I’ve always loved Sunday lunches. They seem to be a special time for relaxation and eating without haste. But more than that, they provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy one’s company amidst the restful afternoon. This past Sunday lunch with Kenny and Emily was no exclusion.
My teammate Leslie got in contact with Kenny and Emily though a dear friend of her family’s, Rose. Upon getting in touch, they generously invited all six of us over for the occasion. As it so happens though, only two of us could accept the invitation as the other four felt obliged to attend the service of the church that was providing us housing in Johannesburg. And thus, the only ones available were Leslie and myself. Thankfully though, our two other squadmates, Brooke and Pablo, arrived in Pretoria that morning and were able to join us, as Kenny and Emily live outside of the city.
We didn’t exactly know what to expect but understanding Rose is a cherished and trusted friend, we knew this couple had to be special. Indeed they were.
After inviting us over, their generous nature accommodated our commute. With this in mind, it was no surprise to meet Kenny with his large smile and enthusiastic handshake. Likewise, Emily demonstrated similar excitement to welcome us into her home. Right away, they both exuded joy of the Lord. And we knew that they were filled with the Spirit.
Over the afternoon we swapped stories of our journeys with God. Leslie explained how we ended up in South Africa for a month, Emily and Kenny talked of the places God took them to over the years. And throughout the day, I felt like I was learning so much just by listening to them speak. This couple who has lived a full life yet, still look young, is full of wisdom and purpose that can only be granted by our Father in heaven.
Through listening, I learned the importance of knowing God’s calling, or birthright, in life. Because in that, we are granted divine confidence in what we do as we walk in obedience with Him. And as we walk in His calling, we are granted His favor. Yet at the end of the day, it’s not about us at all, but about Him and His Kingdom.
Spending time with them, I witnessed an inspiring example of stewardship, not just of financial blessings but also the stewardship of spiritual gifts and God-given abilities. But I also learned that such stewardship is first founded on humility. It’s a recognition that what we have is not our own, but God’s gift to us. And that knowledge instill within us a gratuitous spirit, as demonstrated by Kenny and Emily.
I was challenged to realize the possibilities of this world if we were to “erase the line between the sacred and the secular,” as Emily put it. For them ministry is business and business is ministry, as their whole life is ministry. Their faith is such an integral part of who they are, they do not hide it or refrain from sharing it, even in a professional environment. This is beautiful as it demonstrates how both Kenny and Emily understand their identity rooted in Christ and know the eternal weight of their purpose.
I heard their personal testaments to appreciating the seasons of life. Throughout the years, God has taught them the value of aligning with His timing and respecting the situations He assigns. In fact, Kenny considered his ability to see the seasons of life as a blessing from above.
And one of the more tangible things Kenny and Emily taught us was to write down the visions God reveals to us. They spoke of the visions God granted them in the past. They explained how those visions took years to develop while others have not yet fully come to pass. But as each one comes, it’s crucial to write them down. For the enemy will try to distract us from those visions, he will provide avenues that are closely resemble them but prove to be counterfeit. And upon writing them down, we must hold onto what God has told us through them.
And lastly, above all else, our design in life is to bring delight to our God. Towards the end of our time with Kenny and Emily, we asked how we could keep them in their prayers. And they responded requesting prayer that they fulfill their purpose in God’s eyes. They pray for the assurance that “what [they’re] doing is pleasing God.” Personally, I have no doubt that God looks down upon them with a smile and pride in their faith saying subtly, “well done my good and faithful servants.”
It only took a Sunday lunch amidst a restful afternoon to feel inspired and empowered by Emily and Kenny. I can only imagine how they impact so many others that they encounter on a more regular basis.
Thank you Kenny and Emily, our time together will always remain cherished in my heart.
