Day 19: More than Bricks and Mortar

Something we saw on the way back from Iriga

Dylan and Pastor Mwiti

For this day, I'm going to put down what I wrote down in my journal with some changes and comments here and there. For the most part though (say about 90% haha), this post is pretty much exactly what I wrote on that day:

Today, we walked over hills for an hour to meet Rachel, Pastor Karau's sister-in-law. To me, she demonstrates faithfulness through time. Her husband passed away some time ago and her children have grown up, so it's only her and her helper on the shamba. Yet, she's still so hospitable and motherly. God bless her and I'm glad she wasn't hurt injured more from her motorcycle accident (she was a pretty elderly woman).

When we arrived in Iriga for the fellowship meeting (Iriga is a sister fellowship of Weru Worship Centre), the building was locked but that didn't stop us from having fellowship. Fellowship is with people, not about bricks and mortar. We met behind the building and worshiped, prayed, and shared there. Here in Kenya, it's all about the people. In America (and possibly in Berkeley), it's about the building, the name of the fellowship, the small group, etc. Would that we Christians in America can have that same type of fellowship. There's too much to gain in American fellowships and not enough to lose/sacrifice. Here, people leave their businesses and shops in the middle of the afternoon to meet behind behind what is essentially a nice shack.

Kenya is by no means perfect. There are a lot of flaws here, even in the churches and Christian communities but there's a lot to love too. God, help me take these 7 weeks and let them form an idea of a fellowship that I can work to be a part of next year. It's all about responding-it doesn't mean a thing if I don't take what I experience and let it change me someway and somehow.