Jambo from Kenya!
Well, I survived a 103.3 fever and a crazy couple travel days and made it to Nairobi. I’ve been reunited with the girls and have found out the basics of my ministry for this month, but before I get into that, I wanted to recap the lessons I learned this past month in Thailand.
Lesson 1 God’s Voice
I need to be more confident in God’s voice and know which thoughts are mine and which are from the Holy Spirit.
When I know something is from God, I need to share it. This means includes telling people both good and bad things. I need to make a point of being more encouraging. This doesn’t mean shallow flattery, but letting people know the good I see in them. Even guys aren’t as tough as they seem and really need encouragement from time to time.
I also learned a great deal about helping people grow into the people God wants them to be. I am learning how to see places in people’s lives that need improvement and lovingly helping them change it.
I also learned how to receive criticism better. I have learned that by asking questions, I sound defensive, even if I am not internally being defensive. I have also learned how to ask for criticism and really seek ways to grow. Its a far cry from home where its polite to ignore people’s glaring flaws.
Lesson 2 Differences Between Men and Women
Men need to feel respected, women need to feel loved. Ideally a cycle starts in which men deserve respect because they are being loving. I learned that often when women are upset with a man, men will feel unrespected and pull away, causing the girl to feel unloved. Thus, I learned some Christian marriage 101 advice.
I also learned that women want men to step up as leaders (selfless leaders).
Lesson 3 I need to have Covenantal Relationships With Other Guys.
I need to have completely honest relationships in which me and another guy are completely open and direct about where we are relating to God. This is more than merely an accountability partner, this is someone who I can be completely vulnerable for and who I can go to before things get out of control.
Thailand with all guys was an amazing experience and I am so thankful for having the opportunity to get to know the guys so intimately. I really hope to recreate such communities of openness and honesty and genuine love for each other when I return to the states.
Next Blog: my ministry here in Kenya.
