You know your work is done when you say to a child, “Nakupenda,” which means I love you in Kiswahili and he responds, “I know” (Joshua). When she rushes up to greet you with a handshake and won’t let go of your hand (Cynthia). When he sits in your lap during church and draws fishes on his arm mimicking the tattoo you have on yours (Reagan). When she climbs into the truck bed with you and swings from the bars overhead, smiling and giggling when you tickle her (Liz).
You know your work is done when the cement covers the interior walls of the mud church (Christian Growth Church at Motosiet). When the school classroom developed from a few 2x4s into a shelter with a wooden frame, two windows, a tin roof, and siding (Growthways Academy). When the fundraising for a cement floor for the church culminates in a praise and worship night (Kitale Growth Church).
You know your work is done when parents of malnutritioned children smile back in gratitude for your prayers and gift of milk, bananas, and oranges (Kitale District Hospital). When 7.2 million people tune into listen to you preach and pray for Kenya and the body of Christ (Imani radio). When a captive audience of high schoolers crowded into a classroom because of the rain reach to the sky in response to a call to trust and follow Christ (Tabani Secondary School). When you
You know the work has just begun when street children, orphaned or abandoned, chase after muzungus barefoot begging for food and money. When enrollment continues to increase and new students show up in their purple gingham and red sweater uniforms (Growthways Academy). When 12 brothers and sisters were baptized on Sunday in a small rural community (Christian Growth Church Lukhome). When small local churches inquire about building their communities under your leadership. When prayers of spiritual warfare against a history of witchcraft and devil worship are heard daily over the radio (Imani radio). When future leaders of Kenya are inspired and empowered to make a difference in their communities (St. Joseph’s Boys School).
While our short time in Kitale, Kenya has blessed and changed their community and our lives for good, there is much work that has just begun. God is at work here and will continue to build His church and encourage His people to live by faith and not by sight long after the muzungus have left. He is calling His people to mobilize and build upon rich African traditions of village unity, raising leaders, promoting a hard working ethic, protecting the environment, and caring for the poor. Believe in faith “with God all things are possible” Mt. 19:26.
