New NEWS!

Recently I received an email from mission leader-
ship saying that I need to raise money for a 4WD
vehicle in order to start up mobile clinics again from Kalacha. I had hoped to return to Kenya and assess the situation, but the mission wants me to present the need before I leave in June 2008. So I am writing a prayer letter to everyone know and adding it to this months blog.

Two of the last 4 years in Kenya, I did have a land rover to use for the mobile clinics. But it became far to expensive for me to keep it running and repaired. So it was sold and with in 6
months the Lord answer the 3 reason for having
a vehicle-mobile clinics, travel between Nairobi

and Kalacha, and getting supplies. So I was hoping to return this time to see what the situation was at Kalacha with new missionaries and ministries starting up to see if really did need one.

You might have lots of questions as do I when thinking about a vehicle. I still have questions, but have wanted to know the Lord's leading in this matter totally. I am not sure exactly how and when He will supply, but He will. Let me pose some questions that you mgiht be asking:

1)How much will a vehicle cost? I looked on the
internet and the 4WD in the States costs at least
$20,000US new. AIM leadership is proposing that
I raise $30,000 which would give me the remainder
to use for the running and repairs on the vehicle.
They want me to have at least $12,000 "in-hand"
or promised before leaving the USA on June 10th.

2)Will you purchase the vehicle in Kenya? The plan is to purchase the vehicle, second-hand, in Kenya as that will decrease matters related to importing and fees involved to get the vehicle into Kenya.
3)Why is a 4WD necessary for your work? The reason a 4WD is necessary is because in northern Kenya when I work roads are either dusty and rocky in the dry season(most of the year), or MUDDY and EVENTFUL in the rainy season(twice a year). Due to unpaved roads each trip takes its tole on the tires, shock absorbers, bushings, body of the vehicle, and regular maintenance along with the higher price of fuel in Kenya. At present $6.00 is the price of a gallon of diesel.

If you have more questions please contact AIM, myself, or Global Ministries Commission on the websites provided.

Spring Is HERE!

I am so excited about Spring coming to Pennsylvania. Recently a missionary friend and I went to Middle Creek to see all the birds that migrating north after the winter. It only happens once a year for about 3-4 weeks. With in an hour and half we saw a large number of birds! It was great to be outside(though chilly) to enjoy fresh air, the birds and interact with other bird watchers! We saw many tundra swans, Canadian geese, Snow Geese a BALD EAGLE(with binoculars), a Heron, and few other birds. The afternoon is the best time to visit!

Have a wonderful Easter weekend. I am looking forward to the celebrations of the Lord Jesus' provision for us with friends in Reading. May this Sunday be extra special for each of you as you thank HIM and praise for His provision for you!

This time in the USA has been good and I have enjoyed a number of things. One particularly great time was with family in Yellowstone National Park. Any of you who have not gone should do it. The sites of animals, birds and natural surroundings are wonderful. The picture to the left is taken at HOT springs in the early morning. The shadows are family members as we were looking at the pool barely visiable due to the steam. We were reminded many times of the Lord's creation showing people(when they want to listen) who He is- It was awesome and beautiful all together!

Mungu Anaweza

You might be asking yourself what does "Mungu Anaweza" mean? Good question! It means "GOD IS ABLE" in Swahili. Swahili is the trade language used in Kenya for tribes to communicate between each other. Kenya used to be a British colony, and in 1963 was given its independence from England. Thus official documents, education passed 3rd year in Primary school is in English. But because Kenya has about 52 languages belonging to the 52 tribal groups they need a language to communicate between tribes. Kenya is about the size of Texas in the USA, and USA mainland (square miles) can be fit into the continent of Africa TWICE. So Africa and Kenya are large expanses of land where many peoples live.

So back to the topic of "God is Able". That is so true, and that is what I am holding onto for this next 4 years, Lord willing, at Kalacha. It is will be the Lord enabling to bring about more Gabra people to Himself. The Lord is showing us slowly how He is doing it. There are more missionaries joining us there at Kalacha. We are hopeful that a Kenyan pastor will be stationed at Kalacha to teach the local believers who do attend church. We are asking Him to challenge people to help be a part of the new team's support financially and prayerfully so that the can go to Kalacha soon. The Lord is Able and we are praying that He will help us to trust Him for the great things yet to happen there.

Who am I?

Hello my name is Gloria Smethers working in Kenya since 1999 with Africa Inland Mission as a nurse. I used to work in DRC (formerly Zaire) until 1996. Presently, I have been in the USA for nearly a year of leave living in Pa. I plan to return to Kenya in early June, Lord willing. The picture taken of me was done in Florida, but where I work climate, terrain, follage and life and people are very different.
The place that I will be returning to is called Kalacha where the Gabra and Boran peoples lives in a semi-nomadic way of life. Right at Kalacha the people are becoming more seditary(opposite of nomadic) so they live close by the water source at Kalacha and send their animals(camels, goats and sheep) out to graze early in the morning and return as the sun is going down. Life is very much like what we can read about in the Old Testement.
I hope I have caught your attention and interest as I would like to use this mode of communication to share about what is happening in my life and show you a bit easier and faster what life is like at Kalacha. Will be glad to hear from friends and family, and church supporters if you have any questions. Have a great week

Getting started-March 11,2008

Dear friends, I am stepping out and trying something new for me. I have see others who have used blogging as a way of communicating with friends, and family. So thought it could be a way to update people on what happening with me. I do have missionary friends who also use Blogging as a way of keepin in touch and communicating changes that are occuring.

Presently, I am in the USA but starting to make preparations for returning to Kenya where the Lord is leading me back to Kalacha. The Lord has answered prayers regarding the return. Kenya has experienced some heart ache and lost in recent months since end of December. Reports from the mission and are looking more hopeful and positive than it did in January and February. We are praising the Lord for His of mercy on many issues affecting the country of Kenya and its people.