Many were dressed in clothing straight from US clothing stores either bought in the States or from local second-hand clothing markets, others wore African clothing (usually one-of-a-kind designer outfits as these are rarely found ready-made), some donned Asian outfits, and a few kids roamed around in school uniforms. Another same, but unique bit: As I talked with a Kenyan friend, I realized that although she or at least her parents likely grew up in a mud or thatch hut, we easily talked of our mutual and very similar joys and concerns with our “grown-up” children.
Jack and I also talked with several young adults - an American volunteer doing university work, an almost college graduate, and another who is weeks away from completing seminary. As the college student joined our group he said, “Wow, family time.” As I thought later of his words, I realized that I too felt a unique bond with this group. We are different ages and have unique backgrounds, etc, but we all love God and want to share His love and salvation in Kenya AND we do rely upon one another for strengthening and encouragement.
Yes, Jack and I miss our kids and we sometimes crave a Krispy Kreme doughnut or Klondike ice cream bar, but we know this is where we are to be fellow workers with others who love Him. This week, I’m providing a mini-view of how life in Kenya is “SAME BUT DIFFERENT” at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=229202&id=685050129&l=6bceabc567 This picture album was prepared with a touch of humor, but my prayer is that this will strengthen your desire and ability to pray knowledgeably for God’s work in our part of the world.
For prayer is needed! As I read yesterday’s local news, one article left me with many concerns in need of prayer. First the article was found past the mid-way point of the newspaper – which usually implies that this is no longer considered major news. Yet, the article was reporting the on-going suffering caused by the current “heavy rains” - Suffering that is doubled as these problems follow the problems of the multi-year 
drought. The title of the article, “The dilemma of fleeing floods or saving crops,”** combined with what I saw in the attached photo, also led me to prayer. The women in the picture, who were once again awaiting relief food, were all dressed in a manner that said that they had not claimed our Saviour’s love - Which told me that they do need saving, but not in the way that the writer was implying!
So I ask again this week that you pray that Jack and I and other Christians in Kenya will be very alert to sharing our Father’s love and salvation with all we encounter. Pray that this time of an over-blessing of rain, will be a time that Kenyan Christians will boldly share and be witnesses of the “showers of blessings” (Ezekiel 34:26) offered by our heavenly Father. BERT YATES
* You do not have to be a FACEBOOK member to safely and easily view “Same But Different”. To locate the pictures, simply click or double click this title, or copy the website listed above and paste it into the area on your internet page.
** “The dilemma of fleeing floods or saving crops” – Daily Nation, 5/25/10, p. 30 - http://www.nation.co.ke/News/regional/The%20dilemma%20of%20fleeing%20%20floods%20or%20saving%20crops%20/-/1070/924906/-/u7mjcrz/-/index.html
No comments:
Post a Comment