Time of transition

Hello to all dear friends around the world.

Isn't it interesting that we don't always understand how God operates.

This became very real for us. About six months we were both wondering what's going on. It seemed that, all we did put our hands on, didn't work. We became inpatient with people and the details of life. We felt homesick, thinking it's too natural...but to find out that God Himself was behind it all.

We went to Uganda conference in the end of April. Met with p. Schibelli, p.Sam and my husband called to p. Juha and p. Risto Kyrö. They all had the same witness: it's our time to move back to Finland. The battle was over, the peace took over. 

On the other hand it seemed, that why now, we had planned to stay one more year, but God's ways are past finding out, for us it was to line up with Isaiah 55:8-9.

Maybe the biggest suprice was that P. Alfred told us that he's getting married. Wife to be is a sweet Knyan lady by name Alice. The plan of p. Alfred was, anyhow to move back from Uganda to Kenya. So, God had taken care of even the next head pastor. 

Pastor Alfred Otoa and Alice

Passing on the baton

I do admire God, His plan is always so perfect, for us just to understand it, is bit more challenging.

As we made the decision things went fast, because our flight was May 13th.

We saw God's hand in details.  

For sure, we all do need a lots of prayers right now. Transition in Kitengela, people there, to learn to be under new head-pastor. For us to find our place of service in Helsinki church. For Jukka to find work, I'm planning to study, timing for that.

Our part with mission in Kenya is not over, but it's different. We plan to visit there and here we, purpose to find out ways, how to find donators for the church plot.

Our vision for mission is alive and well.

May God bless you all, as this is the last update for now. When we know more about the plot, I'll write...

p. Jukka and Helena Patrikainen

Praise the Lord

I'm Hellen and blessed with a lovely husband Ernest and two boys Elvis 6 yrs and Justin 1,6 yrs. I'm also taking care of my sisters son Collins 11 months.

Collins, Hellen, Justin and Ernest

Getting ready for the Bible School

My kitchen

I thank God for my life, my family, mama-Helena and Greater Grace church.

I remember when I was a young girl, attending a certain church, but my heart was not comfortable with that church. I remember being on my knees and asking God to help me. 

Years went on and I moved after work to Nairobi. One of my friends took me to a church, where I got saved, but did not understand things taught. Once again I stopped going to church.

I did not attend a church until I met my lovely husband. I started to go to church again. We lived together for three years, but he did not attend any church. Months and life went on, then we separated with my husband. I thank God for our separation, because that's when my husband met with Greater Grace 2011. He got saved, and started to attend the Bible School.

Few months later my husband spoke with me, and we were reconciled. Then he introduced me to the church. God is wonderful.

Since I joined the church and met with mama-Helena, I've started to understand, what does it mean to be saved and have accepted Jesus Christ into my life. I thank God for Greater Grace, they brought light into my life.

September 2014 I joined the Bible School, where I take two classes; Pastoral Epistles and Leadership taught by p.Jukka. I thank God for giving us such a wonderful pastor/teacher.

Bible School

Me and boys at the church.

During this time my family life was facing difficulties. But I thank God since I joined Bible School, my family life is back to normal. Me learning God's ways, I'm now able to control better my temper. I know how to speak to my husband, when we have misunderstandings. I know how to talk to God during time of sickness.

Last week I got a job, so I could not attend Bible School. My husband said: "what, are you doing, you must attend the classes". He sees it being part of keeping our family together. So, I obeyed and stopped that work.  Now I'm praying that God would give me, such a work that I can attend Bible school and the church services.

I thank God for Greater Grace, mama-Helena and p. Jukka. 
May God bless them. Amen

2015 GRADUATION AND CONFERENCE

What are the true blessings ?  The theme of the Conference. A good question or what?
So many times blessings are seen to be material, but the deepest blessing: is to know Him and the power of His resurrection Phil. 3:10.

Think this was our 4th Conference and already 3rd Graduation. Anthony and Mike got diplomas and p.Mbugwa and Rosemary got certificates. And many more students are looking forward to get their paper next year. 

We had honour to have three people coming from Finland: p.Juha and Tuikku Haatanen and Joel (Teku) Johansson. From Uganda p. Alfred Otoa, as p.Sam Muhima could not come. The reason why no, the roof of the church came down, by a heavy storm. Lets keep Nanasana church in our prayers, that the roof could be fixed before April conference.

This time let the photos speak for themselves.

Tire broke, during  the first trip to the airport.

 

I was so happy to have Tuikku to visit.

Getting ready to cook for hundred people

Stew needed to be big

Lunch time

Tuikku with visitors

Getting ready for Graduation

Here they come

P. Juha and the graduates

Anthony, Mike, p. Mbgwa, Rosemary

and here with p. Alfred, p. Juha and p. Jukka

Joel shares the Word of God

Thank you for coming and for your prayers p.Jukka and Helena