We worshipped with three churches on Sunday – Craig and KT went to Light Way Baptist in Githurai, and Esteban and Josh went to Hope Baptist in the large slum of Mathare. The rest of us remained here at Kahawa Sukari. To say the least, the way Africans worship and pray is nothing short of amazing. As I was sitting there before I preached, I thought Lord, what do I have to give these people? There is such a joy and depth to their worship. The whole congregation is moving and singing and speaking to the Lord. It’s an overwhelming experience. I even told them that they ought to send missionaries to the
What I discovered is that the thing I have to give them is God’s word. I am but a servant, and if I proclaim the Word accurately then it speaks to them, not me.
Of course our hosts are beyond gracious, and go out of their way to make sure we are comfortable and all of our needs are met. After church we were fed and given tea and entertained. Everyone wants to talk to us and know us and commune with us. We have a great deal to learn from our brothers and sisters here.
If it’s possible, Monday was even more amazing. We did the Youth Workers Conference in the morning, and we just couldn’t get enough. Many of us were tired – Iris had not slept since we left
Today, most of the team went to conduct their Chapel, with Craig preaching. I have to say that driving from Kahawa Sukari to Parklands is quite an experience. It was almost like a scene from a Star Wars movie… a myriad of amazingly diverse vehicles crammed together and moving very quickly on roundabouts and indescribable roads full of people and animals and bicycles. Wow. I stayed here to meet with the pastors of Kahawa Sukari, Lightway and Hope. Very edifying. I cannot stress how amazing the African church is.
Later on we will go to another school for some ministry time, and then back to Parklands this evening for Basketball Camp.
Prayer requests:
Iris has not slept in three days. Pray for God’s strength today and rest tonight.
The churches here have some significant prayer requests that I will post later. Pray for their pastors.
12 comments:
Your entries are very encouraging and moving and convicting. I can just visualize the service there, the passion and joy you speak of I saw in Colombia, Cuba and Ecuador. It's contagious you know!! Pretty amazing. We Americans have a lot to learn from believers in many other countries. I know it must be physically challenging with the time change and busy schedule, keep up the great work, God will continue to supernaturally energize you. Know that you all are constantly in our prayers and thoughts. Tell Iris I will be praying for her especially today. Bring some of that joy and all of those lessons back home to share with us here!!
Gabbie
Continuing to pray for you all.
If the Ezekial that you spoke of is Ezekial "mumo" Mulyungi, please tell him that I said hello. While in Kenya in 2002, my dearest memories are of a man named Ezekiel who was married to Marab and had a son named George. If you meet him, could you get his most recent contact information.
Keep up the great work everyone.
Kevin Gwin
Im so glad to hear that everything is going great. God is so amazing. It is very encouraging for me to see that God is going something great. Cant wait for you guys to come home to hear that work God has done. Iris you will be in my thoughts and prayers all day. To the rest of the team,
Sigue palante con Dios.
To amo a todos,,
Laiza Montanez
Nereida daring i miss you...
As we read about Steve's description of the joy and depth of the worship in Kenya, think about what this country has gone through in the past few months ... yet, they remain faithful and energized.
Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For you alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.”
Proverbs 3:24
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
Hi Kevin! Good to read a fellow Kenya team alumnus' comments. These reports sure bring back some treasured memories like a snapshot of you captivating the Githurai kids with your magic tricks!
To the current team, we rejoice with you and pray for you. It's quite an awesome experience. Having been there in 2002 and 2004, I still cannot fully grasp the intensity of it all. We found ourselves lost for words as we try to describe our experiences with others back home. However, like Gabby said, you can bring some of that joy back, and let God use this experience to grow you even more... weeks and years later.
Take as many pictures as you can. They're priceless! Oh, and be bold in bargaining when you shop in the marketplace. That's part of the fun! Don't scream like I did when I saw the lions at the safari.
I shared with my church' missions committee which I am a part of about your trip and they're all praying for you.
Asante,
Miss Lillian
Steve, great to hear the good news. Thats so exciting. I know you all are going to be able to impact us as well when you get back home. Keep up the good work,
Jeremy
To Joshua,
Wow, it is amazing to have the opportunity to go to Kenya and to minister there. I keep thinking how excited your Grandpa would be if he knew.
We are praying for you and the rest of the team.
love,
Aunt Lidia
Praying for you guyyys.
Still, kick Katie in the back of her knees for me. Squeeze Elizahhhbeth's cheeks. love to you all. :o)<3 Fer
lol I miss you Fer... Me and Iris were just talking about how much the people here would love you. You gotta come to Africa!! :) >Hugs< see you soon.
Kt, it's because I'm black... ain't it? haha ;o)
Hey Steve, just wanted you and the team to know were giving the whole service for SNL on March 30th to hear from you guys. Steve, bring a spiritual message from a text that God has laid on your heart for 15 minutes. Snap shots, power point, picutes, the works. Bring it!!!
Jeremy
Praying for you all!
I hope Iris is now sleeping!
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