Who's Out There?

I have a confession. I learned about Facebook, and since then have sorely neglected this page. Should I revive my blogging? Or just figure you're getting the news on Facebook? Of course, I have a lot more friends there. If you aren't one of them, welcome. :-)

A few days back I added a note to the bulletin board above my desk: My job - making disciples of Jesus Christ - thinking His thoughts, practicing His ways. I just heard one of the teachers led a Form 3 student, who REALLY needed Jesus, to surrender to Him. That's more exciting than if I'd done it myself! Seeing God invade people's lives and change them with His love truly makes everything else we do worth it.

I used to wonder about Christmas - all the trappings, traditions, and expenses of the season. And how do we explain the difference to those of other religions with their celebrations? Then one day the Holy Spirit whispered to me, "What do they have to celebrate?" Truly, of all people on the earth, we have reason to decorate, to sing, to feast in joy! Here are some pictures of the Christmas reminders around our home - sent by some of you.

God is Welcome Here

Today I went to a meeting regarding the upcoming Form 4 exams. First hour - waiting for people to come late. Second hour - introductions. Hours 3, 4, 5 - speeches. I was exhausted! From sitting! At such times I remind myself that God functioned quite well for 6000 years without clocks on men's wrists.

This was a meeting of about 300 top education officials from Nairobi, and from the District Education Office; Headteachers and Principals of all the local high schools; and the various teachers who were going to supervise the upcoming exams. It was opened, and closed with prayer. In the various speeches, many references were made to the grace of God, and the blessing and help of God, and scriptures were quoted. This was considered quite normal and appropriate by all.

I tell my Form 1 (Grade 9) students to hold on to their traditional religious understanding of who God is. It is truth that the cultures have held on to through the millenium; and it is this continent's precious gift to the rest of the continents of the earth.

What a joy and privilege it is to be involved in education here where talk of God, prayer, and the Bible are welcomed by the nation.

How To Get Married!

Along with helping marriages (see below), we've had a concern for helping young people walk through the process of moving from "the unmarried country" into "the married country." Part of the process has been putting together workbooks. The first one is "Getting to Know You." It gives a couple not-too-personal questions to ask each other and answers to share about themselves. It also brings their growing friendship under good government as they meet with the pastor and follow strict guidelines for their "dates."

If there is a growing sense of God's direction in bringing them together, they will then go through the much more complete "Preparing for Marriage" workbook. It covers 11 foundational areas of marriage and also has checklists to help in planning the wedding. Their pastor will also have a copy and will meet weekly with the couple as they go through the different topics.

We look forward to having many couples from Christ Church Kisumu go through these workbooks; and also hope that they will be widely used by other churches. The clear-cut traditional ways have disappeared in the process of urbanization. The world's message of sexual freedom and living together has filled the vacuum. We want the churches to have a Biblically based process that will result in Godly relationships, marriages built on solid foundations, and a way for the next generation to emulate.

Sweetheart Banquet

Years ago we started a tradition at Christ Church Kisumu - an annual sweetheart banquet. Back then it was truly revolutionary; and sometimes uncomfortably far outside the couple's (especially the men) comfort zone. Eventually it moved to a local hotel, but this year we "brought it home." 32 couples had a very special night out together in our re-decorated sanctuary. Catered food, and fun activities centered around the 5 love languages made for a wonderful evening together. Family is a major emphasis God has given to us as a church in the midst of a culture that has lost it's traditional ways of living together, and is being carried about on the waves of "modern" thinking. Eric is currently in the middle of a 8 week series on parenting which is being very much appreciated by our families, and parents to be. I hope we can bring the truths of God's Word and ways in this area to our school families in the future as well.

Groundbreaking

Today was groundbreaking for Dr. Philip and Eunice Chek's hospital. Nightingale has been in a rented facility all these years. Now they have their own plot on the highest point in the city! We had done a dedication of the land. Today was the groundbreaking. We are looking forward to the building dedication in the future.

Photos:

Philip & Eunice do the first shovel-full. Ooops! How did Jon get in there!

The Chek family do shovel #2. Missing are Drs. Daniel and James.

Jeremy and Moses Chek recording the event.