After a long day and late night on Monday, we decided to sleep in this morning. Six of us met at 9:00 for a run in the mile-high city of Nairobi. The high altitude did not set well with a couple team members but the rest of us were able to get in a good run.
It has been such a pleasure to get to know our team members. A couple of them I knew only by name and one I was introduced to the Saturday before we left. As I think of the way in which I became a part of this team, I am filled with a sense of divine appointment. Being asked to go less than three weeks before our departure reminds me of the sovereignty of God and the fact that I am here because he appointed me “for such a time as this.” I have grown to love and appreciate the team members. I have been impressed by their love for God and for those who are serving him here in Kenya. By the way, one of the girls commented today that she thought of Dan, George and myself as if we were her dad. I realize that Dan and George both have married children, but surely a twenty-something should not think of ME as old enough to be her father. Then the hard reality set in with the fact that her father is younger than me.
The Kenyan believers are such a delight. They are filled with a love for Christ and they are passionate about reaching Kibera for him. Their faith is contagious. In addition to serving alongside of them in ministry, we have had a wonderful time with them. Though we will be anxious to return to our families, it will be very difficult to leave these dear new friends God has given us.
Dan, George and I met for lunch with Sammy and three long time ministry friends of his to discuss forming a board to serve the Youngsters for Christ Team. It was a profitable meeting and we became acquainted with three very dear brothers who have faithfully served Christ here for many years. Sammy has known each of them for at least ten years. We all came away very encouraged that Sammy has ministry friends like these gentlemen who are willing to serve with him as board members.
This afternoon we went to Langata High School on the edge of Kibera for their Christian Union meeting. Sammy and several of his team members meet regularly with this group of approximately fifty students for worship and bible study. As we entered the building a handful of students who had already gathered were singing already. The harmony of their music is so beautiful. Most of the songs were in Swahili and we were unable to understand the words. However, they did sing one song in English in which they prayed for the anointing of heaven upon them and for their hearts to be open to the message. I was very impressed with their enthusiasm in worship. I noticed that some of the students would just sit down during the worship time to pray. My sense was that these young people are passionate for Christ. All four of the girls shared a little about themselves and their families, Emily shared her testimony and George gave a gospel presentation using the gospel bead bracelet. Each student was presented with a bracelet. Though this is a Christian fellowship, we were told that about half the students who attend are not believers. We were very warmly received.
Thank you for your continued prayers. Please be diligent in prayer as the weekend approaches. There will be major evangelistic outreaches Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Joe Godwin
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