We were invited to the home of a couple from church for supper on Thursday night and while there Pastor Geofrey started to talk about having us as visitors in his home. He talked about how when anyone has visitors they want to make sure they are comfortable and feel welcome, but it is even more difficult when the visitors are from a different culture. However, he was lauding the fact that it was just like having family visiting because we are no extra trouble for them and they are as comfortable having us in their home as we are being here. He then went on to say that such is the culture of Christianity.
We can have many differences, be it background, culture, or whatever, but because we all belong to the family of Christ we share the culture of Christianity. This means that no matter where we are in the world, as long as we’re with brothers and sisters in the Lord, we are all a part of the same family and share that culture. We have found that we have more in common than we first realized and this has been one of our most enjoyable months. We have a family we’re staying with and then 3 young men and 2 young women that we are with on a daily basis because they are here to help serve us while we’re visiting. But, it’s all like a big family. We laugh and joke around, we play games together, we worship and pray together, and we serve God together.
Pastor Geofrey then went on to talk about the difference between the culture of Christianity and the Muslim culture. He said that Islam is a culture of force and a religion of force, which, if you really know anything about it is very true; and then he said that Christianity is a culture and religion of conviction. No one is forced to become a Christian or to commit his life to Christ, but everyone who is a child of God comes willingly. I am so grateful to be a part of a culture that includes family all over the world, and one which I chose of my own free will. Thank you JESUS!!
We then had a wonderful time of fellowship with the couple who invited us over and were treated to another amazing Kenyan meal which included rice with vegetables, cabbage and carrots (like a coleslaw), sweet potatoes, beef, fish, ugali (the main western Kenyan dish – a maize meal and water mixture) and potatoes. The hospitality of these people is amazing and I have so much for which I am thankful. We truly have been blessed this month and I know I probably have said it in every blog this month, but it’s true. We are going to be so sad to leave here next Tuesday.
God bless you all and may your first month of the New Year continue to be full of the love (upendo) and peace (amani) of God.
Love = Upendo
