Now that we are here in Kenya, I should tell you about where we are and what we are doing. First off, let me correct a few things: we are in Mbita, Kenya, not Kisumu. Mbita is an hour and a half drive and a forty five minute ferry ride away from Kisumu (just south of the Equator) and much smaller. Paul, our host, is African and his wife, Erin, is Canadian, not American. We are staying at a place called Suba Environmental Education of Kenya (SEEK). The organization has several acres right along Lake Victoria. The scenery is beautiful (either from the top of the property or in the breeze along the lake shore looking out across Lake Victoria), and so are the people. The first week here has been very enjoyable as we have gotten to know the kitchen, office, grounds and education staff. There is another American couple here working with SEEK. Their names are JP and Jessie. They have two kids with one more on the way and are from Arizona. All of the staff here are wonderful people and it is a joy to work and fellowship with them every day. We are living in camp-style cabins on the base amid a jungle of vegetation. There are many, many animals here. I have already seen monkeys and monitor lizards, and there are hippos at night, sugar babies, and many birds. I wake up every morning to the jungle soundtrack all around and think “Oh yeah, I’m in Africa…”
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
As far as ministry goes, our activities really depend on the week. We will be traveling much of the time we are here on weeklong “missions”. In general, we will be gone from the SEEK base for two weeks and then back at the base to do ministry in Mbita and rest for a week. Each week we are gone we will travel to a new location to do a different type of ministry. To my knowledge we will be doing a variety of different ministries such as house visits, church support, orphanage work, widows ministry, and evangelism. Here at the base, we also do a variety of ministries. Every afternoon, we visit a different school in the area to meet with the Environmental Club at each school to teach the Environmental Education materials that SEEK has prepared. (These deal mostly with preventing the pollution of Lake Victoria, upon which millions of people depend for their livelihoods, and deforestation which has lead to soil erosion). During the mornings we have planted trees, visited the hospital (to pray with patients and clean up trash in the yard), taught chapel at a few schools, and done a prayer walk. The ministry here has been both meaningful and enjoyable. It’s amazing to be working with people who so clearly understand the two greatest commandments: Love God and love others!
“May he grant your heart’s desire and… fulfill all your petitions!” Psalm 20:4-5
Coming to Kenya and SEEK has been such an answer to prayer and a display of God’s faithfulness. I have been so encouraged being here, and am looking forward to the entirety of the next three and a half months here.
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:18-19
Thank all of you for your prayers, and please continue to be praying for our group as we minister here in Kenya!
Have some friends from Kenya: yes, beautiful people and a beautiful land, indeed. BW
I’m so glad to hear that you made it safely. I’m also glad to hear your enthusiasm and encouragement through your writing. Enjoy the scenery and jungle soundtrack, you will miss it like crazy when you leave, though I suspect you will always have a little of Africa with you from now on in your heart. I can’t wait to hear about your trips out–what a great opportunity to experience! How wonderful that Janessa was able to return. You all must feel much better with your missing family member having returned. You are in my prayers.–e