Christiana Wolters writes this article today. As I read these and go back and look at the other posts from the other travelers, the commitee that choose them did well.. Outstanding group of young people………
This sign was behind the altar at the home church of Archbishop Walter Obare. We were blessed to worship with this small but joyful congregation on Sunday morning. I asked Archbishop Obare to translate it and as soon as he did, I was reminded once again of why we were on this trip. We may live on a different continent, struggle with some different problems, have different skin, and eat different food (did anyone else ever get used to ugali?), etc. but one thing is true for all of us: the sin affecting our lives and the need we have for a Savior. Why was I reminded of this? The sign said “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
We witnessed the effects of sin on this trip. Signs for HIV/AIDS prevention were common. Deaconess Dorothy took us to visit a woman whose grandchildren were left parentless because of this disease. We visited another woman who was suffering physically from not having enough to eat and not having proper care. The hundreds of children we saw throughout the trip had physical, spiritual, and emotional needs that we couldn’t possibly meet. We may not struggle with quite these same problems here in America, but we live in a sinful world and struggle with it just like our brothers and sisters in Christ in Kenya. And the wonderful news is that we have the same Savior, Jesus. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
When I left on this trip I was struggling with some things in my own life, and still am every day. It was truly a blessing though to meet and spend time with friends in Christ in Kenya because they encouraged me in my own faith. They taught me lessons in trusting God for daily needs, in praising Him and being thankful in all circumstances. They helped me in ways they might never know that they did. This trip helped me grow in ways that I know will be a life-long learning process and blessing to me and those God sends me to serve. For those who are maybe considering making this trip in the future, or those who are considering giving to make it possible for others: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This is what unites us in Christ; this is why we travel all the way to Kenya to share faith, love, and hope with fellow Christians and those who are still in need of salvation.
