Finding our place

No, the circus has not come to town. No, we have not told you all that we were heading to Africa, but instead used Jill's juggling skills to make a living by joining Barnem and Bailey (as appealing as that lifestyle does sound...). Instead, we have found our spiritual home during our time here in Kenya. Surprisingly, some churches in Nairobi gather in large wedding tents much like the one that you see pictured here. Karura Community Chapel, our church, is one such fellowship. Churches that decide to hold their meetings in this way do so for one primary reason; in this area of the world, the leadership is never sure how quickly a church will grow once they begin holding meetings. Tents offer flexibility for explosive growth. Africa truly is a great place.

Jill and I have chosen to make Karura our home for a variety of reasons. First off, the leadership of this church is from Kenya, not foreigners from outside the culture. Second, the church demonstrates a both-and ministry: they want BOTH to serve the poor AND to tell folks about Jesus. For example, the closest slum to this church holds about 1500 people, and the members of Karura are working towards the eradication of this slum by finding ways to empower the residents, and creating, with the community, employment opportunities and development of skills.

Some of you may have heard of the tribal violence that took place across Kenya this past January after the elections, displacing 600,000 individuals. Karura did not stand idly by during this catastrophe, but decided to take in 265 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP's), and has continued to care for this community up to the present. The faith of this community has feet! However, the love for neighbor does not stop at service alone. In addition to this much-needed physical help, the members at Karura have a vision to plant 100 new churches in Kenya and abroad by 2020. This ambitious goal, the pastor has said, requires complete dependence upon God in order to bring this goal about. This is definitely our kind of church.

Finally, as in all of Kenya, the time of worship nourishes our souls. When the leader begins belting out a song, either in English or Swahili, the entire tent seems to bounce; the contagious energy fills the tent as smiles stretch from ear to ear on the faces of the dancing congregation. Definitely an experience. If for no other reason, you need to visit us to experience Kenyan worship.