Winning the Heart of Africa for Jesus Christ

How often does your husband beat you?

bob — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:40:41 +0000

This was one of the first questions the Kenyan women asked Ann Rosser when she shared with them in the Women’s Discipleship Class at Bridges in July. They were deadly serious. Females are treated very badly in this male dominated society. One of our former students lost an eye when her husband beat her. Another friend was hospitalized at least two times because of beatings by her husband. Please pray for and support these women as they learn that God loves them and His Son died on a cruel cross for even them.

Pastor’s Summer Renewal Seminars

bob — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:31:20 +0000

The Morell School graduates Summer Renewal Seminar was held in a tent made from sewing together polyethylene bags. This makes me get excited about the dedication and drive of these pastors and their ability to get the job done. God … Continue reading →

We Are Back!

bob — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:22:39 +0000

Ann and I are safely back home in the oppressive heat of Oklahoma. Everyone connected with the ministry of Bridges in Kenya sends their deepest thanks to the donors for their support. Bwana Sufera, God is Great and Asante Sanna, … Continue reading →

Monday morning in Africa – July 11, 2011

bob — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:08:07 +0000

Her head feels so small and delicate as i stroke her hair. We have snuggled together in a single bunk bed in the darkness of the twilight awaiting the dawning of another day on the Dark Continent of Africa. We slept the night in separate beds but now we cuddle close to each other and she breathes deep and soft as she drifts in and out of sleep. We do not snuggle together out of fear but because even after almost 48 years of marriage, we love to be together, physically touching and holding each other as well as being together spiritually in obedience to the ministry we share in this place. This is a wonderful and peaceful few moments to share together under the watch care of our Lord.

Sunday – July 10, 2011

bob — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:54:58 +0000

I woke up in Meru this morning with the 23rd Psalm on my mind, “The Lord is my shepherd!” We read that Psalm before we left on our 5 hour ride back to Nairobi. It is about 250 kilometers from Meru to the Methodist Guest house in Nairobi. The ride was mostly uneventful but scenic. We have made this trip many times but still enjoy seeing the scenery, the tea, coffee, bananas and pineapple plantations along the way. The weather is mildly cool and has seldom been over 75, mostly 50′s at night and around 70 in the day time. Looking forward to getting home to our family and friends.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

bob — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:05:07 +0000

PARTY TIME IN MERU! We stayed at a new and different hotel in Meru on this trip. Our regular hotel was over booked and we were sent to the new West Wind Hotel. The staff at the new hotel fell in love with Ann. We had not planned to stay here on Saturday but due to some negotiations and meetings we stayed an extra day. The manager of the hotel knew about Ann’s upcoming birthday and our 48th anniversary in a few months. He insisted that he throw a party for Ann. They made a specially decorated cake and the manager led the entire staff in singing to her. She enjoyed it very much and thanked everyone by passing out pieces of her special cake to all the staff and everyone in the hotel. She was so gracious and giving they loved her even more than before. The manager also asked her to name the room in which we stayed.

Friday afternoon – July 8, 2011

bob — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:52:36 +0000

STAFF MEETING WITH THE VISITORS. The 3 week visit in Meru was concluded with a meeting with the entire staff. The meeting was pretty much routine with the exception of our introduction of Robert Mbogo, a business management consultant we have been interviewing. Ann and I encouraged the staff and stated that we believe this ministry needs to advance to another level as we expand our efforts to become more effective and more efficient not only in our accountability but also in our expansion of learning opportunities for the students. More on this subject later.

Friday morning – July 8, 2011

bob — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:43:43 +0000

The Tailoring and Dressmaking class is made up of young girls with limited educatiion and limited social access. At the close of their week on Friday they wanted to present their international leader, Ann, with a gift and to perform a couple of songs for her. These young women are very bashful yet curious. After they sang and presented their gift to Ann, she spoke to them to encourage them. She had already told them some personal information like she was a great grandmother and of our long marriage. After Ann finished talking to them we topped off the good bye to them with a couple of nice long kisses by us. This sent them into some wild clapping and gasping as this kind of affection is never displayed in public by the Kenyan people especially the men. These young women loved our expression of devotion to each other.

Thursday, July 7, 2001

bob — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:24:55 +0000

A MEETING WITH THE INSTRUCTORS. This morning we met with three of the instructors regarding our awarding of degrees to the graduates. Bridges gives a Certificate to the graduates of the Pastors Training and to the Women’s Discipleship Class. We agreed to consider a Diploma for the Pastors Class after we get some documentation to prove it worthy of a Diploma. This seems to be quite a big distinction for the students. We are in the process of revising the Winners for God training manual for the women.

Wednesday, July 6, 2001

bob — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:16:46 +0000

Lynching the Mole! Today a neighbor came to the Bridges compound and set a trap in the shamba (garden) to catch a mole. He set a crude and rustic trap of string and vines. IT WORKED! He caught the mole by the neck and lynched it. Later he set another trap and caught another one. Yea! Let’s get rid of all the moles that are eating our sweet potatoes.