Kenya was the country where I grew the most. The catchphrase of our ministry host, Glory Shiners Kenya, was this: Yesu ni Safari. Jesus is an adventure. On the race I’ve been taught time and time again that I will experience no greater adventures than when I am surrendered to be the vessel of my savior.
Whether you’re sleeping on top of a Land Rover to star gaze, serving a little one a cup of porridge, or dancing deep into the night to the beat of a Pokot drum, Jesus infuses whatever happens during our day with life and light.
I know that I am in foreign countries experiencing many great things, and later in this blog I’ll post some awesome photos. But first I want to touch on a deeper topic.
Some of you may look at my current trip and call it “the trip of a lifetime.” I am thankful for this experience, but whether you’re in Africa on a Safari or in America on the 9 to 5 grind, we are all on “the trip of a lifetime.” Last time I checked, we all only get one of these lifetimes.
My point is this: if I need these grand experiences to fill my life with purpose, then its all meaningless. Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” (Red words because Jesus said them 😉 Maybe back at home you feel a lack of purpose, motivation, or “saltiness” in day to day life. Perhaps you’re seeking something bigger, better, deeper, grander… “Seek and you will find” says Matthew 7:7, but if you’re honest with yourself, what are you really seeking?
Then please bring it all to the feet of Christ, its him whom you are seeking. Many people are quicker to dedicate themselves to a cause first than they are to dedicate themselves Christ first. Anti human trafficking, saving the orphans, helping refugees, reaching the unreached… all of these are great things, and all I’d hoped to experience. Yet my ministry had an emptiness to it. Why? Because I was dedicating myself to the causes that I thought sounded cool and important. For some reason, all of those causes seemed more important than the preschooler standing right in front of me.
The race is really reminding me of what has meaning and what doesn’t; and it all comes down to where my heart is. If you feel a lack of purpose or “salt,” then Jesus can restore that. He just has to be first in your life.
Maybe some of you are thinking “Who is this punk to tell me my life can be exciting while I’m stuck back at home and he is out exploring the world?” Someone who has also put causes, or money, or relationships before Christ. Even saltiness can be lost on a trip like this. But when you realize Yesu ni Safari, even the most mundane of tasks becomes meaningful. Shallow Christianity and ministry gives way to something much more meaningful.
Then we can continue to live out the next part of the verse: Matthew 5: 14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Commit yourself to Christ first and I can promise you will begin to find that something bigger, better, deeper, and grander as you live out a life of light.
Now… Here are some pictures of my time in Kenya!
Let the adventure begin!
Our first few days we built a new enclosure for their animals. They use rabbit, chicken, and turkey to help support their ministry.
My first week I helped out at the preschool. The kids focused on learning English, writing, and some math. Part of the job looked like preparing porridge in the mornings and rice and beans or green grams for lunch time. While they mostly spoke Swahili, it was still a fun week!
Mid way through our month we visited two prisons. Both guards and the inmates gathered to listen to our words of encouragement. Individuals who wanted prayer came up and we prayed for them 1 by 1. Many asked for prayer concerning their court cases, some prayed for repentance or forgiveness, others prayed for their families.
We spent 2 weekends with the Pokot. Saturdays consisted of cooking dinner and tea to share, then worshipping together. Singing and dancing usually lasted until dark. Sundays we joined them in church, prayed for individuals, and shared lunch before heading back home.
Other adventures included: a safari, more Pokot, Betsy the lap goat, the equator, some beautiful views!
