African Adventures- Final Missions Update
August 9, 2010 by Nate
Jambo Supporters and Family in Christ!
I cannot believe that the time has arrived, but this update will be the last one that I write while in country. Even while I type these first few sentences of this email, memories of people and experiences of these past 6 weeks are flashing across my mind. God has shown me and grown me so much during our time here, and I know He will continue to do so as I process everything once we return. I am looking forward to sharing in person about the impacting ministries, precious children, giving people, and beautiful culture of East Africa. Below are just a few snapshots of our time here in Eburru.
1) Church Kenyan Style- The last two Sundays Katie and I have had the blessing to worship with the African Inland Church (AIC ) here in Eburru. Pastor Steve started the church here in 2004 and it has since grown to be the largest church in the areal. Let me tell you, this Kenyan church knows how to praise the Lord in song and dance. The young men are playing the drums, the children are performing traditional dances, and the older women are banging on the tambourines. Church service begins at 11am and goes well into the afternoon. This past Sunday there was a special time for people to come forward with specific needs for the church to pray for. How awesome it was to hear prayers going up in four different languages- Swahili, English, Kikuyu, and Turkana. Although our words were varied, our hearts were united in the Holy Spirit.
2) Teacher Eva- Currently, there are 3 teachers that work here at the Camp Brethren Mission School- Ms. Nancy, Mr. Kago, and Ms. Eva. I have really enjoyed getting to know Ms. Eva, the lead teacher. What I love about her is that she ALWAYS has a smile on her face! This joyful teacher lives in a simple one room “apartment” that is attached to the clinic. She uses a small coal burner for cooking and heating water for her bucket showers. At night, she has a paraffin lantern for light and an outdoor “squatty potty” for her bathroom. Even with such rustic living conditions, Eva radiates the joy of Christ to all around her.
While at the market the other day, I asked Eva if she ever has a down day when she feels sad or lonely. She explained, “I may have a minute or two when I am sad, but joy quickly returns to me.” I further inquired how she maintains such a joyful spirit. She quickly replied, “ I sing praises to Jesus.” Our conversation ended with us standing in the “parking lot” of the market singing Eva’s favorite song, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.”
3) Ministry of David’s Hope International (DHI)- As you probably know, I am here serving alongside Katie Futrell who is part of DHI (www.davidshope.org). This non-profit organization was formed by a mission team that served in Eburru back in Dec of 2008. God gave this 16 member team a vision to continue serving this small village and, thus, DHI was founded. Wow, how God has blessed their ministry! Through their efforts and funding, in less than 1 ½ years, a school of 90+ children has been founded, a maternity ward to the clinic has been added, and plans for an orphanage have been drawn up. Through these projects, lives have been saved- physically and spiritually. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve with this organization and am excited to see how God continues to work through them.
I look forward to sharing more stories and pictures with you when I return. Thank you for making this trip possible through your support, prayers, and encouraging emails since I have been hereJ Katie and I will be arriving this Tues, Aug 10 at 1:50pm at Dulles Airport. Please pray for safe and peaceful travel.
Blessings,
KariJ
