Kenya Team Update 7/13

Towards the end of this week we got our first bit of rest from ministry. Thursday morning we went to a grade school where the kids did performances for us. They led us in worship and a young girl in grade 5 got up and shared a devo with us. It was fantastic. We also shared our dances, dramas, and puppets with them. I love the reaction of the young kids to our puppets. Some are fascinated, some are completely thrilled, and others are entirely frightened.

Friday we went to the children’s home that we visited the week before. We were excited to go back to spend time with the kids. We decided that, although we knew it would turn into mass chaos as every child in the slums came over, we would try to do balloon animals. And it was just as chaotic as we thought it would be. We also decided to purchase juice and cookies for all of the children. Chaos and mayhem it may have been, but it was every bit worth it!

Saturday, we as a leadership team and staff disciplers, decided to surprise the team with our first official culture and heritage day. The exclamations of joy as we turned into Safari Walk Nairobi was a great reward. We walked around looking at the different animals as all sorts of baboons and monkeys walked around us. I have added that to the list of things that would never happen in the US.

Sunday found us back at Maurice’s church. We had the privilege of sharing with the congregation one of our dances and dramas, and a handful of our students shared the puppets and help out with the children’s Sunday school. The guest preacher taught on how we need to be in the Word of God. It was an encouraging and inspiring message.

This week we will again be doing our program with DICE Ministries in schools in the slums. I love watching our team step out in faith sharing the Gospel and getting to know these Kenyan students. I cannot say enough how proud I am of their obedience to God and the bravery to speak His message with people they don’t know.

As promised here are some thoughts of a couple of the students on our team.

“Being here in Kenya has really shown me just how much I lean on God for physical and emotional strength. God has really pushed me past my comfort zone, showing me the ever-present need surrounding me. When I look into the eyes of the little kids I see a deep hunger for love and acceptance. When I see that hunger, I realize how loved I am and how so many people take it for granted. I love sharing the love of Jesus with them.” Megan P.

“I’ve seen God’s power in so many new ways. I’ve seen His power to change me, to use me, and to change other people’s lives also. The name of Jesus hold so much power, and being a part of the work He is doing in Nairobi is one of the greatest joys I have ever experienced.” Mary Claire

During our school program we have 2 opportunities for our students to give testimonies relevant to academic excellence and to healthy relationships. Each time these two young people, Bubba and Lauren, share about the work that God has done in their lives, the students in the schools are captivated. It may seem like a small thing, but realizing that kids in America experience the same troubles and temptations that they face, makes a significant impact. It is teaching the team to be grateful for the trials in our lives because overcoming those trials can bring Glory to God.

For the Kenyan team,
Margaret