When God Calls: A Kenyan Experience
by: Angel Friend Sheila Yates

Saturday Ramblins, Vol. 1, No. 25 (November 28, 1998)

I just returned from Kenya. I went with three other women, one of whom is my 19 year old daughter, to do evangelical work in the Kiambu region of Kenya. Our work, for the two weeks that we were there, was organized through the Baptist Mission of Kenya. We worked directly with the Baptist missionaries through the International Mission Board.

Our flight from South Carolina to Nairobi lasted over 24 hours. Needless to say, we were very tired by the time we arrived at our destination on a Sunday night! Monday was a day of rest to recover from the effects of jet lag. Tuesday, we began our mission work.

We worked in four different churches, spending two days at each. We met the pastor and a few church members at the church in the morning. We then prayed and sang some songs. Next, we divided into four or five groups, depending on the number of people. Each group would walk through different sections of the village surrounding the church, going door to door and witnessing to the people there.

Interpreters traveled with us because few local people spoke English. Kikuyu was their tribal language. We would approach a house saying, "Hodi", ("hello" or "may I approach"). In response we always heard "Karibu", which is "welcome" and we were graciously welcomed into each home.

The interpreter would first tell us who the people were and then we would introduce ourselves and give our testimony. Some of the people we encountered were already Christians and some were not. If they didn't know Jesus, we would tell them how they, too, could have a life with Christ. Some chose to accept Jesus as their Savior and some did not. During our time there, eighty-two people chose to accept Jesus as their Savior.

Our days were filled with morning prayers and song at each of the churches, visiting and witnessing church neighbors and then lunch with in the home of a church member. The meal usually consisted of white rice, potatoes, carrots and tomatoes made into a stew or soup with cabbage and carrots. Sometimes there were tiny bits of meat (beef or goat) in the soup. At times we were served mashed potatoes with corn and pumpkin leaves. After lunch, we went back to the church to finish our day teaching Bible Study, health and craft classes.

It was a wonderful time for all of us on the mission team. We were so blessed by the people we met. There were many Christians who witnessed to us while we were visiting. The people of Kenya are wonderfully warm and friendly. This was my second visit and the people I encountered on both trips made a lasting impression.

I have come to realize that this huge world isn't so big after all. The people on the "other side" are just like me in so many ways. There are a few cultural differences, but all in all we are basically the same. Humans, made by God, who struggle daily with what life throws at us.

As Christians, we are called to the task by Jesus in Matthew 28:19, when he said, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." So, when God calls you to do mission work, open your eyes and your ears and go! Don't say no to Him. Go. You will receive more blessings than you could ever imagine.

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page