few years. His name is Joseph, and he is always on the side of the road in Bungoma town. Now, when I send Okiyo there to purchase the Bibles, I have him also greet and bless Joseph. What a joy to be able to bless so many, even when I am unable to go out of the country.
In early October, we were back in Pennsylvania to share what God is doing in our lives with the Atlantic Community Church. They had invited us, and we were grateful for the time we had with them. While back we had several other appointments and necessary things to take care of. It was also great to see our sons and daughter-in-law.
For some time, I have been telling people that I meet and reach out to on the streets these five words. “Tell God I said hi”. This is a short message. God exists, He knows me by name, and I want you to talk to him. This simple message has impacted the people I meet and the outreach teams that I lead. I recently shared this with a cousin whom I hadn’t seen in a long time. He has set everything up for merchandise sales. You can find them at goblip.printify.me We have done our best to find ethical sourcing. All profits support blip. We never planned on selling merch, but we are grateful to Alex for his work and your support.
Once again, we extend our gratitude for your prayers and support.
Blessings,
Paul and Naomi
BLIP 