Pierce Foulk, my Friend, my Brother and my Teacher
Prob 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Prov. 17:17 NASB)
Pierce was my friend, my brother and my teacher. He loved at all times. He loved even when we were separated for long periods of time. I never met anyone who was so good at keeping in touch with other people. He taught me the importance of doing something as simple as calling an old friend.
I first met Pierce and Carma back in 1999 at a missions conference I was organizing for our church. They were serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Nairobi. They came to us late in the process of organizing the conference and didn’t get all of the opportunities to tell their story that other missionaries did, but they wanted to come anyway. We had several conversations at that conference but when it was over I didn’t think much about it and figured I would probably never see or hear from them again. Boy, was I ever wrong. Much to my surprise, Pierce would call me maybe once or twice a year. We would always talk for at least an hour. He was good at telling me about their lives, but great at listening to what was going on with Julie and me. He taught me how listening makes great friendships.
Pierce and Carma went through several ministry changes and eventually worked with us at Living Hope in Kenya. Some of my favorite memories are of the four of us sitting together after dinner at the Hope Centre swapping stories. Pierce always had the best ones. We laughed and laughed at his stories of teaching, selling books and especially the time he spent in the Navy. I won’t go into detail, but he could be a little mischievous at times. If you have had the pleasure of hearing his stories, you know what I mean.
Now back to Prov. 17:17. Pierce loved at all times. He made certain he never lost track of any friend. But as this verse says, a brother is born for adversity. Pierce was my brother, and I am so grateful to God that He gave me such a brother as Pierce. You know, when you get involved in ministry, Satan attacks and there is always adversity. Pierce helped me through many of the challenges that running a ministry brings. Money problems, personnel issues, theological issues, time problems, and many many more problems are just a part of everyday life in ministry. Pierce kicked Satan in the teeth over and over, so he knew God was in control at all times. To Pierce, adversity was nothing more than proof that Satan was under attack and was counterattacking. His faith kept me anchored during all the years we served together. Pierce was always ready to give me a word of encouragement when we together struggled with adversity. Pierce, as my brother taught me to have faith in the midst of adversity.
I will miss Pierce every day on this side of eternity. I will look forward to the time when we can be together and enjoy the kingdom of God. A verse that brings me comfort is Luke 12:32:
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the
Notice the tenderness of Jesus as He calls us His little flock. Look at the joy of the Father as gladly gives to us. Look at the gift given to those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, the kingdom which is life in eternity with Jesus. Pierce has met Jesus in His eternal kingdom. We can be there together with both of them simply by accepting Jesus. There is joy!!!
Empowered to be Witnesses
What a wonderful and blessed mission trip we had in Kenya this June. Upon our arrival in Nairobi on June 6, we hit the ground running. After travelling to The Hope Centre on June 7, we were blessed by the welcoming singing of our precious children. Each of us received hugs and smiles from each child. We immediately felt God’s love surrounding us and were energized to get to work.
Beginning the following day, we attended services at Wildwood Baptist Church Oyuma where we were fed God’s Word by Pastor Joshua Alaro and the joyous singing of the choir. After lunch, we went to town where we were able to get our supplies for the week. Then we spent the day preparing for our busy week and playing a kid’s version of The Jesus Film.
Monday was the beginning of our Ladies’ Bible study for the women of Oyuma at Wildwood. Led by Julie, Cindy, Lori and Morgan, we spoke with the ladies about prayer and God’s method of praying for specific needs and how to share our needs with each other as we lift them up to God. On Tuesday, we then trained the ladies to break down into small groups and pray for each other. In this way, each group was encouraged to meet together and share how God was working in their lives. It was very exciting to see the women open up to each other and sharing just how impactful these prayer times were becoming.
While the women were doing Bible studies, Bob and Andy were in the village of Ayego building Houses of Hope for destitute widows. Ayego is a very remote village in western Kenya which has been identified by the Kenya Baptist Association as an unreached people group known as the Waregi tribe. Upon our arrival there, the only church in the area was a very small Catholic church. On Wednesday, while the third house was being built, the ladies of our team held a Bible study for 17 women of the area under the roof of Mama Doreen’s house. She is a widow who has great difficulty walking due to severe arthritis and whose home was in extremely grim condition, basically ready to fall.
On Saturday, we took the kids to a local resort swimming pool where they were able to enjoy a wonderful time in a terrific pool followed by a delicious lunch of chips (French fries) and soda. It was such a blessing to watch them having such a great time.
On Sunday, our team went back to Ayego to Mama Doreen’s home to hold the first church service under a shade tree. Thus, the new church plant began. We were blessed to welcome about 50 locals to this first service as well as the new pastor, Mark Kosera Onyanho. Through the service, house dedications, and door-to-door evangelism, we saw 52 people pray to receive Christ. God has a huge plan for this area. Please keep this new church in your prayers as they begin growing. Also, pray for the future plans for building a new church in this area. It is an unreached people group in need of the hand of God to show them His plan.
On Sunday evening, we celebrated “Christmas in June” with the orphans at The Hope Centre. It is so wonderful to see the joy on their faces when they enjoy a delicious meal of tilapia, sakumawiki, chapati, and Orange Fanta followed by special Christmas gifts donated by our supporters. As you can imagine, just like our own children, opening Christmas gifts is a blessed time. They are ever so grateful.
This year’s team was one like no other. Supported by three different churches and God-driven team members, this unique team connected with the children and adults like no other. We were so blessed to see God’s hand at work in so many ways. Take time to seek God’s direction. Perhaps He is calling YOU to go with us. There is a church to be built. We need YOU.
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a worldwide effort by a group of caring people to match people who want to help their local and worldwide communities by matching them with non-profit organizations.
A Gift of His Grace and a New Blessing
What a joy it is to serve Jesus Christ through His gift of Living Hope Ministries International.