Kapsabet and Ngenymesut (Sunday)

I have always been frustrated by how Christians fight with each other over styles of worship.  Even in Kenya, I have heard stories about how churches of Christ divide themselves into camps based on hand-clapping, women in worship, or instrumental music.  Because of this, I am always refreshed to worship at a new church at one of our orphanages and see how different they are from each other.  At some places their worship is somber and traditional; at others it is lively and joyful.  Kapsabet church of Christ enjoys a fine mix of styles that brings me hope.  It seems at places where the kingdom of God is blossoming through the obvious bond they share in caring for orphans, they have no time for fights over worship styles.

Especially joyful was the giving time.  Everyone eagerly lined up to bring his or her offering to the front, dancing and singing.  A special prayer for the offering occurs after, to thank God for his blessings.  Later in the service, they have a special offering so that those who have harvested that week can bring their 10% to the church.  They bring sacks of maize, bananas, and other vegetables, and another special prayer is said for the harvest.  Very cool.

Kapsabet orphanage is our biggest, with 140 souls here.  It is older and the kids seem more comfortable with each other here.  The older kids really look after the young ones, guiding them and leading them in worship.  It feels like a comfortable pair of blue jeans, worn and faded, but still your favorite.  Bernard Kibet, our worker here is a big reason for that.  His leadership style is quiet, but ever present.  I really love him.  Kapsabet looks the same to me, with a few additions, notably the tank that now is filled with water from a municipal water system that recently came to the area.

After worship, I met with the church elders while Pam did her blessing for the widows.  This time there was a unique problem.  It seems that the church here now pays for an additional two widows on their own that we did not know about, so we were two gifts short.  Next time, we know a new question to ask.  It’s great to be at a place where the church is so strong and supportive of the work.  It makes me realize what a true partnership we have here.

We also got to meet with Deborah, the wife of Bernard Langat, our new first choice for principal at the Vocational Training Institute.  I wanted to be sure that both were willing to move and start a new work with us.  We were all very impressed with her as she led parts of the worship, translating from Kalinjin to English and leading some songs.  I think that God has led us to His choice this time.  They are going to do a fine job finishing the education of our orphans as they prepare to enter the world.

After Kapsabet, we made the short drive to Ngenymesut.  It was not a scheduled visit, but sometimes surprises are good.  The kids there looked very good, and we toured the place and played with them until it was time to go.  Tomorrow, Kipsinende Feeding Station.  Don’t forget to check out the pictures from today, below.

2 Oct