Planes, Cranes and Just About Every Other Type of Automobile
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November has found me in a rural community
just outside of Mtwapa Kenya. The goats here
out number the white residence about 100 to 1.
I am here with the Hope for the Nations charity, to build the two story
residence for women wanting to break free from the streets and
prostitution. It is a beautiful
community, quiet and just a little away from it all so it seems.
This is in contrast to the constant traffic
jam that makes up the main roads through and to Mtwapa from Mombassa. An 8 mile journey that should take 20 minutes
but often is well over 1 hr at best. The
street is peppered with somewhat abandoned hotel builds for the European
tourist trade, now left empty due to the recent rash of terrorism in the
area. This is unfortunate as the
friendliness of the majority of the people rivals that of our dear friends in South
Africa. They do not have much, but are
willing to help to serve and accommodate anyway they can. Yes some of it is financially motivated., but
for them most part it comes from a heart that is full of hope and wanting to make
a better life for themselves and their community. There is a great sense of family every where
you go. I wish we had more of that in
the UK.. . though I must also add that there is in no way a
sense of urgency. It is non-existent
except for the salesmen. Delivery times
can lag up to 10 days on essential items as we have discovered… not good on a
tightly planned service project.
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The new 2 story building is located
directly behind the Catholic Church in the area. Several times this week we have had to drop
our tools in order for the people to hear in the services and Bible
studies without the sound of grinders in the air. I love the reverence of these people’s
faith. Simple, focused on Christ, not
rushed. Not once have I seen a service
where long after the minister has left the building did the congregation even
move. Instead choosing to remain sing
and pray for another hour or so.
Peaceful, wonderful souls.
This trip has been unusual as there were
only 6 on the core team to begin with, and due to delays, only Lyncoln Bell and
myself remain to make up for the 10 day delay we encountered here on
materials. Times like this are good for my
soul… for reflection of priorities. To
return to basics stripped of everything we know…(except coke and Fanta
drinks). I pray that I can take this
simplicity back home to the UK and share it with my girls. Often these trips shape your heart and mind..
putting perspective back into life.
BACK TO THE TITLE...
This trip has seen everything
imaginable. I have had to direct a 25
ton crane at 36C 95% relative humidity
down cart paths… scheduled too many planes for myself and others on a phone perched
between a goat and a mud hut in a field, rode on more motorcycles to and from
the worksite daily than my spine would care to acknowledge due to the absence
of roads...endured public transport that
was closer to a car cramming event at SPREE youth, and even bounced
through the streets in a tuk tuk (3 wheeled taxi) with welding supplies and
drinking water... It has been an adventure so far.
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But what all these things have taught me is
that all of these vehicles will get me from point A to B with some sort of internal
combustion engine is that though the world around us changes, we need to get
the job done… we need to not loose
vision of the goal. WE are his
workmanship created to do good works in Christ.
The forms of what we may have to do to get the great commission and the
Love of God out there, but the goal is the same and must not be forgotten… In a jungle beside a mud hut.. the word of
God is proclaimed. On the high street
beside a 16th century church in the UK that is now a disco or
Mosque, the truth needs to be proclaimed.
In the comfort of our homes in Canada... the truth needs to be
proclaimed. We must continue to run the
race set before us. Adapting on the fly
to what we need to do to get the job done. May I encourage you today to remember me in your prayers as we try to
find a new way to help the poor and widows of our world, but may this letter
also encourage you to reach out and get on with loving as much as you can
within the vehicles of life offered to you by the Lord.
Please pray for me as I am off to South
Africa to confirm the details of next April’s trip with Humphrey and
Stephen. I will then return to Mtwapa to
finish the units for occupancy. Coming
home just a little later than I had hoped…. But hopefully completing the goal….
In Him,
Bill.
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