Why Kenya? (a long one, but worth reading)

As I was praying during my quiet time this morning, I was once again overwhelmed with love for Kenya and the desire to serve Kenyans. I have said that before, and anyone I talk to knows that I do love that place and those people, but I don't know that I have said exactly why I do. And, that is my prayer for this week, going into IMB Matching Conference...that my passion would be evident and I would be able to express that clearly.

Kenya is considered a "reached" nation, meaning that the IMB presence is established there, the Word of Jesus has been preached, and many churches have been established in many, many villages across the country. At this point, the ministry of the church is largely being handed over to Kenyan nationals. Praise God! That's the point, exactly what should happen! Let the Word of God be brought to the peoples and let the work of the Lord be instilled into the believers of that land!

Up to 80% of Kenyans profess to be Christians, but only about 6% attend church. As I talked to many, I found that the concept of a personal relationship with Jesus was almost a foreign concept to them! They have heard the name of Jesus, they come from homes that have heard the Gospel, yet few truly know the Lord.

It is my passion and desire to build relationships with these people and help them to realize that the same God they have heard of is the same God who knows and loves them intimately and individually! I want them to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! They are in such desperate need of a Saviour. My prayer is that this country of "reached" people would be enlightened to the Truth of Jesus and be drawn into a relationship with the LOVING, LIVING GOD who knows them and desires to be their daily HOPE in the midst of the great trials, suffering, and pain of their daily lives!

Nairobi is a sort of hub city...very Westernized. It is not the "real Kenya," but is full of real Kenyans. It is a great place to meet people from every tribe, from all over the county...from all of Africa, in fact. Many, many people who live and work in the city, travel home to their village on a regular basis, many doing so every weekend. Wouldn't it be awesome to be a part of reaching people in a new way that stretches into villages around the whole country, or even the continent of Africa?!!!

All that being said, my point was to share the reason behind my passion for Kenya. (And, much of this is so true of America, as well!) God has given me this love for a reason. I don't yet know what that is.

In the same manner, my prayer is still that I be open to wherever the Lord leads me! As much as I love Kenya, I know that He can give me a love for another people group if He calls me elsewhere. Please pray with me this week that I would be open to His leading. I pray that my heart for Kenya would be evident to those I talk with, but that my desire to serve the Lord and love others would be evident above all! I do not want to take a job just to take it. And I don't want to reject a job God has created for me just because it is not where I want to be. May I unmistakably experience the words of Isaiah 30:21: "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you hear will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; Walk in it.'"

And, I pray the same for each of you. May we ALWAYS have a passion for all people around us to know our Living God. I become so focussed on people elsewhere that I do not see that same need in those all around me...and it is there!! May our eyes be opened to those in our paths all day long that need to know Jesus as their Hope and Saviour, as well!