A Celebration

Last Sunday was our first service back at Yesu Anaweza after being gone a couple weeks in Kenya. It felt so nice to be back. We didn't know it before, but it ended up being a special service for a couple reasons. First was there was a group from the US visiting. They are working with Global Effect and were visiting different churches in the area. They performed a short drama and spoke to the church, encouraging them in the Lord.

Second was because a couple went before the church declaring their intention to marry. There was a ton of hooting, hollering, ay-yi-yi's and whistling coming from the church during the announcement. It gave everyone a chance to pray for them. It was really special to be there for that because of who it involved. When we first started at Yesu Anaweza (over a year ago), I talked to the ladies about waiting for a Godly man. As we get older, it's tempting to settle for someone even if they don't share our beliefs because we are scared of being single forever. I don't want that for any woman. I encouraged them to be faithful to the Lord and let Him direct them to the man they should be with.

I didn't know it at the time, but there was a lady at church who was thinking about marrying a man who was nice, but didn't have the same beliefs. She is young and has been married before, but sadly her husband passed away a few months after they married. Making it worse, she delivered their baby several months later and the baby died at birth. Despite these tragic events, her faith is so strong and she is very bright and willing to serve. A while ago, she asked me to pray for a Godly man. A few months ago, I was excited when she told me she found a great guy who loves the Lord. Now that they made a public announcement, it's offical and they will marry in a few months.

After the service, I was told this happened because of my teaching. This sweet lady may have married the wrong man had I not encouraged her to stay strong. Now, I am not bragging or taking any credit for this. That all belongs to the Lord. I just wanted to share it because it's neat to see answered prayers. Also, it's wonderful to see what happens when we surrender our own desires and obey the Lord. His plans are WAY better than ours. Waiting for His timing is hard, but it's always best.

I can't wait for the wedding!