Church in Kenya

The ride to church alone should have awakened me to the fact that this day would be exceptional. Zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, impala, and camels were all part of the scenery by the trenched and pitted dirt road on which we drove. We parked outside, and upon getting out of our ragged Suzuki, I could feel the energy emanating from the small church 30 yards away.

The feeling reminded me of standing outside Neyland Stadium on an October Saturday night. Energy, intensity, passion, excitement, and ferocity generated from 107,000 people pour from every opening; captivating the city. The same detection of these emotions consumed me as we approached the building. Only this wasn’t a modern, elaborate, beast of a structure. We neared a small collection of sticks, twine, and cow dung forming a church. Only 80 or so people were inside, but they had the fire of 80,000. Men leapt, children danced, and mamas twirled towels above their heads. We witnessed a beautiful collusion of passion and submission. People were there sharing the common bond of a life transformed by Christ Jesus. Worries were left at the door and anger was cast aside so that hearts could fully be set on He who redeems.

Those in that small church lived Matthew 6:21...their treasures were above. If there is a blessing in poverty it is that you never question whether earth could possibly be better than heaven. Immediately I felt silly for ever worrying about cars, TVs, houses, or any other convenience. I could do nothing but be lost in the shared passion and intoxicated by the joy for Christ that engulfed the building.