Blessing > Being Blessed

I have to report on our Christmas celebration with the families supported by Operation Joseph in the village of Ebuhando last Saturday. When planning our program for our time in Kenya, Rob and I knew that our focus would be on 20 kids and their families who live in Ebuhando and are struggling. Financially, physically and in some cases spiritually. We are able to see these kids three times a week- Monday, Wednesday, and Saturdays- and have been able to sit in all but two of these homes and hear their stories and struggles. We are then able to pray with them and try and encourage them that our great God is so faithful and loving- a message that they are preaching to us with their lives. We come away from each house with a pain in our hearts for the situations that they have to endure- pain from illness and hunger, loneliness; but also blessed after seeing this amazing faith and trust in the only thing that they can truly rely on- Jehovah God.
Each week like we have been reporting on, we have been able to bless these families with things that will last more than a few days and are too expensive for many of them to buy. Sugar. Cooking oil. Soap. SO this last Saturday, we invited all of the guardians to join us with the kids to hear the amazing story of Jesus' birth. How the God and Savior of this world came to us in such humble circumstances. Then we all ate together an amazing meal of beans, rice and cabbage salad.
Then, we were able to share with them the reason we were in their village and their homes. Because of the extravagant love that the Father has for us. Because the church in Canada has felt God's heart for these people and wanted to help. We are one body and this is a beautiful example of it working together. I'll never forget their overwhelming gratitude and thankfulness. We were able to give them a big cooking pot filled with corn, a serving spoon, a shovel for digging in the field, a machete, and a blanket for the child. We found out after that this was wayyy more than they were expecting. These are gifts that we hope and pray will benefit them and last them a lifetime-and beyond as they can be passed down. I'll never forget the video image etched into my mind seeing all these guardians pour out of Mama Jael's yard with this huge pot of maize carried on their heads. The kids wrapping their arms so tightly around the beautifully colored plaid blankets still in the plastic wrap. I wanted to say more on the video I was taking at the time... but I simply couldn't. The moment could not be described with words, and I'm sorry that you won't be able to fully understand this moment. Be assured that to all have given and supported us, we are fulfilling the mission we have set out to do. HIS grace has been sufficient and His love has been abundant like He promises. We have been soooo blessed to be the hands which are privileged to pass these materials on. They are just a picture of how connected this world is. How connected His body can be. Through your prayers and affirmations, Rob and I have been able to walk the dreams that we have been praying about for over a year now. I cannot wait to show these videos when we get home. I am trusting that the Holy Spirit will enable you to feel the joy and satisfaction given to us in this moment. Both now and when we meet again face to face.
Asanti Sana and Baraka!!

Perception vs Truth

I am so pumped to be able to report that many of the things I wrote about on Tuesday regarding Sunday were not as they seemed to be!!!
Unfortunately, this came at the expense of Mama and Papa's phones ringing non-stop since some have read the latest entry. I am sorry Billy and Judy. The things that I was bothered by on Sunday all had an explanation and I've learned to address those involved as soon as these things happen. Billy is such a man of integrity and I am so glad to see him leading this church! He is the only man suitable for this role in my opinion. I can't even count on my fingers how many times we have prayed for the individual members of this new church as well as the overseer and the bishop(s). Judy is definitely one of the most hospitable women I have ever had the privilege to meet. In no way was the earlier post meant to attack this beautiful family and I'm sorry if I have caused any harm or damage. Perfect love drives out all fear and I am writing these words in LOVE. (A common, fundamental theme of late!)
The young man who came in to our service on Sunday is a local boy. Slightly troubled and I have since learned- has been helped out on numerous occasions in a variety of ways by my beloved family in Kenya. And to top things off- he did receive a meal after the service. 2nd helpings-in fact! This is despite his unpredictable behaviors which includes violence. There is not greater love to be shown than a self-less love. And this is truly what this young man has been shown from mama and papa.
Also the guest speaker was a man from near-by Majengo...not Kisumu. And he did still talk about one body...many parts! Which is such a important message for all of us to hear. Even if its over and over again.
Lord, Forgive me for my eagerness to jump to conclusions. May the Shalom Family Worship Center truly be a place of peace where families can gather together in spirit and in truth to lift your name on high.