Debbie and I are now back in Texas! We were so blessed and saw God’s favor in all we set our hands to do. So many wonderful events, breakthroughs, direction and open doors. We have felt like we are walking under an open heaven. From our work permit being given the day we arrived for the next 3 years, (sometimes this takes months to obtain), to the Trust for CMLTI being granted one week later, (done without bribes), to being given the Title Deed to our new property one week before we returned, we have been walking on air. Once our breakthrough happened for the release of the funds, it seems that favor and blessing has preceded each new challenge; finding the right property, securing ownership/title of the property before the 90-day deadline, finding the right contractor to build the new CMM and favor with the building and lands officials in the county that will be our new home. A “new” car (the past few years we have used the CMM van as our personal car…like driving a bus) was waiting for us at the airport and our new home should be ready for us to move into in June.
Where things stand at the moment
Before returning the States, a major blessing occurred; God brought the right contractor into our path! After much searching and research, the contractor we are contracting for all the building, will begin in December. His timetable for the construction is that the wall, the facility building, and the homes will be completed by the end of May, first of June. All other buildings will be in progress as well with completion of all buildings by the end of 2021! We also finished with the architect in finalizing the details so he can finish all drawings, designs, etc. which should be completed within a few days. We have finished the site plan and location of each building, home, garden, etc.
The next act of development is having a “change of user” done on the property from agriculture to religious institution. The county official in charge of heading this up is walking the property this week and doing all the due diligence to submit to the committee in their December meeting. Once it is approved, then there is no looking back. We anticipate that by the first week of January excavation, clearing some tea bushes, starting the wall, etc. shall begin.
Completion and Dedication dates
The contractor estimates he will be finished at the end of 2021 with all work and building. We will begin to rent to groups as soon as the dormitory and dining is completed. We expect that our first conference will be in March 2022 and to open the Bible College at the same time. We would then plan to have our dedication in the summer of 2022.
Back in court
Before Covid hit, we were to have our next date in court against the crooks this past March. However, the courts were closed, and our next hearing is set for December 9th. Once we win in this court, $1.39M will be released to us. However, we set our budget for rebuilding CMM with the funds already received and in the bank. Once this suit is settled and we then have the additional funds in the bank, then we can upgrade and add some equipment, etc. that we desire and will need. We are asking that you would once again add this to your prayer list that God’s favor will once again fall on us and our team during this challenge.
Did you enjoy the virtual banquet?
So many things are so different in this Covid season, notwithstanding being unable to meet for our annual MB banquet. Well almost. Through the miracle of modern technology, along with those that know how to use it (thanks Five Stone Creative and Destiny Chapel tech team), we had a great evening. Producing much of the content from Kenya and then mix in content from others here in the States, was no small feat and turned out to be incredible. Thanks to everyone that was involved in making this a great event and for all that joined us for this. We had close to 500 views!
Giving
If you regularly give and/or pledge funds each year at the banquet, please consider donating again this year as those funds along with funds given between now and the year’s end provide for the projects and needs for the first half of 2021; i.e. shipping container, buying concordances, regional meetings, travel, etc. You can donate online:
https://www.missionbarnabas.us/donate
or by mail: Mission Barnabas POB 820734 N. Richland Hills, Tx. 76182. I trust that even though we did not meet in person that it will not limit your donations and giving.
Happy Holidays and Asante Sana
I trust each of you will enjoy a great holiday season even though it is still 2020. I wanted to say thank you to each one of you for your prayers, encouragement and support for us and Mission Barnabas and CMM throughout this year. However, not only for 2020 but especially for the 3-year season we have been in with all the changes with the ministry in Kenya. This year has been a breakthrough year for Mission Barnabas and CMM and you have been a part of this journey and part of the victories as well. May God so reward and multiply His blessings to each of you that have sacrificed and walked this journey with us. The best is yet to come, and we are looking forward to a remarkable future ahead as we continue in what God has put before us.
Blessings and be sure to check out our new and improved website,
Ronnie and Debbie