Although we have only been in Kenya for less than a week, it feels as if we have been here forever. God has been doing such amazing things through me and my team and I couldn't be more thankful. Let me share with you just one small example.
We arrived on Thursday to "the bush" which turned out to be a small village of one family from the Maasai tribe. To say I experienced some culture shock would be an understatement. The bus dropped us off at a red dusted compound with a couple huts, about 5 donkeys, 10 chickens, 10 cows and 50 goats. The family who came to greet us were dressed in traditional tribal apparel with elegant jewelry included. I spent my first night in a tent since I was twelve and was awoken at 6 am to what sounded like every farm animal that ever existed. It was so loud and so early, I just had to laugh.
Amidst the craziness of those first few days I became very overwhelmed by all that was around me. I was so tired from our journey, yet trying to rely on Christ for my strength. I desired to build relationships with our hosts and their children, but the language barrier seemed so great and I was quickly feeling small and unworthy in such a big place.
When I went to God with these concerns he led me through Isaiah. He told me not to feel shame (Isaiah 50:7), He reminded me that when I am down he will comfort me (Isaiah 51:12), and He reminded me how Beautiful I was to be a messenger for him (Isaiah 52:7). God used this time also to show me what he wanted me to share with those around me. So as Austin and Darby, my team leaders, asked if anyone felt led to preach at church Sunday morning, I accepted through Christ's strength. I went through Isaiah 53 and God gave me words to say and peace as I preached my mini sermon.
The night before I had felt unworthy and not good enough, but the next morning God used me to encourage his people at church. I could not be more thankful for such a loving and gracious God who pursues us when we don't understand Him and comforts us when we hurt.
Thank you to all my family and friends who are praying for me and my team. I miss and love you all and can't wait to share more with you when I get home! I am also so encouraged and excited for my friends at home doing ministry- praying for John and Jenna at Springhill and everyone at Mosaic- love you all! Also, Mom and Dad don't worry we are all safe and having a wonderful time!
PS- We saw a wild giraffe and a wild elephant!! Ya our God is good!
With the love of Christ,
-Jillian
Prayer requests:
-Continued prayers for my leg, praise God it has been doing so well!
-Prayers against comparison among our team, we want to have an atmosphere of love and freedom so prayers against comparison would be amazing encouragement
-For those of us on the team who are taking the Doxi anti-malaria are suffering from sun sensitivity so prayers against that
-For boldness for me and my team as we continue with our ministry the next few weeks here in Kenya
-That we would listen to God’s voice and direction and that we would follow it
