I don't understand why blogging has been so difficult for me. I kept praying that God would speak to me and give me the perfect words, but they never came. Even now, with only a few hours left before our departure, I still have no idea how to describe my experience here in Kenya.
But I have realized that God has been answering my prayer this entire time.
He sent words of comfort when I heard one of the children at the NEST orphanage ask us if we were ever coming back.
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)
He knew my fear as I saw, smelled, heard, and felt the darkness of the Mathare slum.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)
He touched me with words of inspiration as I witnessed the passionate worship of the Christian Life Worship Centre congregation.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
He gave me reassurance as my heart was broken by the hopelessness of the Eastleigh streets.
"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." (Isaiah 59:1)
And He has given me words of encouragement as we prepare to leave Kenya.
"I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
(Front row) Erika Yenokida, Garrett Lee, Cindy Ko, Rebekah Ogimachi, Brenden Fong, Josh Chinn, (Second row) Kristine Fu, Dakota Chenoweth, Matt Sekijima, Heather Nakamura, Renee Wong, Nicole Okada, (Back row) Trenton Yenokida, Steve Lee, Dan Ko, Bob Sandefur, John Herburger, Jesse Sandefur, Shawn Terasaki
it's so good to hear from you, nicole! thanks for giving us a glimpse into your heart as well as the Lord's! :) He is sovereign over all! see you soon!
ReplyDeleteNicole!! It's great to see your post! Awesome verses, I'm so glad you were able to hear God speaking to you throughout the trip. All of you, have a safe trip home!
ReplyDeleteWhat we experience often goes beyond mere words. Thank you for allowing God to speak his words of truth, promise and hope through you Nicole.
ReplyDeletelol i read it
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