Ministering to the Missionaries

              Four weeks in Kenya have quickly flown by. I spent 11 days in an orphanage in Kitale. While there I taught (well, tried to teach) the kids kickball, had my hair braided by the children, and held a Christmas program (The kids made very cute sheep during the Christmas nativity). Then, my team and I went to Mumias for a three day youth conference. It averaged about 100 degrees each day and most of the time I was tempted to hide out in the shade, but God still showed up in amazing ways. I was so thankful for his renewed wisdom and peace each time I was surprised by the announcement that I would be preaching. After the conference we traveled to Webuye. For eight days we visited homes and preached at leader meetings, Christmas and Sunday church services.
               My time in Kenya is over but my memories will last forever. Surprisingly, I will remember our host more than our ministry. I came to Africa with the intention of ministering to a nation and am leaving knowing I have been ministered to. Our main host was a man named Pastor Alex. He was energetic, passionate, and had a crazy laugh. Initially, I thought he was a good man who would help us for the month. Now I see that he is a great man and he has helped me for a lifetiime.

               Pastor Alex has eight children living in his home: four biological children, one niece, and four orphans. He is the pastor of a local church and has started a school for poor children in his village. He also has plans for 2009 to help rehabilitate prisoners. He has leased an apartment to house newly released prisoners and plans to teach them a trade to help prevent them from returning to crime. And I am inspired, not because he keeps himself busy, but because he keeps himself in step with God. He knows that when God speaks, you listen. He doesn’t complain when his house is crowded. He doesn’t worry if financial support will be provided. He doesn’t try to move on his own timing but waits for God’s word. I know that his life is not perfect and at times difficult, but in everything he trusts in the Lord.