“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
– Matthew 28:19
This past month in Kenya has been filled with many challenges and new experiences. We were working in villages in the Northwest portion of the country and our living conditions were quite difficult. We were crammed into an old shop near the side of the road and had very little running water. Nearly every day involved long trips to new villages in the back of an old pick-up truck. Never have I been more aware of my blessings than I have this past month.
With the exception of a few days teaching in a local school, our primary responsibility was door-to-door evangelism. This was certainly a first for our entire team. We traveled to new homes every day, with the Word in our hands and kind words on our hearts. We usually divided up into two groups and were led by local church pastors. Each day we took turns sharing passages of Scriptures, presenting the Gospel, and praying for members of each household. We learned so much about the needs of each community we visited. Every home we entered was very welcoming and attentive to the words we had to say. Many individuals even came to accept Christ as their personal savior right then and there! We encouraged everyone to remain faithful to their Creator and trust in Him alone to provide their needs. In addition, we explained how important it is to stay connected with other believers and be an active member in their church and community.
This was a great opportunity to be active ministers of the Word and provide words of encouragement that were often so desperately needed. We learned what it meant to be bold and confident with the power the Holy Spirit has given us. We had to tap into the voice the Father has given us alone to speak. As Jesus commanded His disciples to do in Matthew 10, we traveled as strangers to villages and homes and sought families willing to listen to the words we had to say.
The people of Kenya were so hospitable and receptive of us. I learned much about being a good neighbor, host, and friend from these kind people. They take time out of their day to stop and listen to the Word and they know how to spend quality time in fellowship with others. Their gracious hospitality and generosity has truly been an unforgettable part of our month. I know God brought us to this place at this time for a reason.
We returned to Nairobi at the end of the month and had a few days of debrief with the entire squad and some staff from back in the U.S. We then arrived in Uganda and hit the ground running with our ministry here. Only three months left until our mission is complete! I’m looking forward to returning home at the end of the summer and speaking with each of you more about my time in the field. God has been doing amazing things all across the globe and in me personally. Thank you for your prayers; we need them every day! Without you, none of this would be possible. I will never forget the trust you have bestowed upon me and your continued generosity.
For His Renown,
Dan Lidwin
