During August, I had the privilege to spend time at a church in the Nairobi suburbs. Our team spoke at the conference organized by the church. The depths of their faith inspired me and I hope it will inspire you, too.
I can sum the situation for many in Kenya up in one word: hopeless. The unemployment rate for those under 30 years of age is over 15% and countless people earning less than $2,000 per year. Poverty surrounds the church and many of the parishioners struggle to feed;
The Conference
The message from the conference focused on these verses: 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NIV): 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
They worshipped with joyful hearts; they cried out to God in prayer and they danced with hearts full of hope despite their troubles. Over four hundred people gathered for the two-day conference to proclaim their faith in God. Some even slept on the floor of the church between the days because they could not afford to stay anywhere else and they did not want to miss it. Would my faith remain as strong as their if I experienced similar circumstances?
Why Do We Go?
Why did we go? We went, at the invitation of the pastor, to share our hope with the church. As the Holy Spirit comforts us, so we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (NLT).
An Amazing Conference
But something amazing happened. Through their example, I saw how our difficulties may feel heavy, but their weight has a purpose. We can use them to drive us into deeper intimacy with God, strengthening us and anchoring us to the steady hope of his love. Romans 5:3-5; “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (NLT). A trip like this is live changing. I received more than I gave as I watched our Lord at work in the lives of His people. We did also enjoy a few days of seeing God’s creation.
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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It sounds like a wonderful experience, Yvonne!
It was incredible. God is good. Thanks Vera and blessings to you.
Dear Yvonne:
Your post brings fond memories to the fore. I accompanied my pastor and his wife along with five others to a short term mission trip to Bungoma in NW Kenya (sugar land) about twelve years ago. We went in support of Bishop Julius Wafula Macheusi and his wife, Catherine. Pastor Bob asked each of us to take a minute to greet the group of almost 100 rural pastors, some of whom walked four hours one way to be there on a two day notice. Bishop wouldn’t call them together until we were in the air.
What struck me was their faith and their action to be there. I suggested to them I recalled the scripture in Rev 3:17 that spoke to my condition because of the faith I saw in front of me.
Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing”–and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poo, blind, and naked…”
I was more exposed to the grace of God by those 100 ministers than at any other time of my life.
Thankfully, Mr Shannon Macheusi has taken the lead of the church after Bishop died a few years ago.
Best blessings!
Warren
I’m so glad you got to experience it. It is an amazing blessing to be a part of these kind of events. Thanks Warren. Blessings to you
There’s something special about sharing with others, isn’t there ma’am? Whether we’re sharing the gospel with someone or sharing a burden with them, I think God relishes and blesses each exchange. When we stand together with each other and with God, I think it pleases Him. So glad you went, enjoyed, and returned home safely my friend.
Thank you my friend. I agree that sharing words and burdens is so special and rewarding. We need to be more intentional about it in our daily lives no matter where we are in the world. Blessings on your day
Yvonne, the most meaningful trips I’ve taken are ones that involve ministering to God’s people. And as you said, we get more than we give.
We certainly do Debbie. It is a blessing. Thank you for commenting and blessings on your day.
Yvonne, this is such a powerful testimony. Praise God, for our brothers and sisters in Kenya! Praise God, you were able to participate and join with them! I appreciate the message of hope, even in difficult circumstances. God will use our trials to draw us to Himself. That is the greatest gift. God bless you and your wonderful ministry!
Thank you Melissa. God is so God to stand with us in our trials. We are blessed.
Thank you for sharing your faith and love for God. What a blessed experience! 🙂
Thank you Melissa. It was so special. Blessings my friend
Thank you for sharing about how God is working in the church in Kenya. So glad He let you be a part of it. Yay God!
Me too. Thanks Joanna and blessings on your day
Thank you for going on this mission trip and sharing with us about your experiences there. What a wonderful example those worshippers are for us. We who have much and complain often have only to see and hear about what you describe to be deeply humbled by your message. For those with whom you worshipped, their faith and love for our Lord shines in their faces. I pray we can learn much from them and from your service. Thank you, Yvonne.
That’s why I love going. It shows me what is truly important in my life. I want a faith that shines like theirs too. It was such a blessing. Thank you Katherine
What an amazing chance to share with other believers whose lives are so different, yet some much the same, as our own. Wonderful testimony, Yvonne. God bless!
Thank you Nancy. When it comes down to it, we all have so much in common. And God loves every one of His creations. Blessings
I can only imagine what it must have felt to share hope in a seemingly hopeless place. God bless you for going and shining the light!
Thank you Jessica. Blessings