This morning our friend dropped us at the Nakumat on his way to his church in Githurai. We were disappointed we were missing church there but excited for yet another of God’s answered prayers.
We took a cab to the Mennonite Guest House. We had been invited by Caroline, a new friend. On the first Sunday of the month, they have a Hymn Sing and this is her last, after being on staff for a couple years. She leaves today to join her husband, David, in Malaysia.
First…. the Hymn Sing…. We were in dining room, maybe 60 people, all holding hymnals as we walked in. Ahhh… I grew up singing these songs… ole time gospel, four part harmony, everyone sings and it was sweet. I look around and there were many children. They actually were the ones that had most of the requests.
At one point I spied a young boy, my Johnny’s age, he was gazing around, exploring everything he could while sitting there still. I love boys, I love to watch them. As he counted the beams in the ceiling, his eye caught something outside and he stretched to see better. I love all this but what struct me most… That boy never stopped singing. Oh come thou Fount of Every Blessing…, Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound…, Christ we do all adore Thee… He knew every word and his little heart sang as his little eyes explored.
Just behind him was another boy, a few years older, maybe 10 or 12. He too was singing every song, not quite as distracted. In fact several times I noticed him close his eyes with expectancy of the words coming up. “Prone to wander…” He squinted his eyes as if to relate to these words. 10 years old?? Where has he wandered? I ask The Lord. I have never seen such emotion in young children as they not only sang songs, but their hearts prayed the words.
It made me think of the verse…. Write them on your heart. Proverbs, Deuteronomy, 2 Corinthians. All admonishing that His Word be written on our hearts. While not all the hymns were scripture… They did cry out praise, worship and prayers.
After the last song, Caroline came up and gave me a huge hug. I needed that. She then walked us out to our new car. Yep, God has provided for both David and Caroline AND us! He has indeed answered both our prayers and brought us together for a purpose beyond the transfer of a vehicle… that I am sure of. We had a sweet time of prayer together, got in the car and she smiled as she told me she had left a CD in the player just for us…. 10,000 reasons… I tried to have it playing as you read through this post – but the internet speed is a bit challenged here sometimes. I have, however, put the words below — and as you read through them — may they be the prayer song of your heart….
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
You’re rich in love, and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore
Jesus, I’ll worship Your holy name
Lord, I’ll worship Your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I’ll worship Your holy name
I’ll worship Your holy name
The Change of Seasons 
God is so good! So happy the prayers for a vehicle have already been answered.
Your new grand baby is beautiful just like the rest of her siblings.
You wrote this with such detail I felt like I was right there with you. What an awesome way to be able share the love of our Savior and King. Thank you for sharing this time you had with Elizabeth and Grace.
Love,
Jill
Kari, I know the situation is explosive there, and I will be praying for your safety, and all the people. It was wild when we were there in ’08 and trying to get out of Nairobi, but I never felt the presence of God more than when we were surrounded by hundreds of men with guns and shields. I had no fear, just awe! He is our protector. I’m glad you are taking precautions for safety—it’s better to be out of the way of the mobs.
The Mennonite Guest House is quite close to where we stay—-Sandavy House on Ndemi. We will be there, Lord willing, May 13th. We stay the nite then leave for our village the next day. I’m praying the situation stays calm for this whole election process—-no mayhem, murder, or riots.
May God put His hand of protection on you all.
Love, Sue
Beautiful post Kari. I love those hymns but have never been able to attend the sing:( Glad you got to enjoy and praising God for your vehicle:)
Oh Kari – You can tell your stories and they grab attention from the start. You really should write a book in a few years. I love your prayers asking God for wisdom and strength. You are my inspiration to be a better witness for Jesus. Love and prayers for you my friend.
Kari: Thank you for the updates. Keep them coming. They settle me down and refocus me. You sound joyful and I am so glad. Dick and I lift you and Randi up in prayer and continue to ask our Lord to Bless you and Guide you. Those children are blessed to have you!
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