Karibu!
Karibu is the Swahilii word for "Welcome". It has many meanings, just as our English word does. But I so much love that word because of one particular way the Kenyans use it. I heard it the most when we were leaving places, a reminder that you are always welcome. It seems so simple; we even say it in English, "You are always welcome," or "Come back anytime." But the weight of the one word, and the sincerity of the invitation, is incredible, like everytime it is spoken it is in bold. Karibu.
That single word made such an impact on me during my time in Kenya. I left with an absolute in my head, "I am going back." I spent about a month after I got back looking for a way to spend the entire summer in 2012 there. But then I got this knocking on my heart to go on The World Race. It knocked, and it knocked. But what about Kenya?
I knew what my Kenyan brothers and sisters would want, and I knew what my Kenya team would want; to serve the Lord. Suddenly, in thinking of them, that single word (which already is always spoken in bold) held the weight of an entire sentence. "Go, serve the Lord, whereever that may be, and know that you are always welcome." So here I am, committed to serve the Lord. Here I am, comitted to serve his Kingdom.
This past Sunday I attended a new church in Houston, Ecclesia. Gideon, a guest pastor at the church spoke on giving (how relevant!). He spoke on the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:3-4.
"In the course of time, Cain presented some of the land's produce as an offering the the Lord.
And Abel also presented an offering– the firstborn of his flock and their best portions.
The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering."
Gideon pointed out the main, and the important difference between Cain and Abel's offerings; Cain gave some, while Abel gave his first and his best. Abel recognized that his animals didn't belong to him; they belong to God. He was merely giving back to God what was already his. It wasn't something he earned or something to be proud of. It was something that God had blessed him with. This made it natural to give back the first and the best.
What does that mean for me? I was looking to serve for a few months in a country that I already loved. But God wanted me to give more than just some. He wanted me to give my best; an entire year, in countries that I will love. My life is his, I am merely giving back what is already his.
I ask that you take this story to heart as you prayerfully consider supporting my trip. Do not give because you are good. Do not give because I am good. Give because God is good. Give back what is already His to do His work, and change the eternity of His world.
"I assure you: Whatever you did for one of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me."
Matthew 25:40
