An incredible day of worship in Kenya

We have just returned to Brackenhurst/KBTC/WBU from an incredible day of worship at the inaugural worship service at Limuru Tea Baptist Church near Limuru, Kenya. Pastor Linus Kirimi had requested that I preach the inaugural sermon at this church plant. I used the text from Genesis 50, "You meant this for evil, but the LORD used it for the good," to demonstrate the three tasks of the Church, i.e. to forgive, to become "point people," and to save.

Following our worship service, with the assistance of Joel Templeton (FBC of Cotton Center) and Linda Stark (FBC of Quitaque), I led in the dedication of six children. Joel read from Ephesians 6.4, while Linda read from Proverbs 31.28.

Four of the children were boys and two of the children were girls. My natural inclination to affirm the girl-children was clearly evident. This culture does not favor the birth of a girl-child. Seen often as a burden and encumbrance, girls are often shunned, and in some tribes, refused formal education at any and all levels.

My agenda was to highlight the God-given blessing of a girl-child. I told several of the parents who brought their children that the LORD has given Martha and me two girls, Faith and Grace. As a father of two sons and two daughters, I have been blessed beyond measure, thankful for the quiverful that God has graced me with. I asked the LORD in my dedicatory prayers for God's blessings upon these children. What a future they have to face! Born into dire poverty, lacking even the most basic of services and goods, six children, now committed to God and to the Kingdom, need your prayers and thoughts.

After working among the poor in many places, I am absolutely convinced that Christian faith and education are the twin essentials necessary to break cyclical patterns of lack embedded in worldview.

After the dedication service of these six children, my very good friend JD Templeton led in an outdoor evangelistic crusade. These are still held in Kenya. A simple, concise sermon, delivered with strength and boldness. At least nine persons (I lost count thereafter) prayed to receive Jesus. Recognizing that salvation is a holistic experience (God cares about all aspects of a person's health, life, and eternity), we prayed for healing and cleansing.