”Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

Dear Friends,

Peter spoke these words (Matthew 17:4)  after witnessing the glory of Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration. There he saw Jesus revealed in His divine glory, while Moses and Elijah appeared speaking with Him. As the cloud overshadowed them, they heard the voice of God the Father saying, ”This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). Overwhelmed by the majesty of that moment, Peter wanted to build three tents so that they could remain there and continue beholding the glory of God, rather than returning to the ordinary routines of life below the mountain.

Although we do not stand on the Mount of Transfiguration, God graciously gives us moments when we experience something of that same joy through His Word, the fellowship of believers, and the worship of His Church. As I reflected on the recent Summer Gospel Festival at Karku, I found myself echoing Peter’s words: ”Lord, it is good for us to be here.” It was a time of hearing God’s Word, singing His praises, and enjoying fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ—a foretaste of the eternal joy that awaits all who belong to Him.

A few weeks ago, we were greatly blessed to attend the wonderful Summer Gospel Festival at Karku. As we prepared for this special event, we prayed earnestly that God would provide favorable weather so that everyone could enjoy the meetings in comfort. Although a little rain fell on Friday, we trusted that the Lord would continue to watch over the gathering. On Saturday, He graciously answered our prayers by giving us a beautiful dry day. The pleasant weather created the perfect setting for people to come together, worship, and enjoy the fellowship that surrounded the festival.

The festival was filled with inspiring Bible messages, uplifting gospel music, and joyful fellowship among believers from many places. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, encourage one another in the faith, and be reminded of God’s love and faithfulness. The messages challenged and strengthened our hearts, while the music lifted our spirits and brought glory to God. For everyone who attended, it was a memorable occasion that left us with thankful hearts and renewed encouragement to continue serving the Lord. In those moments, I was reminded once again of Peter’s words: ”Lord, it is good for us to be here.”That same spirit filled my heart, and I felt deeply thankful for the opportunity to share in such a blessed gathering.

We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who worked so hard to organise and support this year’s Gospel Festival. Many people gave generously of their time, energy, and talents behind the scenes to make the event possible. From planning and preparing the grounds to arranging the program, welcoming visitors, and serving throughout the weekend, every contribution played an important part in the festival’s success. We thank each volunteer and organiser for their faithful service, and we pray that the Lord will richly bless them for all they have done.

I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to the many friends and faithful supporters who have assured me that they are praying for my ministry. Your prayers, encouragement, and continued support are a great source of strength to me. It is a blessing to know that I am not serving alone, but that many of you faithfully remember this work before the Lord. I truly believe that God answers the prayers of His people, and I have seen His faithful hand guiding and sustaining me throughout the years of ministry.

On Sunday, I was commissioned once again to serve for another two-year term. It was a deeply moving and humbling experience to be entrusted with this responsibility again, and I thank God for the opportunity to continue serving Him. This year also marks my tenth year of ministry at Luther-Kirkko, a milestone that fills my heart with gratitude. Looking back over these years, I can clearly see the Lord’s faithfulness, His guidance, and His abundant grace in every season. During the commissioning service, I was especially encouraged to stand alongside other missionaries who have also dedicated their lives to the work of the Gospel. Sharing this special moment with them was a great joy, one that is difficult to put into words. I remain thankful for the privilege of serving Christ and pray that He will continue to use each one of us to proclaim His love and salvation in the years ahead.

As I look ahead to the coming month, I am deeply looking forward to attending the Ministry Days and Theological Days at Karku. These annual gatherings provide a valuable opportunity for spiritual refreshment, theological reflection, and fellowship with fellow servants of Christ. Meeting other missionaries is always a great encouragement, reminding us that we share a common calling and vocation within SLEY. Through worship, teaching, and conversations with one another, we are strengthened for the work God has entrusted to us. I pray that these days will be a source of renewed wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration as we continue to proclaim the Gospel faithfully in the places where God has called us to serve.

As we look back on this special season, we thank God for His goodness, His protection, and His many blessings. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather together in worship, to hear His Word faithfully preached, and to enjoy fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Our prayer is that the encouragement and spiritual refreshment we have received will remain with us in the days ahead, strengthening our faith and inspiring us to share the hope and love of Jesus Christ with those around us. We are thankful for God’s continued faithfulness and look forward with confidence to all that He has prepared in the coming months.

Thank you for your prayers, your friendship, and your faithful partnership in the Gospel. Your encouragement and support make it possible for this ministry to continue, and I remain grateful for each one of you. May the Lord richly bless you, strengthen your faith, and keep you in His loving care.

In Christ, I remain His servant and yours

Richard Ondicho