March 2006

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Kenya.

I am sure that an important part of the missionary’s call is to stand alongside. This involves identifying with the people of the land, with the brothers and sisters of the faith in that part of the world, and acting the role of encourager in seasons of difficulty and discouragement.

Famine, drought, and corruption are found throughout history and are no stranger to the pages of Scripture. It is, however, one thing to read about these dark times and another thing to walk in them. Earlier this month we visited friends of the Masai tribe near the Tanzanian border where there has been relative drought for six years and no rain whatsoever for the past nine months. Driving along the highway we could see the carcasses of zebra and cattle within sight of the roadside. Gazelle were standing listless under the acacia trees.

Nearly every country on the African continent is besieged by corruption, the grasping for wealth at the common man’s expense. Kenya ranks high on the list and has been a topic of every national newspaper since our arrival 16 years ago. There seems to be a difference now. The people are realizing that the money going into the pockets of those in power is their money, and the high and mighty are being called to task. The president and vice president of the country are not exempt, and the courts of law are being scrutinized carefully. Unfortunately, the church and its institutions have not been without fault. Integrity and justice are a vital part of the Christian witness. May God raise up prophetic voices in our time.

Since our last general letter, we worked in a new hospital for nine weeks in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Stan looks toward a short time with daughter Sissel in Mongolia in April. We will be working under a fellow member of the Montreat Presbyterian Church who is a tent-maker missionary to small groups in the Ulaanbaataru area and have been promised a bumpy ride across the Gobi Desert.

We give thanks for health and safety. It is a privilege to see God at work in many places and to take our place as long-term volunteers alongside His faithful servants in many situations. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. We are blessed.

In Christ, the Lord,

Stan and Mia Topple