HopeFest Nyeri

Hi!
There were several highlights from HopeFest Nyeri, but I'll share a few here.

In efforts to promote the event, several of the Master's Commission students and I hit the streets of Nyeri on Saturday morning to invite the people of the community. Our morning mission was just as much about sharing the Gospel as promoting Hope Fest (I'd been itching to go street witnessing, so this felt really, really, really good!). This was the first time for many of my students to go out evangelizing, and some were a bit apprehensive. Once we started out, though, I gave the couple of guys in my team opportunities to take the lead, stopping people on the road, sharing the Gospel, asking if how we could pray for them, and also leading us in praying for people. I was so impressed by how the guys were proactively going after souls, leaving the group as we ministered to one person to catch another passerby. One student led a young lady to the Lord. Man, I love, love, love, love, love, love to see the people I pour into pour into others. Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, “What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory & joy (I Thes 1:19-20)”. I feel the same way about my Master’s Commission students. I’ve loved (and to some degree, grown attached to) them already, but when I watched them minister to the people of Nyeri, I felt what Paul felt. They are my joy.

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I may have mentioned Kevin & Carrie Thomas. They are missionaries to ICC from Chicago, focusing on ministry with Frontrunners under Pastor Gibson Anduvate. Kevin raps and Carrie sings, but Carrie was sick this weekend and unable to join us in Nyeri. Once the events began Saturday night, Kevin asked me to sing Carrie’s part in a rendition of Hillsong United’s Mighty to Save and I agreed. We had all of five minutes to prepare before we went up, which of course meant a few challenges, but it was super fun. The following morning we were to do it again, this time with the help of my friend Bethuel. I hope to get the video up soon, but here are some photos. 

During the ministry time on Saturday night, I felt like I was supposed to pray for this lady on my left, but I snoozed and she left the event with her children. I was reminded of conversations I’ve had with my missionary friend Freddy about missed opportunities, and never wanting to have to say, “I wish I had prayed for that person.” Later, during dinner, I saw the woman’s daughter (Margaret), and asked where her mom was. That’s when I met Wangoi, a lovely young lady with whom I had a God-appointment. I skipped dinner that night, but was filled up. After meeting the Samaritan woman, Jesus’ disciples urged him to eat. He said, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about. My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” How right you are, Jesus.

Margaret :)

One of the main focuses of our classes on Leadership at Master's Commission last week was empowering servanthood. Spiritual leaders exist to build up people by serving. In John 13 we see that Jesus knew who he was, therefore he could empty himself for his disciples (and the world); and he demonstrated servanthood with a towel and basin. I explained that they would have opportunities to serve in Nyeri, so they should take advantage of them. They did, and they did. 

Becky helping clear the way for the stage with a machete!

Nyeri was great (and beautiful), but it feels really good to be back home (in Nairobi); preparing for another week of teaching Master's Commission. This week, we'll finish our discussion on leadership with project planning and then learn about discipleship.

Not a moment of this experience is possible without your partnership.
Thank you.