ONE God.

“There is no God but ONE. For although there may be so-called gods in heaven and on earth-as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”-yet for us there is ONE God, the Father, from whom are ALL things and for whom we exist, and ONE Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are ALL things and through we exist.”

“…However, not all possess this knowledge.”

1 Corinthians 9:4-7

This passage reigns true for most people here in Marsabit. The majority of the peoples believe in idols, gods (the sun god, moon god, etc), their values, their ethnic group (which each have their own belief systems)…they cannot grasp and have never known the concept that God and Christ Jesus are ONE and is the ONE who created all things into existence. And that this God provides life and hope that surpasses their daily circumstances.

Sunday we went to a Borana church in one of the villages out in the country. It was so beautiful because they were singing in their native tongue with such joy and passion. It was so neat to think that we worship the same God and He understands us all!! After, we ate at a restaurant with our translators and some of the other members of the church. We ate surprisingly “normal” food…chicken, chips (fries), and rice (which reminded us all of Christmas because they seasoned it with nutmeg haha).

Monday was the first day that we met with our translators. Our translators are such a huge blessing! It was so encouraging to hear their stories of how they came to know Christ and to share our stories with them. We went to the village, "Isaka Muro" to check on how and if they are using the water filters correctly they were given in December. We had the opportunity to share the gospel with each household and it was such an incredible blessing. It was kinda awkward at times but our translator (Mary) revealed much of the cultural tension and awkwardness. We used "Creation to the Cross," which is a method of sharing the gospel with someone who has never heard. C2C introduces God as the creator and "Most High God" above all other gods (since most cultures have some sort of "god"), Jesus (as a man and the perfect sacrifice), sin (which broke the relationship between us and God), and the process of salvation. S has revised this method to better reach the peoples here. The peoples can relate with the stories of Abraham and the Prodigal Son as well as Jesus (but only as a prophet), so we utilize these stories to make connections and then further explain them in relation to Jesus being the perfect sacrifice and that that sacrifice had to be made in order for our relationship with God (our Father) to be restored.

There are many Muslims here so our beliefs and stories contradict what they are taught and believe. God has the power to change their hearts! Please be praying for the people here-that God would begin to work in and open their hearts so that they might receive the truth of the gospel. S and M (the missionaries we're staying with) are so amazing! They are so wise and I have already learned SO much from them. I honestly don't know how they do it here sometimes...being away from home...their family...in a place of complete darkness and depravity. It definitely demonstrates that God is who and what they place their hope in every day.

We returned to Isaka Muro yesterday and shared the gospel with five houses!! Two of them were already Christians (which was so encouraging!) but the others were Muslim. They said what we shared with them definitely made them think and that they would compare. All we can do is be obedient to boldly speak and allow God to work in their hearts. It is not our words that can convince them, only the Lord who can draw them to Him. We are to be laborers for Christ, planting seeds in God’s harvest fields (Luke 10:2).

We leave for Kargi today! I'm excited about going to Kargi because it will be so different and the people there, I hear, are amazing! It is pretty dry and hot, much like the desert.

Much love and prayer for all of you!

-Anna