The team worshipped at Springs of Life Lutheran Church on Sunday. Many children wanted to sit with “The Visitors”. Little children chose a team member to claim as their own. Most of the team held a sleeping child throughout the service. Deaconess Linda felt the effects of a very relaxed sleepy toddler, not once…but twice! The service was all in Kiswahili but the same King of Kings & Lord of Lords was present. One of the hymns sung was Nothing But the Blood of Jesus.
The choirs sang several selections; the 2nd was one I recognized as the greeting song from the Dago group under the tree in 2007. I had a twinge of longing to share that moment with the guys from team 1. Don’t worry, boys, I shot some video for you ;)
When the children left the service for Sunday School, a woman came to sit beside me. I kept thinking I recognized her; but couldn’t place her face. Halfway through the sermon I realized it was Peres and the sleeping child in my arms was her grandson David who is sponsored by a St. John member. Peres is the woman Team 2 had met when she had been so close to death; she has now regained strength. Although her body is still a battlefield for HIV; she has the strength from her hope in the Lord & assistance for the many children in her care with the help of sponsors from St. John. She shared her hymnal with me to sing in her native tongue. I felt humbled & honored to sit beside this gentle, faithful sister in the Lord.
After the service there were announcements and of course introductions of “The Visitors”, then a gathering outside for one more hymn, a Blessing and greeting each other. Deaconess Linda and Karen worked on seeing congregants who were seeking medical help.
Deaconess Linda gathered together a group of children who need sponsorship and requested that pictures be taken. A line formed and once again the crush of humanity became a little overwhelming. I was prepared to take a few pictures…2 hours later, 75 children had been photographed & information written down by Shani. The burden of increasing needs are continually being placed upon our hearts, but we are counting it all joy! What amazing potential to change lives!
Over dinner a discussion of the days events normally occurs. While discussing sponsors and how to meet these needs, Pastor Dennis & Deaconess Lorna shared (only when pressed) that the $30 sponsorship fee covers food but doesn’t cover the rising cost of school fees.
New opportunities often give way to new questions. Do we procure several sponsors for 1 child? Should the sponsorship amount be raised for those wanting to be the sole sponsors of their child? Solutions will have to be considered upon return. For now the harvest is waiting, a majority of them children.
For those sponsoring Peres’ children & grandchildren; know that your compassionate sacrifice is giving hope to the hopeless, strength for fear, gladness for mourning & peace for despair. That is a Blessing unfolding before our eyes!
Posted by Elizabeth Nelson
8 comments:
"You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household." Ephesians 2:19. There's no family like God's family! There is nothing - not language or distance or race or possessions - that can separate us - we are one in Christ. I wish I could have experienced worshiping with everyone. You all know I would cry through the whole thing! I would have had to take a whole suitcase of kleenex. I know you are all filled to overflowing with the blessings that God is showering you with. And to hold those precious babies.... you are the arms of Jesus. Always know that we are thinking of you and praying that God's work is being fulfilled. There is no greater honor. I love you all, and especially Rockie! By the way, Rockie, did you see Daniel? Stay safe and take care of each other. Can't wait for the next blog! Peace and Blessings!!
Thanks for bringing this experience to life for all of us back here in our comfy, cozy homes. Please give my dear Karen an extra special hug from me...and Karen: "Panera Weather" has officially landed in Michigan ~ but it's not the same without you! Your friend Lisa xo
What an awesome experience to worship in another culture! It's so neat to sing the same hymns and see part of how God is bigger than our little worlds. You are in our prayers!
Blessings,
Kristi Marriott (Joel sends his smile and wave to you too) :-)
That's great Mrs. Nelson I can't wait to see all of those pictures of all those Kenyan kids! I hope you can convert many of them to christians!!
-Justin L.- =D
Thanks for letting us hear about the good times so far. Hope to see pictures of the Kenyans
Kyle M.
That is so cool to go to a church service in another country. To be able to see how we are alike in so many ways. Have fun!! Can't wait to hear more stories.
hi mrs nelson hope you are having a safe and fun filled trip. cant wait to see you. when do you come home? i bet caleb,mr nelson, and the whole school misses you
Its really cool that you were in a church service all the way around. I think it would be fun to hear different style of music. Its a miricle that Peres is betrer now. I hope everybody is having fun!
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