Day 3

(sorry for the delay on this post - the hotel internet has been down since last night)

Today was our first official day of work – and each of us can feel it! On our drive home this evening each of us was out cold in our seats.

We began the day with breakfast and a reflection on Psalm 18.1-19 which describes God in very powerful and overwhelming ways, yet who comes to rescue us in our distress because he delights in us.

Upon arriving at the Kosovo mission, we added two to our number (Brian and Kelly Brock, two CMF missionaries) and were then split into four groups of two. After being partnered with Kenyans, two groups were assigned to “Bring the Light” and two were assigned to “Bring the Food.”

Bring the Light: This involved one of us going on the roof of several shacks/homes, cutting away a small portion of the thin metal roofing and fitting a clear fiberglass sheet in its place. This allows in natural light into an otherwise very dark home. Meanwhile, the other person, along with Kenyan translators is inside encouraging and sharing about Jesus. I (Tim) was paired with Megan, with myself helping outside and Megan sharing inside (I have developed a cold/sore throat and have completely lost my voice at this point – so I’m now leading the group through a whisper… ). Josh and Brian were the other team on this project. At first Josh was working the roofs, but then began going inside. In one home, Brian described two young men who were on the fence about deciding to follow Christ. Josh came in, shared his own story with them, and according to Brian – he felt that really tipped the balance and they both were ready to make a commitment right then!

Bring the Food: Dave and Steve, Linda and Kelly, were the two other teams who went to homes of HIV/AIDS victims to encourage, bring large bags of food, and share Christ. These were very overwhelming homes for them since they went down closer to the river itself, and even to the other bank. The Mathare Valley slopes down to the Nairobi River, which is the repository of all the waste and garbage of the slums. The worst homes are near the river. This is where they visited. Those inside were in various stages of defeat. We’ve been told that many who are tested HIV-positive simply give up. They do not know that with proper treatment they can still live a productive life. These two teams shared that information with them, and were able to be a strong encouragement to them.

After a brief lunch, we attended a Community Health Evangelism (CHE) training session and heard from local members of the community about how they have been positively impacted by this ministry. This is a program directed by Ednah, Pastor Oliver’s wife. She has a very strong strategy for integrating into the community through local residents who reach out to others. This program is in its early stages in the Kosovo neighborhood, but they are making good ground already.

We spent the rest of the afternoon planning the layout for tomorrow’s medical screening clinic and art classes. It’s all ready and the staff of the Kosovo school seem to be genuinely thrilled at what we are going to be able to help them with tomorrow. I will write details for those experiences tomorrow…

This evening we had a wonderful meal at Mary and Wallace’s home. They live in the beautiful countryside, outside of the city. The air is fresh and the land green. It was very restful for all of us.

Well – those are the facts of the day. It’s only 9:30 and everyone’s crashed – so I’m headed that way too. Good night!