Administrative Work Isn't Painful, It's Prophetic

Thanking the Lord this morning for all the administrative tasks that have been accomplished while I've been in Nairobi. Many of these tasks were already in various stages of completion as they can never be far from our mind. But having them finished but flexible is such a rewarding feeling to a former operations manager like me.

First, we took time to reflect over all that the Lord has accomplished through Surprised by Hope during 2014 and continue to wonder at the way he orders our lives (Romans 8:28) with tremendous thanksgiving. While his vision for the future of this ministry has been clear for a while now (we've been communicating that medium-term vision for about a year) it was nice to ask for and receive his confirmation of that vision and all that must be accomplished in 2015 once again.

Second, we closed out 2014 by reviewing our stated goals and recording all that was accomplished in more detail. We examined our budget results (right on target) and reviewed financials for accuracy (all good), collected all the statements and other documents needed for audit and sent them off to Whitewatermark. We prepared and distributed year end tax statements to all of you. Finally, we prepared the content of our annual report and sent that off to the designer (coming soon).

Third, we opened 2015 by establishing short-term goals, preparing a general schedule for ministry, and setting budgets to support those activities. We reviewed legal requirements for annual reporting when operating in three countries, and prepared those materials. And we prepared and conveyed all the materials needed for the Annual Meeting of the Board later this month.

While these are just a few of the task-oriented highlights for these past few weeks, my bigger appreciation comes in two areas of revelation. First, purpose. We are so thankful in knowing that we are exactly where the Lord wants us to be and that we are doing exactly what he wants us to do. The continued sense of Divine purpose over these past 4 years is like nothing I've ever experienced before, which allows a measure of certainty in our decision-making. In all we do, we desire to walk alongside him in seeing his plans fulfilled in the lives of so many East Africans and in those who support Surprised by Hope.

Second, prophetic. Cornerstone University professors are always challenged to incorporate faith into learning into application (which is not easy in the business world) and having been raised in that environment I strive to do the same. When we bring these kinds of administrative activities before the Lord, especially our future plans, we have an opportunity to invite his prophetic voice to speak over us and our future. I believe that allowing the Spirit to speak into our plans gives power and shape to Surprised by Hope in a way that sets us apart. This intense time in the Spirit offers hope, depth, and transformation both for us and for those we serve. For that we praise the Lord.

Onward to a greater depth of ministry and service than has ever before been seen in Surprised by Hope. Amen!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

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100 Christmas Dollies 2014 Delivered

The breeze failed to pass through Grace Abundance Church, which was covered with heat producing iron sheets. Those of us who were unaccustomed to such heat (me) were drenched within minutes. Thankful for young boys to send after cold water from the local shop, I replenished myself. As I waited, though, I wondered if it was hot the night Mary laid down in that stable to deliver her baby. Did the straw and dirt stick to her too? Did she have some cool water to drink after bringing the Son of God into the world?

Telling the story of the nativity brings no surprises at a Christmas morning service, but our reading was to be tailored for the children. We moved the chairs to the rear of the church and laid out a giant blue cloth for the children. About 30 made their way to the front and kicked off their shoes, if they had any, before finding a space on that blue-now-dirt-colored cloth. But before settling in, we instructed the children to go out and find the children who are not in church and to welcome them back here. Our little evangelists.

Almost 100 children returned and squished themselves into the front of the church where I sat and told them about Jesus' birth through the eyes of Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. Keep in mind that about 70 of those children listening didn't usually attend church or were of the Muslim faith. All 100 children heard the story of Jesus' birth read from Scripture and narrated for their age and understanding. All of them.

We finished with the part of the story where the wise men give gifts to the baby Jesus. I asked if the children would like to give a gift to the baby Jesus too. Some responded that they would, but when asked how they were unsure. Jesus isn't a baby anymore and we aren't in Bethlehem. I told the children that they could give Jesus the gift of believing in him as their Savior and we invited them all to do that. After praying with them, I moved on to tell them that I wanted to give them a gift to remind them that God loves them so much he came to earth as a baby. When they see this baby doll, they should remember that love.

A few notes about the photos. 1) East African's don't smile for photos...usually. 2) 100 kids requires a LOT of organization and control, and well... 3) A few dollies snuck off without photos. 4) Blogger seems to have a mind of its own when it comes to managing this many photos.

The shirt in the next picture is what this boy received.
I mistakenly cropped the photo without saving.
But...when you see his eyes, you'll see why.

Pr Owino and Martha are finally pregnant.
Pr selected a boy dolly for his child.

After receiving their dolls, I explained to these kids about the maker of these dollies and about you as sponsors of these gifts. I told them there are people in America who will receive the pictures we took together and who will pray for them throughout the year. Will you do that please? Will you pray for these children as you remember this very special Christmas gift that you made possible for these very special children? Pray that they would be protected, that they would know the love of Jesus, and that they would grow to be spiritual giants. Thank you. Thank you for your generosity and favor, compassion and grace. We love you!

Of course she immediately fell asleep.

Pilau (goat and rice).
What did you have for Christmas meal?

Pr Owino, Me, Ida, Janet, Simone, and Pr Ephantus

Pr Owino and wife Martha

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