Class

Yesterday George, Eli and I headed off to Yesu Anaweza for church. The church is small, but we really like it. I wish I could post a video of their worship. It's simple, but heartfelt. Pastor Zac's family is very talented and one of them plays the drum during worship. It's the only instrument they have, but they are saving up for a keyboard. Zac's daughter, Glory is really good on the drums, but when she is occupied, someone else will fill in. This week, it was Zac's wife, Redempta.

During offering, the choir does a song or two. They even have dance moves. I really want to join, but I am too scared! i think I could learn the Kiswahili songs, but choreography...doubtful. Check back with me to see if I get brave enough to join.

Pastor Zac preached a really good sermon on forgiveness. It was convicting as I was reminded of people I am struggling to completely forgive. It's an ongoing process. You might think you have completely forgiven someone, but then bitter feelings come up randomly and again you have to give those feelings up to the Lord.

After church, we went home for a bit (our taxi friend, Eddie, lent us his car for the day which was a huge blessing) before heading back at 4:00 for our meeting with the youth. Our plan was for George to teach a discipleship class from 4-5 and then I would meet with the girls from 5-6 for a Bible study/prayer group/accountability group. I wondered if anyone would show up and was pleasantly surprised when we ended up with 16 people in our class. What surprised me even more was that there were a few older women there. We thought it would just be youth. Well, everyone can benefit from a Bible study and fellowship - so the more the merrier!

This week was an introduction to the book we'll be studying, 1st John. George did a great job teaching and getting the group involved. Once he was finished, all the women remained (including the older ones) for my group. There were 10 of us. I also did an intro. I told them my story and how I came to be here. I also shared with them my heart for our group and what I hoped our time together would look like. Life is hard and many times we feel alone during trials. My desire is for us to lean on each other as sisters in Christ - encouraging each other during challenges and sharing in each others joys. I also want us to read the Word together and apply it to our daily lives so we lead a life that honors the Lord. Our cultures are very different and I can tell I will have to work on getting them to be open. I hope with time they will feel comfortable being vulnerable with each other.

As I left, I wondered if this is what the ladies (not just young girls, but the older women that were there too) need. Did they think I was a weirdo for what I was trying to do? The feedback I got was positive. Redempta and Glory separately told me that they were excited about the group as were the other ladies. They have never had this type of group before and have been too shy to share things in the past during a Bible study, but now they looking forward to coming.

George and I are very happy to be doing this ministry and see what else it leads to within the church. We want to do outreaches and help the community as well. It's exciting to see what the Lord will do!