Kenya Reflections : Addison Winn
With tears in her eyes, she expresses joyful and humble gratitude. As conversation continues, in Swahili of course so we can’t understand but smile and nod as if we do, she begins to cry and expresses an overwhelming thankfulness to the Lord for His faithful provision. She had just received a month’s worth of food and her rent covered for that month. She proceeds to tell us that she has not eaten for three days and was about to have her house taken from her for she was unable to pay her rent. Two miraculous works of the Lord had taken place here: The Lord’s provision to provide for RVH so they can continue in their faithfulness and obedience to care for their families well, and this mom’s dedication to glorify God in the way she lived and have full trust and confidence that the He would provide for her and her family.
As this is a frequent moment of seeing the Lord move in tangible ways with RVH, I do not get to see that here in the States. I don’t get to see marital vows remain so true and pure like among the people of RVH and their Groom. I don’t get to see, and way too often neglect it myself, the people of the Lord depend on Him truly demonstrating that He is their everything—their shield of protection and provision, their strength and safe place, their love and life, simply He is their God whom they live to momently glorify. Oh that I, that we, may be found faithful as such.
When asked about Kenya, I often get asked, “What did you do? Build a house, paint?” I joyfully get to widen their view of “mission work” being done across seas. I get to explain that we simply get to participate, lend a hand when needed, watch, listen, and encourage. I get to explain how the RVH held a youth conference and passionately saturated these kids—and myself—with the hope and good news of the Gospel. I get to explain the ministry of RVH and how they have challenged my obedience to the call to carry my cross as I often neglect to do. I get to explain the beauty of the Rift Valley that is in the mountains, the sky, the animals, the people. I get to, most importantly, explain the beauty of the Gospel that I saw illuminated in a way I have never before seen.
My favorite things to share with people here in the states, is the kids and their laughing, dancing, and singing—oh so FUN! However, number one for me is the ministry of RVH. I have never, and I mean never, seen a more Acts 2 and 4, Gospel centered church/ministry like this before. They are devoted, selfless, come together to meet the needs of the people, faithful to the preaching of the Scriptures and to prayer, in the face of adversity, suffering, and persecution they pray with boldness and confidence that the Lord would move in mighty ways knowing he is faithful, they simply understand the life to which Christ has called us to. *I encourage you to read Acts chapters 2 and 4.
What I am forever stamped by is the life of Christlikeness that I saw genuinely displayed by my fellow brothers and sisters.
“And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need... praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” Acts 2:44-45,47.