Our Christmas Day celebration was a huge success. The tiny
PEMA Church in Mjanaheri, Kenya was overflowing with adults and children alike.
Surprise, I was told that I would be preaching that morning and thankfully the Lord
brought to mind Isaiah 9:6, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.”
I asked how many of the parents would “give” their child away after he or she
was born. None volunteered. Instead they came to understand what a great gift
Jesus is for us and that his birth is not the greatest…instead his death and
resurrection are the greatest. For that we can be sure of our place in heaven
with Jesus. Picking up on that “Son is given” part, we talked of the dollies as
being given as a gift and that every time they see their dollies they should
remember God’s gift to us in Jesus Christ.
I explained more about the construction of the roof after
which the church broke out in joyous celebration. I continued on telling them
that Pr James would not be receiving any money and that I would meet him in
town to pay for the supplies needed. This explanation is necessary so that
members don’t accuse him of keeping money for himself and so that we help him
avoid that temptation. Complete transparency.
Despite the seemingly African style smiles (or lack thereof),
the children bounced around with their dollies all afternoon—even the boys. Follow
this link to see each child with his or her dolly.
Our traditional Christmas meal was made up of goat’s meat
and rice. Unfortunately, the first goat was stolen or ran away (not that I
blame him). The second goat, though, was slaughtered as the service began and
four hours later we were all enjoying our Christmas meal.
Thank you to each and every one of you who gave
sacrificially to make this project happen. May you always find food on your
table and love in your hearts.
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| Pr James and Pr Ephantus introduce one another. |
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| The Kenyan dolly maker -- Pr Nathaniel -- just happens to be a member of this church. No one had any idea of this connection until the Monday before Christmas. All this work Pr Nathaniel and his two lady workers have been doing has been for the benefit of his own church. Pr Nathaniel's mother on the left and his wife on my right. |