Saturday

by Matt Hess

1. At approximately 6:45 a.m., Pastor Joe woke the men who shared a room consisting of
a bunk bed, two single beds and a separate room designed for loud snorers or sleep talkers (Dennis Diller). Most of us got our first shower in 2 days which was well needed.

2. At approximately 7:30 a.m., the “ding-dong man” (guest house employee) walked around the facility playing an instrument similar to a xylophone alerting all of the guests that breakfast had been prepared and is ready to be served. A wonderful casserole dish of egg, bread, and cheese was prepared and set on the table for “family-style” service along with sliced papaya and honey dew. Debbie DiJenaro (sp?) introduced herself to the group as the Mennonite Guest Manager.

3. The morning consisted of light rain off and on with bursts of sunshine peeping through the clouds. Jill and Nate Milton visited our group to exchange welcomes and greetings.

4. Our host (Mike and Cindy Brislen) sat down with the group and provided an updated schedule outlining the activities for the upcoming week. Cindy advised she didn’t know if the KMC leaders were going to be able to meet us today or not.

5. Monoa Opula (pastor of Embakasi church) arrived at the MGH after breakfast and spoke with our group about the Menno Academy at the church / school that he is involved with (approximately 63 children). An outreach to the community has been teaching the children and in turn being able to evangelize to their parents.

6. Monoa shared how difficult it was for the children to complete homework assignments due to the living conditions (sharing a 10 X 10 room with the entire family). Manoa is hoping to in the future provide a study room so the children can focus on their studies. When asked the question, “How do you reach out to the community?” Monoa thought for a moment and then stated, “Through a secret……Prayer”. Monoa stated it is not through our human knowledge or strength that helps us, it is through prayer. Monoa stated the gospel gives hope to the hopeless in a time of need both physically and emotionally. Many people do not have basic needs being met and the church reaches out and tries to help with those.

7. A short while later, David Amara (Head Administrator) and Enoch Mwanja (Mathare church treasurer) joined our group in conversation. David and Enoch both work with the Mathare church and private primary school which enrolls approximately 200 children in grades K – 8. David advised secondary school consisted of 9 – 12 grades.

8. After morning tea, approximately 10:00 a.m., the group gathered again but outdoors under a small open air structure on the guest house property. Ideas of evangelism through small local projects, door to door personal connections by training church members in discipleship and being a living example were shared with the group. Christ is also shared in the Kenya public schools through a program called PPI which is local pastors teaching and praying in schools on Fridays.

9. Late morning, Bishop Philip Okeyo, Bishop Moses Otieno, Zephaniah Osogo, Samson Oniondi, Malachis Oyoo, and David Amara joined our group discussion. Bishop Philip stated they were running a little late, which is the “African Way”. Apparently, the group got stuck in the mud for about an hour trying to get the Mennonite Guest House to meet us. Some of the members had to travel approximately 600 kilometers to make the trip.

10. Bishop Philip stated the new vision for the Kenyan Mennonite Church is aggressive evangelism. Bishop Philip stated they are currently tossing around the idea of going more public with the message of Christ through media outlets. Bishop Philip stated that is attracting more attention than local churches trying to invite the community into their churches.

11. One of the most memorable events of the day occurred when the large group divided into smaller groups (naturally, not upon request) and shared stories, concerns, and encouragement openly. The Kenyans are a delightful people full of joy, smiles, and warmth. True friendship and brotherly / sisterly love was forged in a quick period of time.

12. A common theme for the time of discussion seemed to be that God gives hope everywhere people don’t have the solutions, GOD DOES.

13. At approximately 12:00 p.m., the group broke for a delicious lunch of cornbread, beans and salad finished off with a cake topped with vanilla and chocolate ice cream.

14. The KMC leaders stated they needed to break off from the group for a meeting, and we said our good byes.

15. The early afternoon consisted of a few of the church pastors hanging around for more conversation and fellowship in the gathering room.

16. The rest of the afternoon our group mingled with other Mennonite Guest House guest’s, exchanging American Currency for the Kenyan Shillings, and strolling around in the neighborhood. There were by far more people walking around on the streets than there were vehicles, which ranged from Range Rovers to small beat up Toyotas. The local neighborhood appeared to be up-scale and even sometimes luxurious. Many apartment complexes had gates with security personnel manning posts. It was really strange to see litter (trash) strewn about the up-scale area. A few open air market people could be seen along the streets peddling wares and selling produce.

17. Supper was held at the Brislen residence which attaches to the grounds of the MGH. A meal of Chapati (similar to a flat bread or soft tortilla) was served with spinach and mashed peas. A delicious salad of tomato, avocado and cilantro was served as well. Dessert was fresh pineapple, papaya and mango.

18. The day ended with a group meeting where we shared reflections of the day and the enjoyment of meeting Kenyan pastors. We were truly blessed beyond our imagination with the hospitality shown by the Mennonite Guest House employees and our new found Kenyan friends.