Each face has a name

Friday
We went back to Mathare and I didn’t think it was possible but it was more difficult than the day before. The highlights happened when we drove up we were swarmed by the kids we ministered to as they waved their salvation bracelets, so proud to show them off. And then again as I walked outside and sat with a group of kids and youth on the top of a small hill. At first there was just a couple and then a few more. Before I knew it I could feel pressure on my back as they were pushing forward and the group grew. They talked about Kenya, proud to tell me about their country and knowledgeable about their history. We talked about slavery and oppression, wars, and loving our enemies. They know better than anyone of our team and maybe most everyone we know how dark the world can be. We also talked about the love and grace of Jesus that brings light to these places.
The most difficult was in regards to a little friend of ours. As we drove up, I spotted the little boy who danced for us last year. When we saw him yesterday the sparkle in his eye was gone. He looked sickly and had scars on his head and arms. He was reluctant to dance and he barely pushed out a smile. His clothes were torn and he was completely covered with dust. When I saw him today I opened my window and yelled out his name. He lit up having been acknowledged amidst numerous others, though he stood out in the same dirty blue and green shirt he wore the day before and likely much much longer than that. It reminded me that the needs are so great, so many are in need, and that one year in these conditions take a brutal toll on the innocent. When we were leaving today I went looking for him to say goodbye and found him a ways off on the same hill I met with the group of kids. He was off by himself and I jogged over to him. I sat down beside him and noticed there were flies around him and now on me. I asked him if he knew Jesus loved Him and he said yes. He then proceeded to say a whole bunch of things that I couldn’t understand which followed by me saying that no matter what happens that Jesus is always with him and His love is forever. I then walked him over to the bus to have him say goodbye to the team…Dan in particular. So we walked hand in hand, something the kids love to do, over to the bus. I picked him up and brought him to the window where Dan was sitting and they said goodbye. It took me a few times to write this part of my blog…I just break down and had to stop writing because I couldn’t see the screen through the tears. The poor and impoverished, the neglected and the oppressed have names…this one’s name is Dennis.

Saturday
Today we went to our church in Kenya, Kayaba Free Baptist and spent the day with one of my favorite people in the entire world, Pastor Paul. I was greeted with a warm embrace and welcomed back to the South B slum. We walked through the narrow spaces between the sheet metal walls that line them. When we arrived at the church it was noticeably different, expanded to double the size it was the previous year. When you entered the doorway it was as if you were being enveloped by the very Spirit of God, almost a physical presence if that makes sense. The worship was powerful, the people felt like family, and it was a privilege to be among brothers and sisters who love Jesus and exude a faith that inspires me and glorifies God.
Worshipping at Kayaba is a tremendous experience. The desire to bring light into the darkness and bring the good news of the gospel is so strong in this place. As the kids lined up, bowls and spoons in hand brought from home I was reminded of Dennis. I thanked God for this church and the people He has sent, and the heart they have to reach their community. I know there are a lot of Dennis’ in this place too and I am thankful that someone is doing what God has asked them to do in reaching out to them, welcoming them in and loving them in the name of Jesus. After my message I (and then Pastor Paul) invited people to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. As the congregation sang as one voice, 10 people came forward. First a few teenage girls and then a couple of younger ones and then a couple ladies came to the front. The story of Kayaba is that it was a struggling church about contemplating closing its doors before our team supported them a few years ago. Again I was reminded that as God’s people respond to Him the light of Christ goes forth and lives are changed, in this life as well as the one to come.

Trenton