Sunday worship and other goings on

As expected, we were greeted by many of our old friends when we arrive at the Springs of Life Lutheran Church for services this morning.  Our new team members quickly got the idea that the Kenyan people are a very warm and friendly bunch.  Kailey and Amanda made many new friends with the little children, it was heartwarming to see.  We veterans were blessed to see our dear friends Bishop Bakari Kea, Sylvester Opiyo, our evangelist Francis, Emmanuel and a long list of volunteers from previous clinics we have put on in Kibera.  There was lots of joy all around.  Ray and Flora’s team and Rev. Dale Schneider’s team were also on hand before heading out to their missions.  As always, the worship was quite a moving experience.  The Holy Spirit was abundantly present in the music of the various choirs singing a variety of Kenyan and Tanzanian songs as well as praise songs and a Lutheran Hymn or two.  Bishop Kea had each of the team leaders address the congregation to tell a little about each of our teams and our missions this week.  He also wanted us to sing for the church, so I quickly let the others know how much Bakari loves the Doxology, and since every Lutheran knows it, our group of about 20 sang it three times for them in full voice, with our well known 4 part Lutheran harmony and a hearty Amen after the third time through.  It felt good and didn’t sound half bad.  The worship lasted about three hours, with a sermon that was delivered in English by Bishop Kea on the John 15 theme of the vine and the branches.  It was a powerful call to bear fruit as a witness to our faith.  A returning missionary who had been stationed in Somalia supplied the translation in Swahili and also said a few words later including that “the safest place to be is in the middle of God’s will”, a wonderful and true statement if I ever heard one.  He’s living proof, as he was in a dangerous place for some time.  We concluded our worship with sharing of God’s peace in a large circle outside of the church and a blessing by Pastor Dale.  We stayed for about a half hour afterwards to continue renewing and making new acquaintances. 

We came back to Rosa Mystica and mine and Laura’s luggage had arrived, while William, Amanda and Ralph were still out of luck, with a promise that more luggage would be delivered Monday.  I’m loaning t-shirts and socks to William and Amanda, Howard is taking care of Ralph.  If Ralph’s stuff arrives tomorrow, he may still join the team he was going to serve with east of Nakuru, about 3 hours from the city.  If not, he’s a welcome addition to our team.  We got freshened up and went to Java House for lunch, many of us had English Fish and Chips, others had Tex-Mex and several other menu items.  It’s like Starbucks but with a full menu.  The food and fellowship were good as we sat in the outdoor portion of the restaurant.  The only thing missing was Catherine, who was tied up with one of the other teams.  She and Eugene are joining us for dinner tonight.  More to follow later, please keep your prayers for a safe and effective mission coming our way!