LIKE A MEDICINE

Written by admin on February 9, 2020. Posted in Kenya Journal.

Food, fellowship and fun in Kisii. Sunday night,February 9— Kisii My smile had not grown faint from the morning worship before it was refreshed by the sight greeting me in the hotel restaurant. Pastor Patroba (Tanzania), Agnes (Kisuu), Daniel & Beatrice (Kisii), and Christiano and family (Kenyanyana) are already laughing, hugging and taking in the sights at our fabulous hotel when I arrive for dinner.

There has never been a really nice hotel in Kisii. Finding lodging with decent food and administration has been impossible. Some wealthy businessman decided he wanted to build a 5 star (Kenyan) hotel on top the mountain overlooking the city. When I enquired they quoted me a rate less than all my other frequent hotels. The place is impressive. Huge rooms. Hot water. Strong WiFi. And a massive pool surrounded by outdoor dining. I have never stayed in a place like this in Kenya. I know these Kenyan pastors have not. But, they have now! Thanks to you. The evening was filled with stories covering the 18 years we have partnered together. Lots of laughter. A few tears. A couple of moments of reflective sighing. No teaching. No training. Just an evening of fellowship. It did for us what it does for you…it did our hearts good…like a medicine.

Bring them in

Monday, February 10—Kisii Town, Rehoboth Church— I arrived at Pastor’s Daniel’s church 30 minutes early. I had planned to walk through and pray over the building before we started. Instead, I found over a dozen early birds worshipping and praying. Pastors/leaders arriving early any time…especially on a Monday morning ranks right up there with walking on the water!

There was an anticipation in the air. It was valid. God spoke to us and through us by His Word for six hours. The question and answer sessions was just what the doctor ordered for young and inexperienced “bush pastors”. Problem solving is key in any church. It is vital (and sometimes tricky) in Kenyan churches. It takes time and the Holy Spirit to separate tradition from truth. Kisii is heavily influenced by the large numbers of witches who have held dominion over these mountains for years. Ministry is further complicated by the stronghold of Seventh Day Adventist having their headquarters here. Combine that deadly combo with the 24/7 TV health & wealth boys and you have a trouble and confusion waiting to happen. I watched and listened as the older, wiser pastors helped us navigate the questions rooted in Kenyan religious tradition. I and our staff jumped at the opportunity for training in how to stand against the enemy in Spiritual Warfare. Many of our area pastors have seen God deal with area witches who were trying to thwart the work of God.

I asked several pastors to share the stories of victory as God had intervened for them. There is no substitute for the testimony of a faithful servant. Unlike a sermon or Bible study, there is little room for argument. It is a first hand account of what we have “seen and heard.” During the lunch break I saw several of the younger church planters seek out the battle-seasoned pastors for more counsel and application

And lunch! It was a feast! These are poor servants of God. Many live on less than $2 per day. Meat is reserved for holidays and special occasions (if there is money at holiday time). But God has partnered us with you rich Americans. And we like a little meat with our meals. Go ahead and smile…you fed them like kings today.

We had between 15 and 20 towns and villages represented today. The age was between 18 years old and 78. All of Christiano’s “pastors-in-training” were present from his new training center in Kenyanyana. If he reproduces himself just once we will have hit a home run with the new training center.

I saw growth today. Spiritual. Physical. Emotional. These leaders are growing in every way. That is what healthy, living things do! The road back to Kisumu had not improved since last Sunday. Two bellmen spent 20 minutes “dusting off” my backpack and luggage. I could feel the fine, red road dust between my teeth. 1/2 a bottle of Visine brought some cooling healing to dust filled eyes. Am I exaggerating?…No. Looking for pity or sympathy?….No. Letting you know that the destination was worth the journey. Thanks for sending me. There is no dirt trail I will not turn down. There is no witch infested village I will not preach in. There is no religious stronghold that I and our pastors will not pull down.
As long as God continue to favor and empower us…and…you continue to partner with us as we go.

Today is a rest day. I hit the ground running and have been in high gear since landing. Time to refresh, restore and relax.

Tomorrow I will climb the opposite side of the Rift Valley and visit our work in Kakamega. I can’t with to see the newly remodeled kitchen and hear how God has used the new expanded classrooms for His glory.

Your partnership is the foundation from which we spring. Your prayers = our fuel.

By grace, your brother,
Mike Curry
President/Founder Light Ministires, Inc.
Eph. 6:19-20