Scripture Reading
Psalm 5:11. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 32:6-7. Therefore, let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 41:1-2 Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. 2 The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
Culture Reading
Read in Culture Smart: Kenya, Chapter 4, p. 88-89
Security is a top priority in Kenya. Do not be surprised to see armed guard at mall entrances or grocery store entrances. Do not be surprised if guards sweep your vehicle prior to entering a parking lot. Police will often set up check points on highways. And you will not be allowed to stand in front of a bank for more than 30 seconds unless you have business there. This is the high price of poverty in Kenya—and the norm of daily life when cash transactions and travel are involved.
Nairobi is a large city with all of the signs of business prosperity and economic growth. But this growth is not available to all Kenyans. The majority of Kenyans aspire to a greater life through education and hard work. But most of them will never achieve this goal.
Devotional Thought
Traveling in new places requires a departure from our comfort zones. New sights, sounds, and smells permeate the air. It is evident in Kenya the minute you step off the plane. Air conditioning is absent from almost every building in Kenya, replaced by open air venues and a temperate climate. Noting that government regulations on pollution are meager and rarely followed, one will find a blend of fresh air and roasted meet with the toxicity of smog, smoke from burning trash, and sewer waste. Of course, we are used to our West Texas mix of dust, natural fertilizer, landfills, local grilling, and the occasional rain—so we have our own local “air fresheners” as well. But there is no mistaking the moment. You are in a different place. And your body is on high alert.
The high alert phase is a normal defense mechanism—and it should be honored and respected. But we also need to know that our Kenyan hosts will be very aware of what is normal and what is a threat. You will notice many ways that Kenyans provide security: metal gates with security boxes; bars over windows—or metal doors that cover windows; security houses and fences; barbed-wire and razor wire around fences; armed security forces in public places; broken class attached to the top of concrete fences; an occasional guard dog (Kenyans do not like dogs, generally speaking). Personal gun ownership is not a thing in Kenya. Public disturbances are rare due to the reserved nature of the people—and most disturbances can be traced to alcohol or drug abuse. Public gatherings and marches are common—and mostly peaceful.
As a culture that values hospitality, Kenyans are highly invested in our safety and would be greatly shamed should any harm come to us. We can trust that our hosts have our best interests in mind, and we should listen to their recommendations on travel, food, and social interactions. They are the cultural and social authorities—and we are honored guests. This requires humility and the ability to listen. But these two skills will also keep us safe within the plan that God has provided for our trip.
Thus, we must keep in mind the following.
Our Western know-how will not always get us to the right answers in Kenya. But God’s spiritual leadership will fill in the gaps.
Our power is not based on our politics or national identity, but on our humility and willingness to take on the culture of our hosts.
Our safety resides in our relationships with our hosts. God has provided these relationships, and these are the people that we depend on.
We operate in faith. We trust that God has placed us with the right hosts. We trust our hosts because they are God’s chosen leaders—and they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Reflection and Prayer
Pray for peace and protection as we travel into unfamiliar circumstances.
Pray for the plans of our hosts—that they will be uninterrupted and unhindered.
Pray for our humility and flexibility.
Pray that our preparation will be useful regardless of the circumstances we encounter.
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