Kapsebet
February 21, 2008
We had the opportunity this Sunday to travel by foot into the hills to a small village church. My new Kenyan friend, Summary, invited us to join her at the church she is helping to build in her community.
We were off by nine walking about an hour, passing only huts and small tea plantations on our way. We reached Kapsebet, and Pastor Rono met us at the road and led us to the door of a small wooden room.
Church was supposed to start at ten (but in Kenyan time that meant about 10:30). Slowly the church filled up as people walked from the hills above and all around to worship. We began with singing beautiful traditional hymns. No one had a songbook except Summary, but the room filled with music. The songs were sung in Kipsigis, but we easily could follow along in English to the familiar tunes. Everything was accapella and echoed up the hill along the backside of the building. There was one hand drum played that kept a beautiful rhythmic beat. They treated us as honored guests and had lovely throws on the pews designating our special front row seats. It was a wonderful morning, and we so enjoyed being a part of their service. They translated much of the service into English and made us feel so welcome.
My favorite part of the service was when the offerings and tithes were received. Many people walked up to place their schillings in the basket, but what amazed me was that many people brought up fruits, vegetables and sugar cane. Then at the end of the service, the items were auctioned off to the congregation and the profit added to the tithe. This was such a tender time for us to see people who perhaps did not have any money to spare, but still wanted to give God their best, their first fruits and crops. Someone bought the sugar cane for the children to enjoy after church; this was Jackson’s favorite part!
Pastor Rono asked Paul to close the service. Then we walked up the hill where they, with the help of others, were able to purchase a piece of land and hope to build a building of their own someday. Again, Paul was asked to pray over the construction and finances for this precious congregation.
After the service, we walked another thirty minutes to a home where we were invited for lunch. We had a traditional Kenyan meal of beans, rice, sakumawiki, chapatis (like a tortilla) and ugali. She used what she had and served us her best. We’ll never forget her generous hospitality. It was a highlight for me to be in the village and be a part in a day of Summary’s family and life. I especially enjoyed Summary’s children and fell in love with her three-year-old girl, little Flora.
We were “released” to go about 4:30. In the Kenyan culture, the host literally tells you when you are free to go, and it is considered rude to leave before you have been given permission. We then traveled down the dirt road until we came to the Rickety Bridge. By the way, the bridge is completely torn down, and the metal frame is up and ready for the work team in March to come and finish. It was very exciting to see the progress and know that Summary and hundreds more travel this way everyday to come to work in this area at the compound or school. This meant, however, we had to travel over a makeshift bridge below the new one put together with logs and boards inches over the water….another adventure for my tired little family. I am sure you have read in a previous blog that not everyone in my family was feeling well by this time.:o)
Needless to say, we were early to bed that night after such a full day, some of us doing better than others. It was such a wonderful way to spend our last Sunday in Kenya.
We could not speak the same language, we looked very different in the small sea of beautiful dark skin and much of the culture was new for us. But none of that mattered because we were there for the same reason, to worship and honor our Lord and Savior.
It was a glimpse of heaven.
~Jenn
I felt all that as you explain it as i am Samoan christian and had visitors over into our family villages. Praise God that yu did take part in the lives of others in spirit mind and being there with all the amazing help at hospital for the sick and wounded. May God bless you immensely. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us all as I write to you I am so blessed as well. Africa are such spiritual people. By the way, I have lived in NZ for 40 years now.
Jennifer Dear,
What compassion comes through this report. We get a “glimpse” of Kenya through your reports, then through Dr. Paul’s eyes, and Georgia’s eyes, what an awesome testimony to the Compassion of our Father as seen through you all. What a Blessing it is to read your blogs, and see the Hand of God working! What a Blessing you ALL are.
Love to all,
N&G
Dear Jennifer,
Your last sunday in Kenya…. You will be missed so much by people who you took care of. If time allows you and your family, please visit Loresho Community Church in Nairobi. (if there is no more sunday while you are in Kenya then next visit to Kenya) You will be honored and people will be blessed to have you for our service. The service starts from 8.30am (sharp, not Kenyan time ?), second service starts from 10.30am. Sunday school and teen school also run parallel. Thank you for all your blogs, I am so grateful.
I live in Georgia (USA) and have been following your blog since I found the link in an email from Lakewood Church. The information has been so informative and I have learned a lot about Kenya and the people living there. I am so impressed by all you and your family have accomplished and your love for these people. They have been blessed by your presence and I am sure, you and your family have been blessed even more by this experience. May God continue to bless you and keep you in His favor. Susie Poss
Dear Paul, Jennifer and family,
I too am a missionary to Kenya and lived in Western Province in 1993-94. My husband and I go back periodically to continue a work of Bible education there. We are in the process of preparing to go back full time in a few months. Your stories are so true and describe the same wonderful things that we experienced when we lived there and each time we return. From the stars that it seems you can reach out and touch, to the volumtuous cumulus clouds, to the ugali and sukomawiki, and to the sounds of the night, western Kenya has a beauty for one to behold. I hope you get to go back many times. Maybe we will meet up there one day. Love and prayers to you and your family, to Joel and Victoria and all that they do.
Bill and Ramona Jolly
Dr. Paul, Jennifer and the kids,
We want you to know we are praying for you. We can’t wait to hear about even more amazing stuff God has done for you in Compass Class. What an example you are setting for you children. We love you !
Kenneth and Leah Direkly
Jenn,
Miss you. So touched by the hospitality of the Kenyan people. I’m learning ‘etiquette’ as I read your blogs! :) I know that you and yours will return to the States changed…with the words of ‘Depth of Destiny’ embedded in your hearts. Praying for your peaceful and safe return.
Love, Lesli
Prov. 17:17
Jenn, Doc P and Jackson,
Wow! What a beautifully illustrated entry. Isn’t it fascinating, and so very precious to see, that no matter where you go in the world, you can find people who love the Lord and worship Him with all they have….Amazing!
We have loved reading of ya’lls mission journey and are praying for you often. We so see the heart of the Father, earthly and heavenly, in what you all are doing. I know Doctor Paul is right in his element and loving every minute of it. (not the fact of having to work on so many injured, of course, but just the opportunity to practice surgery again. Please be sure to tell Jackson that Litha is missing him terribly and that she says she’s ready to play “hospital” when he gets home! We love you.
Dear Dr. Paul, Jennifer and little ones,
It was so amazing to read the blogs and see the pics and get a glimpse of what it is like to be there and when ya’ll come back, wow..can’t wait to hear what ya’ll share with everyone of us in the congregation.:) Blessings and safe trip home.
Dear Paul and Jennifer,
To the laborers in Africa with love,
I love your sharing about your work God has given you to do in Africa. The pictures, the beautiful people, you and your sweet children with them, the hosptal surgeries, the beautiful landscape, all so inspiring. It really touches my heart so very deeply.
I am seeking for God’s will for me in missions. Think of me if you are ever
in the hospital laboratory over there. As I am here in Durham working and
wondering what God has for me. That is stirring in my heart to do for him.
Missions, the Word, people, all of them together. For eternity.
Love,
Your sister in Christ,
And friend from the Cove,
Clara
Dr. Paul,
I was reading your blog and it took me back to a church in Kenya. I was visiting Kenya with my husband for the first time and in church they also brought chickens, sugar cane, and fruits. I will never forget the chicken that they pulled out of the bag. I remember my husband bid on a sugar cane for me and I walked home from church in the town with my sugar cane. Safe journey home to you and your family.
Dear You ALL,
Hi. I am glad to see u have fun there too and are so positive!! I feel like to have a tour to Kenya someday!!
Take care and blessing
Dear Jen,
What a beautiful entry. That’s a Sunday to remember! We can just envision your little ones crossing over the water. I bet they’ve gotten quite good at it! We are praying for your safe travels and are anxiously awaiting your arrival home.
Charles and Carolyn
Thanks for the updates, We miss you all! See you soon!
Larry & Lesli
DEAR PAUL, JENN, AND CHILDREN,
AS I WAS READING MY DAILY MESSAGE FROM PASTOR JOEL, I HAPPENED TO READ YOUR MESSAGE ON KENYA. IT SOUNDS LIKE YOUR FAMILY WAS TRULY BLESSED TO GO TO ANOTHER LAND AND PARTICIPATE YOUR RELGIOUS BELIEFS WITH OTHERS. IT IS ALWAYS A WONDERFUL FEELING TO BE WITH FELLOW CHRISTIANS WHEREVER YOU MAY BE, IF GIVES ONE SUCH STRENGTH AND WELL BEING. MY HUSBAND AND I BECAME BORN AGAIN JUST 3 YEARS AGO NOW, AND WE WAKE UP EVERY MORNING WANTING TO KNOW MORE AND EXPERIENCE OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IN EVERYTHING WE SEE AND DO. MY HUSBAND HAD A BOUT WITH ESOPPHAGAL CANCER LAST YEAR AND WITH A PROMISE THAT OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WHISPERED IN HIS EAR ONE EVENING THAT HE WOULD BE HEALED. WHICH NO MATTER HOW BAD THING LOOKED WE KEPT PRAISING OUR FATHER AND THANKING HIM FOR WHAT HE WAS DOING FOR US. WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED 43 YEARS THIS MONTH, WE KNOW IN OUR HEARTS WE WILL CELEBRATE MANY MORE ALSO. PRAISE THE LORD. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD 2 PET SCANS IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND BOTH HAD NO SIGNS OF CANCER. PRAISE THE LORD!!! HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY HOME AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL! MAXINE AND JOHN HOLTZMAN
Dear Jennifer,
I am so happy and i speak blessings to your life in Jesus name! I am so much impressed to learn that you had visited kenya and especially my community. I am a Kenyan but i work in South Sudan.I trust God that he will make a way for you to reach Sudan too as they also needs God’s blessings. May God give you more strength to reach many parts of the world spreading the word of God.
Have a blessed day
Maggie
It is wonderful for you talk about our country and people so passionately. I love listening and reading Joe Osteen inspirational messages. In case you ever plan to come to Kenya again, please do contact us for all your ground co-ordination, we are a christian oriented tour company and we mainly deal with missionaries.
May God bless you in your ministry.
Blessings,
Pam Dzimba
African Retreat Tours