Only a few Christmas ornaments arrived in our suitcases in September 1978, and that first year, Jack, 4 year old John, and I made decorations as there were none to buy. The exception was small twinkling lights which were available for Hindu celebrations. Things are very different today in parts of Africa, including Nairobi, and lots of decorations and ornaments, imported traditional ones and special African creations, are available. Recently, I even spotted a Santa suit for sale!
Our church, Parklands Baptist-Mombasa Road, like most in Africa, will have a special service next Sunday, as well as another on Christmas Day. There were no Christmas songs or decorations (there was a beautiful and tasty cake) during last Sunday’s service, yet it was one of the most meaningful celebrations of our Saviour that I have ever experienced. We are unsure if one of our pastors had a prepared sermon for this Thanksgiving Service, but when church members were asked to share testimonies, the line kept growing and the service ended an hour late (three hours long, rather than the usual two) without a ‘sermon’! It was an awesome time of hearing how God has blessed our friends’ lives in the last year, during times of joy and sorrow, and how they have grown spiritually.
This week while reading newsletters of our co-workers in Sub-Saharan Africa, I was reminded that things are very different in countries where there are few Christians. Today’s NUDGE* shares a bit of the story of a worker among Unreached/ Unengaged People Groups in West Africa. Can you imagine living in a place where few have heard of our Saviour’s birth? Can you imagine having no Christmas traditions, songs, decorations or special meals? The co-worker requested prayer for new Believers among one Unreached People Group as they plan how their ‘baby’ church should celebrate our Saviour’s birth.
Thank you for praying for me last week as I shared via the internet how the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering affects our work and the work of our co-workers among Sub-Saharan African Peoples. I am always amazed at how God provides the stories which I can use in my work, often JUST when I need them – such as permission for today’s NUDGE arrived early this morning!
Jack is thankful for your prayers as he taught “Baptist History, Faith and Practices” each afternoon last week at the Kenya Baptist Theological College. He did travel safely (though he was a bit late for the last day’s class) and the students’ responses affirmed that the was sharing what they needed.
Our update is long again, but there is always so much that we want to share with you as you are the ones who enable us to do our work. So thank you once again for all your prayers and other support, which includes your giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We do DEPEND upon you! BERT
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* Daily Nudges from East Africa/Sub-Saharan African Peoples, can be found at http://easternafrica2012prayernudges.blogspot.com/ and on Facebook at Sub-Saharan African Peoples – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sub-Saharan-African-Peoples/100173880060607?fref=ts – IF you’re not on Facebook, simply click CLOSE on the lower corner of the big square that appears, if you are on FACEBOOK, log in!
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