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

first days in Kenya...

I cannot even begin to describe the feelings that rushed through my veins as I stepped foot on African ground and it has been quite the adventure since that moment. The five of us were anxious as we navigated ourselves around the Nairobi airport, through customs, and onto the mounds of bags to claim our own. Through the crowds of unfamiliar faces we were so thrilled to see the faces of sweet S and M.

The first two nights we stayed in Nairobi at a place called Hampton House, which was very similar to a hotel (this is luxury compared to anything else we will be experiencing in our time here). During those two days we were exposed to the city of Nairobi, which is unlike any other conventional city you might think of. The traffic was insane, bumper to bumper, people constantly cutting each other off, and honking their horns...there were many times I was just holding on for dear life! All I have to say is that I'm glad that we had an experience Kenya driver :). We drove by Kibera, which is the largest slum in Africa! It was so heartbreaking to know that in that small area between 800,000 to a million Kenyan residents live in starvation, malnourishment, disease infestation…and most importantly, in dying need of a Savior, which provides hope and freedom from captivity. We also met with Paul who is a Pastor in Nairobi and who also heads up the WASH (Water and Sanitation Hygiene), which we will use to assist the people in the villages. Paul's passion and love for Christ and the people here was so encouraging to see.

The next morning came very early as we began our journey to Marsabit. Surprisingly, I could not get a wink of sleep for the entire ride there because I was so captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya. We went from the city to the green, lush farmlands to the countless mountains ranges to the dry, colorless desert. We were so excited when we finally saw a Zebra, which S later informed us was an endangered species Zebra and they are rarely spotted. When we finally arrived to the place where I will call "Home" for the next six weeks, the five of us piled out of the packed (literally bags surrounding every part of me) safari vehicle with huge smiles on our faces ready to be introduced to our new surroundings. We have two precious guard dogs at the house named Judah and Mkulu who have quickly become companions. Today, we went into the town of Marsabit with S to meet a few friends of his and of course they all welcomed us with open arms. We visited a few nearby villages to check on their water situations. It has been so interesting to learn that many of the problems the people here face could be easily solved if they would be willing to share and give freely. However, it is part of their culture to prize ownership (much like our own culture in America) and to keep it all for yourself and those closest to you. If a water well or “choo” (the African outhouse) is located on or near a family’s property, it is natural for them to claim it has their own and not allow others in the village to us it. S is trying to teach the people here that these resources are for the whole villages utilization. This fact is a strong indication that these people need the love of Christ, which would bring much resolution to the struggles that they face. Sorry this was kinda long and not too terribly interesting but I promise there is more to come! I also hope to get some pictures up at some point to share. Please continue to keep me, my team, S and M, as well as the people who we will encounter in your prayers. I look forward to sharing what the Lord will be teaching me through this experience. Love you all!

“And also for me, that words may be given to me in the opening my mouth BOLDLY to PROCLAIM the mystery of the gospel. For I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak!”

Ephesians 6:19-20

why I am going...

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS!"

Romans 10:14-15

God has instilled a passion in my heart for missions and to minister to the lost. Specifically, the past three years Africa has been placed in my heart. Since last summer I have been praying about going to Kenya this summer and waiting for God to give me direction. However, once I came to grasps with the fact that God has COMMANDED us to GO and share the Gospel, I did not need to wait around to be "told" to go. He has already given me an answer and that is to go! The Lord has called us, as Christians, to go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). Therefore, I pray that the Lord will use me as His vessel to preach the good news to those who have not heard His name.