It is Tuesday morning and I see that I am not the only one still experiencing jet lag. For the last several days I have awakened to the sound of roosters crowing in the distance. This early morning ritual is becoming all too common. Rather than fight it, I get up, shower, and use this time to meditate and prepare for the day ahead.
In our devotions yesterday, we discussed the “Call of God” (Isaiah 6:8). This can mean many different things to others. For me it is expressed in the “hearing and seeing the ‘call of God’ in others”. I am challenged this week as we serve at NEGST to be intentional about being observant and as we interact with others whether on campus, in community with team members, or while visiting the Kibera slum. Oswald Chambers, in his daily devotional, “My Utmost for His Highest”, talked about how Isaiah was reflective after a time of crisis that provoked this observation. What I learned from this is that we must prepare ourselves to see and experience God in others.
Today we will be taking the team to the Kibera slum, the third largest slum in the world. This area slightly more than one square mile is home to over 1.5 million Kenyans and refugees from other African countries such as Uganda, Sudan, Liberian, and the Congo. As we prepare the team, we remind them to lay aside any preconceived notions they have of poverty and to go and observe. We are challenged to see God in the people living there. One of the ministries that will be our host and guide today serves several families living in Kibera. We will purchase flour, oil, rice, and other basic food items and deliver these items to families that would starve otherwise. Before you can share God’s love, hope, and the Gospel, you have to meet their most basic needs of food, shelter, and protection. I look forward to our team discussion this evening as we debrief the events of the day.
After touring the Kazuri Bead Factory yesterday, the team was able to stimulate the local economy and enjoy a cold soft drink. The Kazuri Bead Factory is located on part of the original plantation owned by Karen Blixen, author of “Out of Africa”. This ministry serves to employ over 400 single women as they make jewelry and pottery that is sold all over the world. Carol and I stocked up as we plan to sell their beautiful handmade jewelry in our gift shop at the North Fork Mountain Inn.
Our team member spotlight today is on Rich Stolt. Rich is the artist in our group. Rich teaches art at Allisonville Elementary School in Indianapolis, IN. Rich was planning to join our team 2 years ago and then again last year, when he found out his son was going to be born while away. So he decided to postpone until this year. I guess the third time is a charm. Rich is married to Lori and they have 2 children, Sierra, 6 years, and Silas who will be 1 year old on February 5th. Rich is working on his Masters Degree and plans to finish this summer. He will be teaching art classes at the Pistus School at NEGST. He is uniquely gifted as both an artist and a “techie”. We are very glad to have Rich as a part of our team. He adds a real element of colorful personality to the group. When asked about his most profound observation thus far, he remarked,"I am amazed at their love for each other. As a community, they are so inter-dependent".
In our devotions yesterday, we discussed the “Call of God” (Isaiah 6:8). This can mean many different things to others. For me it is expressed in the “hearing and seeing the ‘call of God’ in others”. I am challenged this week as we serve at NEGST to be intentional about being observant and as we interact with others whether on campus, in community with team members, or while visiting the Kibera slum. Oswald Chambers, in his daily devotional, “My Utmost for His Highest”, talked about how Isaiah was reflective after a time of crisis that provoked this observation. What I learned from this is that we must prepare ourselves to see and experience God in others.
Today we will be taking the team to the Kibera slum, the third largest slum in the world. This area slightly more than one square mile is home to over 1.5 million Kenyans and refugees from other African countries such as Uganda, Sudan, Liberian, and the Congo. As we prepare the team, we remind them to lay aside any preconceived notions they have of poverty and to go and observe. We are challenged to see God in the people living there. One of the ministries that will be our host and guide today serves several families living in Kibera. We will purchase flour, oil, rice, and other basic food items and deliver these items to families that would starve otherwise. Before you can share God’s love, hope, and the Gospel, you have to meet their most basic needs of food, shelter, and protection. I look forward to our team discussion this evening as we debrief the events of the day.
After touring the Kazuri Bead Factory yesterday, the team was able to stimulate the local economy and enjoy a cold soft drink. The Kazuri Bead Factory is located on part of the original plantation owned by Karen Blixen, author of “Out of Africa”. This ministry serves to employ over 400 single women as they make jewelry and pottery that is sold all over the world. Carol and I stocked up as we plan to sell their beautiful handmade jewelry in our gift shop at the North Fork Mountain Inn.
Our team member spotlight today is on Rich Stolt. Rich is the artist in our group. Rich teaches art at Allisonville Elementary School in Indianapolis, IN. Rich was planning to join our team 2 years ago and then again last year, when he found out his son was going to be born while away. So he decided to postpone until this year. I guess the third time is a charm. Rich is married to Lori and they have 2 children, Sierra, 6 years, and Silas who will be 1 year old on February 5th. Rich is working on his Masters Degree and plans to finish this summer. He will be teaching art classes at the Pistus School at NEGST. He is uniquely gifted as both an artist and a “techie”. We are very glad to have Rich as a part of our team. He adds a real element of colorful personality to the group. When asked about his most profound observation thus far, he remarked,"I am amazed at their love for each other. As a community, they are so inter-dependent".
I am happy you all arrived safe and sound. What a blessing that you were able to bring all of the computers for the students. I wish I were with you right now. There has not been a SINGLE day go by, since our return last year, that I have not thought of all the miracles I saw, how God works through all of us, and all of the many friends that were made. God bless you all for your good work and continued service in God. Kim McKay
ReplyDeleteTell Rich I've been praying for protection for he and his family and that his art classes would enrich the lives of the students he blesses - Steve H.
ReplyDelete