First days in Kenya

Bwana Asafiwe (Swahili for Praise God) I  I have made it to Kenya safely.  The process to fly over here was very long, and I don't think I've ever been as tired as I was in my life!  Even with the long trip, I am adjusting well, and I'm having a really good time here, so praise God that I haven't had culture shock yet, and the jet lag was minimal! I have been learning a lot about Kenyan culture the past few days.  It's really encouraging to see how much more open everyone is about talking to people, helping give directions, and talk about their faith.  It is a fair question to ask someone in Kenya if they are saved, and they are happy to share about what tribe they are from, or what their beliefs are.  Yesterday the team walked through the Mathare Valley slum, and it was extremely difficult to take in.  There are estimates ranging between 200,000 and 600,000 people living in the slum.  The smell and sights are something that cannot fully be conveyed through words.  I had an overwhelming feeling that something needed to be done, but there were so many issues that there was no where to start, and it seemed imposible to change anything long term.  Thankfully, I know that God does the impossible, and can change and better the lives of the people living there.  It was encouraging to see a church in the slum that was helping the people there, and that had hope for a better home, and shared the hope they have in Jesus with the people there.  I also got to visit a place called Sanctuary of Hope that has 23 children from the slum that have been orphaned or abandoned and given a good home with love.  Even though there are still a very large number of people and children struggling, it was good to see that people are helping, and something is being done. 

Please pray that I continue to do as well as I have with the new culture.  Also, please keep Mathare Valley in your prayers that God will use the church there spread God's word and change the slum.

I will find out my ministry assignment next week, and I should have another opportunity to send an email about where I am going, and specific prayer requests for that. 

In Him