Scripture Reading
Proverbs 15:30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 25:25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Culture Reading
Read in Culture Smart: Kenya, Chapter 3, p. 70-81
o Kenyans are open and talkative. However, they may appear quiet and reserved initially. They do not like to be loud in public settings, and many will shy away from speaking publicly. But they are very relational and love long conversations and story-telling.
o Kenyan time is a real thing. To arrive 30 minutes early is to be in preparation for a party. To arrive 5 minutes early is to be a part of the welcoming group—and thus you crank up the music. To arrive on time is to be early—or to be a Western guest. To arrive 15 minutes late means you had nothing else to do prior to the meeting. To arrive around 30 minutes late means you have importance in the group. To arrive 30-60 minutes late means you are speaking or an important member of the community (and thus has things to do before you arrived). Since conversations must be heard and completed, most people are running behind or late to something else.
o Yelling or displaying anger is not acceptable—and is embarrassing for the hosts.
o Kenyan politics is a bit messy, but it is better than most other African countries.
o Kenyan will invite you to their shops or homes. When shopping, it is ok to be firm and to decline an offer. However, keep in mind that places with set prices (malls, drug stores, restaurants--also known as hotels in Kenya) do not barter. When invited to a home, it is best to accept graciously and go with the flow. Kindly accept the hot tea that is offered—and if there is hot water, coffee mix may also be given. If food if offered, eat what is given, graciously. If you can peel it—or it has been cooked, then the food will be safe to eat.
Devotional Thought
Kenyans are a generous people. And they are very hospitable. This leads to a conflict, though, with the Western thinker. Because they will entertain people, and give generously of their time and food, this will often lead to other complications.
First, time is very flexible. Kenyans go from event to event. When doing ministry in Kenya, you might as well leave your watch at the hotel. The event usually starts when the talent arrives. And the event ends when the talent decides they must leave. So, we will be fighting the urge to set our schedule based on our watches. The key to successful ministry in Kenya is managing the teachable moments and spiritual appointments that happen within the flow of life. Thus, when we are with our hosts or with our ministry partners, we need to ready to serve and minister within our gifts at any time. The Kenyans will be ready to know us and connect with us. We should be ready to bless them.
By the way, there will be down time in the evenings and throughout the day. Take full advantage of those moments to prepare, pray, rest, text, and surf the internet. Television will not be a major feature of our travel experience. Bring your own movies and downloads for your own relaxation.
Second, Kenyans always seem to live in a time of need because they are so generous with their resources. They spend money on their extended families and neighbors. They share with everyone in their sphere of influence—and they are expected to bless others rather than save. Thus, Kenyans live on a day-to-day basis.
So, what can we do to prepare for these elements. We should make the most of our time when we are in our ministry zone. And we should be prepared to complete our tasks and pour into the people we meet.
Things we need to avoid:
being on our phones when there may be chances to minister to our guests, especially at meals;
speaking only with other members of the group (unless we are making plans or dealing with a travel issue);
complaining or “observing” about our accommodations or traffic or other experiences—rather than sharing those experiences with our hosts;
speaking too quickly for our hosts to understand;
using money as an answer for the problems we encounter;
making financial promises we cannot keep;
telling too many stories about American and not listening to the stories of our hosts, partners, and trainees.
Reflection and Prayer
Pray that we will be ready to experience all of the cultural blessings that lay ahead of us.
Pray that we will be able to manage our time expectations correctly as we serve our hosts.
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