The Church of Christ with the Elijah Message Blog

Arriving in Kenya on February 10, 2010 of our Lord we were greeted by our Brother John Githinji and Sister Gillian Shivairo who had traveled through the valley of the shadow of death to come and greet us and give us safe escort to Kitale, Kenya and the work of the Lord in East Africa. They were joined in greeting us by Brother Ronald Kasembeli and his lovely wife Linda. These precious souls gathered us at the airport and brought us to the Christian Guest House in Nairobi.

Sister Gillian, in spite of serious wounds suffered in her home during an attack upon her and those children in her home; had traveled with Disciple John Githinji to gather us in Nairobi upon our arrival in Kenya. On their journey to gather us; the bus was overtaken by men who sought to rob and kill all upon the bus. They were driven into the bush to be forced outside and lay upon the ground face down and robbed; yet by the grace of God their lives were spared (usually in such instances all are killed). These brave souls made the journey to insure our safety and good transport to Kitale, Kenya.

During our time in Nairobi, Disciple Beck, Apostle Larry, and Myself took care of the needful business that was needful for our time in Africa. We helped our Brother Beck to get his visa’s and we also obtained our Tanzania visa. We also were blessed to enjoy the company of Brother Ronald and Sister Linda in Niarobi. We introduced Ronald to the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message (Sister Linda is already a member.), and prayed for their lives, their home , and God’s Blessings upon them. These two precious souls share love of God so freely with all and had warmly blessed us with food, and blessings of God in their love and friendship toward us. It was an honor to spend time in their home and in their lives and know that Christ is laboring with them in great measure.

As we prepared to leave Nairobi we were then also joined by Disciple Fred Mikangi and Sister Beatrice. The blessing of God to have these two beloved souls from Kitale to come also and insure our safe journey to Kitale, warmed our very souls and the joy we felt could not be measured. Disciple Fred came even though he suffered with malaria and thypoid and both he and Sister Beatrice had a joy and warmth that had no bounds.

Such are the Brothers and Sisters in Kenya , whom travel at hazard to their own lives to share the love of God and fellowship, to care for we the least of all the brotheren and bless us with food, fellowship in Christ, and unto our every need. How can one measure the goodness and Christian love that is displayed in the actions of these our Brothers and Sisters? Simply the journey itself is wrought with danger and hazards, but with no thought for themselves, they come and care for our needs.

We arrived on the evening of the 13^th of February in Kitale, Kenya, knowing all the while that even in Nairobi we would return and labor further with those whom have need and hunger for the Word of God in that area.

It had been eight years since Brother Larry and I had been in Kitale an yet it was as if we had never left. We walked to the Church plot and the temporary church which was erected there. We praised God for His Mercy and Goodness, in providing us once again to look upon a work of God which had begun so long ago.

God’s goodness and grace has a way of humbling each of us, and I know full well that each of us: Disciple Robert Beck, Apostle Larry Gosier Williams and myself felt with deep humility the Spirit of God and His Blessings which were very obvious to even the casual observer here in this place. We were also blessed greatly with the love of a young child of two years named Terrence Wekesa ; who would be an almost constant companion during our days in Kitale.

Sunday morning of the 14^th of February 2010 found us in the Kitale Local preaching and sharing the Word of the Lord to over 300 beloved souls and some guests from other denominations. The Lord was the most honored guest and led all whom had come to be fed with His Word and His Blessings. God’s healing was in abundance and so was the gift of prophecy and of tongues and interpretation of tongues. Disciple Beck preached upon Love and shared the importance of having the love of God in all that we do. Apostle Larry continued in the service of the Lord sharing his experiences in his first coming to Kenya and how much the Lord has blessed and helped the people to grow and prosper in Christ. He shared also the importance of holding fast to the doctrine and foundation of the Lord and remaining true to the promises we have made to God. I followed, preaching from Philippians chapter 1 and 2 and the forty-fourth message concerning following the Lord and remaining in His Will and not allowing our own desires and wants to overrule the Spirit and Power of God. I also stressed that it must be that those around us may witness Christ within us. The service was then blessed with hymns of worship and Apostle Larry leading us in praise worship through song.

At the end of the service we were honored with gifts from the flock and local of the Lord. They presented each of us and the Disciples and Sister Gillian with a rose , a plaque, and a wreath for our necks. The presents touched me so very deeply and warmed my heart to overflowing. I feel so unworthy of the love that each of my Brothers and Sisters share with me each day.

On Monday the 16^th of February, the Lord Blessed us with meetings with some of the membership and Elders of some of the locals. God blessed us in these meetings with a fine man, married with seven children. His name is Daniel Michoki Mogaki Bore and we studied with him and others who had gathered in the Church for a time on fasting. The Lord God moved upon the Spirit and he was called and ordained as an Elder in the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message. Apostle Norman D. Lyles ordained him, assisted by Apostle Larry Gosier Williams and Disciple Robert Beck.(this was done on February 17, 2010) On the 17^th through the 19^th we met with the Disciples from Kenya and Uganda to plan the work while we are here in Africa. The meetings carried into the night and we were honored to find the Disciples in Unity and filled to overflowing with the Spirit of God. These men are good men, filled with honest hearts and willing hands to do the work of God. These are men with families and men who understand responsibility and the importance of having God in their lives.

During this same time we were blessed to speak with Brother Gideon Mare, a member and brother in the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message for over ten years, whom I had met in 2002. Gideon is a contractor, building large buildings and the Spirit of the Lord rests upon him. We discussed with him the possibility of finally building the East African Headquarters and requested he let us know the cost and how it could be done. He pointed out we have several carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and brick masons within the Church Membership and he would donate his time, his architect to draw up the plans and help us get all the government permits.

The Lord’s Church here in Africa has grown in numbers and in Unity of the Spirit and is rapidly expanding into other nations from this point of Kitale and surely it is time to build a headquarters here in East Africa, where all the nations in East Africa may come and learn of the Word of the Lord and of His Restoration of the Gospel of Christ that men have so long ignored. Yes, there are thousands of Churches throughout the world, but Jesus promised He would indeed restore His Church unto mankind that all might have a true chance to hear the complete Word of God and not the ideas and doctrines of man.

After much prayer and consideration of the Word of God and His Holy Spirit: God’s Holy Spirit bore witness to each of us (Larry, Robert, and myself ), that indeed it was time to construct the house of the Lord for East Africa. We had Gideon Mare have his architect draw up the plans with our input and contributions. Then he explained the cost in total detail. Then Disciple Beck of Germany offered to help in the building costs and to help us to oversea the building of the headquarters that all might be accomplished in the Will and Plan of the Lord. That night Larry and I called our brothers in America: Apostle Terry Laws and Apostle Darrel Bellamy and gave witness of all we had seen and done . We spoke to them of the need of the headquarters and the need of the nations in East and Central Africa to be able to gather, worship, and meet with the Lord to guide and bless the work here in this great continent. The Spirit of God washed over Larry and I as our Brothers in America were of one Spirit and in total unity! Within my heart and very soul God’s Word’s contained in Message 81:21 filled my vision and the Lord speaks saying , “Let the house of the Lord be built, and Church of Christ with the words I bring, the Elijah Message, be established everywhere. Come! All that love the Lord and this work, work together. This is the Lord’s anointed, and appointed, the associated ones of faith. Peace be unto all.” And also when there is Unity among the faithful His Work shall be done. The Unity and the Love that fills the hearts and souls of our Brothers in America and throughout the world is complete and in harmony with the Spirit of God. Even as my Brother Terry and Brother Darrel spoke unto us we could witness the Lord’s Spirit in all that they shared with us and it was difficult to contain the joy of the Lord and His Power. To have such Brother’s as these fills our hearts to overflowing. I thank God always for our Brothers there in America. We truly thank each of you for your prayers and your support, without which the work of the Lord could not be accomplished..

The house of the Lord in Africa will be completed before Brother Larry and I depart Africa! It will be built through the Power and Grace of our Lord Jesus the Christ and the understanding and blessing and prayers of our Brothers and Sisters in America and Europe.

As I close this report we prepare for Services in Kitale on Sunday the 21^st and our then departure for Rwanda, we pray that each of you can rejoice and have a small understanding of the things of God transpiring in Africa as you pray and support the Lord’s Work. We shall continue as much as possible to keep you informed of all that God is doing today in this His Church throughout the world. God bless each of you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Apostle Norman D. Lyles

Heard from Norm and Larry.  Things are going well in Kenya. The church is starting to build a building for the local in Kitale.  There are several hundred members in the local at Kitale. There has lots of growth with new locals being established across the county in the last several months.  There as been several miracles that God as done to help show the people his power. God is doing a great work and we pray that it continues.

Message 69:9

“This is a holy work and mankind must come humbly before the Lord. Let repentance and baptism be the answer in action by each one coming into this work. Let the hands be laid on all that the Spirit might come to them in great power and deliverance in time of trials. Let great faith rule in love. Let peace be in each heart and soul, in your homes, and avoid contentions. Trust not in traditions of men, nor the ways of man, nor flesh. They will not save you.”

When we are looking for the truth that Jesus teaches us in the bible, it is important to get to basics and find it ourselves.  We need to know what we believe is true because God told us through the sprite, not our friends or family.  Each one of us has our own salvation to worry about, and only we can attain it. To be able to join God’s church, there has to be a path that has been set forth to follow.  That path is repentance, baptism, and laying on of hands.  This path has not changed for 2000+ years.  Lets not get caught up in the tradition that men have added over time, God does not change.

Now we are back in the office and on the net. We made contact with brother Ed and all is well, that is why you have these few words at this time. I thank the Lord for him being at home and able to help us.

Today has been a blessed day and I thank the Lord for it all. Without Him we are nothing at all. May the blessings of the Lord be upon each of you.

We began our missionary journey on February 1, 2010 of our Lord. I departed Grand Junction, Colorado at 6:10 am and flew to Denver, then Chicago, and finally onto Frankfurt,Germany;  arriving at 5:20 am on the 2^nd of February.

It was snowing and the airfield was covered with about 5 inches of new snow. Decending through the clouds in the early morning, still dark, it was indeed a beautiful sight to behold!

My Brother’s Larry flight was delayed from Boston and he arrived about two hours later. After gathering my bags, I went to the location where Larry would arrive.  Not long after Disciple Robert Beck joined me and we shared warm greetings and our joy to labor once again in the Lord. My heart was filled with Joy to set my eyes once again upon this fine brother. We shared in many things and  spoke of what we would do here in Germany.  Larry’s flight arrived and we welcomed him to Germany.

Once again the three of us are to labor for our Lord here in Germany and in Africa.  Having gathered our belongings we loaded them in a rented car and began our journey to Bad Harzburg , Germany and to some of God’s precious souls who awaited us there. During our journey along the snow covered roads and through a heavy snow storm, my mind retraced the times I had previously come this way and the sights and feelings and experiences I had been blessed with previously. I remembered clearly the first time I had met Robert Beck and presented him the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and now I amazed at his growth and maturity in the Lord and the Word of the Lord. I shall always thank God for His Mercy and His guidance to meet and Disciple this fine Brother. I also thought upon my family back in Colorado and understood well how much I shall miss them and ache inside for them. It is truly a blessing to have a wife such as Arlene, who supports and prays for me as I travel for the Lord. It is not an easy thing to be apart, yet I do trust God will protect and bless her in my absence.  It is truly good to know those whom you love, support and pray for you everyday.

Arriving in Bad Harzburg, we were greeted by Sister Barbel and Brother Ulf. They had arranged a good place to stay during our time in that part of Germany.  We were able to have several studies there together in the Word of the Lord and share in the Gospel of Christ and the Love of Christ. We also were able to travel to Lieberburg and  have the Lord’s Supper with Sister Nancy, Sister Barbel, and Brother Ulf.  Sister Nancy is the daughter of Ulf and Barbel. We then, the next day traveled  to Helmstedt aan met with  Disciple Manfred Marks and his mother . So many precious memories flooded my heart and soul visiting with Manfred. This wonderful Brother has been and continues to be a strong blessing utno all who  know him and have the good pleasure of meeting him. I feel such joy that Ulf, Barbel, Manfred  and Nancey all live within  the area of Bad Harzburg and are able to meet together and share in the Word of God.  These are part of our Brothers and sisters whom carry the Gospel to the needful in Germany.  Disciple Beck and Disciple Manfred Marks are truly faithful Brothers in the Lord and men of substance and good character. God has provided  stable leadership in these fine men. Ulf Potzschke  who is married to Sister Barbel  is a man the Lord will use as His Disciple in the future here in Germany. Ulf   has been blessed with a quick mind and a willing Spirit and a loving heart for the Lord. I thank God for him and all that labor in Germany.

We traveled from Bad Harzburg , Germany to Eindhoven, Netherlands. Disciple Robert Beck drove us along the snow covered highways and provided us with a wonderful Spirit of God; filled with peace and joy. Robert Beck has a seemingly unending amount of energy and joyfulness in the Lord. It is always a pleasure to labor with him and we look forward to bringing him with us to Africa.

We arrived in Eindoven on the evening of February 6, 2010; to be welcomed by Frank and Jane Mulders. I had not set eyes upon this wonderful couple since 2002 and my heart was filled with joy and thanksgiving for preserving them through these years. They made us feel very much at home, taking us out to dinner and fellowshipping late into the night. Only God’s love can make such a family so friendly and open to share in the love of God.

The next morning Brother Larry led in a beautiful study of God’s Word contained in third Nephi, chapter 18. The Lord’s Spirit was in abundance and all present were filled with the peace of God which comes in such a study. It is a joy to be laboring with Larry again and to once again be in the home of Frank and Jane.

We departed their home on the 7^th for our journey back to the home of Robert Beck and as we drove back to Germany from the Netherlands, each of us traveled in our own thoughts and the knowledge of   the journey awaiting us into Kenya.  We arrived in Burladingen and Robert took us to dinner in an Italian resteraunt before we were to retire and rest that night.  The next two days were spent preparing Robert for his journey to Africa and visiting some of the precious souls he has been laboring among. Larry and I also did our laundry and repacked our own things for the coming journey. We also contacted our families and Brothers and Sisters in America and told them of what had transpired  thus far in our Journey.  In the morning at 2am of the 10^th of February we shall drive to Frankfurt for our flight to Switzerland and then on to Kenya. On the night of the 10^th at 7pm we shall arrive in Africa and began the work in that part of the Lord’s Vineyard.  Thus I close this part of our report to each of you who continue to pray for us and support the efforts we strive to accomplish for the Lord and His Church. I truly pray each of you may have an understanding of what we are doing for our Lord and as representatives of each of you. God Bless you and fill you with Joy in these reports. May His Peace and Blessings be upon all and may these reports magnify His Holy Name: Jesus The Christ.

This is a blessed and I thank the Lord for it all. We are in Germany at this time and will be leaving for Africa on wed. morning at 7:10am. know that each of you are in our prayers. We want to thank each of you for your prayers. God bless all. Bro. Larry.

Here is the study from today’s service. Enjoy.

February 7, 2010 Terry Laws

Terry received a phone call from Norm, Larry, and Robert today. Things are going well. They are going to the Netherlands tomorrow.