A Lesson Learned.

This is a picture of myself and two Masai tribesmen standing outside their little village of 170 people, which represented five families. Masai are an indigenous group of herdsmen and shepherds in south western Kenya. On this day I visited their tiny village which was made up of tiny mud-brick huts and deadwood fenses for make-shift corrals that would house cattle and sheep at night. The interior of the camp is covered with animal droppings making it hard to walk around without stepping on the same. Flys, barefooted children and open fires make up the surroundings. In talking to the Masai they value their traditional ways. I found this interesting, because they would rather cling to their tribal traditions than know a better life. At least that's the way it seemed to me. On returning home I thought how blessed that our society is open to change so that our lives can be better. When we let the past inprison us today and then take captive the future, life becomes a chore. Only Jesus brings forgiveness to the past and hope for a better future. Christian faith not only gives hope for eternity, but it motivates us for a better life right here on earth.

East Africa Mission Trip Completed With Joy!

Terri and I returned home on Saturday November 17th after spending 13 days in Kenya, East Africa. I spent most of my time teaching and talking with church Pastors and leaders giving them encouragment and instruction on Church leadership principles. It was a great joy to find devoted men and women who make great sacrifaces to advance the gospel in a primitive place. Terri spent most of her time working on a medical team in poverty troubled areas. She spent two days in the second largest slum in the world outside of Nairobi.
I was able to speak with a native Kenyan church planter who in recent years has planted 119 congregations and six children's homes. He was a bright and bold Christian man. One day when we were talking he pulled out his prayer list in the middle of the conversation so he could remember what he was to keep before the Lord that hour. I noticed a very neat peice of paper broken into each hour of the day beside which was listed his prayer need of the hour. I was constantly amazed by the Kenyan beleivers who pray more often and at greater length than most Americans. Such mission trips always humble me when you see with your own eyes the circumstances that many beleivers live in and under and yet boldly proclaim their faith. God has good people serving all around the world and some of His best are in Kenya.

Working in Africa is under way.

This is a picture of the Kenya Wildlife Training Facility, which is a governement owned facility like a state park back in the states. Here Kenya trains young people on nature conservation. This week International Leadership Institute is using the campus for what is called a national leadership conference involving 30 key church leaders from around the country of Kenya. Daily I sit in small groups to encourage local leaders in their faith and help with developing leadership skills. Many Pastors here in Kenya have little former training, but rely only on their self study of the Bible. They appear to deeply appreciate the teaching and personal counsel. I love to hear them sing. They have an African shape note aspect to their singing that makes the old hymn, 'O how I love Jesus' take on new meaning. On Thursday and Friday I will be off to an outside village to teach in what is called a regional conference on church leadership. What a joy to know this men and women of God who are doing their very best with very little resources to spread the gospel of Christ. My wife Terri is working with a Carrollton, Georgia Doctor treating children of Nairobi slums and surrounding areas. Johnny Culwell from First Christian Church in Carrollton works with them as well. I will meet up with them on Sunday.