More than "good"...

It's been so long since I (Lindy) have posted a blog- I nearly forgot how to sign in! I'm not sure about anyone else, but I just loved Chris' last post. So many great memories!

Since we've been back in the U.S. I've been blessed to work a few days a week when we aren't traveling. I really long for my little boy those days, but he's getting good Daddy time in. It's difficult going from working as a stay-at-home mom to working away from home. It really tugs at your heartstrings.

A couple weeks ago, we were invited to Frank and Dottie's home in Wilksboro just few days before Frank, Dottie, Glenn and the Chennoworths left for Kenya. They invited a very special group of people over. Friends filled their living room who had been praying for Ezra for a long time. It was quite humbling. People showed up to meet our famous Ezra. They wanted to lay their eyes and hands on God's faithful answer to so many of their prayers. They lavished us with their presence, smiles, stories, and gifts. I wish I was not such a simple person with such simple words sometimes... because I am desperate to appropriately articulate just how that made this Mama's heart feel.

Right now, we are in sunny...er... cold/wet, Shelby NC. Chris was asked to speak at Gardner-Webb University for their "Celebration Week". As Chris began preparing for this week several weeks back, a good friend of his encouraged him to spend plenty of time praying in preparation. God used that friend of ours in an incredible way. Not just for this week, but in our personal and family prayer life as well.

Chris will speak a total of 5 times throughout the week. I will do my best not to use Chris' name because it is/was truly the Holy Spirit's working. Last night was the first night of Celebration Week. As the Lord dealt with Chris' heart on the issue of prayer he was led to spend the first night on prayer. Prompting students to pray for themselves, peers, the university and even around the world. Students were on their faces before our Savior! It was such an incredible sight that brought me to tears SO many times throughout the evening. I stood in the very back in case my exhausted Ezra awoke from his slumber while strapped to me. It was SUCH A BLESSING to watch these students praise with outstretched arms in worship and prayer before their King! With tears surging down my flushed cheeks I watched a handsome young man, lacking his sight and hearing, admire and praise his Jesus like nothing I'd ever seen.

I eagerly anticipate tonight's outpouring of the Holy Spirit yet again...

Oh how "good" doesn't come close to describing Him.

Please pray for the rest of this week, the students here, and what God WILL accomplish! We all must remain faithful to our part He has asked of us. We'll try and put a few pictures up after this that capture our time here.

~Team Thompson

The Year That Was...

It was the best of times, it was the ... well,... best of times!

In the newsletter for January we highlighted a few pictures that really captured the pulse of this past year. We'd like to take a little more time to look in and show you all the ways that God sent servants, brought smiles, grew disciples, polished ministers, and changed lives.

(in no specific order)

Frank & Dottie Shealy give themselves to Kenya every year! They helped paint the lockers for the Saint Boys. Pray for them because they are in Kenya right now, serving... again!

Lindy with Sylvia, Brian, and Paul. Just look at how far these children have come since we were able to meet them! (see this older picture and remind yourself of their story)

Pastor Lon Chinowith (Baptist Home BC) came and taught at Berith Bible College and preached to Berith Church back in January.

Do you remember when we took the Saint Boys camping and hiking at Mount Longonot? Mr. Russell Knight came and spent time loving on the boys. (He and Sara had their first child a few weeks before Ezra came!)

Dad came back with a team from Salem Baptist Church. Noah and my father get along so well! Very similar!

The boys trying to wash Wallace. This was a funny sight to see.

Kiangoi Rahman Onsomu (Thomas) graduated in September from Berith Bible College. When I asked him, "So are you going to look for a church to pastor?" He laughed and said, "I'm too scared to do that. I'll just stick to chickens." But he now has more understanding of God's Word to lead his family and serve at his church.

Mr. Ezra Lewis Thompson joined our family this year! Wallace took him under his wing... literally.

Max and Pat Rollins (Lindy's parents) came and spent 3 weeks with us (actually they really came to see Ezra, but we did manage to show them much of Kenya! They fell in love with the Saint Boys. I mean, 'how could you not love them?')

Thanks to Miss Grace Kriegel, 3 of our boys made it a good private school. She worked them hard, but they loved her so much. And she loved... er... LOVES them.

Wallace waited patiently for Ezra's arrival. He even helped decorate his room.

We began our incubation and hatching this year. After some setbacks (lost 400 chicks and government regulations getting tighter) we have Thomas and Noah ready to make this a big success!

Mr. Cameron spent extra time with us and particularly the Saint Boys. They loved him!

Graig Austin came with a U of Mich team who spent one particular day helping disabled children enjoy horseback riding! They were so good with those kids. (except a certain person is terrified of large animals. No names need be mentioned. g.a.)

A series of fuel shortages made driving interesting during April/May.

Salem Baptist Church shared with Jamoca School one day. They sang songs, played games, gave testimonies, and loved on so many children.

Sorority girls from Ole Miss came with NDI and spent all their energy giving to these children. What an encouragement they were!

Due to the drought and famine in Northern Kenya, we were able to help bless countless others with nearly 4 tons of food!

Our dear friends Jonathan and Sandra Keytel returned back to South Africa. I've never met two more giving and encouraging people in my life. My family's life will never be the same because of the love displayed by these 2 saints... these 2 friends.

And the Saint Boys enjoyed an early Christmas just before we left for the US. Ezra got to give his gift to them too!

What a year 2011 was

The Finish

Our deepest thanks and appreciation to all who shared in the Christmas Blessing Project this year! Many of you answered this invitation through your gifts, support, prayers, and advocation. We will be excited to return to Kenya and report to our Kenyan friends all that God has done through your gifts! (And if you'd still like to give, then you are welcome to do so).

Let me give a report on how you responded and what was raised:

1. Educating a Saint - We have now accounted for enough scholarships to cover all 8 boys through this year! Wow! What an extraordinary feat! Eight young men will be able to enroll, attend, and be provided with a solid educational experience. There are years to follow for these boys, but we are confident that their education will be provided.

2. Cooking School - Both candidates for cooking school are all but covered! That's right; the funds have been secured to send them both with the exception of a few dollars remaining for one. (and you can still contribute to this need!)

3. Bible Scholar - 4 students at Berith Bible College now have the rest of their Bible Training covered. I am quite eager to return and give the good news to those individuals!

4. Chicken Farm - Several chickens were purchased to help one particular farm grow. These chickens will be the catalyst for their future success in chicken farming.

5. Entrepreneur - We have received a donation toward this opportunity, but there is still a need for more. I'm encouraged because the funds will help provide a business to support a believer's family as well as establish a G0d-centered business in the market place. (continue praying and considering ways to help in this opportunity).

Thanks again for all you have shared with during this project. We are, indeed, honored to serve alongside you.

~Chris, Lindy, Ezra, and ALL of Only Servants Ministries!

*** Next week we will publish several key things as we enter 2012! Don't miss that report!!! ***