Engraved on His Palms

"See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." - Isaiah 49:16

This verse from Isaiah has been resting heavily on my heart since our midweek service, maybe even more than it did for those who heard me speak. Sometimes, when you're the one delivering the message, you don't realize how deeply it will speak to you in return.

Life gets busy. We strive to achieve, to become, to meet expectations and in the whirlwind of all that striving, it's easy to lose sight of who we are and how deeply we are loved. But this verse reminds us of something profoundly personal: God has engraved us on the palms of His hands.

He didn't scribble our names there in case He forgot. No, the engraving is permanent, carved by the sacrifice of Jesus, marked by His love. When God looks at His hands, He sees you. He sees me. And I believe He smiles.

The second part of the verse says, "your walls are ever before me." God is not only intimately aware of us, but also of what surrounds us. The "walls" could represent our lives, our circumstances, our challenges — even the barriers we don't yet see. He sees what's coming. He knows what's pressing in. And He is watching, guarding, and protecting us, both from what we understand and what we don't.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed, overlooked, or forgotten, take a moment to rest in this truth: You are loved by the Creator of the universe. People may forget you. Some may disappoint you. But God never does. Your name is forever etched into His hands, and your life is ever before His eyes.

Ministry Updates: A Full Few Weeks!

Michigan Visit: Family Time and Refreshment

At the end of July, we wrapped up our second school term here. As many of you know, both the beginning and end of a school term are incredibly demanding times, filled with activities, planning, and transitions. The very next day after term ended, Cassandra and I flew to the U.S.

Cassandra is currently in Michigan, raising support as she prepares to return to Kenya. I was only able to stay for two short weeks, but it was such a refreshing and needed time. I traveled to Michigan to be with my kids and grandkids and what a blessing it was. Hugging them, spending quality time together, and especially meeting my newest granddaughter, Aburen, filled my heart in a way that words can't fully express.

I kept my visit simple and intentional, choosing to see only a few people so I could truly be present with each of my children. It was a short trip, but it was rich in love and connection.

Mugomari: A New Church Plant

The Sunday before we left for Michigan, something very special happened, we launched a new church in a village called Mugomari. This place holds deep meaning for me; it was the first village we ever served in many years ago when we began helping with student sponsorship. To see it come full circle with a new church plant there is incredibly moving. Pastor Cleophas is now faithfully serving that congregation, and I'm excited to see what God will do through this new work.

Youth Conferences and Ministry Growth

Shortly after returning to Kenya, we jumped straight into ministry with a youth conference at our home church. The energy and hunger of the young people was powerful. The following weekend, we held a second conference — this time at Pastor Abraham's church. Hosting speakers both weekends made things extra busy, but so worthwhile. Watching Pastor Abraham stretch and rise to the occasion to host a next-level event made me so proud — not just as his Bishop, but as his spiritual mom. It's moments like that which remind me how blessed I am to serve alongside such dedicated leaders.

Back to School: Third Term Begins

Somewhere in the middle of all that (lol), we also started our third school term. Welcoming our students back, seeing their smiling faces, and watching them hug their teachers brought such joy to my heart. Running schools in Kenya comes with many challenges, from logistics to regulations to funding but seeing these children grow, learn, and thrive makes it all worth it.

Path4Life Ministry Update: Growing Together

Recently, an email was sent out regarding some exciting developments within our Path4Life board. As many of you know, this ministry has grown significantly over the past few years. That growth has been both a blessing and a challenge — impacting me personally, spiritually, and financially.

While we're so grateful for all God is doing, it's important to share that our financial support has not grown at the same pace as the ministry itself. This gap has made it more difficult to fully meet the increasing needs and opportunities we're facing. Please continue to pray with us for provision, wisdom, and favor as we move forward.

New Board Members

While I was in the U.S., I had the chance to meet with our board, and I'm excited to let you know that we voted in two new board members:

• Jack Draper
• Mike Feighan

We're thankful for their willingness to step in and help carry this vision. Mike has already taken on the role of Treasurer for Path4Life. The current board members Sara Imhoff, Dean and Kristi Rhodes, along with Nelson and myself, will continue to serve faithfully. A special thank you to Sara for filling in as treasurer while she also had the responsibilities of secretary.

How to Give

Path4Life
c/o Michael Feighan
16 Coral Drive NE
Rockford, MI 49341

You can give through check to the above address or online by clicking here.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Whether through prayer, encouragement, or financial giving, your partnership helps make the work of Path4Life possible in churches, schools, and communities. We're believing in an even greater impact ahead!

Blessings for your September,
Nelson and Michelle