by Ryan Strydom

Recently Marcus, Shaun and Ian spent two weeks in Kenya working with churches there that we have had long-standing partnerships with. Report-backs from the guys have been encouraging and it seems there is wonderful fruit being borne on that side of the world.

In general, there are a number of challenges in Kenya that are quite different to what we experience here in South Africa. The challenges really revolve around there often being a lot of religion but very little genuineness.

For example, Christianity is very popular and it’s not uncommon to see business names like “Holy Spirit Chemist” or “Glory Hallelujah Hairdressers” but the reality of relationships and the depth of faith can often be somewhat shallow. There is also a frequent problem where people are looking for finances more than they’re looking for relationships.

But now something new is happening. We’re starting to see the rising of something greater and a new appreciation of a New Testament reality. Our partnerships with the guys in Kenya, and our love for each other, has become so authentic and real. This is a wonderful encouragement!

The trip started with the annual EQUIP time, a three day affair that also saw five couples released to the NCMI team. This was a fantastic moment and there is a lot of excitement around the partnering that is taking place. There was also such a sweetness and depth of God’s presence there which was truly wonderful.

The EQUIP time had a focus on the King and the Kingdom and guys were very excited about the Gospel and the Gospel alone, keeping the main thing the main thing.

Roger and Tanya Warren also spent some time in Nairobi, creating a base from which we can work from there, while Shaun spent some extra time in Nakuru and Ian spent some time in Mombasa.

Relationships were deepened yet again in both Nakuru and Mombasa. We’ve been working into the places mentioned above as well as Lodwar, Kakuma, Lokichoggio, Awendo and Kitali, all up further north.

At one point Shaun preached on “Walking With the Spirit”, which he also preached last night at Central Cornerstone. You can download that here at the website. Worth a listen!

During the time at Mombasa, Ian and Bernie felt there needed to be a focus on the Priesthood of All Believers – encouraging the guys that everyone needs to be involved, the church is not just about pastors or the few doing the work. You can hear all about that in his challenging preach yesterday morning entitled, “A Fruitful Faith Journey”, which can be downloaded here at the website.

Kenya, along with Tanzania, Zanzibar and Lesotho, is a key area that we as a church are working in. Keep your ear to the ground and your eye on our various communication channels if you would like to join in on the next Kenya trip. These trips have a way of truly blessing those that go in many ways and it’s great to be doing what Jesus commanded us to do: go to the nations with the Gospel.

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