What a terrific day! This morning began a little later - which was extra nice. After a yummy breakfast we gathered up our things and headed out the door to church. Our 30 minute walk through the hills of Tenwek and Chebunge Villages was the perfect way to start Sunday. Someone asked if I was ready to start walking to church at home - no, not even going to try. North Valley Road is a little riskier. Besides, most people walk around here so the roads are actually better for walking than driving.
It was a joy to see the benches all full by the time the service ended. There were many women and children, and a few men. One of our biggest prayer requests is that God would raise up men in this village who are faithful to their wives and children. This particular village has many widowed and "orphaned" families. There were some villagers in for church just to see the "visitors."
We all had a chance to meet the church people, introduce ourselves, sing a song. Our friend and host, Jeff Stanfield, preached a very powerful sermon on the value of giving. Sometimes our giving isn't financial - but we must give regardless of the circumstances - out of what we have, with a generous heart to honor God. And HE will be blessed.
I think about the times when I have chosen to keep something for myself and how that makes me feel - compared to the times I have given with a grateful heart - to be blessed even more. We shouldn't give to be blessed, but to honor God and others. I must say - though we have been thanked so many times for our work here in Chebunge Village, I feel like I have so little to offer for the real needs of this community. So, I will give out of what I have.
There is a great need for encouragement, hope, wisdom and provision beyond anything physical. I am convinced we are here at a critical time - but I must continue to rely on the strength and wisdom of Jesus to be what these people need today. There is so much hurting in this village - hurting over relationships and lack of integrity. So please pray with us.
After church we were invited to the home of Justine. She has been cooking for us each day at the church. She cooked the dinner meal for about 30 people over an open fire. We enjoyed beans, rice, ugali, chipati and greens. This is the standard meal here. There was plenty to go around. It was a special time of fellowship and breaking chipati together. We ended our time with afternoon tea and prayer.
A nice walk home with full tummies made for a good afternoon nap - though I chose to be silly instead. We laughed a lot this afternoon - well, Paula slept. We talked a lot about the safari we will be going on and heard both Christine and Jeff's exotic animal imitations. WE will just have to see how good they really are in a week. Then, we played 10,000 again. LeRoy won tonight. I think it's my turn next. Charma laughs.
Our evening together included homemade crakers - UNBELIEVABLE- Tillamook Cheese, popcorn and special Kenyan caramel sauce. We had sharing and prayer.
Tomorrow back to the benches at the church - 18 to go. We will have to work hard to get it done- and celebrate with a party on Saturday.
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What a blessing your day was. How wonderful to see the benches filled. Gives you real motivation to get the rest done!
ReplyDeleteOregon is going to start having fall weather this week which is a welcome from such hot days this summer. It is to rain this week...my condo is supposed to be painted today but they may have to put that off after all. Oh well, it will happen when it is the right time. I heard Tony Campolo on TV last night and he preached a wonderful sermon on how we have the responsibilty to look after the poor and those who have great need. It made me think of the work you are doing and what a ressponsibility we have here at home for those needs right here too. As the scripture says, we should be doing all of our work as unto the Lord. Have a wonderful week and know that we lift you up daily! Love to all. sharon Carroll
This adventure has provided time for you all to examine your own strengths and weaknesses as you are experiencing the day to day life in this small community. Last spring I studied the phenomena of African countries that suffer so physically through political and civil unrest, genocide, hunger, disease and polluted drinking water and yet there always is room for song, dance, celebration and laughter. Through great trials,the native people still manage to rejoice in the simple things. We have so much to learn. Perhaps receiving the lessons of the complex African cultures and its people is the greatest gifts we can give.
ReplyDeleteI am curious...could you give more detail on the communities needs that are other than physical. In another blog you mentioned that there was much "unfaithfulness." I am not sure what that means...I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers and look forward to your return. Be Well. LeeAnn (a new blogger)