Corrugated iron sheets covered Pastor Tsofa’s church (a
former Bible School graduate) where 22 pastors gathered for the final session
of Bible School in a Briefcase. As the sun beat down on those sheets, we became
increasingly thankful that this particular church had no wall on one side.
Kathy finished her teaching from the morning as Kelly parked the car having
delivered Karen and me from the Malindi airport.
A celebratory lunch made up of rice and fruit (is avocado a
fruit?) awaited the students. No goat this year, a decision made in light of
necessary adjustments to the typical class schedule. Awards to those with
perfect attendance, graduation ceremony rehearsal, and we moved on to the
dessert for the day…communion.
Having attended a plethora of church services in East
Africa, I have such a huge appreciation for the work Kelly and Kathy do through
Biblical Life Ministries. Rural
pastors often receive their post by assignment from the community because they
have the highest level of education. Sometimes they’re appointed simply because
they love someone called Jesus. But these pastors lack basic yet fundamental
theological knowledge. Often their understanding of who God is comes mixed with
tribal and traditional beliefs such as witchcraft or animism.
Many pastors do, though, have a genuine longing to rightly
know God and to bring others to that right understanding too. Bible School in a
Briefcase makes that possible. 22 pastors having this teaching in the area of
Watamu means that this whole community can be changed for Christ. That’s a huge
impact. I am so thankful for the way God connected our ministries and to have a
small part in influencing people for Jesus.