A DAY OFF in the village…

I had fallen asleep with worries, concerns and a heaviness on my heart that I lifted up and casted onto my God.

So when I woke, I had slept well, was filled with peace and knew those new mercies of the morning!!

I started a load of laundry and just knowing how different that process was from what you just envisioned makes me laugh out loud. Let me paint that for you… I went outside to the rain barrel that had been filled with water from the river as it still isn’t raining. I filled the kettle and placed it on the gas flame. As it heated I placed the clothes, soap and bleach into the ‘tub’. After pouring the hot water in, I began the ‘wash cycle’ by taking a big wooden spoon and swishing the water, again, simulating that wonderful invention of the agitator.

Then Theresa came in with the morning delivery of Mandazi (donut holes), packed in a brown paper bag, soaked with the grease they were cooked in. (Ahh yep, I don’t eat these!). As she was leaving, I handed her a package of plastic bags she usually packs them in. She literally raised her arms and thanked God. A $1.50 offering and this woman knew from Whom it came!! I was moved.

Our plan was to load up and drive to Sengara at 9am. Peter, a former Muslim, had requested we come and share “the good news” with his father, a man steeped in the animistic traditions of spirits and witchcraft.

Just as we prepared to leave, a large truck pulled down our lane. After meeting them, Randy says, “this might take a while”. It was the Assistant Chief and another man. I immediately expected trouble. But these men had heard about the hen project and are wanting to start something similar on the next mountain. He was impressed with the project and the guys were more than happy to share all that they’ve learned.

After returning from Sengara, the guys were gathering in the hut for devotions with Denis. Just then a piki arrived and in came our Maasai friend, Paul and his friend, Moses.

Moses, Paul, Randy and I spent nearly 2 hours discussing Paul’s difficulty in leaving the Mormon church. He has encountered struggles and although God revealed to him through His Scriptures, the falsehood of the Mormons, over a year ago, he has remained associated with them.

Recently when he was visited by an elder in this cult, his people were found unable to answer questions about the book of Mormons, they only knew about the Bible. Paul was questioned and reprimanded.

Randy sternly – with so much love – warned Paul about delaying his obedience to God. He told him he needed to repent to God, confess before his flock and break away… Immediately. Please be praying as this could result in great difficulty for Paul.

Right after Paul and Moses left, Randy called for me to come and greet Nelson. I love Nelson. A wonderful mzee (old man) in the village. Nelson and his friend Enoch sat in the hut. Both with their hats and their canes in hand. These grey headed men, dressed in suits with hands that display a lifetime of hard work just seem to naturally demand a respect that I tried to express in our greeting.

After some catch up with Nelson, Enoch says, “let us make this long story somewhat short.” They went on to both share how they each have a son, both who are married, with children, employed.. One a teacher, one a soldier. “They take the drink and they smoke banga (pot). When they drink they can go days into disappearance. They are both about to be dismissed from their jobs. What can we do?” They pointed over to our guys working at the hen project, Meshack, Moses, Rogers and Otara… All who they say use to drink with their boys. “That one”, pointing to Otara, “he use to sell them their drink! Sincerely, what can you do?”

The pleading in these old African fathers’ eyes, as they politely held their hats and canes, broke my heart.

Randy explained how our guys had gotten to where they are today. “It started with Jesus! They can get sober many different ways. But for them to change, they need Jesus!”

“Truly that is so!” We prayed together and with tears I asked God to work! The men then got up from the little stools in the hut, place on their hats and proceeded to walk to the project. They were given a tour by Meshack and Rogers, both who 6 and 12 months ago they would have been staggering drunk by this noon hour.

I watched as Meshack and Rogers showed them their work. They spoke the mother tongue, Akeguisi. I know a few phrases and recognized several times as they would stop, turn to face their visitors, talk about Yesu – Jesus, the Bible and “Roho ya Mungu” – the Holy Spirit.

Tears filled my eyes and praise… Sincere praise… Filled my heart. Oh my God is so so amazing!!

Alafu… And then… I had another visitor. Aska. Aska came for prayer for her back. Aska is 96 years olds. She works in the shamba every day. She walks miles a day. Today, she quietly motioned to her back and in moans and broken Swahili – both hers and mine – we communicated and prayed.

Aska blesses me. With double language barriers, this woman warms my heart by her kindness, love and faith in Jesus to ease her pain of age and hard work!

Ahhhh… It’s dinner time!! Randy, Craig and Chase go out to the hut for evening devotions with our guys.

I put on some praise music and begin cutting potatoes and onions for dinner. Several times I would stop, overwhelmed with the evident, day filled proof of God’s goodness.

Going over the day, the visitor packed day, I could only give glory to the One Who orchestrates, Who woos and pursues the heart of man and Who is allowing me to sit in the very front row of His Amazing masterpiece and workmanship!!

Just then Chase comes into the kitchen. “That was amazing!” He shared about the devotions and how the guys went around, each sharing what God had shown them just this week. He told of how they eagerly shared and how sincere they were. He was moved as he saw the results of God revealing Himself.

After we ate dinner we had our prayer time. Tuesday nights are focused on the ministry we are doing here in Kenya. Our prayer requests include many needs but today…. Our prayers were all filled with praise, thanksgiving, and giving glory to a God who NEVER takes a day off!!!!