We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8 NIV).
Since this is our last day of instruction, I was reflecting on the team and their individual gifts. I have been truly humbled to serve with such a grace filled and talented team. We were honored to have a special lunch today at Kijiji with Vice Chancellor Dr. Carew. He wanted to personally thank the team for their donation of laptops, computer monitors, server, thin clients but most of all he wanted to thank them for their time and dedication to teaching and serving well here at African International University. He asked the team to share their insights about the experience and asked how AIU could better serve us as we prepare to return. It was truly humbling to hear Dr. Carew ask how they could make the experience better for future teams.
The meal, hosted by Lois Shaw was our best meal yet. Her chef prepared an excellent African stew on rice with several fresh toppings including avocado, peanuts, slaw, tomatoes, green peppers, and much more it was a real treat.
At Chapel today, we heard a very compelling message by Dr. Amy Sherman. She is a Senior
Fellow with the Sagamore Institute based in Indianapolis and also a Senior Fellow with International Justice Ministries (IJM). She is a writer and shared stories of 4 victims and how they were redeemed through the efforts of IJM. She spoke of a pending partnership with one of the AIU schools, the Institute for the Studies of African Realities (ISAR). Having her speak was partially the result of a meeting Dr. Carew had with Jay Hein, President of the Sagamore Institute.
Dr. Sherman's message spoke to the hearts of many students and Pastors in the audience. IJM is seeking partnerships in Kenya and beyond to come along side their efforts as they seek to bring justice to the oppressed in Africa.
The day did not end without some excitement. Carol fell and broke her nose while returning from lunch. Ed and Polly accompanied her to the nearby Karen Hospital where they took a CT Scan and determined that she will be fine but should meet with an ENT specialist when she returns to the USA this weekend. I think Obama and his new health care team could take a lesson from the Karen Hospital. I paid the bill in cash and it was less than $ 200.00. That included all medication, diagnosis, cleaning and dressing the wounds, and a copy of the CT scan. God was really looking out for us as our nurse was the wife of a NEGST graduate and current professor here. Our thanks also go out to the AIU nursing staff that attended to her wounds and to Don Penny who arranged transportation and brought us home safely. Once we returned to HomeCare, Terraza prayed for healing for both Carol and Karen and we trust God that he will provide miraculous healing.
Our Thursday evening will conclude with a Vice Chancellor pot luck with AIU faculty and Dr. Sherman where they will hear more about systemic changes that can results from making Justice ministry a priority in the context of African realities.
It will be kind of sad to say our goodbyes as we have become personally connected to many of the students and staff here at AIU. It is quite evident that this university is at the frontlines of ministry and capably equipping the future Christian Leaders of Africa to serve well in the churches, communities, government, and the marketplace. It was exciting to come a be a small part of great Christian movement. We heard on Sunday from Pastor Oscar that the center of Christianity has shifted to the southern hemisphere. I can see that is true here in Kenya and in many other part of the world south of the equator.
This will be our last spotlight on our team tonight. As author of this blog, I feel a big uncomfortable shining the light on myself. My name is Ed Fischer and even though I have a great job back in West Virginia as the Grant County Economic Development Director and County Administrator, I also find it difficult to leave Africa when it comes time to go home. I always leave a big part of my heart behind when I leave. On my first trip to Dakar, Senegal many years ago to visit missionary friends, Scott and Lisa Hicks, I felt called by God to come and serve in Africa. Even though Carol was not yet ready, I think a Bed and Breakfast or hospitality venture in Kenya is somewhere in my distant future. Not long after going to Senegal, I read the book, "Half Time" by Bob Buford. It really spoke to my heart. What I experienced, is not uncommon to most men. As we approach 50 or near what most would call the "mid-life crisis", I realize that my life was missing real significance. As men, we ofter get most of our self worth and affirmation from our jobs or careers. We are looking to leave a legacy, to make a real difference. That is why I lead these short term trips or as some would say, a "vacation with a purpose". So I would encourage any of you out there that are looking for significance in your life to consider going on a short term mission trip. It just might change your life.
I also owe a great debt of gratitude to my wife Carol. She has kept me centered and allowed me to pursue my passions and serve those in full time ministry and missionaries. That is why we own the North Fork Mountain in beautiful West Virginia. We offer at least a 50% discount to Pastors and Missionaries if they can come Sunday through Thursday and enjoy the beauty and solitude of what John Denver referred to as "almost heaven, West Virginia".
Check in the next few days as we head to Amboselli and debrief the short term experience while enjoying the beauty and splendor of Tanzania on safari at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
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