Scripture Reading
Romans 12:1-2. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Philippians 2:14-17. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Culture Reading
Read in Culture Smart: Kenya, Chapter 4, p. 88-97
Kenyans understand the term “Sacrifice.” They are expected to put family first, community first, church first, and Kenya first. They are very much as “We” culture rather than an “I” culture.
They are graceful in their approach to benevolence and giving. If someone receives a blessings or windfall profit from produce or job, they are expected to immediately share the benefit with their family, clan, and close friends. Because of this, there is very little surplus. Life is truly day to day.
There are many ways that status is measured. Older communities value family size (both children and wives). Those who live in the more culturally-diverse cities see value in Western materialism, education, and land ownership (even if it is just a personal “space” in an apartment).
Devotional Thought
During one of my three week teaching stints with Wayland Baptist University, I came to realize how much my students had to sacrifice to get an education. They would have to take 3 weeks away from work and family. They would have to manage affairs in their churches and family from a great distance. Many would have to pay for travel to and from the education location in order to sustain their local congregations. And most of them were part-time pastors who worked other multiple jobs. Most of the students would arrive on faith, hoping that the money for school fees would show up. And more often than not—it did arrive. But many students were also forced to miss classes and even drop the program due to a lack of fees.
This is typical of most Kenyans who attempt to break out of their personal life cycle. They face significant road blocks to overcome generational poverty while attempting to move from agriculturally-based incomes to technology-based urban work centers. Education is a significant way for Kenyans to move forward. Unfortunately, many Kenyans will fight to get through secondary school only to find that they cannot find jobs to pay off their debts. Kenyans will work tirelessly to find the next pay check. But many are wondering if the struggle is worth it.
The Kenyan culture is quite resilient, and many Christian pastors and leaders represent this character trait well. They work tirelessly to represent the Gospel to their people, preparing sermons and teaching lessons while touching the lives of people throughout their towns and villages. Their tenacity is amazing. Their faith is undefeatable. Their hope is sure. These are the amazing leaders with whom we will be walking and working. They need us to hear their stories and strengthen their faith. We need to hear their stories and be inspired by their drive and sacrifice.
Reflection and Prayer
Pray for God’s provision for EPIK ministry, Imani Baptist Church in Limuru, and Russell Academy in Nairobi.
ray for our teachers and pastors who will participate in our various trainings. Pray for safe travel. Pray family and jobs left behind during training times.
Pray for the basic needs of the conference: the EPIK team and their travel; food expenses; printing costs; costs for the host church; those who will be sacrificing time to participate and lead in the conference.
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