[It has been MONTHS since I last posted. There's no good excuse other than to say, life is full with the good & the bad of being alive, but to explain all that would take another blog altogether! I admit that with time passing, my memories of the Akala trip are not as vivid, but again, I am determined to finish, so here it is...]
[Read What's a Girl to Do? Part One here for a quick memory refresher]
Jumping ahead a few days, on our way back to the airport I had an opportunity to visit with Mama Aidah about the school conference trip. The young pregnant student at the conference was haunting my thoughts and I replayed her questions over and over again in my mind. I decided to tell Aidah about it and ask her advice for what I could have possibly said to encourage this young lady.
"Oh, you see, that is the tragedy of my country (Uganda) and for Kenya," Aidah said with sadness in her voice. Then she explained to Dave and I how there were very few resources for unwed pregnant girls. She told us that if a girl were 16 years or younger, then the father of that child was held criminally liable and would be arrested for getting her pregnant. It didn't matter if the father were a young person or an old person, they could go to jail if they were found out. Then, because poverty presses so hard upon so many, the families of these girls usually kick them out of the home. The logic is that if the girl can't provide extra income to pay for the baby, then the family can't afford to let her stay. If the girl is kicked out of home, that means there is nobody to pay her school fees so then she is kicked out of school. Finally, very few people will take an unwed pregnant girl into their home because if anything happened to that young lady or the baby, that family would be held liable and they too could be put in jail.
Aidah went on to say that the "tragedy" was that most of these girls will go through their pregnancies homeless, doing whatever they can to survive, then discard their newborns after delivery so they can try to return to the life they had before. Aidah said it is very common to find babies left just out on the street - some dead, some alive. Although she didn't say so, I assume under these circumstances, it is very unlikely that these girls return to life as they once knew it.
Truly, what is a girl to do?
Aidah, for one, spends part of her time each month mentoring young people on how to avoid the situation altogether. She is an advocate for abstinence and does this work in partnership with Hines Ministries. According to Aidah, one of the things the Hines Ministry does is find host homes for un-wed pregnant girls that are willing to provide for them until the baby is born. Then they serve as liasons to bring reconcilliation to the girl and her family. If that isn't possibly, they do what they can to teach that young lady how to live life on her own.
Aidah also pours out her love and attention to the children of the Karamajong tribe living in Mbale, Uganda. These are the poorest of the poor surviving in sub-standard conditions. She shared her heart with an American named Becky Ball and from there, a new ministry was born, I Choose You. Through this ministry, children are being clothed, educated and fed and their entire families are being changed as they come to experience Jesus' love and concern for them.
Also, from what I can put together from numerous conversations with she and Morris, the Ogengas have also opened up their own home to many young people over the years to help see them through life. Sounds like their house is a little compound of its own with all the guests they care for! Yes that girl (Aidah) knows exactly what she is doing.
For myself, I'm not quite sure what I am to do, but I came away from our trip feeling urgently that I must do something. Initially, I thought, "I must come back to Africa and help these girls survive!" but then God impressed upon me that there are young ladies right here in America who are going through the exact same thing.
Now, sitting here in the comfort of my own home, months having passed since my convictions burned so bright, I confess that I still have not acted. It's hard to explain so I'll just speak plainly. I prayed about working with the local crisis pregnancy center and even attempted to meet with them to talk about volunteer opportunities, but circumstances led to cancelling that appointment.
I never reset that appointment, because my husband and I had been feeling led to adopt a baby of our own, specifically from someone considering abortion (that's a long story for another day). I began wondering if my motives for working with crisis pregnancies was pure - I mean, how could I sit patiently and listen to someone in crisis when in my heart I'm thinking, "I'll take your baby!"
The conviction to adopt has also been quite confusing. It first came to our family BEFORE our mission trip - in fact, it was so emotionally distracting that we chose to lay it aside and not act until after we got home so that we could focus on our work in Africa. As fate would have it, my husband's company sent him on an oversees assignment just days after our return. He was gone for a month and that time was quite consuming for both of us - he with work and me as a single parent. It also tempered the fire that burned so bright during the summer until now, here in the winter of a new year I wonder if we even heard God correctly at all.
Yet still, the question haunts me - what's a girl to do? Or more pointedly, what's THIS girl suppose to do?
If anybody out there still follows this blog, I'd love to hear some opinions or better still, I would covet your prayers. I want to hear God and obey and if I have heard God and disobeyed, then I want to know that too. Hopefully, by the grace of God, I haven't missed something good that He has planned for my family.
Blessings to you all and thanks for hanging with this blog through thick and thin. I hope to finish the account of our trip very soon.
- Julie
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Student Conference: What's a Girl To Do? Part 1
[Wow. It's October already and I haven't finished posting about our trip in July! What can I say? It's been a wild couple of months with husband overseas for a while followed by the start of our school year and capped off with a cancer diagnosis for my Dad. The pace of life can certainly sweep us away sometimes, but I am determined to see this blog through to completion. Thank you all for your patience - JJ]
On Saturday of our trip, I had the privilege of working with some of the young people on our mission team. We were guest speakers at a Student Conference put together by our friend Edwin of Child Evangelism Fellowship. I was definitely the "mama" of the team, which was fine by me because I thoroughly enjoyed watching these young people minister to the secondary students (High Schoolers) of the area. A local school hosted the event and there were many secondary schools that attended. We gathered together inside a large room for a time of teaching, then after lunch we divided into boy/girl groups to have a time of Q&A.
You know, I'm convinced that at their core, people (and teenagers) are the same everywhere in the world - it is their circumstances that affect their expression of who they are. In America, we have endless choices for entertaining ourselves and in Africa they have to take things into their own hands...literally. At the start of the conference, each school is given the chance to perform for each other...and I don't mean a hand-selected group of "cheerleaders" or even a group designated as a "choir." No, they ALL stand up together and sing songs for each other. Our team included a piano- er, Casio player, who would jump into their songs and provide accompaniment, otherwise the schools sang acapella. It's fun to watch this African display of school spirit, and I've been privileged to see this sort of thing many times on my travels, but I just can't imagine American High Schools doing the same thing, can you?
The topic for the day was "Arise and Shine" in your relationship with God, in your personal devotions, in your academic performance and in your moral character - which brings up another difference between African and American schools...they welcome God into their studies! The Bible is highly respected in African schools, even some Muslim schools, as a source of wisdom for how to live. I wonder what would happen in America if God were allowed back into our schools?
The morning teaching went well but the highlight for our whole team was the Q&A time that afternoon. This was a time where the kids were allowed to anonymously ask us anything by writing their questions down. The girl's team represented a diverse sampling of life experiences: there was me, the old mama who had lived long enough to gain some perspective, Tessa, the young woman who recently turned her life back over to Christ, and Emily, the baby of the group who has chosen purity and actively makes choices based on that decision.
The thing that we most enjoyed about the Q&A is that you felt like you were truly dialoging about issues the young people were grappling with. Much of it has to do with the struggle between what they believe is right and the urges of what feels good. Yep - teenagers are the same all over the world! We fielded questions about purity, drinking, dating, Christianity, abortion, life at home, etc. Three moments stand out in my memory that I hope never to forget.
Tessa received a question from a young lady struggling with a boyfriend whom she loved. She answered with honesty and vulnerability as she described her own struggle with a man whom she loved. Tessa told how she had become convicted that she was not behaving well in the relationship and that this young man had taken priority over God in her life so she made the very difficult decision to end the relationship. She described the situation in detail and we could all feel her heartbreak, yet from that painful place, Tessa rejoiced that God had been faithful to draw near as she made the decision to obey his leading. She encouraged the girls to put God first no matter how much they love their boyfriends. She said that if a relationship leads them to behave in a way contrary to God's standard, then that relationship is not good for them. I believe we were all moved by Tessa's testimony.
We had many questions about salvation so Emily took the opportunity to share the gospel one more time. As a reminder, Emily was only 15 years old (she's turned 16 since then) so this was truly a peer sharing the Lord with the girls. She did a wonderful job of speaking the truth with clarity and love and when it came time to pray, there were many girls who received Christ because of Emily's willingness to share. Seeing her amongst the Kenyan teens while she led them in the prayer of salvation was beautiful. Oh, how I wish her mama had been there for that precious moment!
Finally, the moment that affected me most personally was a question from a young woman that read:
"I just found out I am pregnant. My parents have kicked me out of the house. How can I find a way to stay in school and is abortion wrong?"
Tessa and Emily passed this question to me like a hot potato and I must admit that I was somewhat at a loss as to how to answer it. I confessed that I didn't know what resources were available in Kenya for an un-wed pregnant teenager but I tried to encourage this young woman to find a trusted adult who would help her figure things out.
One thing I was able to answer was the abortion part of the question. I told them what the Bible had to say about life and how God knits us together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13) and that God had a plan for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11). I explained how science has recently determined that the neuro system is in place by 8 weeks and fully developed by 12 weeks and that in fact, the first feeling a baby in-utero feels is pain (see http://www.abortionfacts.com/online_books/love_them_both/why_cant_we_love_them_both_14.asp#By%208%20weeks?%20Show%20me ) Then I described what an abortion does to a baby. The group of girls literally gasped as I described the vacuum extraction ripping the baby into pieces. I stuck to the facts biblically, scientifically and medically and let the girls decide for themselves if abortion was wrong or not.
As we finished our Q&A session, I think I saw a young lady who was wearing her uniform blouse a little loose and perhaps I saw a baby-bump. It broke my heart to imagine what her life must be like when school really is a place of hope for the young people. Even with a diploma, future prospects are grim. How much worse must it be for those who never finish or get to attend school at all. I pray this young lady found the help she needs to stay in school and continue forward in life.
I'll get back to this young lady in part two of this story. Stay tuned for more.
- Julie
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." - Isaiah 60:1-3
 |
| (back row) Drew and Emily, (front row) Tessa and Nathan with some of the students |
You know, I'm convinced that at their core, people (and teenagers) are the same everywhere in the world - it is their circumstances that affect their expression of who they are. In America, we have endless choices for entertaining ourselves and in Africa they have to take things into their own hands...literally. At the start of the conference, each school is given the chance to perform for each other...and I don't mean a hand-selected group of "cheerleaders" or even a group designated as a "choir." No, they ALL stand up together and sing songs for each other. Our team included a piano- er, Casio player, who would jump into their songs and provide accompaniment, otherwise the schools sang acapella. It's fun to watch this African display of school spirit, and I've been privileged to see this sort of thing many times on my travels, but I just can't imagine American High Schools doing the same thing, can you?
The topic for the day was "Arise and Shine" in your relationship with God, in your personal devotions, in your academic performance and in your moral character - which brings up another difference between African and American schools...they welcome God into their studies! The Bible is highly respected in African schools, even some Muslim schools, as a source of wisdom for how to live. I wonder what would happen in America if God were allowed back into our schools?
The morning teaching went well but the highlight for our whole team was the Q&A time that afternoon. This was a time where the kids were allowed to anonymously ask us anything by writing their questions down. The girl's team represented a diverse sampling of life experiences: there was me, the old mama who had lived long enough to gain some perspective, Tessa, the young woman who recently turned her life back over to Christ, and Emily, the baby of the group who has chosen purity and actively makes choices based on that decision.
The thing that we most enjoyed about the Q&A is that you felt like you were truly dialoging about issues the young people were grappling with. Much of it has to do with the struggle between what they believe is right and the urges of what feels good. Yep - teenagers are the same all over the world! We fielded questions about purity, drinking, dating, Christianity, abortion, life at home, etc. Three moments stand out in my memory that I hope never to forget.
Tessa received a question from a young lady struggling with a boyfriend whom she loved. She answered with honesty and vulnerability as she described her own struggle with a man whom she loved. Tessa told how she had become convicted that she was not behaving well in the relationship and that this young man had taken priority over God in her life so she made the very difficult decision to end the relationship. She described the situation in detail and we could all feel her heartbreak, yet from that painful place, Tessa rejoiced that God had been faithful to draw near as she made the decision to obey his leading. She encouraged the girls to put God first no matter how much they love their boyfriends. She said that if a relationship leads them to behave in a way contrary to God's standard, then that relationship is not good for them. I believe we were all moved by Tessa's testimony.
We had many questions about salvation so Emily took the opportunity to share the gospel one more time. As a reminder, Emily was only 15 years old (she's turned 16 since then) so this was truly a peer sharing the Lord with the girls. She did a wonderful job of speaking the truth with clarity and love and when it came time to pray, there were many girls who received Christ because of Emily's willingness to share. Seeing her amongst the Kenyan teens while she led them in the prayer of salvation was beautiful. Oh, how I wish her mama had been there for that precious moment!
Finally, the moment that affected me most personally was a question from a young woman that read:
"I just found out I am pregnant. My parents have kicked me out of the house. How can I find a way to stay in school and is abortion wrong?"
Tessa and Emily passed this question to me like a hot potato and I must admit that I was somewhat at a loss as to how to answer it. I confessed that I didn't know what resources were available in Kenya for an un-wed pregnant teenager but I tried to encourage this young woman to find a trusted adult who would help her figure things out.
One thing I was able to answer was the abortion part of the question. I told them what the Bible had to say about life and how God knits us together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13) and that God had a plan for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11). I explained how science has recently determined that the neuro system is in place by 8 weeks and fully developed by 12 weeks and that in fact, the first feeling a baby in-utero feels is pain (see http://www.abortionfacts.com/online_books/love_them_both/why_cant_we_love_them_both_14.asp#By%208%20weeks?%20Show%20me ) Then I described what an abortion does to a baby. The group of girls literally gasped as I described the vacuum extraction ripping the baby into pieces. I stuck to the facts biblically, scientifically and medically and let the girls decide for themselves if abortion was wrong or not.
As we finished our Q&A session, I think I saw a young lady who was wearing her uniform blouse a little loose and perhaps I saw a baby-bump. It broke my heart to imagine what her life must be like when school really is a place of hope for the young people. Even with a diploma, future prospects are grim. How much worse must it be for those who never finish or get to attend school at all. I pray this young lady found the help she needs to stay in school and continue forward in life.
I'll get back to this young lady in part two of this story. Stay tuned for more.
- Julie
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." - Isaiah 60:1-3
 |
| Our view of the crowd during closing remarks at the conference. Arise and Shine young people of Kenya! |
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Lisa's Story
[Today's guest blogger is my friend Lisa. Let me tell you a little bit about Lisa; she is a single mom of 3 young boys. She is not only a student, but she also works full time. Lisa is also a fairly young believer who started attending our home group about a year ago. Her heart is tender towards the Lord and I enjoy her honesty as she has shared her struggles with us over this year. I've also learned a lot from Lisa watching her serve the homeless of our area. The love and care she gave to the Kenyan people was beautiful to see. Oh, if only I could have a little more "Lisa" inside me!
Another thing Lisa has struggled with is extreme fear, yet to see her in Africa you would call her FEARLESS! Yes, God redeems all things and uses everything for good for those who love him and let him.
The point I'm trying to make is that it doesn't matter what your life circumstances are or how "mature" you are in Christ (because really, are any of us truly mature in Christ?) - if God calls you to do something seemingly huge, like going to Africa, then he has a plan for you there and you should say "yes". Do not let your perceived weaknesses hold you back from doing what God wants you to do. He delights in being strong when we are weak! - Julie]
From Lisa:
I've been racking my brain, trying to think of an experience that I want to share, and for some reason I keep thinking about what is probably one of the simplest experiences of the whole trip. In fact, if I didn't (for whatever reason) have such a strong feeling about this guy I probably would have over-looked the whole thing.
One day while we were at the crusade, this tall, slim guy, that had obviously been drinking, came up to Emily and me just as I had offered her some gum. He proceeds to lay out his hand, palm-up, towards Emily, as if demanding that she should give him the stick of gum I had given her. Emily and I look at each other in disbelief, and then she slowly gives up her gum. The man then turns and struts back towards his friends, and they all start to laugh and mock us.
About thirty minutes later I sat down to listen to Nathan preach. Shortly after I sat down the same guy walks up and sits next to me but I didn't feel threatened in any way! As a matter a fact, I found the whole situation pretty comical. I was kind of entertained by him-wondering what he was going to do next! I watched him out of the corner of my eye the whole time. I even got my camera out and snapped a picture of him.
He sat there and listened to Nathan the whole time, and when Nathan asked if anyone would come up to recieve the Lord in prayer the man began to get very restless! I continued to watch him as he rocked back and forth, until finally he got up and walked up to the stage. I was filled with joy as I watched him walk up and pray for salvation!
It was an amazing thing to see God at work in this man! All I could do was watch! It was like God was telling me, "Lisa, I want you to see how big I really am! I want you to just sit back and enjoy what I'm about to do in this man's heart!"
Some might think, "Yeah, lets see if he remembers that when he sobers up!" I personally think that man will never forget what God did to him that day - whatever it was! I know I won't! In fact, out of all the stories that I could have shared about our trip this one has been speaking volumes to my heart lately.
I've attached the two pictures that I got of him. It's hard to see him up at the stage, because he is standing behind someone, but he is the guy facing towards the left in the center of the picture, behind the guy in grey.
Love ya!
Lisa
Another thing Lisa has struggled with is extreme fear, yet to see her in Africa you would call her FEARLESS! Yes, God redeems all things and uses everything for good for those who love him and let him.
The point I'm trying to make is that it doesn't matter what your life circumstances are or how "mature" you are in Christ (because really, are any of us truly mature in Christ?) - if God calls you to do something seemingly huge, like going to Africa, then he has a plan for you there and you should say "yes". Do not let your perceived weaknesses hold you back from doing what God wants you to do. He delights in being strong when we are weak! - Julie]
 |
| Lisa sharing her testimony of how God delivered her from debilitating fear. You would never know she struggled with fear by watching her in Africa! God is so good! |
I've been racking my brain, trying to think of an experience that I want to share, and for some reason I keep thinking about what is probably one of the simplest experiences of the whole trip. In fact, if I didn't (for whatever reason) have such a strong feeling about this guy I probably would have over-looked the whole thing.
One day while we were at the crusade, this tall, slim guy, that had obviously been drinking, came up to Emily and me just as I had offered her some gum. He proceeds to lay out his hand, palm-up, towards Emily, as if demanding that she should give him the stick of gum I had given her. Emily and I look at each other in disbelief, and then she slowly gives up her gum. The man then turns and struts back towards his friends, and they all start to laugh and mock us.
About thirty minutes later I sat down to listen to Nathan preach. Shortly after I sat down the same guy walks up and sits next to me but I didn't feel threatened in any way! As a matter a fact, I found the whole situation pretty comical. I was kind of entertained by him-wondering what he was going to do next! I watched him out of the corner of my eye the whole time. I even got my camera out and snapped a picture of him.
He sat there and listened to Nathan the whole time, and when Nathan asked if anyone would come up to recieve the Lord in prayer the man began to get very restless! I continued to watch him as he rocked back and forth, until finally he got up and walked up to the stage. I was filled with joy as I watched him walk up and pray for salvation!
It was an amazing thing to see God at work in this man! All I could do was watch! It was like God was telling me, "Lisa, I want you to see how big I really am! I want you to just sit back and enjoy what I'm about to do in this man's heart!"
Some might think, "Yeah, lets see if he remembers that when he sobers up!" I personally think that man will never forget what God did to him that day - whatever it was! I know I won't! In fact, out of all the stories that I could have shared about our trip this one has been speaking volumes to my heart lately.
I've attached the two pictures that I got of him. It's hard to see him up at the stage, because he is standing behind someone, but he is the guy facing towards the left in the center of the picture, behind the guy in grey.
Love ya!
Lisa
Thursday, August 19, 2010
My Last Day On the Trails
On Thursday night I was given a choice of what I wanted to do with myself on Friday, walk trails or visit schools. Truly I felt about 50/50 on the matter. For me, visiting schools always came easier than walking trails but no matter my insecurities, walking trails was always a blessing in one way or another. I deferred to our team leader, Tom, and told him he could make the decision for me.
So when I got ready Friday morning, I honestly didn't know until breakfast what direction I would be going. I soon found out that I would be hitting the trails one last time. The old "missionary-stage-fright" came over me once again but I told God I would do whatever he wanted me to do, so I took a deep breath and jumped in.
Truly, by this point on the trip I was wondering what I had left to give of myself. I felt tired and "spent" for lack of a better term. Perhaps this is exactly what God was waiting for; less of me so I could be filled with more of Him. I'm happy to report that I had an amazing time on the trails that day!
For the most part, my day was spent visiting people who were already Christians. I noticed that Peter was opening our visiting time in prayer more than usual so I asked him how he could tell who was a believer and who wasn't. He told me the first thing he did when he entered a home was to look at their walls for cues. He was right. By quickly looking at what people have hung on their walls you could determine who was a believer and who wasn't. There were believers in every home we visited that day (with the exception of the last home) who simply needed encouragement. For me, that can sometimes be harder than sharing the gospel because at least by this point on the trip, I'd had a lot of practice with it.
Each and every time I started a visit I thought to myself, "What on earth do you want me to share with this person, God? What kind of encouragement can I give them?" I'd look at that person and despite not having a CLUE as to what would come out, I'd open my mouth to speak. I just have to say that God gave me specific words of encouragement for each and every person I met that day! It was weird and wonderful all at the same time. Every visit was different and every encouragement seemed catered to that person's situation even before I knew fully what their situations were!
One such visit was with a young man named James. We made introductions, said a prayer and then I started talking about how hard it is to pray for something and not get the answer you want. Somehow I started telling James the story of Chrissie Patterson and how hard we all prayed and how full of faith we were that God was going to heal Chrissie but that God ended up taking her home to be with Him instead. Tears started flowing as I shared my heart about Chrissie and about my own struggle in trusting God's goodness and sovereignty even when it doesn't make sense to me.
[see http://allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/ to read all about Chrissie and her amazing family]
James started crying with me, then said that he knew that God had brought me to his house because as of late, he had been struggling in his faith. He said that his prayer was that God would one day remember him. Then I shared about the prodigal son and pointed out that in this story it wasn't the Father who changed, it was the son who left. The father was still the father. When the son turned and headed towards home, it was the father who ran towards him - he was the one who bridged the distance, not the son. I assured James that the Father did, in fact, remember him and had only been waiting for him to turn towards home again.
Then our visit really got going. After we prayed together, I asked James if he had any questions or any other areas I could pray for him about. [I should mention here that James had excellent English and no translation was needed.]
"Why yes," James said, "In fact, my friends and I have been wondering about quite a few things lately." Then he pulled out a written list! He asked why believers still struggled with sin and temptation. He asked why more churches didn't teach directly from the Bible. We talked about God's love and character and what sin and repentance were all about. We talked about works vs. faith, etc. I'm sure I'm forgetting something here, but the point I want to make is that God lead me to scripture and gave me answers to each question James had. That's pretty amazing for this 44 year old brain and nothing short of a miracle from God! In one visit, I watched this young man go from being a tearful prodigal afraid he'd been forgotten by God to a hungry disciple desiring to know more and more of what God's Word says.
It was a really long visit that felt a little bit like a test for me - did I really know answers to James' questions (according to scripture) and did I really believe all that we talked about? By God's grace the answer was "yes". Peter and I were both energized by our visit with James and left there feeling like we were the ones who had been encouraged.
We were running late getting back to the church and quite frankly, we weren't sure how to get back. We were sort of walking through a maze that would periodically open up into someones farm where we would stop for another visit then ask directions. I only shared the gospel one time that day and it was in the last house we visited. Never before had sharing the gospel come so easily or with such eloquence. I don't say that in a prideful way - no, not at all because I completely recognize that it wasn't me doing the talking. The whole day had been too uncanny, too perfect, to have anything to do with my own abilities. Clearly, God was on the move. He also gave me a gift during that last visit; a picture of what repentance looks like.
The young father I was visiting with had a toddler sleeping in his lap with their head pressed against his chest. He did not hesitate to receive Christ and after we had prayed, I opened my eyes and saw that he was crying. Then God really opened my eyes to the scene before me. I opened my mouth and started telling him what I saw.
I told him that God's heart for us was a heart of love and that he held us close in his arms much like he (the young dad) was holding his own child. That was the relationship that God desires to have with us. Sometimes we act like fussy children who pull away and throw fits - that is our sin nature. Just as this young dad couldn't embrace his child while they pulled away, neither could God hold us close when we fitfully go about trying to do things our own way. Our sin (the fussiness in this analogy) separates us from that close relationship with the Father.
I asked him to remember a time when his own child had reached up to him with outstretched arms asking to be held. This was a picture of repentance. When we stop fitfully insisting on living life our own way and turn to the Father, he is quick to pick us up and hold us close to him once again - that is forgiveness. In fact, it is his pleasure to do so because he desires to hold us close once again. God's heart is a Father's heart of love towards his children who he adores.
Hmm. This whole thing was coming out of my mouth, but as the words came it was as if God were saying to my heart, "Julie, do you understand me now? Do you know how much I love you? Do you realize that repentance isn't punishment, but is a gift from a Father who loves you? Don't be afraid of it. I love to hold you close."
I can honestly say that I felt pure delight that day. With each visit I felt more and more as if God were walking with me, holding my hand, giving me words to speak. Is it possible that even though I was the one speaking encouragement to others I was also the one who received the most encouragement?
Dear God, please do not let me forget this beautiful day! No matter how old and senile I may one day be, please do not take this memory from my mind. Help me to enjoy the gift of repentance you have given me and let me feel your heartbeat day after day. I love you Lord and I thank you for my last day on the trails of Akala. - Amen
So when I got ready Friday morning, I honestly didn't know until breakfast what direction I would be going. I soon found out that I would be hitting the trails one last time. The old "missionary-stage-fright" came over me once again but I told God I would do whatever he wanted me to do, so I took a deep breath and jumped in.
Truly, by this point on the trip I was wondering what I had left to give of myself. I felt tired and "spent" for lack of a better term. Perhaps this is exactly what God was waiting for; less of me so I could be filled with more of Him. I'm happy to report that I had an amazing time on the trails that day!
For the most part, my day was spent visiting people who were already Christians. I noticed that Peter was opening our visiting time in prayer more than usual so I asked him how he could tell who was a believer and who wasn't. He told me the first thing he did when he entered a home was to look at their walls for cues. He was right. By quickly looking at what people have hung on their walls you could determine who was a believer and who wasn't. There were believers in every home we visited that day (with the exception of the last home) who simply needed encouragement. For me, that can sometimes be harder than sharing the gospel because at least by this point on the trip, I'd had a lot of practice with it.
Each and every time I started a visit I thought to myself, "What on earth do you want me to share with this person, God? What kind of encouragement can I give them?" I'd look at that person and despite not having a CLUE as to what would come out, I'd open my mouth to speak. I just have to say that God gave me specific words of encouragement for each and every person I met that day! It was weird and wonderful all at the same time. Every visit was different and every encouragement seemed catered to that person's situation even before I knew fully what their situations were!
One such visit was with a young man named James. We made introductions, said a prayer and then I started talking about how hard it is to pray for something and not get the answer you want. Somehow I started telling James the story of Chrissie Patterson and how hard we all prayed and how full of faith we were that God was going to heal Chrissie but that God ended up taking her home to be with Him instead. Tears started flowing as I shared my heart about Chrissie and about my own struggle in trusting God's goodness and sovereignty even when it doesn't make sense to me.
[see http://allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/ to read all about Chrissie and her amazing family]
James started crying with me, then said that he knew that God had brought me to his house because as of late, he had been struggling in his faith. He said that his prayer was that God would one day remember him. Then I shared about the prodigal son and pointed out that in this story it wasn't the Father who changed, it was the son who left. The father was still the father. When the son turned and headed towards home, it was the father who ran towards him - he was the one who bridged the distance, not the son. I assured James that the Father did, in fact, remember him and had only been waiting for him to turn towards home again.
Then our visit really got going. After we prayed together, I asked James if he had any questions or any other areas I could pray for him about. [I should mention here that James had excellent English and no translation was needed.]
"Why yes," James said, "In fact, my friends and I have been wondering about quite a few things lately." Then he pulled out a written list! He asked why believers still struggled with sin and temptation. He asked why more churches didn't teach directly from the Bible. We talked about God's love and character and what sin and repentance were all about. We talked about works vs. faith, etc. I'm sure I'm forgetting something here, but the point I want to make is that God lead me to scripture and gave me answers to each question James had. That's pretty amazing for this 44 year old brain and nothing short of a miracle from God! In one visit, I watched this young man go from being a tearful prodigal afraid he'd been forgotten by God to a hungry disciple desiring to know more and more of what God's Word says.
It was a really long visit that felt a little bit like a test for me - did I really know answers to James' questions (according to scripture) and did I really believe all that we talked about? By God's grace the answer was "yes". Peter and I were both energized by our visit with James and left there feeling like we were the ones who had been encouraged.
We were running late getting back to the church and quite frankly, we weren't sure how to get back. We were sort of walking through a maze that would periodically open up into someones farm where we would stop for another visit then ask directions. I only shared the gospel one time that day and it was in the last house we visited. Never before had sharing the gospel come so easily or with such eloquence. I don't say that in a prideful way - no, not at all because I completely recognize that it wasn't me doing the talking. The whole day had been too uncanny, too perfect, to have anything to do with my own abilities. Clearly, God was on the move. He also gave me a gift during that last visit; a picture of what repentance looks like.
The young father I was visiting with had a toddler sleeping in his lap with their head pressed against his chest. He did not hesitate to receive Christ and after we had prayed, I opened my eyes and saw that he was crying. Then God really opened my eyes to the scene before me. I opened my mouth and started telling him what I saw.
I told him that God's heart for us was a heart of love and that he held us close in his arms much like he (the young dad) was holding his own child. That was the relationship that God desires to have with us. Sometimes we act like fussy children who pull away and throw fits - that is our sin nature. Just as this young dad couldn't embrace his child while they pulled away, neither could God hold us close when we fitfully go about trying to do things our own way. Our sin (the fussiness in this analogy) separates us from that close relationship with the Father.
I asked him to remember a time when his own child had reached up to him with outstretched arms asking to be held. This was a picture of repentance. When we stop fitfully insisting on living life our own way and turn to the Father, he is quick to pick us up and hold us close to him once again - that is forgiveness. In fact, it is his pleasure to do so because he desires to hold us close once again. God's heart is a Father's heart of love towards his children who he adores.
Hmm. This whole thing was coming out of my mouth, but as the words came it was as if God were saying to my heart, "Julie, do you understand me now? Do you know how much I love you? Do you realize that repentance isn't punishment, but is a gift from a Father who loves you? Don't be afraid of it. I love to hold you close."
I can honestly say that I felt pure delight that day. With each visit I felt more and more as if God were walking with me, holding my hand, giving me words to speak. Is it possible that even though I was the one speaking encouragement to others I was also the one who received the most encouragement?
Dear God, please do not let me forget this beautiful day! No matter how old and senile I may one day be, please do not take this memory from my mind. Help me to enjoy the gift of repentance you have given me and let me feel your heartbeat day after day. I love you Lord and I thank you for my last day on the trails of Akala. - Amen
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| What a day! Peter, stop, I have to got to take a picture! |
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Stories from Brenda
[I asked some of the team members if they would contribute stories to the blog in order to give readers a bigger picture of the trip beyond my own perspective. Today's guest blogger is our team leader's wife, Brenda. Brenda and I made our first trip to Africa in 2007 and it was on that trip that I fell in love with her as my friend. This year's Akala trip was her 4th. I hope you all enjoy what she has to share! - Julie]
What a beautiful morning it had been. My translator Pastor Jackson and myself had been walking through the village of Akala, Kenya. Most of our walk that morning had been through gardens with an incredible view of the valley just beyond. It had been a fruitful morning and we had the opportunity to share with many people in the village.
We had just finished visiting with 6 women, 4 of whom were already born again believers. The two young woman that were not, listened to us share the love of Jesus Christ and his plan of salvation. Both of the women listened to us present the gospel and both surrendered their lives to Christ that day. Pastor Jackson asked one of the young women if she might introduce us to her neighbors. The first woman that we came in contact with was already a believer and she suggested that we go to another home in the area. Our guide took us to the recommended house and we were invited to come in by the lady of the home.
As we came into her mud hut she went into the room next to the main living area and woke up her husband. They both came into the living room and their son came in as well. The husband looked somewhat irritated that we were there but allowed us to share the gospel. When sharing the gospel we present it as the Bible containing both good news and bad news. The good news is about God but the bad news is about the rest of us. I started with the bad news. As long as I was sharing the bad news the man allowed me to continue, but as soon as I started talking about Christ and how he demonstrated his love for us, the man became increasingly irritated and started to raise his voice at Pastor Jackson and myself. He told us we were wasting our time.
As the man continued to scream at us, I heard in my head, "Sing". I thought, "What?" and once again I heard, "Sing". At this time all I could think of was the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy and so I began to sing! The man looked completely startled and started to calm down somewhat. He then walked out of the room and we were then able to continue sharing the gospel. The woman was already a believer but the son surrendered his life that day. When we left all Pastor Jackson said was, "Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace."
[How weird and wonderful is that story?! - Julie]
My last day on the trails and also the last group of men that I came in contact with was a group of 4 men. They were sitting outside of a business on a bench visiting with one another. They had been listening somewhat as I presented the gospel to some other men near by. The 4 men listened cordially enough but when I asked them if there was anything that would keep them from receiving Christ's free gift they each hesitated and then told me no, they did not want to accept Christ.
Normally I would just thank someone for their time and go on my way, but not this time. I was so sad to see how each of these men decided they didn't want to accept Christ because their friends were sitting there with them, so I decided to tell each of them what they had chosen this day. I told them that what they had chosen was death, to be eternally separated for God and that some day each of them would have to stand before God and tell him why they had chosen not to follow him and that their friends would not be there with them. I also told them that the next time God knocked on the door of their hearts, I prayed that they would allow him to come in. At this point Pastor Jackson looked at the 4 men and said, "OK, they are ready to accept." My prayer is that these men truly accepted Christ that day.
We all will have to give an accounting someday and I pray that each person who reads this blog stops and asks themselves if they have truly surrendered their hearts to Jesus Christ. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Just as faith without action is dead, so Eph 2:8-9 tells us, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast." Please don't depend on your good works, your religion, baptism, or how much money you give. It is only through Jesus Christ in which we can be saved.
[Thank you for sharing with us, Brenda and for speaking from your heart. Readers, don't take our word for it, take HIS Word for it, the Bible. We're told in the Word that when we seek God with all our hearts, we will find him - Jeremiah 29:13. This scripture was proven true in my own life so I believe it with all my heart for you. Be blessed today! - Julie]
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| Brenda and Tom at Lake Nakuru. The pink over to the left is a large flock of flamingos |
We had just finished visiting with 6 women, 4 of whom were already born again believers. The two young woman that were not, listened to us share the love of Jesus Christ and his plan of salvation. Both of the women listened to us present the gospel and both surrendered their lives to Christ that day. Pastor Jackson asked one of the young women if she might introduce us to her neighbors. The first woman that we came in contact with was already a believer and she suggested that we go to another home in the area. Our guide took us to the recommended house and we were invited to come in by the lady of the home.
As we came into her mud hut she went into the room next to the main living area and woke up her husband. They both came into the living room and their son came in as well. The husband looked somewhat irritated that we were there but allowed us to share the gospel. When sharing the gospel we present it as the Bible containing both good news and bad news. The good news is about God but the bad news is about the rest of us. I started with the bad news. As long as I was sharing the bad news the man allowed me to continue, but as soon as I started talking about Christ and how he demonstrated his love for us, the man became increasingly irritated and started to raise his voice at Pastor Jackson and myself. He told us we were wasting our time.
As the man continued to scream at us, I heard in my head, "Sing". I thought, "What?" and once again I heard, "Sing". At this time all I could think of was the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy and so I began to sing! The man looked completely startled and started to calm down somewhat. He then walked out of the room and we were then able to continue sharing the gospel. The woman was already a believer but the son surrendered his life that day. When we left all Pastor Jackson said was, "Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace."
[How weird and wonderful is that story?! - Julie]
My last day on the trails and also the last group of men that I came in contact with was a group of 4 men. They were sitting outside of a business on a bench visiting with one another. They had been listening somewhat as I presented the gospel to some other men near by. The 4 men listened cordially enough but when I asked them if there was anything that would keep them from receiving Christ's free gift they each hesitated and then told me no, they did not want to accept Christ.
Normally I would just thank someone for their time and go on my way, but not this time. I was so sad to see how each of these men decided they didn't want to accept Christ because their friends were sitting there with them, so I decided to tell each of them what they had chosen this day. I told them that what they had chosen was death, to be eternally separated for God and that some day each of them would have to stand before God and tell him why they had chosen not to follow him and that their friends would not be there with them. I also told them that the next time God knocked on the door of their hearts, I prayed that they would allow him to come in. At this point Pastor Jackson looked at the 4 men and said, "OK, they are ready to accept." My prayer is that these men truly accepted Christ that day.
We all will have to give an accounting someday and I pray that each person who reads this blog stops and asks themselves if they have truly surrendered their hearts to Jesus Christ. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Just as faith without action is dead, so Eph 2:8-9 tells us, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast." Please don't depend on your good works, your religion, baptism, or how much money you give. It is only through Jesus Christ in which we can be saved.
[Thank you for sharing with us, Brenda and for speaking from your heart. Readers, don't take our word for it, take HIS Word for it, the Bible. We're told in the Word that when we seek God with all our hearts, we will find him - Jeremiah 29:13. This scripture was proven true in my own life so I believe it with all my heart for you. Be blessed today! - Julie]
Monday, August 16, 2010
Jacobsen Night at the Crusade - Part Two
[Now, you know that the title of this post is meant tongue and cheek, right? The crusade certainly was NOT our show, it just happened to contain a double dose of the Jacobsen family on this particular night.]
One of the greatest things about the trips we've taken as missionaries in Africa is that you are challenged to do things that are out of your comfort zone. For some it is the anxiousness prior to hitting the trails, for others it is preaching and still sometimes, it's just getting on the bus to leave the hotel. Thus was the case for our youngest team member, Emily, when she faced a day of sickness.
Let me first say that Emily did a fantastic job this whole trip. I never heard her complain and her attitude was always cheerful even when she felt sick. Had her roommate not ratted her out to the old folks, we never would have known she felt bad at all because she just didn't complain. She certainly had the option of staying at the hotel that day to rest, but she instead opted to get in the van and take her sickness on the road. Brave girl! Fortunately, she was able to rest at the church instead of walking the trails and she felt much better by the evening although not 100%. Oh, did I mention that she was sharing her testimony that day?
There is very little shade at the livestock yard and the equator sunshine can be quite intense so Emily opted to sit with our backpacks that evening at the crusade instead of dancing with the kids. Since I'm old and don't dance with kids anyway, I sat nearby. What I saw in Emily that night has become one of my most precious memories of the trip.
Two little girls, one of which held a baby on her hip the entire time, were fascinated with Emily's blond hair. Emily sat patiently as they studied her long, thick braid then started making teeny-tiny braids in the tuft of hair below her rubber-band. They worked for a very long time with that little bit of hair until a team member convinced Emily to take down her big braid. As she did, the little girls gasped and quivered over those long blond strands! I mean literally, their little hands shook with excitement in the air before they could compose themselves to start working - and work they did. They took to braiding for as long as they could - that being the moment Emily had to walk up on stage. It was absolutely precious to see these little girls with their live Barbie-doll-head and even though "Barbie" wasn't feeling well enough to dance and play, her willingness to sit patiently with a smile on her face blessed these children more than she will ever know. The joy on their faces rivaled the most indulgent of Christmas celebrations and it didn't cost Emily a thing! Let that be a lesson to us all.
One of the greatest things about the trips we've taken as missionaries in Africa is that you are challenged to do things that are out of your comfort zone. For some it is the anxiousness prior to hitting the trails, for others it is preaching and still sometimes, it's just getting on the bus to leave the hotel. Thus was the case for our youngest team member, Emily, when she faced a day of sickness.
Let me first say that Emily did a fantastic job this whole trip. I never heard her complain and her attitude was always cheerful even when she felt sick. Had her roommate not ratted her out to the old folks, we never would have known she felt bad at all because she just didn't complain. She certainly had the option of staying at the hotel that day to rest, but she instead opted to get in the van and take her sickness on the road. Brave girl! Fortunately, she was able to rest at the church instead of walking the trails and she felt much better by the evening although not 100%. Oh, did I mention that she was sharing her testimony that day?
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| Still smiling even though she felt bad! |
Two little girls, one of which held a baby on her hip the entire time, were fascinated with Emily's blond hair. Emily sat patiently as they studied her long, thick braid then started making teeny-tiny braids in the tuft of hair below her rubber-band. They worked for a very long time with that little bit of hair until a team member convinced Emily to take down her big braid. As she did, the little girls gasped and quivered over those long blond strands! I mean literally, their little hands shook with excitement in the air before they could compose themselves to start working - and work they did. They took to braiding for as long as they could - that being the moment Emily had to walk up on stage. It was absolutely precious to see these little girls with their live Barbie-doll-head and even though "Barbie" wasn't feeling well enough to dance and play, her willingness to sit patiently with a smile on her face blessed these children more than she will ever know. The joy on their faces rivaled the most indulgent of Christmas celebrations and it didn't cost Emily a thing! Let that be a lesson to us all. The crusade went well that evening. Emily had me in tears with her story of self-doubt and faith restored. She also honored her family, particularly her older brother, in such an awesome way that it warmed the hearts of all who listened that night. Stephanie was next to share her story of single-motherhood and how God redeemed her life. I was the last testimony of the evening.
Honestly, all I remember is that I apparently talked too long...not surprising! I've also been told that I was pretty fired-up...also to be expected when I'm handed a microphone. I can't remember my words exactly, but there is a song by Casting Crown's that sums up the whole experience for me when it says:
If I could rise up high and catch the glimpse of every eye,
I would make them believe what I feel inside!
That is exactly what it feels like to me to speak at an African crusade. You're there, raised up high on a platform, handed a microphone and then given the freedom to implore people to believe what you know to be true: Jesus Christ changes lives! I know that it isn't my job, nor is it within my power to make people believe and follow Jesus - my job is to just share what he's done for me and let God take care of the rest - but OH HOW BADLY I WISH I HAD THE WORDS TO DESCRIBE WHAT IS IN MY HEART WHEN IT COMES TO GOD'S IMPORTANCE IN MY LIFE! Surely, if I could adequately explain my life experience to people, let them feel what it was like to walk in my shoes then to experience what God did for me in my most devastated place in life, surely they would want to know my Jesus for themselves.
Ha! If I'm getting long-winded talking about the crusade experience, you can just imagine how long-winded I was that night.
Next up on stage was my awesome husband, Pastor Dave. For those who have never met us I should explain that in many ways my husband and I are alike and in one specific area we are polar opposite. I am definitely the emotional one in this relationship and he is the logical "rock" that I cling to. No, seriously, we even had our compatibility grafted as part of our pre-married counseling and our graft lines went up and down side by side except for this one area. Suddenly the graft split apart with my crest of emotion pointing one direction and his crest of logic pointing as far in the other direction as the paper would allow!
While I am thrilled with the whole "hand me a microphone" experience, Dave is much more reserved. As he explains it, it's not the public speaking that bothers him, but the preparation for what he is going to say that makes him uncomfortable. He'll have to explain his experience to you himself, but from where I was sitting Dave did an incredible job preaching that night. He spoke with such composure - even his body language was strong and didn't hint at all to the insecurity inside. What I was most impressed with was his altar call.
At first, nobody came forward which would have completely unnerved me, but Dave stood there perfectly composed, waiting quietly while he studied the crowd. I'm sure I would have started waving my arms and raising my voice - anything to illicit a response - but Dave waited calmly and reiterated himself peacefully. Still, no one came forward, but as I glanced to my right, there was a young woman weeping to herself. One of the African pastors came forward to speak while Dave continued studying the crowd. I saw my friend Brenda cross the yard and sit with the young woman who was weeping. The next thing I knew, that young woman came forward to receive Christ while Brenda held her close in her arms. They stood there in front of the stage, alone, for the longest time while the woman cried and prayed and worshipped the Lord. Then another person came forward, then another, and another. The first woman fell to her knees and continued her worship while still another person came forward to accept Christ. It was a beautiful scene to behold.
Thanks to the Jacobsen family (okay, probably because of the emotional long-winded member of this family) our drive back to the hotel took place in the dark. Couple darkness with those crazy strips of road and you have yourself one wild ride! It was an exciting end to another wonderful day in Kenya.
Until next time -
Julie
At first, nobody came forward which would have completely unnerved me, but Dave stood there perfectly composed, waiting quietly while he studied the crowd. I'm sure I would have started waving my arms and raising my voice - anything to illicit a response - but Dave waited calmly and reiterated himself peacefully. Still, no one came forward, but as I glanced to my right, there was a young woman weeping to herself. One of the African pastors came forward to speak while Dave continued studying the crowd. I saw my friend Brenda cross the yard and sit with the young woman who was weeping. The next thing I knew, that young woman came forward to receive Christ while Brenda held her close in her arms. They stood there in front of the stage, alone, for the longest time while the woman cried and prayed and worshipped the Lord. Then another person came forward, then another, and another. The first woman fell to her knees and continued her worship while still another person came forward to accept Christ. It was a beautiful scene to behold.
Thanks to the Jacobsen family (okay, probably because of the emotional long-winded member of this family) our drive back to the hotel took place in the dark. Couple darkness with those crazy strips of road and you have yourself one wild ride! It was an exciting end to another wonderful day in Kenya.
Until next time -
Julie
Friday, August 13, 2010
Jacobsen Night at the Crusade - Part One
[Sorry for the long delay between posts. I've been traveling with the kids.]
Every afternoon around 4 we served as guest speakers at a crusade meeting. The crusades consisted of music from our African worship team followed by Mzungu testimonies and a Gospel presentation which include an invitation to receive Christ. Tonight it would be my turn to share testimony and Dave's job to preach the message. More about that later, first let me tell you about my day on the trails.
It really was another great day! Yes, the old anxiousness returned prior to stepping out (could it be called missionary stage fright?) but the nerves were quickly abated as I began my first visit with the local hooch-man. That's what I'm calling him, "Hooch Man" because his job was to make and sell moonshine called chang'aa. Chang'aa is nasty stuff! We were told that it only took one drink to get you drunk and the drunks we saw seemed like they were in another world - which made us wonder if there was also a hallucinogenic quality to the stuff. Given that they use methanol to ferment the stuff, I wouldn't be surprised. [see http://brookstonbeerbulletin.com/kenyas-kill-me-quick-moonshine/ for more info] Tourists are warned that even one drink could kill you - literally. In fact, during our trip, 17 people in the slum of Kibera (outside of Nairobi) died in one night from drinking the same nasty brew!
Anyhow, the crusade stage was set in the livestock trading yard which was just across the road from the new church. At the opposite end of the yard was the hooch house. We were welcomed in by a tall, broad-shouldered man who offered us a seat in the shade. As we entered I saw an older woman spreading out a corn mixture over a tarp to dry it in the sun. Next to that, the hooch man was stirring a big cauldron of something. I innocently asked my translator what she was drying and he told me the ingredients to make alcohol. We had to walk through the smoke of the cauldron to take our seats and WHOOEE! Potent smells were in the air! I was grateful we didn't sit in the direct path of the hooch pot because I'm sure I would've become tipsy on the fumes alone.
I assumed we would have resistance to the gospel from the hooch man because in Africa, Christians do NOT drink, therefore those who make their living event remotely related to the hooch industry (i.e. the farmer selling corn) believe they aren't allowed to be Christian. Unfortunately, they've gotten this idea from well-meaning believers who have told them so. I was prepared to give a response to that assumption, but to my surprise the hooch man received the Lord gladly along with 3 others who had sat down to visit with us! You just never know.
I saw the hooch man at every crusade meeting and I heard from another team member that he had received Christ at one of the crusade meetings earlier in the week. Whatever the case might have been, I saw him worshipping God several times throughout the week and no - I never saw him drunk (just his clientele). Yes, I'd like for the hooch to stop, but it isn't my place to give this man a bunch of rules to live by. It is God that brings gentle conviction to change, not condemnation which only leads to a rule-based faith.
Another interesting visit I had was with a man named Lawrence who was the landlord for a local property. We visited under a tree where he was receiving payment from his renters and balancing his books. He shared with us his frustration with some churches who by his account only wanted your money and cared nothing for you as a person. He asked good questions about the new church and what they believed. He also told us about a radio advertisement for a man coming to town claiming to be God and asked what we thought about it. You can guess what I had to say about that! Lawrence listened intently as I shared that true salvation came only through Jesus Christ then prayed to entrust his life to the Lord.
There were others that day - the young mother washing her floors, the household of women who wanted to clarify some of the rumors they'd been hearing, the old man named Joshua we met along the road who wanted prayer for his broken hip and the young man I spontaneously felt compelled to share my testimony with. Yes it was a great day for visiting with the people of Akala.
After walking the trails, the Mzungus met in the pastor's house for lunch then had a couple of hours to rest and prepare for the afternoon crusade meeting. Since David was preaching and I was giving testimony (along with Stephanie and Emily) we retreated to the church building to grab some quiet time. Throughout this trip there were children wandering in and amongst the Mzungus all day long and that afternoon was no exception. The kids were being very well behaved that afternoon and at one point, Peter sat several of them down for "lessons". I wish you could hear their sweet little accents as they tried to repeat the English phrases Peter was teaching them:
"Jesus is my friend."
"I love Jesus."
"The Mzungus are my friend."
Then in a child-like voice (imagine it very high pitched) Peter starts teaching them Joy to the World, phrase by phrase. Some of us started singing with them from our various places around the room, quietly at first, but then louder and more confidently as the children started mastering the song. We laughed a little as we all tried to remember the 2nd and 3rd verses but all in all, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Then young Nathan from our team - who happens to be a fantastic singer by the way - asked Peter to teach him a song in Swahili. Poor Nathan had to put up with my questions for the rest of the trip on how to pronounce things, but in the end I too learned the little ditty called Mambo Sawa Sawa.
Mambo sawa sawa,
Mambo sawa sawa,
Yesu akiwa inkini
Mambo sawa sawa,
Mambo sawa sawa,
Mambo sawa sawa
Things are very better
Things are very better
When Jesus is on the throne
Things are very better
Things are very better
Things are very better
To be continued...
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| Hanging out after the trails. I SO BADLY wanted to try that ladder! |
It really was another great day! Yes, the old anxiousness returned prior to stepping out (could it be called missionary stage fright?) but the nerves were quickly abated as I began my first visit with the local hooch-man. That's what I'm calling him, "Hooch Man" because his job was to make and sell moonshine called chang'aa. Chang'aa is nasty stuff! We were told that it only took one drink to get you drunk and the drunks we saw seemed like they were in another world - which made us wonder if there was also a hallucinogenic quality to the stuff. Given that they use methanol to ferment the stuff, I wouldn't be surprised. [see http://brookstonbeerbulletin.com/kenyas-kill-me-quick-moonshine/ for more info] Tourists are warned that even one drink could kill you - literally. In fact, during our trip, 17 people in the slum of Kibera (outside of Nairobi) died in one night from drinking the same nasty brew!
Anyhow, the crusade stage was set in the livestock trading yard which was just across the road from the new church. At the opposite end of the yard was the hooch house. We were welcomed in by a tall, broad-shouldered man who offered us a seat in the shade. As we entered I saw an older woman spreading out a corn mixture over a tarp to dry it in the sun. Next to that, the hooch man was stirring a big cauldron of something. I innocently asked my translator what she was drying and he told me the ingredients to make alcohol. We had to walk through the smoke of the cauldron to take our seats and WHOOEE! Potent smells were in the air! I was grateful we didn't sit in the direct path of the hooch pot because I'm sure I would've become tipsy on the fumes alone.
I assumed we would have resistance to the gospel from the hooch man because in Africa, Christians do NOT drink, therefore those who make their living event remotely related to the hooch industry (i.e. the farmer selling corn) believe they aren't allowed to be Christian. Unfortunately, they've gotten this idea from well-meaning believers who have told them so. I was prepared to give a response to that assumption, but to my surprise the hooch man received the Lord gladly along with 3 others who had sat down to visit with us! You just never know.
I saw the hooch man at every crusade meeting and I heard from another team member that he had received Christ at one of the crusade meetings earlier in the week. Whatever the case might have been, I saw him worshipping God several times throughout the week and no - I never saw him drunk (just his clientele). Yes, I'd like for the hooch to stop, but it isn't my place to give this man a bunch of rules to live by. It is God that brings gentle conviction to change, not condemnation which only leads to a rule-based faith.
Another interesting visit I had was with a man named Lawrence who was the landlord for a local property. We visited under a tree where he was receiving payment from his renters and balancing his books. He shared with us his frustration with some churches who by his account only wanted your money and cared nothing for you as a person. He asked good questions about the new church and what they believed. He also told us about a radio advertisement for a man coming to town claiming to be God and asked what we thought about it. You can guess what I had to say about that! Lawrence listened intently as I shared that true salvation came only through Jesus Christ then prayed to entrust his life to the Lord.
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| Pastor's House Behind Church |
After walking the trails, the Mzungus met in the pastor's house for lunch then had a couple of hours to rest and prepare for the afternoon crusade meeting. Since David was preaching and I was giving testimony (along with Stephanie and Emily) we retreated to the church building to grab some quiet time. Throughout this trip there were children wandering in and amongst the Mzungus all day long and that afternoon was no exception. The kids were being very well behaved that afternoon and at one point, Peter sat several of them down for "lessons". I wish you could hear their sweet little accents as they tried to repeat the English phrases Peter was teaching them:
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| This pic is dark, but it is Peter teaching the children - Wish you could see his face more clearly |
"I love Jesus."
"The Mzungus are my friend."
Then in a child-like voice (imagine it very high pitched) Peter starts teaching them Joy to the World, phrase by phrase. Some of us started singing with them from our various places around the room, quietly at first, but then louder and more confidently as the children started mastering the song. We laughed a little as we all tried to remember the 2nd and 3rd verses but all in all, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Then young Nathan from our team - who happens to be a fantastic singer by the way - asked Peter to teach him a song in Swahili. Poor Nathan had to put up with my questions for the rest of the trip on how to pronounce things, but in the end I too learned the little ditty called Mambo Sawa Sawa.
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| I'm glad they wrote down the lyrics! |
Mambo sawa sawa,
Yesu akiwa inkini
Mambo sawa sawa,
Mambo sawa sawa,
Mambo sawa sawa
Things are very better
Things are very better
When Jesus is on the throne
Things are very better
Things are very better
Things are very better
To be continued...
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| Pastor Dave gathering his thoughts for the crusade. Yep, these trips really stretch your comfort zone! |
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