From Texas to Kenya: Worshiping our God in Africa

Sunday brought thick white cotton clouds that blanketed the morning, while ever so often allowing the bright blue sky to peak through. We all slept in since church in the NV dining hall didn't begin until 10:20AM. The older girls (ages 11-13) led the service: singing in both English and Swahili, facilitating the drama performances the younger children presented and praying. They were so precious as they re-enacted the Good Samaritan parable and a skit about appreciating what we are given. It was a good lesson for our American children, too! Pastor Mark taught on the character trait of God of generosity from Genesis 15:1-7 which coordinated beautifully with the children's message. God gives himself to Abram as an inheritance, a very great reward in Gen 15:1. Such overwhelming generosity to imperfect, selfish, unholy people cannot be compared! However, what a wonderful reminder it was for our team as we considered His overwhelming generosity toward us personally here in 2014. The LORD continues to be faithful to His character today just as He was to Abram. He touched people's heart and they gave financial gifts out of their overflow, and some out of their poverty, in order to make our very trip possible. Others donated beautiful books, useful clothing items, headphones and hard-drives, diapers & toothbrushes. The generosity of so many pointed us to the source of generosity. And Pastor Mark, the spiritual formation director at Naomi's Village, brought the truth into focus for everyone that day: Our God is Generous!

After lunch and playtime with the NV children, our team went into Maai Mahiu town to visit Rift Valley Fellowship church planted by The Village Church in Sept., 2012 and pastored by Isaac and Esther. What a worshipful experience for the small congregation made up of Kenyans, Ugandans, and Americans. Many on our team were moved by the joyful outward expression of worship demonstrated during both singing and preaching. It didn't seem to matter that the Swahili songs & preaching were not 100% translated for us, although some of the words we understood since this was now our third corporate worship service in 4 days! The human language barrier was no match for the Holy Spirit who spoke directly to our hearts and blessed us. Pastor Isaac took his sermon from 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 on the ministry of reconciliation God has given us, as He has made us "bolozi" or ambassadors of God. We were in Kenya as ambassadors of the LORD to deliver His message of good news to hurting men and women and children alongside these believers, members of His body. What an encouragement being at RVF! What a privilege is was to be with this congregation of 40+ Africans worshiping the same God in song, in opening of His word, and in spirit and in truth.

Our Sabbath day was a precious gift from the LORD as we stood in the truth of Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV):

"...for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priest to our God..."