America the Generous

The last two weeks have been the nicest wintertime I have ever seen, rarely getting below 70. Today was our last and final day to explore the different facets of the Kenyan healthcare system. We saw their national research lab, KEMRI, the clinic for Kibera slums, KICOSHEP, and the distribution facility for non-profit medications, MEDS.

Several lessons can be leaned from the relief organization exploration we have been doing. Deviation from God-centered, mission oriented, and church involved programs have huge consequences. The second place we visited had strayed from its Christian beginnings. Choosing to teach safe-sex over abstinence, planning buildings and facilities based upon dreams and not prayer and petition, as well as becoming dependent on donation and not self-sustaining. These fallacies were not seen in the hospitality, this is ingrained in Kenyan culture; however, the constant subliminal reminder that the only reason we were that welcome, was the fact Americans bring money. Here is how you can ‘help us’. This was so strange, because this was the first time we were faced with this challenge. I have known that any help we may provide was much appreciated, but this was the first organization asking for a handout. Just to let you know, there was no affiliation with LIA, and we were just observing.

Part of this problem, may be from the stigma we gain. Gifts are not supposed to be given with ‘trumpets’ playing. Just so you know the Clinton foundation and George W have given lots of meds to Africa through the right well run Christian-based organization. However, we love to slap USAID on these gifts, proclaiming to the world that the American people are the most generous. It is probably a good thing in some respects that some people in the world like us, but it really isn’t the God way to do things. Let’s look at Matthew 6:1-4 for the reminder of the way we are supposed to give.

1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Keep praying that we are going to be useful hands to those hosting us. Our work starts this week as we are joining the Maasai warrior community for a week of adventure building dams, helping teach at their school, and hosting a mini medical camp with Pamella the registered nurse who also hosts LIA’s short term teams. We are getting excited and hope you are too.

Another prayer request is for Juliet, you don’t know her, but she is going through a lot at a very young age. She lost her husband last fall, and now is jobless and raising her two kids in the Kibera slum totally relying on God to provide and get through this phase of her life. She needs reassurance that only God can provide. Pray for miracles, it never hurts to ask.

Please pray for me while I’m running a 10K for the Bible translation benefit tomorrow, I can run about 8K and still breathe, and I’m going to need some help with the last two. Holly is joining me; she is a professional runner though. Ben, Lauren, and Courtney are opting for the 4K walk, a much smarter choice from this perspective.

Kwaheri (Goodbye),

Daniel