Dear family and friends,
It’s December, and 2025 is almost over. We have been through some challenges this year and are looking forward to a new year. The past few weeks have been full of outreach opportunities. Once again, we have partnered with NYSUM for the Thanksgiving and Christmas compassion outreaches. We served over 600 Thanksgiving dinners to those in need across the city. Naomi helped organize and purchase 900+ toys for children in shelters, and for several churches we partner with. This year’s theme is “I believe.” We had about 200 people coming from across the USA to join us on short-term missions. We could not do all we do without the help of our short-term missionaries.
Now, regarding my health… Here is what we know: After all the scans, exams, pokes, and scopes, nothing has been found. No cancer. No other diseases. I have had several minor issues, and they have been problematic. I was unable to sleep for three years, and this has led to low testosterone levels of 46. Which led to osteoporosis. I also had H. pylori, an infectious bacteria, in my GI system. And have been dealing with drastically lowered sodium levels, and landed me in the hospital in June. This week I went back to the doctor, and he ran several blood tests. My blood work is still abnormal, but the doctor is thrilled with my weight gain and overall well-being and has given his blessing to return to Kenya. The doctor wants to see me in six months, and if the blood work is still abnormal, they may do another bone biopsy.
I have become strong enough to help as an outreach leader again. I have experienced some healing and am sleeping better. I am nourishing and strengthening my body as best as I can. This has enabled me to be out on the streets three to four times a week. I have been meeting daily needs such as food, clothing, antibiotic ointment, and cold medicine. With winter arriving, I have been giving out coats, hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, boots, sleeping bags, handwarmers, and warm socks, along with hot coffee and tea. Several supporters from PA contributed to these items. A BIG THANK YOU to each of you!
I have not only been reconnecting with those we know but also helping new friends. A few weeks ago, I helped out a man in great need on the street. I saw him again about a week later at Penn Station. He said he remembered me and was surprised when I called him by name. I told him that I had been praying for him since I met him. He responded by shouting, “God, Paul remembers my name”. He said this multiple times as many commuters passed by. While I was still helping him, one of our Hispanic friends (who doesn’t know any English) came up the escalator. When he saw me, he came over with a big smile and a hug. These two interactions reminded us of two things that we have learned: The value of remembering the names of the forgotten and the language of love is universal.
In this season of physical challenges for both of us. Also, as we age, our needs change. This is a reality we struggle to express. We recently sought counsel from our mission pastor. He said there was no need to apologize for our needs, but to let people know. So here we are, letting you know that our current living arrangements will not sustain us in the long term. We have been so blessed to have a room here at NYSUM, but we are beginning to look for a one-bedroom apartment. This will be helpful in multiple ways, and Lord willing, we will continue, not just surviving but thriving. Unfortunately, it will also come with an overwhelming cost. We would like to stay near NYSUM as we can help them, and they, in return, help us. We have done little research, but the cost of a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,500 to $3,000. That is not feasible for us with our current donations. But we serve a mighty God, and He knows our need so that we will look to Him, and I believe He will make a way.
Later in December, we plan to visit family in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina. From there, we plan to head to Florida for some rest and a little warm weather for my Raynaud’s syndrome. We plan to connect with some supporters along the way. Lord willing, on January 14, I am planning to return to Kenya. I was there for 86 days this year, but haven’t been back since May. I will be there following up on the ongoing projects, and it will definitely be warm. I am planning to return to the US on February 4. While I am in Kenya, Naomi will spend time with her family in North Carolina. She needs to be back to help NYSUM mid-February.
We want to extend Christmas blessings to you and your family. Hopefully, in all the activities, you will have time to focus on God’s gift to us. As we think about God’s kingdom coming to earth with the birth of Jesus the Christ, may you know the hope, peace, joy, and love of Jesus.
Thank you for all your prayers, cards of encouragement, and support this year.
Paul and Naomi
BLIP 