Partying and Worshipping in Kenya!

When we first arrived in Kenya, Pastor Cassell had quite a reception for us on New Years Eve.  Missionaries from other groups and areas of the country were gathering at his house to celebrate the coming of 2013.  We had an amazing time visiting and talking with folks.  Some of them were working in the area of training pastors in Kenya, and others were involved with providing direct services to folks in the "bush" as they call it, meaning the countryside.

Then on New Years Day we went to a center that worked with the Street Boys (see previous blog by Jesse), and did some shopping for the New Years Day party!  The Cassells had invited friends to join us for another party.  We had a wonderful time sharing with their friends and learning about the country.

Yesterday, we had the great pleasure to visit the Mediera Garden Restaurant in Nairobi.  The Rabare family in Pittsburgh are from Kenya.  Gayle Rabare has been a long-time friend of Maria, and we have related to Gayle's dad, Arthur over the last 13 years or so.  It turns out the Rabare family has this restaurant in Kenya, and they treated us to a wonderful feast.  We also had the opportunity to connect with Arthur's son, Andy, who we had known when he was in the United State. We had a fantastic time!

Now, jumping ahead to today's worship service.  Pastor Cassell is an Associate Pastor and the African Inland Church in Kibera.  Kibera is a neighborhood in Nairobi, and it is the world's largest slum.  The church serves the people in this neighborhood, and the people attending were filled with joy and a great desire to worship God.  They were welcoming and filled our hearts with joy.  We were given the opportunity to share a little about ourselves, and then our family sang a song "Alleluia, We Sing Your Praises," which is a song that originated in South Africa.  We also shared that our friend, Brandon, was from Maine, the land of big snow, as he left a 14 inch snowstorm behind on the day he met us to leave for Kenya.

Following the service, our group was invited into the Pastor's study to have a time of refreshments and sharing.  His wife and an intern were also with us, and we had a stimulating time learning about the church and how it operates in a challenging environment.  We then closed with a time of prayer and said our goodbyes to the Cassell's church family.

We then went to visit one of Pastor Cassell's "Street Boys," Peter.  Peter is now 28 years old and he is running a business in the slum.  He invited us to see his home, and some of us ventured into the slum.  It was an eye-opening experience for me.  I have never seen a living environment that presented more challenges than this one.  Peter proudly presented his home, and he had make his home into a very pleasing living area in the midst of much need.  We then followed him to his business where Jesse, Maria and Brandon purchased Soccer shirts that Peter sold.  It was an amazing and challenging experience.

Tomorrow we head out for a two-day safari.  Pray that the lions don't eat us - smile!  We will be posting more pictures on Wednesday, after we return.  Until then - Kwaheri (which means good-bye - Mark)