My trip to Kenya confirmed a few things in my mind.
First of all, it confirmed that my calling lies primarily in the Western world. I enjoy my trips to 2nd and 3rd world countries, but my heart burns to see people in the US, Europe, and Australia embrace the rewards of relationship available through Christ. Now, you might think this is because I like my comfort and convenience. I like posh hotels and indoor toilets, but that is not the reason I am say that. I just know where the passion of my heart is and where my calling lies.
Secondly, I am completely aware of the needs that exist there. And, I know according to scripture that I can not ignore that. In Matthew 25, Jesus commended sheep who saw him hungry and gave him something to eat or thirsty and gave him something to drink or naked and gave clothing. But he sent away those who ignored the needs. When the people listening said “when? When did we see you hungry, thirsty, or needing clothes?” In effect, Jesus said, “the way you treat the poor, the outcast, and the marginalized is the way you treat me.”
I have learned this lesson before and continue to relearn it every time I sense real poverty and need. As a believer, I can not ignore those in need. And, as someone who lives a blessed life (if you live in low-income housing and eat boxed mac and cheese…you are more wealthy than 95% of the people in the world), I have a responsibility to take care of those who do not have as much.
So, the teacher continues to learn.
I am grateful for where I live and all that God has blessed me with, but I also realize that I must be intentional about serving those less fortunate.
Sean
Kenyans really believe in the power. Pastor Earl and I prayed for many folks who were suffering from AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.
We baptized 5 people on Sunday in the local pond.
We dedicated 7 children. This child was particularly fond of me…
some of the children from the slum…
some more children…
These children were at the camp for those who have lost their homes or become otherwise displaced by the recent political upheaval.
Pastor Earl and I fed the monkeys in the city park.
Yesterday, we took some food to the Kibera slum. They told us that it is the biggest slum in Africa and probably in the world. In this small space over a million people live, struggling for food and survival.
When the violence broke out here about 6 weeks ago, this was one of the most decimated. Houses were burned. People were attacked with machetes. It was brutal. Many lost friends and family.
We arrived there yesterday with several 100 lb bags of rice and corn meal. But they did not let us distribute it as it would have been too dangerous for us. We saw this when we started handing out candy. Not just the children, but the grown women aggressively came after it trying to take it out of our hands at the expense of those around us. We weren’t in danger of dying, but I could definitely understand how handing out food where the supply was limited could have caused even more commotion with even more people coming. Crowd control would have been a problem. So, we left the food with a church we knew and they distributed it after we left.
The sad thing was that there was no way for us to meet all of the needs. Even if we had arrived with 4 or 5 truck loads of rice and food, it would not have given every family a solid meal, let alone enough to overcome their dehydration and malnutrition for any length of time. But, we trust the Lord to take care of these people that he loves.
I have found myself praying that God would remove the spirit of poverty and oppression from these people.
The history recorded in the Bible mentions season of famine and seasons of abundance attaching it to spiritual conditions. So, even though we can’t meet every need, we have been asking God to send rain, to send a season of abundance and to chase off the enemy who wants to keep these people struggling. Pray with me for God to release blessing.
The first day we arrived, it rained for the first time since the election and chaos broke out. The people in the conference saw that as a sign that God was blessing. it also rained a couple of nights ago. Praise the Lord for rain.
Well, there are so many more things to share, but I have to get ready to head to the airport. We leave today. I will try to get some pictures up on the blog Thursday or Friday so you can see some of these people that I have been sharing with and those that you have been praying for.
Thank you for your concern and prayers. They do make a mighty difference.
Sean
It is Sunday morning here…Saturday night back home. We are getting ready for a very busy day. Two services, dedicating babies, baptizing 4 people, and Holy Communion…all before 1:00 p.m.
The baptism should be very interesting. It will be held in the “dam” (read small pond) just down from the church. Gotta tell you…this American likes his cleanliness, but is willing to creep into this dirty water where many things happen (washing clothes, bathing of bodies, other bodily functions) to take care of God’s business.
The people in the slums here struggle with the things we take for granted. They can’t afford doctors visits so they go sick for long periods until God heals them. We have prayed for people with Aids, high fevers, and many other ailments. They are such wonderful people and we are desperate to see God continue meeting their needs.
Interestingly enough, before the crisis broke out here on the 27th of December, God spoke to me about bringing a message of hope and healing. I didn’t understand why until I started to see the chaos and the tribal war that was breaking out. God made it clear that hope and healing was what was needed. Pastor David told us that two nights ago he received a phone call from one of his intercessors in India. She told him that the theme of the conference needed to be hope and healing. He was able to tell her that is what was happening. Praise the Lord…He is spot on isn’t he? He knows what he is doing.
So many things that I could tell you. I have tried to email pictures back home to get them put on the blog, but have been unable, so that might have to wait until Thursday or Friday.
Pastor Earl and I are both missing our families. We love doing what we are doing, but it is hard on us emotionally and physically. There are needs attached to every person and horrible stories as well. One of the pastors has lost his wife and six kids in the last 10 years. He thinks witchcraft had something to do with it. Another woman we met has a husband in the hospital recovering from losing his arm in the riots. They are such a sweet people, but such a needy people. We are offering them encouragement and strength through our Savior, and assisting financially when we can, but there is so much more we wish to do. But, we just have to trust God knowing that He is able, capable, and cares more than we do.
Thanks for your prayers. We can sense God moving and know that it is because of them.
Love to all of our friends and families. Can’t wait to see you again.
Sean
We started the day by buying food for some of the homeless. As I said yesterday, they gather with everything they own and just sit outside the police station. We went to a fruit market and bought 200 mangoes, 50 apples, 50 oranges, 2 huge bags of plums, some cut up pineapples, and some cut up watermelons to give away. After Earl shared a little and prayed for the people we gave it away. It disappeared in no time.
After that we began to hear their stories about trying to get home. There were 10 single men, 5 women without husbands, and twenty families that were expecting transportation back to their homes in the danger areas. But, they had no money for food or to get started. So, it didn’t take long before we realized that we could help them. We were able to offer 100 Kenyan shillings to every single person and 200 for every family.
It didn’t sound like much to us, but it meant a lot to them and will help them but some staple foods. So, to all who offered special offerings to allow us to bless people here, thank you. Your money is going a long way and many people are being helped.
The average wage here for low income persons is $1. A middle classed person will earn $100 a month. That’s crazy…we waste
Well, day one in Kenya is gone.
After arriving late last night, we got into the Hampton House around midnight. Because it was so dark we did not see much of the city, but anticipate that will rectify itself before we are done.
Didn’t sleep enough, but woke ready to jump in.
After running to the bank to exchange some money, we went and bought some food to hand out at the local police station. With so many people displaced because of they lost homes in the conflicts, hundreds of people were gathered there just waiting for some hope. Many had a bag or two of clothes while a few were carrying their furniture around the country until they could figure out what to do.
We were able to hand out some bread and candy (which we had brought from home). We are going back tomorrow with more food and some other supplies.
It really is sad to realize that these people have nothing.
The first day of the conference went well. I preached the first and last sessions of the day while Earl preached the middle. The people are very receptive and very fun to preach to. They love to laugh and it is great to see them worship without abandon. Can’t wait for more. They are awesome.
Well, so far things look safe. We did see one guard with a machine gun in the streets, but that is normal for Africa. We saw the results of the crisis here, but did not sense any danger. The people of the country seem to believe the majority is behind them.
Earl almost got ripped off today. I kinda saw it coming, but didn’t want to step in and play the parent role. Now you know I like bossing people around, but I didn’t want to come across as condescending. When we were leaving the grocery store several people saw our white skin (which translates into $$$$$ here) and started asking us to buy their products. Earl was about to buy something very sweet for his daughters (won’t tell you what in case she reads this) when the Pastor stepped in and told the “salespeople” to stop trying to rip off his guests.
A one-sided argument ensued between the street hocker and the pastor. One was complaining that he should have let the American spend money. The Pastor told him he would if he would stop jacking the price up 600%. Pastor got in the car smiling and the businessowner gave him a good talking to all the way down the street.
The church is in a slum. Very interesting to have to walk between several buildings to find the church building hidden among metal buildings. The corrugated metal that they use to make shelters in the slums is nothing new to me, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t affect my heart. I will try to get pictures up tomorrow so you can see what we are seeing.
I will tell you that we have our own cook. He is doing a good job for us. Feels a little strange to have someone cooking meals for us in our little apartment.
Well, till next time.
Sean