Sunday was spent with our host families attending their church. Carol and I attended Nairobi Chapel. I am always caught up in the spirit whenever I hear their worship music. You can really feel the presence of God as they use their gifts to lead the congregation and prepare them for the Word. On this Sunday, Senior Pastor Oscar, who had just returned from the US after being the featured speaker at Urbana, commissioned the new interns and pastors in training (some where students we have trained at NEGST). It was a very moving ceremony. It reminded me of the significant commitment they are making as they step out in faith to lead.
Pastor Janet gave a compelling sermon using the illustration of 4 friends. She asked us to write down the names of 4 people that we turn to for advice. She went on to suggest that if any of those 4 is toxic, that we avoid that influence in our life. Her recommendation was that we also avoid those who are negative. They will really drain you instead of being an encouragement. These 4 should also be people that are going in the direction you are going. If you are heading towards the same goals, you will be encouraged along the way. Finally, Pastor Janet said we should choose those who are not impressed with us. They most likely will be honest with us and will love us “warts and all”. You can count on candid feedback from these types of friends. After the service, some of the team were able to visit with Pastor Oscar (NEGST graduate) about his experiences dealing with the record low temperatures he experienced while at Urbana in Chicago and then later in Florida. He seemed to be very happy to be home and enjoying the "warmth of Africa".
Pastor Janet gave a compelling sermon using the illustration of 4 friends. She asked us to write down the names of 4 people that we turn to for advice. She went on to suggest that if any of those 4 is toxic, that we avoid that influence in our life. Her recommendation was that we also avoid those who are negative. They will really drain you instead of being an encouragement. These 4 should also be people that are going in the direction you are going. If you are heading towards the same goals, you will be encouraged along the way. Finally, Pastor Janet said we should choose those who are not impressed with us. They most likely will be honest with us and will love us “warts and all”. You can count on candid feedback from these types of friends. After the service, some of the team were able to visit with Pastor Oscar (NEGST graduate) about his experiences dealing with the record low temperatures he experienced while at Urbana in Chicago and then later in Florida. He seemed to be very happy to be home and enjoying the "warmth of Africa".
As we left church to travel to the Carnivore to meet up with friends, we make one last trip through the Kibera slums. It is a stark reality of poverty, human trafficking, and desperation that is hard to erase from your mind. Many of the inhabitants there are refugees from Sudan. It is hard to imagine that Kibera is still a better place to exist than enduring the atrocities they experienced in Darfur and other areas like Somalia.
We ended the “all too short weekend” with a farewell meal with our host families at the Carnivore restaurant. This is always a fun ritual as we share stories of our weekend adventures and fellowship with friends that we usually see only once a year. The ostrich balls seemed to be a favorite among the team. We also were able to eat crocodile. The waiters brought a variety of grilled meats until we had satisfied our craving for meat. When the last person had finished, we laid the Carnivore flag on its side signaling we were finally finished. What a feast!
Our team member spotlight is on Judy Parker. Judy was part of the original team from Faith Missionary Church that began this effort to bring computer training to NEGST. Judy was a true pioneer developing the curriculum and providing much of the leadership with the teaching and training of students. Her insights and guidance continue to help us refine the process so that we can continue to improve the education experience. In addition to Microsoft Word 3, she also taught Publisher, which was a very popular course. Judy is married to Jerry Parker and they have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. One of their sons, Chris previously served as a missionary in Bolivia. When asked what has been the most significant insight after this 4th trip to NEGST to serve she said, “The students are so appreciative and learn so fast. I am blessed to be able to come and share the Microsoft Suite of products as they will need this knowledge in order to complete their PhD Dissertations and Master’s Theses.” Judy will get to stay a few extra days and go up country and visit some of her and Jerry’s relatives.
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