Wow, the weekend is here already and I can’t believe in a just few more days we will be boarding a plane to come home. We have so enjoyed spending time here ministering with YCT and meeting new people. They have challenged, inspired, and encouraged us to live out our faith in a real and vocal way.
Today we went to a large mall/open air market to do some shopping. There were so many vendors vying for our attention and even wanted to trade some of our things for their wares. One of the favorite items they wanted to exchange were the bandanas on our heads. The vendors were concerned that we wouldn’t spend enough time at their booth and would encourage us to “Stay and look for awhile, no hurry in Africa!” Of course the minute you started to look at what they were selling, they were trying to make a deal. Everything was priced at least two to three times its worth, so Sammy made sure each of us were assigned a YCT member to help us know what to bargain. The bargaining was difficult because the vendors just want to take their time, and shame on you if you take one price and stick to it! Some of the treasures we found were: wooden salad tongs, hairy drum, purses, carved figurines, leather stool, hats, baskets, etc. Everything was authentic and we had a really hard time deciding what to purchase. We were so thankful for Sammy and his team for saving us a lot of money!
We took the afternoon to rest and prepare for the evening. We got to Kibera around 4PM and Boblin organized street evangelism to invite people to Kamkunji (“The Meeting Place”) for the crusade. (Hannah has described this as the Kibera town square) People tend to be very receptive here and it is hard to just hand them a tract and move on- they all want you to stay and chat for awhile! It was encouraging to us to see how many people responded that they would come. When we got to Kamkunji the stage and sound equipment were already set up and a large crowd had gathered. Sammy’s team had already started praise and worship and it was fun to watch the people, especially the children with big smiles singing and lifting their hands to God. These people know how to show their praise to God, and most of the YCT dance during their singing. One of the girls in particular loves to drag us girls out there with her. We have tried to tell her that we just can’t dance, but maybe that is why she likes for us to do it- it is entertainment for them! Once the singing was over Pastor Joe took the stage to deliver his message. The man Sammy got to translate did an amazing job during the message and God used both him and Pastor Joe to preach His Word. We saw God answer prayer as souls were touched and people responded in conviction. During the invitation sixteen men, young and old, came forward to receive Christ as their Savior. We talked on the way home and imagined the party that was going on heaven over the souls that were saved. We rejoice at how God is working and we are looking forward to what the next two days bring. Please continue to pray for us as we share our testimonies and Pastor Joe shares the Word of God with the people of Kibera.
We stopped at the Java House in Nairobi for dinner after the crusade. We had great food (Hannah in particular would like for me to mention how delightful her Mexican Beans and Rice were.) and fellowship as we were all excited about how well things had gone. We have had a new driver the past few days, Lawrence, and Dan and Joe had the opportunity to talk to him about the Lord over dinner. Please pray with us for his salvation.
Thank you all for your prayers and your love and we are looking forward to being with you again!
In Christ’s service,
Emily
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