The Colors in Heaven are Changing

This is way past due. I originally intended to post every week or so, but I quickly discovered that I wasn’t going to have the time I hoped for. So much has happened, and I hate that I haven’t kept you updated, but at least I can share with you now.

As I’ve experienced this country, in all its beauty and tragedy, God has actively been teaching me more about himself and his heart for each of his children. Sometimes I limit God. In my attempt to understand Him in all of his majesty, I place walls around Him. But I’m learning that He isn’t containable. While He is outside of space and time, He is also outside of language and culture. He surpasses those things that define our existence. So, while we live within boundaries, He does not.

It wasn’t until I came to Kenya that I recognized one of my many misperceptions of the Father. Whether subconsciously or not, I truly believed that God could only effectively relate to a specific brand of people. If asked, I would have claimed that all of God’s children share equally in relationship with Him, but deep down I didn’t actually believe that people of primitive cultures could know God like Christians from America or other developed countries…

It’s not every day that you enter a Massai church to worship alongside these amazing people:

As I sat there that first Sunday, I found myself asking, “Are you even allowed to worship God this way?” As time passed, however, it became clear that these people were passionately praising the Lord. Their lively dancing and singing was the outpour of hearts that had experienced God’s Grace in a way that I can’t attempt to imagine. Tears welled up in my eyes as I joined my brothers and sisters in heartfelt worship. It’s a magical moment when two completely distinct languages and cultures join together to praise the same God. I wanted to thank God for that moment, but I found it hard to focus. It was as if I didn’t know whom I was speaking to. You see, my perception of God had radically changed in that moment. I could no longer fit Him into that one-dimensional mold I put Him in. If God could relate to the Massai people of Kenya, then he could also relate to the thousands of different cultures that make up our world. Wow! That blows my mind. Who are you, God?

Close your eyes and imagine what heaven will be like. Who do you see? As for me, I used to see lots of white people. But now, the colors in Heaven are changing. The sea of white is slowly gaining color. And I like it. I like it a lot.

Because God is far bigger than America… And he is larger than North America and even the Western Hemisphere… He surpasses culture, language, denomination, government, tribes, and borders.

“All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.” (Psalm 86:9)

Pics

The Love Africa Core Team from Left: Me, Rachael, Lydia, Stephanie, and Isaac

Mt. Longonot

Safari at the Maasai Mara

A little cliff jumping at 14 Falls in Thika

My friend Joy who took me by the hand last Sunday and wouldn't let me out of his sight.

This is Patrick. He's 18 years old and lives in an IDP (internally displaced persons) camp. He hasn't been able to attend school since he was forced to leave his home due to the election violence in 2007.

Building a mud hut.

Mixing the mud

Finished product

I just thought this was great

Prayers

Please be praying for peace in Kenya. There is unrest at the moment as the contender to the presidency is calling for demonstrations in an attempt to destabilize the government.

Also, be praying for our ministry partners, namely Flow of Hope and Rift Valley Fellowship.

Flow of Hope is run by a man named John Njane. He is an unbelievable individual with such a pure heart. He has taken 12 boys off the streets, given them shelter, fed them, provided them with quality education, and trained them in specific trades that will help them succeed down the road. John also has a sowing ministry called Thread of Hope, which provides women with a skill that keeps them from entering prostitution. On top of that, he has a widows and orphans feeding program through which he provides food for 15 households in the area. He also runs a juice shop to provide funds for his boys' school fees. He trusts 100% in the Lord to provide day to day. He has become one of my close friends.

Rift Valley Fellowship is a church, but far more than that. Isaac and Esther Karanja started this ministry a couple years back and are targeting the outcasts in the nearby town of Maai Mahiu, which is famous for prostitution and alcohol abuse. They represent Christ's love so well. They have just started the construction of a girl's home that will house young girls who are vulnerable to the prostitution trade.

Here are their websites:
flowofhope.org
riftvalleyfellowship.com

There is so much more to share, but it's going to have to wait.

WC