Wherever He Leads I'll Go

This week was physically and emotionally exhausting. The trip to Kisumu was jam packed. However, it had to be the most rewarding by far of any of our experiences thus far. I could probably write a book on all the things that we did, instead I will go with a group of short stories.

Story 1:
We did home visits. My favorite was Margaret who I got to visit twice. She was about 80, widowed and taking care of her grandchildren. She was constantly cracking jokes, and kept everyone rolling when she was in their presence. She tried to find me a wife, then decided that she was single, but the language barrier was too much for her. Since she was the oldest of her church I asked her for advice. She said, "Go to America and tell everyone there that their are many believers in Kenya. Also, love the Lord more each day and never look back." A very serious and impactful note from a funny lady. She was also known to be a leader, challenging the other ladies to give generously by her actions, even when she didn't have enough money to feed herself. Quite an interesting woman. She is welcoming to all by her smile and laughter, yet courageous to stand up for what is right.

Story 2:
With many implications, the parable of the Church being the body of Christ was a theme for the two weeks. Whether it was the encouragement that each part needs, or the trust required to be one, or the uniqueness of the gifts each individual has to provide to the group, it was all there. We saw some amazing giving going on. We were at a church where 8 months of rent was past due and eviction was within two weeks...the offering was enough to cover that cost, and the Americans weren't the ones doing the giving. We were able to see how we could support our Kenyan counterparts in many unexpected ways. Words of evangelism reached hearts that had been prepared for years and were waiting for the moment. Testimonies related the similar problems all people face on the earth. Lifting up the ailing parts of the body came through for us Mi2's when we were introduced to a 16 year old leading a family of 3. His job was to drive a taxi bicycle called a boda-boda. We were able to empower the family by purchasing a bicycle he could take all the profits home and not just half from the rented one he was driving before. This and many other stories showed us how the body can do many things when it takes care of its members.

Story 3:
Personal evangelism has never really been my strength. However, the Kenyan culture has fertile soil for doing this good work. We were able to painlessly instigate conversation with people and then tell them the Good News we had. For me it was challenging to just walk off after someone gives their life to Christ and feel like the work is done. This became less disheartening (that you leave them) when we got to know the church people we were leaving them with. Of course I have a favorite. Eugene was a cool lady with some awesome kids. She was great to work with and you could tell devoted a lot of her efforts to reaching out to her community. She and many others sacrificed time from their jobs and families to help us get the information needed and relationships built to start this project and transform the lives of the Kisumu people. I am confident that if I were the seed planter, that they will not go unwatered if the heart was ready. The churches we were referring people to were amazing.

Story 4:
I can't tell you how much I have been stretched this week. When God asks you to do something, even though you might not be the best at it or have never tried it before, do it. Some amazing revelations come when you find out you are able to do things beyond yourself. A quote from Bishop Zephaniah, "When you are nervous about doing kingdom work, and you step out on that faith, you say things that you couldn't come up with on your own, and in the outcome you know the Spirit was working in you, and that is a great place to be."

Processing all of this material has led to a lack of sleep. I closely relate the experience I'm having to a song, because that is about all the thinking that I have been able to do. Hence the title and the point I'm making. Step out on faith and God can show you things you weren't expecting.

-Daniel