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Turkana from the Skyward Express airplaneYesterday we arrived in Lodwar, Turkana County, to dry and hot. I took a picture from the plane as we came in. The climate conditions are only part of the issue here. The land has been consistently overgrazed removing all grasses and vegetation which leads to a cycle of flooding runoff when rains do fall because there's nothing to absorb the rain or slow the water. The topsoil washes away and the rain doesn't sink into the earth. Combine that with years of drought and vegetation just can't survive. After season upon season of this, the earth looks like it does today. As I travel around the area, once in a while I come upon a fenced plot of land, inside of which are grasses, shrubs, and trees. By fencing, the owner has done nothing more than prevent grazing and within a decade or so - provided there is any rain - the land can recover, holding down the soil, retaining moisture, and reducing flooding, while also creating a much more pleasant environment for his homestead. It takes a long-term view and dedication to deny open grazing in your land but the benefits are substantial and visible.;)
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Abandoned Engines at the Lodwar AirportWe arrived at the airport where it was 99 degrees out. The airport runway is paved as is one other road through Lodwar Town. There are busted up and abandoned airplane engines in a outcropping of rocks just off the runway, giving the area the feeling of a conflict zone. We spent the evening visiting with the personal assistant to the congressman (minister of parliament), named James, and with a local Pentecostal Pastor, named Joseph, whom the congressman sent to us. Joseph described a little about his own experience as a pastor in the town and about his congregation of about 30 people. The congressman sent him to us as a local church connection and because the pastor is interested in converting to the Lutheran Church and eager to be sent to Seminary if we are willing and find him capable. He has friends in the Lutheran congregations far to the south in Lokichar and has learned from them about our emphasis on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lutheran Church is already gaining recognition in the community and we have only just arrived - God prepares the hearts of His people!
Today (Wednesday) we will visit two different locations here in Lodwar where the congressman is offering us land. The congressman is also giving us free use of one of his cars if we put some gas in it. It's not only an election year (to which some would attribute the congressman's generosity and support) but this congressman is locally known as "The Missionary" because of his work before being elected. Some things are universal - I'm talking about the amazing transforming love of Jesus Christ who makes even politicians NOT NORMAL as my dear friend Gary Thies would say. We'll spend the balance of the day in visits to the area chief and elders who are part of the land allocation process. Next week, after we have agreed on the site, the congressman himself will come to Lodwar and the General Secretary will return so the congressman, area chief, land officials, and community elders can go to the site and gather the local community to make the public announcement of the land allocation. This public gathering and conversation will take all day and ensures that the community feels involved in the process and feels informed and supported.
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General Secretary Rev. Benjamin Lemosi, Rev. Joseph, James, and Rev. Daniel Mutai meet at Ceamo Prestige Hotel in LodwarPray for us as we visit and see the people who live near the two plots being offered!