moment I stepped foot onto the pathway leading to the church I felt like I was
home again. The precious sounds of
their Swahili “Welcome” rang in my ears.
I knew God had something new in store. Different than the first time, but without a doubt it was
straight from His eternal notebook.
I was greeted by faces I had never met, but knew they were so very
familiar.
a few days?
Somehow my soul was already connected to theirs. I had been
waiting for my heart to reconnect with the land of Kenya. It happened right when I arrived to
Mpeketoni. The conversations I
have had this month have been some of my favorite yet. If you ask God’s
children to share with you how He speaks to them, it’s a quite treat.
Hearing about their dreams has sparked my own spirit. Their dreams are not of selfish pride,
they desire to use these dreams for His glory. God has awakened my soul again. He has allowed me to delight in spending time with His
children. Soaking in His creation. Sharing the ways God has worked in our
lives. He has provided and never
left them alone. I am delighting
in His presence and the plans He has in store for my newfound friends.
Jonah and Jecinta… a dynamic duo. Yet, a couple full of
humility. They selflessly serve Him together. Their hearts are tied at the soul.
And, they have openly invited each of us into their life. She is a provider and nurturer. He is a protector and servant. They worship God together through their
Swahili music.
Me: “Jonah, when did you start playing guitar?”
Jonah: ” I taught myself and made my own guitar out of wood
and tin when I was eight years old.”
Me: “You have got to be kidding me.”
Jonah: “No, I
did. (He giggles as he answers me in a Swahili accent.) I played it for three
years before I ever played a real one.”
Kenyan friend at such a young age.
He made use of the resources he had to pursue his passion of music that
His father has blessed him with.
He has got given up.
The
hand-constructed guitar was his.
It was special to him. That
was all that mattered.
He shared his dreams with me of one day opening a recording
studio. I believe the Lord has put these dreams on his heart. Nineteen years after first realizing
his gift for music the Lord is still igniting that same fire inside of him.
The studio is CARVED ON HIS HEART. Music brings Him joy. It is a part of his marriage.
Jonah is not letting these dreams go without a fight. Lord,
I thank you for the way you create your children with different gifts and
passions. Most importantly, I
thank you when they use their gifts for your glory.
Lord, I pray you answer Jonah’s prayers. It has been an honor to hear he an his
wife, Jecinta, worship you
together. NEVER LET THEM LET GO OF THEIR DREAMS.
the Father of heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows. “ – James 1:17
