Kenya Day 3- Praise and Worship
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Today we are FULL! Full of the Spirit and full of food!
We had an early start to the day as we headed to Katheri Girls High School to worship with the students. As we stepped out of the van, we could hear the roar of voices as the girls worshiped through song and dance. It was an absolute delight to be part of this service!
One aspect I especially loved was how students kept volunteering to sing solos or perform together in groups. They called it a Thanksgiving offering, and it easily could have continued all day. They are filled with so much gratitude and are willing to offer God all they have. With so little in material possessions, they lift their voices to Him in praise. It was another day of tears!
Kim boldly preached from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, and the girls listened intently, taking notes the entire time. They are truly seeking God, and it shows. Kim also gave each girl a small mirror with a Bible verse on the back. One student shared with a team member how much it meant to hear that she is valuable and worthy. She hadn't been performing as well in school as she had hoped, but the verse on her mirror happened to be her favorite: "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). It reminded her to trust God. Once again, God knew exactly what this young woman needed to hear, and Kim's obedience and surrender allowed it to happen. How can we not praise Him?
The service was followed by breakfast, where we were once again shown incredible hospitality. Chicken, arrowroot, sweet potatoes, muffins, cookies, oranges, bananas, and watermelon were served alongside tea, coffee, and traditional Kenyan milk tea. Along with the food came blessings and prayers. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of this feast!
Next, we headed to our second service of the day at our sister church, MCK Katheri Methodist Church. Once again, the worship was amazing—so much singing and dancing! This time it was Bryan's turn to preach, and an interpreter was needed since many members of the congregation speak no English. He spoke about developing a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father as we prepare for Father's Day, which Kenyans also celebrate. It went very well, and the sermon was perfect. This church is vibrant and thriving.
We were asked to sing for them as well. We can't begin to compare to the incredible presentations of the Kenyans, but we did our best. We are certainly getting plenty of opportunities to step outside our comfort zones!
Another beautiful tradition we witnessed was during the offering. Those who had no money to give brought items from their farms such as milk, cabbage, and tomatoes. These gifts were then auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the church and the items going home with the highest bidders. Our own Cyndy won herself a cabbage to her utter delight!
After the service, we had the opportunity to fellowship with members of the congregation, many of whom were eager to meet us. Once again, we experienced the famous Kenyan hospitality as we were invited to yet another meal. This time we enjoyed beef stew and rice along with fresh fruit. These people are so proud of their church community and love to share their blessings. Throughout the day, we were reminded that God loves a cheerful giver, and these people embody that truth.
After lunch, we were given a tour of the school grounds, including the dormitories, bucket rooms (the Kenyan version of a shower), and the library. As Shawn observed while looking at the simple beds and few possessions, it was hard to believe this represented an improvement over what many of these girls had left behind. This school is changing lives in a profound way.
Our next task was to teach a Lead Like Jesus seminar. We split into groups, and Gary, Bob, and I worked with the 12th graders. We discussed what makes a great leader and how Christ's example of servant leadership serves as our guide. There were some wonderful conversations, though our Southern American accents occasionally made their understanding difficult. Still, we persevered, and I believe the girls appreciated our discussion.
But we still weren't done!
The men cleared the area, and Kim led a hygiene seminar for the girls, explaining puberty, what to expect, and how to handle the challenges that arise. As a nurse, she was perfectly qualified to teach this topic. There was lots of giggling, but the girls were eager to ask questions. Especially once they realized they could write them down anonymously. Katelyn joined the Q and A session to provide a teenager's perspective, and she answered with such poise and wisdom. Charlotte also found herself the receiver of many passed notes as the girls were fascinated by our teenagers and what they had to say. Everywhere they went, they were surrounded by girls eager to talk and interact with them. They were especially fascinated by our hair and couldn't stop touching it, amazed by its texture!
When the hygiene sessions concluded, the girls received supplies of maxi pads made possible through the generosity of our friends and family back home. They were deeply grateful. In fact, the principal commented that this gift was even greater than food. Missing a meal is a temporary hardship, but lacking menstrual supplies is a problem that simply cannot be ignored. It is an absolute necessity. Once again, the girls were overjoyed by this gift.
And guess what happened next? We were invited to eat again!
More snacks were served as we met the girls sponsored by members of our team. They were friendly and eager to get to know us. We chatted, prayed, and learned as much as we could in the short time we had together. The young woman we met came from a family of farmers who grow cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. Her favorite subjects are biology and chemistry, and she dreams of becoming a doctor. Thanks to this school and the support she receives, that dream is becoming possible in what once seemed like a very bleak situation. It is worth noting that there are ALWAYS girls in need of sponsorship!
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Finally, exhausted but filled with joy, our day came to an end.
Please continue to pray for us as we enter the construction phase of our mission trip. We are eager to see what God has in store next!
As the people of Kenya say, “Praise the Lord. Amen. Praise the Lord Again. Amen.”
