Kenya in my Rearview

As quickly as we got here, my time in Kenya has come to an end and I'm preparing to head back home today (Wednesday). Though our connection here was short, both Stanley and I believe it was of tremendous value, especially in the young life of our new church, Masii Christian Chapel. The opportunity for teaching and connection was rich, and will prove to be a valuable tool for this young congregation as they continue their formation and development. Please keep them and their pastor, William, in your prayers. They have a golden opportunity to bring a fresh look to the whole idea of the Church in their region...and people are already taking notice.

Tumaini Ministries continues to grow. I've been excited to meet several of the "kids" in Masii, Machakos and Nairobi. Actually, they aren't kids anymore. They've grown into young adults who are working, running businesses, finishing studies and already making their imprint on those around them. It's great to see a bit of the fruit that so many of you have invested in for the last few years. Please keep Tumaini and its leadership in prayer. They have much on their plate and God continues to open doors for them.

Finally, times like these always remind me just how good we have it. We take so much for granted, assuming that we will have things that are not always present for the rest of the world. You think our streets have potholes and need work? You should have your teeth rattled here for awhile as you get from one place to the next. Electricity is a staple, almost a right, to us. Loss of electrical current is common here, especially in outlying areas. And there's nothing you can do about it. We may have traffic and congestion, but the idea of crowded streets takes on a whole new dimension here (pic of a bit of traffic outside my hotel), especially in Nairobi. Driving (or riding!) here is not for the faint of heart. Even crossing these busy city streets is like a real-life game of Frogger! And make sure you look right and not left as you step off the curb, as traffic comes from the opposite way!

Sometime today, would you simply stop and take a few moments to thank God for the many blessings you have at your fingertips. And would you take inventory again of some of the everyday things you have and use that may seem commonplace to you? Things like hot, running water on demand, food on your table, a consistent dial tone, clean streets, somewhere certain to lay your head, stocked grocery stores and reliable transportation. Such seemingly simple things, and yet in much of the world these are the extras in life. Maybe God has blessed us with them so we might use the extra time and energy they create to invest in the lives of others in need.

Seems like more than a fair trade to me.