"For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard." (Isaiah 52:12)
The new year is upon us, and as we go forth, let it not be in haste. Let us go out knowing that God will go before us. We have lost many opportunities during the pandemic years that will never return. Any anxieties or fears that we harbor, God can dispel those, granting us His comfort and peace. So let the past rest and step out into this new year and the future with Him.
As we step into 2022, across the continent, things are improving. Our seminaries have started with most of the students in attendance. Some schools have reopened after being closed for two years, while others work to catch up and get back to their regular schedule. While there are still Covid-19 restrictions, people are returning to work, stabilizing the economies. Thanks be to God for His goodness.
updates from the field
PROJECT 24 STEERING COMMITTEE…
I was blessed to attend the Project 24 Steering Committee meeting. This committee consists of representatives from the LCMS and our partner church, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK). The previous year's accomplishments are reviewed during this annual meeting, and new plans are made for the year ahead. All of the decisions are geared towards spreading the Gospel through God's people here in Kenya and showing mercy to the vulnerable children. We continue to thank the congregations and individuals for their partnership, prayers, and support.
AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANCY EAST AFRICA...
It is a joy to welcome our Agricultural Consultancy volunteers Delano and Linda Meyer to Kenya. Due to the pandemic, the Africa region did not host teams or volunteers for the past two years. The Meyers, former farmers and missionaries to Ghana have a wealth of experience and wisdom in agriculture. Since 2011, they have been returning annually as short-term agricultural missionaries to the following countries in Eastern and Southeastern Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Malawi. They work to help people learn better farming methods, resource management, and family living according to Biblical principles. Delano and Linda have been instrumental in recruiting and training additional members of the Agricultural Consultancy team.
The Meyers will serve in the Northwest Diocese (NWD) of the ELCK for five weeks. I traveled with them for the first week. During our time together, we met with the bishop and diocesan secretary of the NWD to share more about their training program. The Meyers teach on Management of the Harvest, the Life of the Soil and ways to improve the soil, Storage and Marketing, Christian Marriage, and other Bible topics. In addition, we visited primary and secondary schools throughout the week, where Delano and Linda shared Bible messages and taught about the Life of the Soil.
The highlight of the trip for me was our visit to the farm of Mama Pauline. She does mixed farming, which consists of fruits and vegetables and the rearing of various animals. She also invited the neighbors to come for the teaching. Mama Pauline gave a tour of her farm, and Delano and Linda were delighted to see some of the practices they teach already in place. Delano taught how to combat diseases or insects that destroy crops. I met Mama Pauline's mother, Gogo Sarah, age 110. I was able to greet her and take a few photos of her. We learned that she was baptized in 2021 at the age of 109. It was indeed a blessing to meet this sister in Christ and to know that we will meet again in Heaven.
I am encouraged and inspired by the Meyers, who continue to give their time and talents in serving the Lord. Coming back to Africa is their small way of saying "Thank You, Lord" for seeing them through many difficult situations. As Delano often says, "To God be the Glory, great things He has done."
Adventures with the Osiros - A visit to Market Day in West Pokot
Thank you for being part of this journey with us as we serve the Lord in Eastern and Southern Africa.
or you can send gifts to: The lutheran church--missouri synod P.o. Box 66861 st. louis, MO 63166-6861
OR
Or you can send gifts to: Mission Central 40718 Highway E-16 Mapleton, IA 51034; give online at https://missioncentral.us/missions/all-missionaries/ then click on Shara & Michael Osiro; Or text the keyword LCMSOSIRO to the number 41-444
prayers & praise
- Pray for God's strength and guidance as Michael and I serve in Africa.
- Pray for the Alliance & LCMS missionaries serving through LCMS International Mission.
- Pray for Delano and Linda Meyer as they serve in Kenya.
- Praise God that Gogo Sarah was baptized into the family of Christ.
- Praise God for all of YOU and the love & support that you give to me and Michael.
Contact Information: P. O. Box 22, Karen, 00502 - Kenya / Email: shara.osiro@lcms.org
