So...today has been great. We started the morning with an adventure to just get to the village. The bus got stuck in the mud several times, the guys worked hard to push it out of the mud so we could get to church. The team split up into a few groups to go to different churches. The church my group went to was located in a barn like building, with dirt floors and wooden benches. Due to being stuck we were all late to church, however they waited for us I get there to start the service. We were so honored that they waited for us, but what really struck me is that they were honored to wait for us, to welcome us and worship the same God together. The worship and service was in Swahili, with a translator for the pastor. Not being able to understand the words to the songs made it hard to sing along bit that really didn't matter at all it was nice to not know the words and to just be able to worship and enjoy our Kenyan brothers and sisters. During the service they asked for one of us to share with the church. I shared my story with the church and our group. This was out of my comfort zone, as I generally prefer to share in a small group of folks or one on one. I was so nervous. I didn't know what I was going to share or if it would get lost in translation, but God wasn't worried at all. He showed up as he promise us he will do and guided my words. After the service I was approached by ALL of the women, they were encouraged by my story, seeing that "it isn't just me" they saw similarities in my story with their lives. It is so humbling to know that is women face many of the same trials even being oceans away, different cultures, socioeconomic groups, and speak different languages. Even more than that, is the fact that we all love and serve the same God and he has no boundaries.
Carlette
Hey, it's Al. Today was an awesome day! We split up into groups and took off to visit some of the remote churches and worship with the Kenyan people (after getting the bus unstuck)! They treated us as honored guests. Although we weren't able to understand everything that was being said, the intent was the same - to praise God. Joanie got up and preached to the group and I was able to lead us in prayer. It was very cool when it sets in that you are in the middle of Africa, attending church that is being led in a different language.
Afterwards we went to another church, that was actually a combination of youth from probably 4 or 5 different churches. Chris did a great job preaching the message. Afterwards we broke into small groups where Conner and I got to share with some teen-aged boys.
God is SO big. It's so awesome to watch our team serve each other and our brothers and sisters here in Kenya. Keep praying friends! ❤
No comments:
Post a Comment