How do we put into words the rest of our week?…
On Tuesday and Thursday, we met with Anthony Maina (the husband of Catherine Ndereba-- the silver medalist in the marathon at the last two Olympics). This dynamic duo shared their vision for discipleship in the near future (we aren’t supposed to disclose any specific information over the internet…ask us when we get home!) But while we held hands and prayed over this ministry, tears began streaming down Anthony’s face. This moment made us realize one of the reasons why our team is here: we are meant to encourage the native missionaries/leaders as they build long-term relationships. As most mission trips approach ministering to the lower-class (ex. orphans), we are uniquely ministering to the influential upperclassmen who can build things like orphanages and schools. As Solomon told us, from his own experience of growing up in Kenya, American Christians are regarded as the “face of hope” or as he even said, “the face of God.” This is really humbling to hear, but there are several verses throughout the Bible that attest to having God’s radiance: “Those who look to Him are radiant” (Psalm 34:5) and “make your face shine upon your servant” (Psalm 119:135). May we not cover our faces with a veil like Moses did (Exodus 34:35).
On Wednesday, we went to the biggest slum in East Africa-- a 5x2.5 mile plot of land that is home to around one million people, most of whom live on an equivalent of 50 cents per day. While here, our hearts were joined closely to God’s, and thus were filled with heartache-- but also hope. At first, we echoed questions of “why has mankind, and its sin, let this happen?,” but then we realized that the more appropriate question is, “what can we do?” We obviously knew that we didn’t have enough money or food to help everyone there for a substantial period of time. But we have something that can help them for eternity-- the hope of heaven through belief in Jesus Christ. Again, hope! As Revelation proclaims, through Christ’s blood at the cross, the smiling children with tattered clothing can receive white, linen robes before the throne of God (7:9). The hungry fathers will be given ample amounts of food at the Great Banquet (7:16). The weary and weeping widows and mothers will never shed tears again (21:4). As we also realized, God doesn’t have an aching heart for these people because they are financially poor. He simply has an aching heart for injustice and for anyone that doesn’t have a relationship with Him-- in Kenya or America!!!! Many of these Kenyans, in fact, have an advantage over us; they are blessed because they realize what it means to be “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). They can’t depend on things like comfort and materialism to get them through the day. Rather, many accept that they have to depend on God’s hope, strength, love, forgiveness, mercy, grace…the more broken, the more dependent on God’s healing. How many are willing to say, “Here I am…to break.”
Other than that, this Friday and Saturday will be spent at the Kenyan National track meet. We will get the opportunity to talk with the athletes and cheer, “Kimbia na roho” (run with your heart)! Again, we will be ministering to people who are regarded as celebrities in this country. By mirroring the image of Christ, these role-models can make huge impacts! Sunday we will be traveling to Eldoret and staying there for the duration of the week. Please pray that we will continue to join closely together as His compassionate Body.