3,000 Books & A Giant Cavern

Christmas was characterized by a great uncertainty for us. Where would we live? How long would we be there? Should we unpack our things? What would we do with our time? Our prayers for a home and work were answered in a form entirely different than we expected…or could have possibly dreamed.

Kevin & Summer Sneed (directors of East Africa Bible College and SUCH a wonderful couple!),
Abby Sneed, "Uncle Mark," myself & Mariko (a Japanese guest)
 - Sorry for the blur! :( 

January 1^st found us welcomed into the missionary guesthouse at East Africa Bible College in Eldoret, Kenya. Our eyes were amazed as we beheld a home larger than anything we’d imagined. Four whole bedrooms, large living room, small kitchen, and indoor restroom! It became a sort of game for me - trying to spread our closet-full of belongings throughout the big cavern. 

That first night we just laughed over the crazy turn of events. What in the world would we do with so much space? We hadn’t a clue at the time, so we asked God to make us sensitive to His plan and to guard us against wasting whatever time He allowed us to stay. This continued as our prayer throughout both January and February. ...How faithful God has been to answer it!

We’ve been blessed to have guests in our home nearly every day since the move - hosting students, old friends, a Japanese visitor, and even two of our boys from South Sudan. :-) The latter, Lopua and Lorot, came down from Kapoeta in mid-January to attend school. Our hearts leapt to see them – familiar faces, laughter, and language. What a joyous celebration!

Lorot and Lopua enjoy a lake view one Sunday afternoon

Having the boys right next door has opened up a door of ministry for which Mark and I have long been praying. One-on-one time and opportunities for true mentorship became ours when Lopua and Lorot started showing up on our doorstep every day. Experiencing a lot of culture shock and making so many adjustments, they were more eager than ever to have our insight and prayers. By having them in our home so frequently, God has allowed Mark and I to witness to them in a more personal way – the boys seeing firsthand our successes and our downfalls, our strengths and our weaknesses, and above all, we pray, the enduring faith and hope we have in Christ.

"We were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the 

gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." 

(I Thessalonians 2:7,8)

The last seven weeks have been busy with various duties, the biggest being the library project. Last week, Mark and I finally completed a digital stock record of each book in the Oxley Library at EABC – almost 3,000 in number! We thoroughly enjoyed this work for the school, discovering SO many wonderful titles and filling our late evenings with heavy reading. In addition to this, Mark led a small English class – teaching and reviewing the language basics, while also getting the opportunity to build relationships with four internationals at the college. And together, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed facilitating small Bible studies and learning to invest more of ourselves in the personal lives of those around us.

Mark with the English class at EABC

As this season comes to a close, we are filled to the brim with thanksgiving. It would seem that each month bring us to the fresh conclusion that “NEVER have we realized God’s sovereignty like we have THIS month!” We’re rejoicing in His control, even as we make plans to leave "the cavern" and return to South Sudan next week. 

We're endlessly grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support!

In Christ,
Mark Philip & Darah Olayo

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