One Body (Written while in Kenya, June 2011)

Since landing on Naivasha soil I have felt God’s powerful presence. He was here before us, He will be with us on our visit and He will be here after we are long gone. We didn’t bring Him with us, He was always here, we just came to do what He called us to do, and he prepared the way. What an amazing, loving, BIG God we have. Why do we make Him so small in our daily lives?

All the faces I see, the hands I hold, shake, high five…. all the hugs, smiles, songs, conversations and laughs we share remind me that in Christ we are one person…. one body, all hungry and in need, just of different things. While worshiping with the Pastors here for a Leadership Conference led by Dr. Bob (they came from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Sudan and Uganda), we sang…

“Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.”

Voices raised together, I could not help but to replace the “me” with “us”….
“Do not pass us by.”

We were an us, and together as we sang our songs in our own native tongue, I could feel His Holy Spirit filling the room. No, He will never pass us by. His presence is with us always, no matter what soil we find our feet on.

We have met children who are heads of households that are working hard to provide for their brothers, sisters and other family members, each with their own stories. They are devoted, driven, thankful and faithful. Their smiles, thanks and successes have made the hard work that Panua has done all worthwhile.

Blessed beyond words, humbled by what I have seen, filled with joy at all the new friendships I have made, and amazed by our FUMCWP team. So many things to share about the movement of Gods’ spirit within each of us and all our friends here in Kenya.

God is good, and is smiling His face upon us here in Naivasha. Thanks for all the prayers. Until we are home, know you are loved!