MISSION TO KITALE
By Jay Pearson
I grew up in a rural area near a very small town in southern Indiana, USA – rolling hills, deep valleys that my fellow "Hoosiers" (people of Indiana) and I call "hollers," and farming plains with silos for a skyline. To think that this country boy would be traveling to Kenya, not once, but for the third time, to minister to God’s people... well, it’s still a mystery to me. I’m glad God is in charge, and that he directs our comings and goings when we are obedient to him.
Halfway to Africa from America, the layover in Amsterdam was a very refreshing visit. Tim’s friends and students from former classes, Mary Calpin and her daughter Shaunna and son Jamie, and Neil and Vivienne Bourke and their son Eoghan, made me feel a part of their families right away. They sent us on our way to Kenya with love and encouragement. For me this was not only a joy but also a confirmation that I was where I was supposed to be.
From Amsterdam we flew to Nairobi, Kenya, and from Nairobi to the town of Kitale. Landing in a grassy field at the small airport in Kitale was exciting. It reminded me of the farmlands in southern Indiana –open land with greens and browns cast about. Under the only tree in sight our friends Rev. John Robert Opio and Rev. Henry Musana from Uganda, and Pastor Godfrey Otagi of Kenya were waiting for us. We tossed our bags in the trunk of the Toyota and were on our way. As we dodged not a few potholes – using whichever side of the road that presented itself passable – I began to feel Africa seeping back into my heart. About fifty minutes later we drove through a smooth lawn and up to the door of our accommodations at the Bishop Muge Conference Center. It was perfect.
The seminar was held at the Elim Pentecostal Church in Kibagege, about a half mile down a dirt road. This was great for the morning walk to class. I enjoyed those walks – the fresh scenery cleared my head to receive prior to giving. God is great. The church pastor, Rev. John Karanja, is very humble and he treated us with respect and brotherly love. In turn I respect him as a true pastor of God’s people. He was watchful even as he shared his podium. He was ready to learn from others for his own sake and for his congregation. Thank you, Pastor, and your beautiful family.
The first day I presented my class, Questions Seldom Asked and Answers Seldom Heard. The audience was made up primarily of pastors of different denominations. They walked or hitched their way to class. I wonder how often I would be in church on Sunday morning if I had to walk miles to get there. These were faithful men and women. God and the twenty-four students taught me more than I had ever grasped in this seminar before.
Tim’s seminar, In the Power of His Might, was truly inspiring, clear, and a solid teaching of the Rock he represents, Jesus our Lord. The pastors were thrilled with the clarity of the Word, and I believe they will be able to teach others also. These seminars, taught as live presentations, have the potential to reach more of the faithful in Christ Jesus than any of the others with which I’ve been associated.
I think that In the Power of His Might is a class that every Christian should hear at least once. I have had the privilege of sitting through many presentations of this seminar. Each one added a different building block for my growth with the Father and his Son. Each time, I receive greater understanding. Live seminars are truly that – they are alive with the Word and the Holy Spirit at work in the classmates and presenters. It is not the teacher, but the Word of God instilled in his heart and the clarity with which he presents that truth that make these seminars a worthwhile event.
Thanks again for every prayer lifted to God for this mission, and for your donations that make these missions possible. Thanks for your support of our families while we are away. You are so few, but you touch so many. Thank you, John Robert and Godfrey, for your labor of love. May God bless your families abundantly.
From one soldier and the humble Church in Kitale, Kenya, thanks to all supporters of WTWH for giving us this opportunity to share your heart with Africa.
From the January 2011 issue of The Vine & Branches
© Workers Together With Him, Inc.