About a week ago my team and I got to our location for the next 3 months in Mpeketoni, Kenya. It is on the coast so it is hot all day…I’m not even exaggerating. Hopefully we can get used to that!
We are staying with Bishop Maurice and his family in their home. They have been such a blessing to us already. We got there and the wonderful women that greeted us insisted on carrying all of our bags. These women do so much for us; they cook every meal for us, clean, make us laugh, and love us. Seeing as I have been missing my mom for 6 months it’s so great to be surrounded by more than one “mom.” Bishop Mo is definitely like a father to all of us. We have been calling him dad or Baba, which is dad in Swahili. I already have learned so much from him as he challenges us and asks us those hard questions that we have to answer as we evangelize. He is also hilarious and really cares about us.
The ministry we will be doing here has to do with a lot of teaching and preaching. They also will be holding some crusades for us to speak at, going to schools, praying for the sick at the hospital, and door-to-door evangelism. We have done some door-to-door evangelism already and it has been wonderful. I have been able to encourage other believers, pray for the sick to be healed, and lead someone in accepting Jesus. Some have such a skewed understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to be saved. I’m so excited to have this opportunity to tell people about Jesus and share the truth and freedom in His Name.
I’m sure some of you are wondering what we are eating. Well, I am eating real well here. The ladies here really know how to cook! We have heard stories of what other things we could be eating and I am very blessed to be able to eat what I am eating. The best thing so far has been chapatti. It is like a tortilla, but SO much better! My new favorite fruit is mango, which we frequently get fresh cut up mangos.
Yesterday was our first Sunday service at Christ the King Church. It was so great to praise His Name with our wonderful African brothers and sisters! I can’t wait to learn more of the Swahili worship songs and to dance and sing with them every week. I know that God is moving here and I am so excited to be a part of it!
Please join me in praying for boldness and confidence as we spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Pray that He would speak through us so we can encourage and uplift the church here. Thank you so much for your support and continual prayers. Love you and see you in 3 short months!
p.s. Cribs video to come of our home and family!
We’re almost finished packing up the books in our library in preparing for all the renovations we’re going to be doing, and we found about a dozen phrase books that had fallen behind the larger books. Latin American Spanish, Thai, and Swahili were among them. Of course we thought of you. If only we had started packing the books before you left.
I’m currently reading “One Day I Will Write about This Place: A Memoir,” by Binyavanga Wainaina, on Denice Shroeder’s recommendation. It’s a terrific read – all about Wainaina’s life and family in Kenya. Try to find a copy to read and share. I’m sure it will provide additional insights to you.
We missed you at Ellen’s big party, but you were there via Skype. Not quite as good as in the flesh, but it will do in a pinch. Much love, and much strength as you start this new phase of your adventure.
Linda
Good Morning Bekah,
The Lord has certainly shown you his needs all over the world. I am sure this last leg of your journey will prepare you to come home and decide how best to service him in the future. I hope you have kept a journal of your day to day life with all the struggles and Happiness. Your little jottings will spark wonderful memories for your entire life.
Do you know the song Joy is like the rain ? It sounds like the refreshing rain of God loves pure love is surrouding you in this place. We all need to know someone loves just because we are us ! We love you Bekah and I am very pleased that now you are with a ” Mom and Dad ” to nuture and strenghten you in the next three months. Enjoy these moments, God is speaking to you and your heart.
God’s peace and love,
Mary
Hey Rebekah,
I can’t believe you are in mpek! I spent this last summer there with Bishop and his family! They are an increadible family, and the people in the town are so hospitable. Enjoy your time there like crazy because reading this blog makes me wish I was back there so bad. Pass my greeting to dad and the church, and I have a feeling you’ve meet freddie, felix, eugene,vinnly, victor, and doris (and many other precous children) so hug them for me!! and Emily’s chapattis are so delicious! Well I cannot wait to hear about what your team is doing in mpeketoni! If you want some insider information on the town and how God used us there, you can totally email me!([email protected]). If you are craving some good kinda american food, you have to go to breeze view hotel, they have yummy chicken and fries and the best smoothies! Praying for your team and the work God will do through you all!
Michelle
Hi Rebekah!
Michelle who posted above ^ and I were on the same team this past summer…so I too stayed with “The Bish”, as our team dubbed him. I totally feel ya on the Chappatis! BEST FOOD EVER! I’ve made them for my friends back here, and I miss them everyday. I hope you have an amazing time and get a chance to meet James and Moses (they translated for us) because they are incredible people! Say hi to Freddie, Felix, Eugene, Brom, and Vinly, Jonah and his wife and their new baby for us (basically everyone)! I miss it so much–cherish every moment (even the hot sweaty ones)! Because it does go by so fast. And Cherish your teammates (I’m sure you do already) because (at least from my experience this past summer) these people will be an incredible source of encouragement and faith and support in your life, not just now but when you come back home as well! I miss each of my teammates every day almost as much as Chappati! haha…probably more.
I’m praying for you and your team, the people of Mpeketoni,and Bishop and his family.
P.S. Learn Kiswahili! Do it! They really appreciate it and are usually willing to help you learn and excited that you want to try. Plus, it’s super fun!
Kwaheri! (good bye)
-Victoria
Hi Rebekah!
My teammates Victoria and Michelle already posted and I have agree with everything they say! The Chapattis are amazing and especially the fruit! If you could say hi to Freddie and Felix for me, it would mean the world to me. I miss those kids everyday like they are my own. Freddie and Felix both love the suckers in town, I use to get them one every time we went. Also, Felix loves to sleep when someone is holding him, just be careful of him peeing on you, cause he likes to do that. Just a bit of advice, the time goes insanely fast, so cherish every moment you have with them. I will be praying for you and your team.