Appleseed Travel Journal

— Anecdotes on the Journey

Cultures are different. As in our own personal lives, a positive attribute can also have a negative side to it. This morning I was talking with a young Kenyan man. He assured me that "Yes, we are also very flexible." Perhaps this is one aspect of Kenyan culture that I love. Instead of the striving and busyness that keeps our home culture alive and thriving so well, are we not also so focused that we cannot be flexible in our daily lives? It’s the lack of focus and intention that can drive me crazy here, leaving many in poverty and victimization. Yet, there is always time for relationships, a chat with someone you meet along the road, the always warm handshake and kiss on each cheek and a smile of joy at the chance meeting. There is the accepted BMT (Black Man's Time) and WMT (White Man's Time) in Kenya. Each not understanding the legitimacy of the other, but knowing that we are different and being "on time" has a unique meaning for each. At home I get many things done. I check off one by one my "to do's" and feel worth from my accomplishments. At the end of the day, however, my thoughts return to the conversations shared, the loss of ones not shared. Is one culture better or worse? Of course not, but one day we may be open to learn from each other and be at peace.


— Walking In Kakamega

Meandering through a never-ending maze of pathways in a small village near Kakamega, Kenya, I try to keep up with the others. It's not the blazing sun or the red dust accumulating on my flip-flopped feet that cause me to be slower than the others. It's the endless sights that disturb me: a woman bent over a washtub full of clothes, scrubbing with all her might, two women standing barefoot in an endless field, hoeing and hoeing and hoeing – with babies strapped to their backs, and then there's the small orphan boy who has been "lucky" enough to find work today as a shepherd for three cows…at least he will eat this day. Photos to share, yes. Imprinted on my heart. Forever.

— Give Away Everything You Receive as Soon as You Receive It

As we work, this week, with an emerging movement of churches in Western Kenya (at least two new churches every month), I am so impressed with how well they are implementing one of the primary keys for seeing faith-filled, reproducing followers (disciples) of Jesus formed.

Everything that new disciples are taught, they are expected to give away to another as soon as possible.

In other words, new believers learn to pour the life of God into others as part of the process of receiving life and truth from Him. What comes in is expected to also go out. This means that:

1. In a short time, new followers are helping still others to become followers of Jesus.

And

2. Spiritual truth is more fully internalized and sticks better when it is continually given away.

For most of us, including here in Africa, this goes against the grain of what we have learned to do. Generally, we expect people to sit and learn and digest and take in still more before they can be expected to give away to others. Furthermore, we feel that we must have some mastery and special ability to pass something along.

But, these fruitful, multiplying disciples in Africa just do what Jesus said: "Freely you have received… freely give." And it seems to work.

Thank you for joining with us in encouraging these amazing church planters.

— Re-Thinking the Dowry

Did you know it's true that giving a dowry for your bride is still a custom in many nations? Yesterday I was asked about the dowry Roger had to give for me. Now that's an interesting question! Wonder what my parents would have asked for…what was my worth? The ladies I've been hanging out with for the past few days were horrified to learn that no, we in America do not expect or require a dowry for our girls to be married. But after their argument, I'm very much re-thinking the value of their custom!

They explained vehemently to me that the parents had housed the girl. And not only that, they had fed her all these years and maybe even paid her school fees so she could attend and get a little education. Quite obviously, they had put a lot into this girl, training her in household chores and cooking, and most knew at least how to farm a small garden outside their home as well. To lose the girl would be giving up a lot. She is an investment and worth a lot. (The flip side of this which I was not brave enough to ask was that isn't this also a loss that would mean one less mouth to feed, but I didn't dare go there.)

When I asked what a dowry might include, the very quick answer was , "A goat, or chickens, a turkey maybe or if the husband-to-be is very wealthy, even a cow." I'm not sure that when my daughter married that a chicken or even a cow would have replaced the loss, but now that it's happened, I am rethinking the whole process. I've written my son-in-law and told him that I think she was at least worth a cow with a few chickens thrown in, too, and now that they've been married for sixteen years, I think there should be a goat thrown in for the now accumulated interest. I'm still waiting his reply.

In the meantime, if you have a daughter, I know she is worth something. Maybe even a lot of somethings. It would be very interesting to know what her intended would give to "purchase" her from you. If I see a cow in your front yard, I'll know it was a lot!

— Are You Ready to Join in the Next Trip to Africa?

We leave this Saturday and are already sensing the importance of all of you who travel with us as you follow this travel blog, pray with us, and/or share words or encouragements as we go.

We never travel alone, and I don’t just mean the Holy Spirit; I’m referring to you, our friends, who are truly a part of everything that happens!

If you can take a moment and ask God for a Scripture or word for the teams we will be meeting with, please share them!  We have found these words to be very important as we communicate them to those we are with!

If you would like to keep some specifics in prayer, here are a few:

  • Pray for our key leaders to hear from God as we strategize for the coming year: Justin in Rwanda; Steven in DR Congo; Dawson in Kenya; Henry in Uganda; John in Kenya.
  • Pray for the many emerging leaders and teams that will be receiving new or additional training to reach their regions!
  • Pray that all of these leaders will have favor with God and man, and pray for strength in their marriages and families.

Finally, stay tuned right here, at this travel blog, and we will keep you on the road with us!

And pray that this elephant can find Kenya!

 

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