Mountain of Glory Church in Gede

Developing the ability for abstract conceptualization was the motivation behind The Art and Science of Thinking workshop. Under educated people often find it difficult to be creative, to generate ideas, and then to transfer those ideas to something that becomes real. This skill is essential to helping people break out of their present circumstances. Further, that people realize they have this ability because they were created in the image of God gives them the courage and desire to try to break free.

For example, in Uganda women use a broom that requires that they bend at the waist all the way to the ground to sweep. As a result the mindset is that unless you are bending to the ground you are not really working. Yet women in Kenya added a handle to that same broom which does not require such strain. Why? Because they were able to identify a problem, visualize a solution, and then make that solution a reality. The example is simple but life-changing…just ask any American woman how she’d like to bend to the ground to sweep her patio or driveway.

Pr Daniel Kadenge graduated from Bible School in a Briefcase in Watamu about two years ago. He invited Surprised by Hope to teach a sampling of the Entrepreneurship series workshops as a teaser for a bigger workshop after the new year. Initially, the participants were few but as the days progressed the number almost doubled.

We spent a considerable bit of time helping the group develop an understanding of what it means to generate an idea in their mind and then translate that idea into reality. Although the concept was difficult to grasp at first, I believe we planted some good seeds that they’ll harvest before we return for the bigger conference. 

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Visiting Friends on the Coast

Pastor Tsofa is a 2010 Bible School in a Briefcase graduate and bishop of Jesus Gathering Center churches. His own church is in Watamu and I surprised him and his family with a visit. Then he surprised me with the opportunity to preach. I so enjoyed my time with him and his church leaders in the Marereni area last September. We had several opportunities to talk about the various joys and struggles in the church at large and am thankful for his leadership and wise counsel in these churches.

Invited to participate in a ladies conference in April, thank you Lord.

Pastor Owino is also a 2010 Bible School in a Briefcase graduate at Grace Abundance Church in Watamu. Pastor Owino hosted the Entrepreneurship series workshops just over a year ago and I distinctly remember addressing the idea of church differentiation. From that lesson, Pastor Owino realized just how gifted he was in the area of evangelism and thus sought to focus his efforts through the church in this area. As a result he is constantly holding revivals, crusades, and the like thereby helping more people come to know Jesus through this gifting.

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A Dolly for Agatha from Randy

Randy Rann is one of the first characters I met during my very first mission trip to Nome, Alaska. I say character because…well…he was a character. Red haired, big bellied, and gentler than a teddy bear. His life’s mission during our time together became convincing me to eat grits. Randy came from Beaverdam Baptist Church in South Carolina and that whole group who befriended me during that first foray into missions. I saw Randy a few times after that trip during my visits to that group of people I love so much and he never failed to mention the importance of my eating grits. Well, Randy…this one’s for you.

My dearest and oldest friend in Uganda, Augustine and his new wife Angela, are so welcoming when I visit them, wherever they are. It was during one visit that Angela served porridge (grits). I immediately thought of friend Randy and gritted my teeth in order to swallowed it down. If I can eat goat, I can eat grits. What? Wait…yum!  Randy went to be with Jesus not long ago and I never got to tell him about my happy discovery and so this is my little tribute to him.

Augustine and Angela had their first “supposed to be a boy” baby a few weeks ago and I’d set this specific Randy-like dolly boy aside for that tiny one whose maama served me my first yummy grits. But when they said “it’s a girl” I thought…it figures...this dolly is a boy with bib overalls and a bit of a tummy. Still, Randy Rann…I know you’re with Jesus now but I want you to know that you made a forever impact on my life. I love you and miss you and some tiny memory lives on in the arms of this new little life.

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Faith Rises!

Sometimes we need a booster shot of faith, don’t we? I love reading the story of Job when I feel a bit weak in the knees. Chapters 38-41 inspire me to a level of faith I simply can’t keep to myself. Two points surface: 1) God is big, and 2) we are small. Ya, I know…simplistic. But sometimes that’s exactly what we need…down to earth, practical, applicable wisdom.

How Big is God

• I laid the foundations of the earth. I marked off its dimensions. I stretched a measuring line across it. I set the footings and laid its cornerstone.
• I shut the sea behind doors. I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in darkness. I fixed limits for it and set the doors and bars in place.
• Who cut a channel for the rain or a path for the thunderstorm? Who father’s the drop of dew?
• From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost?
• Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind?

How Small We Are

• Have you given orders to the morning or shown the dawn its place?
• Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep?
• Have you seen the gates of death?
• Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?
• Do you know where darkness resides?
• Have you entered the storehouses of snow or hail?
• How do you get to the place where lightening is dispersed or where the winds are scattered over the earth?
• Can you bind Pleiades? Can you bring forth constellations in their seasons?
• Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with water? Do you send lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you?
• Do you hunt prey for the lioness or provide food for the raven?
• Do you know when the animals give birth or when the young grow and thrive?
• Is the wild ox content to serve you?
• Does the eagle soar at your command?

You can read the rest for yourself. As for me, I am in awe of God’s power and presence over everyday life. Not one question to Job can be answered favorably by him…or by me. Not one single question.

And so...if God laid the foundations of the earth, and we cannot know one single thing about which he asks, can’t we have faith that he’ll move our mountains?

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Victory Nursery School Graduation

My travel to Barrio Lira was relatively uneventful. Though at one point we paused for about an hour to unload the “tipper” of its cement baggage. Yes, about 30 people rode atop this tipper along with a few chickens, my box of Bibles, some lumber, and several kilo of salt. Never have I been so grateful to use my white skin as an excuse to ride in the cab. Thirty minutes in this sun and I would have been FRIED, let alone the 3 hour ride we had.

Agnes, this woman I love and admire so very much, came running when I arrived at my little mud hut. Such a joy to witness true sacrificial service to the Lord. The 12 hour journey along with a residual cough rendered me exhausted and so Agnes fed me well and sent me to bed. My normal sleeping habits are rather poor – four to five hours – but this night I slept in my cozy hut for 12 hours without waking.

Beginning at 11 am, the graduation ceremony was fully packed by 1:00. As is the custom in Uganda, various speeches and performances rendered small cash tokens donated for school development. I took the opportunity to remind people that God’s economy is like a river (never ending abundance) rather than a cake (finished when the last piece is gone). I reminded them that faith means believing that we can give it all away and that God will still take care of our needs…sometimes even more plentifully than we had before we gave it all away. And the people gave…

As the guest of honor, a position that felt very awkward in this community where I’ve many friends, my speech making was scheduled for last. I took the opportunity to tell the story of the shoes – this time the story was entitled Little Black Shoes. The school shoes illustrated the difference between the life of a child with a Christian education and the life of a child without a Christian education. The simple illustration helped people see the value and need for specifically Christian education particularly given that so many parents are ill equipped to teach their children from home.

We discussed the various people who have an influence on children and their Christian education (parents, community leaders, church leaders, those gifted by the Spirit, and mature Christians).

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).

We discussed the content of a Christian education (Law of God, general wisdom, fear of the Lord, and knowledge of Jesus).

“My purpose for writing is that…they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

We discussed the purpose of a Christian education (impart information, inspire trust and obedience, inspire wisdom, holy living, and preparation for adulthood).

“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless…” (Proverbs 2:6).

I believe that people resonated with these admonitions in that they can see these results in the children who attend Victory Nursery and Primary School. I thank God for Pastor Patrick’s faithfulness to teach the children the traditional academics alongside biblical principles for holy living. His small school is making a difference in this community and I covet your prayers that he would continue to be encouraged to follow the vision God gave him about helping these children.

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Team Development Meeting

Demand for the teaching ministry offered by Surprised by Hope far exceeds our capacity and so for the past six months or so we’ve been inviting select East African’s to join with us in facilitating portions of the Entrepreneurship series of workshops. Apart from this individual learning, we need to increase team building and training opportunities so that we can expand our reach beyond only my own ability.

The six apprentice-facilitators met to get to know one another and to work on developing our knowledge and understanding of the teaching-ministry material. These six apprentice facilitators are either teachers at Christian schools or pastors and so investing in their growth and development serves to strengthen an already solid spiritual base for both Surprised by Hope and for their own professional careers.

Our meeting was one filled with fellowship and learning. We all left feeling relationally closer to one another and strengthened in the Lord. I thank God for Pr George, Pr Fred, Pr Ephantus, teacher Vickie, teacher Alone, and business student Alex. Of course we can travel wherever needed but we now have apprentice-facilitators whose reach extends to Northern, Eastern, and Central Uganda as well as coastal Kenya. Please pray that God would continue to provide for our needs as we grow and that he would bless these men and women for their investment in his Kingdom – pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

(I reminded myself at least a dozen times to take a picture…and then promptly forgot. Boo!)

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Testimonies from Kamlui

Pastor Semitimba invited me to return to Kamuli for the specific purpose of hearing all that God has done in the lives of those who attended our entrepreneurship workshops a few months ago. I love hearing the testimonies, but I have to admit his group has the largest application rate and the success has been transformational in so many families.

Recall the man who desperately wanted to build a school for the children in his area? As a result of what he learned about asset-based development, he began making bricks on a small plot of land his family owns near his home. He’s selling the faster than he can make them.

Another man remembered my comment about portion size and the ability of the community to pay for larger portions. As a result he takes even the smallest items – Christmas streamers, body oil, laundry soap, and the like – and makes them available for sale in smaller portions. Such small portions allows those who have only 100 shillings to purchase what they need for the day.

 

An old woman and a young woman each saw the need for a small shop near a hospital. Both opened their own shops by starting with small quantities of plastics. Now they’re offering a wide variety of items to the local community.

The stories go on, though the ability to visit all the projects and show them all in pictures was limited. I’m so thankful to see that the content of our workshop is effective and that the people here are seeing results. God is faithful!

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Pastor Geoffrey, Ex-Prisoner

Friend Jonathon with Andrew, Geoffrey, and John
in front of their new church

The boda driven by Carpenter John pulled into the beautiful church yard where we found Geoffrey and Andrew anxiously awaiting our arrival. You may remember Geoffrey from Bugembe Prison. He was the tailoring teacher who, when released, began attending Bible school to become a pastor. Andrew was at Bugembe at the same time but for a much shorter stay. I easily remembered that bright smile, though.

A few of you invested in Geoffrey’s Bible school education and I want you to know that the teachers at that school had so much faith in his abilities as a pastor that they established this church for him. It may only be four sticks and a few iron sheets, but we all know a church is its people.

Carpenter John and I had a wonderful time in prayer and fellowship with these men and are so thankful for what the Lord has done in their lives. As always, John’s influence is long lasting…and so is yours. Our prayers do not go unheard. Please continue praying that they would stay close to the Lord and that they continue to be strong against all temptation.

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Smart as a Whip!

Spending Thanksgiving Day with the children at The Sanctuary Babies Home – now called Sanctuary Children’s Home – was a joy. I love the warm welcome these kids offer and I love getting to know the little ones who are now becoming big.

The children were never so quiet as when I arrived this day. Why? They were eating. My goodness, you could have heard a pin drop. The children were sprawled around the room, mostly sitting on the floor, as they enjoyed their rice and bean lunchtime. But once they were finished they knew what was in store.

After a three-sentence lesson about giving thanks – with emphasis on giving thanks BEFORE we receive what we ask for – the kids dug into shading their picture. I watched as the various children exhibited differing levels of skill but each making progress as they learn. Most pointedly, LoHire was coloring perfectly inside the lines. All the adults remarked at the shift in this tiny tot from barely making a scribble to full out shading inside the lines.

But where was this masterpiece when we finished? I wanted to show you before and after proof. Instead LoHire decided she wanted to keep her art and hid it away somewhere that even Michael couldn’t find. Ooo…that girl is smart as a whip!

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50 Boy and Girl Dollies to Finish Mountain of Glory Church

The current church structure is that of sticks.

On Christmas Day I will attend a church building dedication ceremony in Marikebuni, Kenya. This church building is the result, as proclaimed by Pastor Ephantus, of applying the lessons learned in the entrepreneurship series of workshops Surprised by Hope delivered in Malindi just over a year ago.

Pastor Ephantus sought and received a government grant to plant tomatoes on church land as a means to generate income. Pastor promised the Lord that he would use the income from this crop to replace the current stick structure with the more secure stone bricks. Though he didn’t initially make the connection, I pointed out that Pastor was literally giving the first fruits from his crop as an offering to God.

Tomatoes packed to bring to market.

Pastor Ephantus didn’t take the project lightly. He used every opportunity to train the youth in the church about planting, caring for, harvesting, and selling tomatoes. Further, as a result of his reputation and relationships in Malindi town, Pastor had more buyers than he had tomatoes and took every opportunity to tell them about the favor of the Lord. As planned, every shilling earned from that crop is being reinvested in that church structure.

The church building dedication is exactly that. It’s the fulfillment of a promise to the Lord and a promise from the Lord.

Stone bricks ready for building.

“May the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:21).

Our goal is two-fold.

First, we hope to find a home for 50 dolly boys and girls by December 20, that’s just over a month from now. You can choose the specific dolly who is calling your name and that dolly will be placed in a forever home with one of the children from the Mountain of Glory church on Christmas day. I will send you a picture of your dear child with his or her new dolly.

Second, the funds raised from your sponsorship will be used to purchase and install windows and a door in the newly constructed church structure. And if you feel so inclined, you might wish to give an additional gift specifically for the purpose of pouring a cement floor or perhaps purchasing chairs for the congregation to sit comfortably.

If you would like to help, click here and make your tax deductible donation now. We can make a difference!

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50 Pair of Shoes to Build Victory Primary School

On Friday, December 6 I will be the guest of honor at Victory Nursery & Primary School in Barrio, Lira. I’m asked to prepare a speech about the importance of education for the caregivers of those children not yet attending school.

This is the three-room school currently in use.
Reaching our 50 Shoe goal will add one more classroom
for the students graduating to Primary 1 next year.

The Spirit brought to mind the story of the shoes that I’ve shared with you so many times. Those tiny shoes from Max’s kindergarten parent introduction meeting almost 18 years ago. The principal talked about how each little life represented by a different pair of shoes is not as easy as we might suppose. Around the world tiny shoes have life stories that we can hardly fathom. While we must leave these little lives in the hands of our Father, we can make a difference on his behalf.

This end of year celebration is designed to be a fundraiser for that school. They’ve grown so much and done so well, but the graduating class of pre-schoolers (there are three levels of preschool) need a first grade classroom to move into. Will you help change the path of these children by giving them a pair of little shoes and giving the school a new classroom?

Our goal is to raise funds for 50 pairs of shoes by December 1, that’s just two weeks from now. You can sponsor a pair of shoes for $25 – these will be brand new black school-required sensible shoes. The money remaining after purchasing shoes for the school children will be used to help build their classroom.

If you would like to help, click here and make your tax deductible donation now. We can make a difference!

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Widows in Agago District

This group specifically asked me to spend some time ministering to the widows in the church. Often the coordinating pastor – typically someone who knows me well – senses a resonance with the specific church group we’re with and invites me to share my experience as a widow at a deeper level with the other widows. Our goal is to help them realize that God will use all things for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose. In this church, I found something I really don’t recall seeing elsewhere. The dozen or so widows formed their own group – they ranged in age from 24 to 64 – and all were helping one another. I have not even seen this kind of solidarity and unity in a non-widow group. They absolutely loved one other, sacrificed for one another, encouraged and strengthened one another, and were an abundant blessing to our Father. What could I possibly teach them? They were so instrumental in instructing and loving me. Wow. More Lord!

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Pastors in Agago District

I am constantly amazed at how often I’m asked to minister directly with the pastors who attend such workshops. I feel entirely inadequate to teach these men of God and yet somehow they feel they’ve learned something when we’ve finished together. I have increasingly come to realize how much these men love God and how much they long to know him more. So many topics for discussion are taboo for pastors and we typically begin by discussing the importance of confidentiality…particularly for their wives. We discuss the issue of feeling alone and the value of solidarity (and thus the importance of confidentiality). We discuss the higher standard these couples are or ought to be held to. We talk about the role of pastors’ wives in the church and so many other issues. Typically a time of question and answer reveals similar concerns among the various groups with whom I’ve spent time and somehow they feel comfortable exposing their vulnerabilities to me as we pray together for the wisdom of God.

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Agago District Church

Praises ring out in the distance, praises of thanksgiving that the visitor has finally arrived. It was 8:30 pm and the 12 hour journey via boda, taxi, then bus from Entebbe to Kitgum and then 1.5 hour via boda to the venue rendered me safe but tired. The people in Agago District, bordering Southern Sudan, have been waiting for me since Thursday (it’s now Monday). They came expecting a Friday-Saturday program but the bus that would deliver me was down, then it became a special hire. Only on Sunday was that bus finally able to take me to this place. Pastor told the people to go home because he wasn’t sure when I’d be able to come, but they refused. They stayed and praised, fasted, and prayed for my safe arrival. Wow, this is what it means to have your hope is in the Lord.

The group of more than 85 remained steadfast during their waiting and well after my arrival. Our worship and teaching together was lovely. Two of the most common comments offered at the conclusion of the workshops pretty much wherever we go are 1) how practical, applicable, and valuable the teaching is, and 2) how thankful they are that someone would come all the way to where they live to teach rather than simply staying in comfortable Kampala where only the most privileged can afford to attend. Thank you, Jesus, for knowing what the people need and for making me portable.

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Teaching, Preaching, and Speaking in Bundibugyo

I’d been invited to work alongside Bishop Hannington to develop material for a publishing opportunity primarily because of my unique combination of experience in publishing and in Uganda. As usual, God used that opportunity to create a partnership with Surprised by Hope that Bishop and I believe will help the various communities where his 26 churches are located. I must reveal, however, that there seems to be some secret behind the red socks regularly adorning his feet.

Our first work together was teaching a one-day, biblically-based business workshop. I love the opportunity to show people that God is in everyday life. This particular group of pastors and lay leaders came from Congo, Rwanda, and the greater Bundibugyo area. They’d heard Bishop announce the workshop on his radio program and because they trusted him, they felt they had to attend. I’ve taught this particular workshop – The Art and Science of Thinking – in dozens of villages and we always struggle with the aspect of creativity. But this group was crazy creative. They reported realizing that because they were created in God’s image they could be creative too, and feeling that their mind had been opened to new ways of applying their thinking skills in their churches and personal lives. Yea!

The second opportunity to work together involved me preaching at Mitunda Church. I continue to rebel against the idea that I am equipped to be a preacher and I continue to agree when the opportunity presents itself. This Charismatic Episcopal church offered more traditional practices that what I’m familiar with so the service was interesting. The message was about having a singular focus on God so that he could equip us for his work. The most interesting part, in my mind, was when the Bishop invited all the Congolese refugees to come for prayer. He invited me to pray over them and I regretted not being so bold as to take a photo. About 20 people in this church of maybe 50 came from Congo with nothing into a place that had almost nothing and yet they were welcomed, loved, and supported.

The third opportunity to work together involved speaking on the Voice of Bundi radio program. I definitely did not want to speak in such a formal environment. I lacked confidence. A friend prayed with me and for me, he prayed anointing and favor, he kept me focused on preparing for that message. So thankful for him. When the time came, the message was short but powerful. The station phones rang off the hook and the two pastors’ phones rang nonstop. Several invitations to come teach at various churches were made. The station manager snuck into the room and gave us another 15 minutes of program time. People seemed relieved to address the issue of business focus, cheating and bribery, and customer service.

I’m so thankful for the many opportunities Bishop Hannington created for me to teach, preach, and speak about God’s Word through business.

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You Stole My Wife

Bundibugyo is just a few kilometers from the DR Congo border where war is driving Congolese families to seek refuge in Uganda. These Bundibugyo communities tend to be a happy mixture of nationalities, languages, and customs. I attribute this acceptance to recent memories of their own war-torn past resulting from the likes of rulers like Idi Amin and Joseph Koney.

Though one young pastor-refugee reported that after crossing the border, a Ugandan man took his wife. Very likely she felt that as a refugee her husband could no longer provide for her. Given the very practical nature of marriage in these East African village communities, her survival was surer in the hands of the Ugandan. The sad realities of life in such places.

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The School that War Built

Following is Bishop’s description of how the school came about. Any errors can be attributed to my own inability to type as fast as he spoke. I love seeing how clearly God used a bad circumstance to make something good and bring him glory.

Congolese rebels attacked Uganda. When they did, they caused a lot of displacement. We found ourselves in IDC. The International Steward workshop taught principles of stewardship and generous giving: Four key principles 1) everything belongs to God 2) stewards of what god has entrusted us with 3) God has work for all these resources 4) no scarcity of money but scarcity of stewards.

In the camps, there were so many orphans and no one to care for them. When the government gave food, they had no one to go and get food for them from these programs. God opened my eyes and showed me that the church could stand in the gap for them. They could be part of our family, we could help the older ones start their own temporary structures. Even if we give them shelter and food, they still needed education. The church elders and church people started making contributions to provide for the education and requirements. Soon, the number of orphans we cared for grew very big. I saw they needed Christian instruction, particularly when the number grew so large. They could not have good instruction about Christ if they were scattered in all kinds of schools, so we gathered them to our own school.

People in the church volunteered to teach them. They started raising money in the church to start paying them. Now the students were too many. We needed more teachers, shelters, and the construction of classrooms. In time, we built three classrooms – Mt. Zion One Orphanage School. As the school flourished very many orphans came. The church could no longer meet all their needs. Now we opened the school to all children so that they can pay fees. When they pay their money will go toward the costs of the orphans. Keep the number of paying students to 50% of the number of orphans so that we don’t look commercial.

People around were not well off and so meeting the fees for paying children was difficult. God gave me the idea of moving to this town because people are better off, they’re working class. We opened the town school for paying students and that money goes to the village school.

The school / church

 

These boys finished their work and are lounging in the kitchen.
All the logs are for the fire needed to prepare meals.

Boarding students are responsible for their own laundry.

Drying the laundry Leslie-style. Though the day is so moist,
I doubt any actual drying took place.

The future canteen where students will purchase
requirements, sugar, and other needed items.

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Traveling to Bundibugyo

A diesel-fuel high made my ears ring as I contemplated how many people in Uganda died from such daily inhalation only to blame the likes of pneumonia or ulcers. Our eventual bus departure was met with great relief and a few aspirin. The journey was relatively uneventful given my recent trip to Congo, though no disappointment crossed these lips. After passing through the surprisingly large town of Fort Portal, the topography changed dramatically. The formerly lush green rolling hills gave way to far reaching mountains.

On this day ominous clouds hid the peaks of the Rwenzori mountains bordering the Great Rift Valley. Bordering DR Congo and sharing Lake Albert, Bundibugyo is rich with moist air and a variety of thick green vegetation, particularly given that this is rainy season. Stark contrasts play with my mind as I enjoy the freshly paved roads, mile markers, painted lines, guard rails, and road signs. Can I really still be in Uganda? Alighting at the taxi park, the end of the route, I waited for what would be a broadly smiling face to meet me. Bishop Hannington arrived on a boda with Pastor Timothy and gave up his seat so that I could join them all at their home.

That modern road system is juxtaposed against stick and mud houses made in the traditional fashion. Those who are less fortunate build their homes with what they find around them, crooked tree branches and clay mud gathered after the rains. Dried grass often protects the occupants from the elements. The Bishop’s house, like those who are only slightly more financially secure, was built with clay bricks made from the ground just outside the door and covered with a plaster mixture requiring the purchase of cement and sand.

A warm Ugandan welcome followed that long journey.

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Busing Uganda Style

Grabbing my bags before I could even protest, questionable bus attendants ushered me to the bus park at the same time demanding to know my destination. Stumbling past crowds of people, trying to keep up with my now fast-moving luggage, I struggled to keep up. Pushing me into the front seat of the big green Link bus, the attendant instructed me to wait the nearly three hours in the plastic covered seats as sleepy faces gradually filled in the gaps.

The Buganda Bus Park is home to most major long distance bus carriers and eager attendants sometimes get a little overbearing. Fights among them often break out with the customer caught in the middle. This is no place for the faint of heart – know where you’re going, know which bus line you need, and hold on to your bags. More importantly…know what time your bus departs.

I arrived at 6:00 am that morning sure of the 7:00 departure, based on past experience, only to find that the bus I needed was scheduled to depart at 9:00 am. Of course! Oh well, the early arrival gave me the opportunity to change buses three times and to allow one particular bus attendant to pave the way for me at each change. Eventually, he invited me for tea which would have meant leaving my plastic throne behind…and perhaps the bus departure as well. I remained.

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Church Leadership Meeting

Sunday evening would be my last ministry responsibility in Marereni and in Kenya. Leaders of those churches founded by Pastor Tsofa came together for an evening of encouragement and teaching. We talked about some basic principles in establishing the church, as well as some leadership principles, character qualities, and the role of their wives in their churches.

Pastor Tsofa loves his wife and he acts like it. In a culture where public displays of affection are frowned upon, rather than pretending she’s a stranger, he acknowledges her role in the church and his life at every opportunity. He loves her. His agenda for our time together often included some ministry teaching about the role of women in the church and marriage. I love seeing he and Elizabeth together and remembering that people who saw Rick and I together knew that we loved one another too.

Several of these pastors didn't even have a Bible in their own language from which to preach. Thanks to Beaverdam Baptist Church, they do now!

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Preaching at Jesus Gathering Center

New churches often come under attack of the enemy and this church was no different. Teaching about the battlefield in the mind and how the enemy will use the mind to destroy the church before it starts, many people responded to the call for specific prayer to win their battle. So thankful for the opportunity to preach again, but still feeling inadequate for the job. It’s these times when I must truly rely on God for his direction and his voice to come to the people at their greatest need.

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Biblically-based Business Teaching in Marereni

Marereni is the more centrally located venue where the three day workshop would take place. This new church boasted an iron sheet roof and open air walls. I was thankful for those open walls in this oven-like place. Following our time of praise and worship along with introductions, Pastor Tsofa quickly handed the translator’s microphone to Pastor Njuguna. Pastor Njuguna came to this three day workshop because we’d not done anything like it when I was with him and he desired to reinforce his learning from previous workshops. By now he has become an expert translator for me, not an easy task given the complex business concepts to which so few people have been exposed.

Pastor Tsofa shared some of the challenges they’re experiencing in this church and I was thankful to have the opportunity to pray with him about those challenges. During the second day of the workshop, the people asked for the opportunity to ask questions. As is common, the questions surrounded the role of women in the church and in the marriage. I was honored and blessed to provide some biblically-based teaching in this area. At one point I could feel God really take over, as the words from my mouth could never have been so well phrased.

Our aim was encouraging husbands to teach their wives about church business and to hear the voice of God. We also aimed at encouraging wives to be sensitive to the Spirit and to respond to their husbands accordingly. I can’t begin to properly explain all that was delivered but it was good stuff. Both the men and women received this teaching very well. The women, though, were excited to realize they have an important role to play and that their husbands welcome their participation. A small celebratory gift-giving ceremony at the end of the Sunday service resulted in a beautiful new outfit for me bought and paid for by these ladies. I am so humbled. God is truly amazing.

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Church as Business in Adu

Adu is another small village about an hour by motorcycle off the main road. The third of Pastor Tsofa’s churches was organized for a full day seminar for pastors (and anyone else wishing to attend). At one point during our ride I asked Pr Tsofa if any people would be there because I hadn’t seen any in a looooong time. The more than 50 people who came certainly traveled quite a distance. Seventeen pastors among the group were the target of my business teaching about asset-based development with special emphasis on application in the lives of pastors and their churches.

The response from this group was tremendous. Very sharp and eager to learn more. More promises to return for a bigger conference. The feedback was so positive. One pastor thanked me for bringing very practical teaching. Another thanked me for showing them how God intersects their business lives in addition to their church lives. One man even commented that no missionary had ever been to Adu nor had he ever heard any teaching like this until now. Wow, God in his infinite wisdom spoke to Pr Tsofa and I about the needs in this area and all we had to do was be obedient.

Until one man…one man asked a question that took me back to the very beginning when I introduced myself. He said, “You told us that if your husband didn’t die you wouldn’t be here. How can you say such a thing?” I had the lovely opportunity to talk about Rick and about how all he did to support and encourage me prepared me for this work in East Africa. I had the chance to talk about how God makes all things work together for his good. Honestly, I love the opportunity to share my story in more detail. I love testifying to God’s grace in my life. And then…one lady left the workshop in tears. I sensed the recent loss in her own life and excused myself while Pastor Tsofa wound up the program. Meeting her in a small dark room behind the church, I prayed with this woman. We didn’t understand one another’s language but the Spirit groans on our behalf. What a lovely moment between sisters. Thank you, Jesus, for the simple things.

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Church Encouragement Outside Marereni

“You are a real missionary,” said Pastor Tsofa as he rode me on the back of a borrowed motorcycle. He indicated that no one he knows would have endured such a ride. Probably no one he knows would have looked as scary as I did once we arrived either. Humidity worked a number on my curls as did the wind and sun on my face and shoulders. A red-skinned, mop-headed missionary…that’s me.

More than an hour off the main road, trekking through coastal loose sand surrounded by thorny bushes and trees, we reached Shibe Pentecostal Worship Center. Warm welcomes from all and we began our time of encouragement. Our session was short at this venue and so our very brief message of hope and encouragement with promises to return for a real conference went quickly. Though, the worship at this church was something I’ve never heard before in my life. The key was something that reminded me of old sea chants. It was absolutely amazing. Goose bumps permanently resided on my flesh and it definitely wasn’t from the cold.

Moving along to the next venue, Mutoroni Jesus Gathering Center, again we were warmly welcomed. This open ceilinged church was filled with children dancing and praising God. A short message of hope and encouragement for this fledgling church resulted in promises to return yet again. Pastor Tsofa leads the pastors of these two and four other churches and is planning a big ministry conference for them all in 2014. 

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