“Now this is eternal life: that they may KNOW you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3

Often when American teams come to serve with us in Kenya, they make statements like, “Wow, the Kenyans seem to know God so much more than we do. I wish I had a faith like theirs.” And it’s true – many of the Kenyans do know God in a totally different way. Throughout this summer, the question that has been stirring in my heart is: Do I really KNOW God? Do I know HIM, or do I mostly know a lot ABOUT Him? My prayer has been to see God’s face and to know Him intimately for who He really is. With all my heart, I want to know HIM. And today I got to experience a miracle in answer to this prayer.

One of the reasons the people here know God so well is that they are desperate for Him. They live in situations where they have no where to turn but Him. He is truly their only Hope. And so they come to know Him in a way that only the desperate can. Today I became one of the desperate and I met Him there as well...

As Americans, we rarely find ourselves in situations where God is our only answer and hope. If your child gets sick, yes, you can pray, but if nothing happens, you can go to your medicine cabinet, or the doctor or even hospital if needed. There are other options if God “doesn’t come through.” If you lose your job, you can almost always at least get some type of job (even if it’s at McDonalds), and if even that isn’t available, there is welfare, and as a last resort soup kitchens so at least you and your children won’t starve to death. The point is: there are options other than God to help you in your situation. If prayer doesn’t work at first, it’s not the end of the world. But here where there is no welfare, soup kitchens, or even menial jobs, families find themselves sitting in an empty hut (they don’t have a table to sit around), literally praying for God to bring manna from heaven so they don’t starve.

Today, in a small way, I understood the kind of prayers they must pray. I arrived to Nairobi this afternoon; my time in Kipkaren is over and tomorrow I fly out for Bangkok, then Thailand, and then New Zealand for the rest of my travels. I have been communicating with the friends and ministries I will be visiting in those places, but haven’t had a chance to write down all their contact info and make sure all my connections and everything are set. So I sat down at my computer this afternoon to work on all this, only to find that it was completely dead. It was totally gone – it wouldn’t even charge when plugged into the wall. I think the airline must have dropped it somehow when I was flying to Nairobi. I tried everything I could think of for ½ hour and finally gave up in tears. What was I going to do? I didn’t have a single contact number or e-mail for any of the people in Thailand or Cambodia, and didn’t even know the name of the guest house I was supposed to take a taxi to when I arrived. And the only place that info was stored was on my lifeless computer (I don’t have an e-mail that you can get to from other computers – my computer is the only place I can access my outlook from).

Completely defeated, I sank to my knees on the floor of the my room and cried out to God. Lord, you are my only hope right now – if you don’t come through, I’m going to arrive in Bangkok tomorrow with no clue where to go or how to contact anyone. I will be completely lost in a foreign country. I needed a miracle; only a miracle would do. And I as I asked for a miracle, for God to restore life to my computer, I sensed He was leading me into an opportunity to get to know Him in a totally new way. Sometimes it’s so hard to serve overseas as a single girl. I often feel vulnerable and alone with no husband to help me navigate (I have a horrible sense of direction), help make logistical arrangements (this always stresses me out), protect me, and fix things like a broken computer. Would God really come through as my “Husband” in this situation? Could I trust Him to come through for me? Is He really enough? As I prayed, He assured me that indeed He IS enough, and He IS able to care, guide, and provide for my every need.

I remembered a sermon my Dad preached here where he said, “We should get excited about problems, because you only get to witness a miracle if you start with a problem. We’ll never witness miracles without problems.” And so I began to get excited. I want to see miracles – not for the sake of the miracle, but because I want to see my God in action and truly get to know Him and His character and power. I read one of my favorite stories in 2 Chronicles 20 (read it!) and cried out with Johasaphat, “Lord, I am powerless to fight against this vast army that is attacking me. I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on you.” And then I worshipped like the Israelites for the victory I knew He would bring. Worshipping, and claiming Mark 11:24 “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours,” I asked God to restore life to my computer and walked over to my computer in faith waiting to watch its lights come on. And sure enough, they DID! Tears of disbelief and joy started pouring down my face as I witnessed this miracle and watched my God come through for me. I didn’t even touch the computer- the lights just came on and it came to life right in front of me – it was amazing!

As I was crying in disbelief, God whispered, “Kierra, why are you so surprised? This was nothing. Did you really think that fixing a broken computer was too hard for me? Oh, how little you know me. Come on, next time ask me for something big. I’m so much bigger than you realize – come and know me for who I really am.”

Today I got a glimpse of the God the Kenyans know. And I can’t wait to continue on this journey of knowing Him more. It may mean more “problems” and desperate situations, but if those circumstances lead me to the King, then so be it. Anything to see His face and KNOW Him – “For this is eternal (abundant) life, that we might KNOW Him, the One true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent.” John 17:3.

The God of so much more...

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably MORE than all we can ask or imagine, according to His work within us, to Him be the glory… (Ephesians 3:20)

Well, the God of “so much more” has been at it again in my life. For all those feeling discouraged today about things not working out the way you thought they would, let me encourage you that God’s plans truly are so much better than our own. I’m really learning that every time MY plans get canceled here, it’s because God has something so much better in store (sometimes I have to wait a while to find out what He’s up to, but it’s always incredible). So, here’s my latest story…(sorry it’s a bit long)

I was planning to go to Uganda for 3 days with some Kenyan friends this past week, but at the last minute they realized their passports had expired and we couldn’t go. I knew God must have something else planned for those 3 days, but had no idea what. And boy did he ever! I was sitting at lunch sharing with our director about how God has been stirring up a passion for unreached people in my heart these past 8 months. (By “unreached”, I mean people who have never had a chance to hear the good news of Christ, never heard the name Jesus, have no Bible in their language, and no church to go to for answers). He recommended spending some time with his friends who have been serving among an unreached tribe in Northern Kenya for the past 12 years. I said I would love to. He called them right then and there and they said, “Can you travel tomorrow? We have a car driving up tomorrow and you can hitch a ride with them (it’s about a 10 hour BUMPY drive up to Lodwar where they live). We’re taking a team out to the bush for two days and you’re welcome to come join!” I said I was up for it and then had 2 hours to pack and prepare to leave at 6:45am the next morning.

And what an adventure it was! I got to make the 10 hour drive with an incredible lady who has been serving among the Turkana for the past 11 years. It was so fun to hear her stories of all the struggles, joys, and victories of her time there. Then I arrived to Lodwar where I got to stay in the home of Greg and Mindy Yost (12-year missionaries to the area), along with 10 other Pioneers Missionaries who were doing a scouting trip to the area (Pioneers is another missions agency that sends people to unreached areas all over the world). I was so blessed to sit around the dinner table with this amazing group of people and hear miracle story after miracle story of how God is bringing people into a life-giving relationship with Him. We serve a MIGHTY God and I realized on this trip how much I limit Him and how small my faith is sometimes.

I learned about Diviners (witch doctors who control all the people) among the Turkana who received dreams from God telling them that a man was coming with a black book that had THE TRUTH in it and to look for him. I learned about the first churches being planted among these people as a missionary just read through the Bible with them as his text for learning the language. He started in Genesis, and by the time he got to Luke, they had already started 4 churches on their own without Him even knowing or providing any teaching yet. Simply from hearing the Word of God themselves, they knew this was the Truth, fell in love with God, and knew they had to start spreading the good news to others.

We actually only spent one day out in the “bush,” and it was quite an extreme experience. First of all, it was HOT! They said it was a cool spell, but 100 degrees didn’t feel like such a “cool” spell to me. Those of you who know me well know that I’m addicted to water and drink it non-stop, so the heat was a stretch for me. I kept chugging water the whole time, but still felt dehydrated most of the trip. We drove 2 hours into the middle of nowhere (no roads to follow, just desert sand, a few shrubs here and there, and lots of goats and camels). Finally we arrived to the “meeting tree” and held a biblestudy and prayer time for the many people who gathered. Then we all had a goat roast together over an open fire under the stars. And THEN, the drums started. It was pitch black out with the just the fire light and the most amazing stars I’ve ever seen in my life providing our light, and the drums signaled it was time for church! Church starts around 10:00pm and often goes through the entire night. There’s no building – the people just gather under the stars and jump, sing, testify, read God’s word, and pray together. It’s mostly jumping and singing with the other things thrown in every half hour or so. It was INCREDIBLE to worship God with these new believers in the middle of a desert land that has been controlled by Satan for thousands of years. It was an experience I will never forget, but by 1:00am I was ready to stop jumping (it was one of the best work-outs I’ve had in a long time). I think they stopped the service early for us Wazungu (white people) because they could tell we were fading. Finally, around 3:30am I fell into bed in my tent completely blown away at the gift of the day.

My heart was moved on this trip and I have an even greater desire to be out serving among the people of this world who have never had the chance to hear the gospel. I saw such a hunger for the Truth and knowledge of the One True God. Many villages in Turkana are now finding abundant, eternal life in God, but they are illiterate and cannot read the Bible for themselves yet. They are asking for people to come and read them the Word of God every day. They are so hungry for it and will do anything to hear God’s life-giving words each day. (They also told us that as long as someone reads the Bible to them, the demons can’t come and speak to them or torture them. But if they go 2 weeks without hearing the Word of God, the demons come back and torment their villages). Some of the saved Turkana are now going out as missionaries into Southern Sudan, Somalia, and Chad. They met one tribe in Southern Sudan who somehow obtained two cassettes of sermons in their language. The village gathers every day to listen to these two cassettes over and over again. It’s all they have of God’s word and they can’t get enough of it. The most prized supplies for the village are batteries so they can keep the cassette player running each day.

There is a suffering, lost world out there yearning to find the truth, and God has given us the commission to bring it to them. He’s waiting on us to bring his Hope to every tribe, tongue, and nation, and THEN the end will come (Matthew 24:14). He’s waiting on us; they’re waiting for us; what are WE waiting for? I was thinking about how hard it would be for me to move to an area that hot (where I have trouble thinking because I feel so dehydrated), where all they eat is goat meat (and I’m definitely NOT a meat person), and with huge spiders and scorpions combing the ground. But you know, the heat of northern Kenya is NOTHING compared the heat and torment of Hell, and it’s nothing compared to the cross that Christ went to for us. As followers of Christ, we are commanded to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” Are we really willing to do this? To deny ourselves, to leave our “airconditioned” comfortable lives to suffer a little 100 degree heat and a few scorpions so that others won’t have to suffer the flames and torture of Hell? “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12

Someone told a story in church today about a pig and chicken who wanted to help the starving people in their village. The chicken said, “I know, let’s provide a big breakfast for them of eggs and sausages!” The pig looked at the chicken and said, “Yes, it’s a good idea, but you only have to make a contribution by providing the eggs. I have to give my life to provide the sausages.” So many of us are content to be the chicken and simply make a contribution here and there that doesn’t really cost us much. But Christ calls us to be the pigs who are willing to literally lay down our lives for the suffering in this world.

I’m processing a lot right now and am really praying through where God is leading me next. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be to an unreached area, but I don’t know the details of how, when, or where yet. All I know is that my heart has been stirred deeply and I’m willing to go where He sends me. I’m learning about a bunch of different opportunities right now I would love your prayers as I continue to seek God’s guidance. And I pray that your heart is stirred to seek what He may be asking of you and the role He wants you to play in bringing His Hope to EVERY tribe, tongue, and nation.

Rejoicing and Morning

Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

This verse encapsulates the journey my heart has been on this week. It has traveled the gamut of rejoicing and mourning with those God has brought into my path these past few days. The roads I walk here are filled with both extremes - reminding me often of the surprising connection between the two: deep pain leading to a joy of the Lord that surpasses any earthly joy, great desperation leading to the only true Hope, and utter emptiness leading to complete fulfillment in the only One who can truly fill us. Let me share a bit of the mourning and rejoicing God allowed me to enter this week…

First, there is Pauline who Pastor Peter and I went to visit yesterday. We were actually on our way to visit someone else when he got word that Pauline was desperately calling for him (I’m so thankful for the way God continues to interrupt and change our plans here – truly, no day ever goes as I expect it to). As we arrived at the home, we found a very old, frail Gogo (grandma) groaning a bit as she leaned over on a bench, scraping saliva out of her mouth with a stick. My heart broke as I learned that her throat is swelling shut, her tongue is heavy and very hard to move, her mouth area is numb, and talking and swallowing are basically impossible. Because of this, she hasn’t been able to eat in weeks and is literally starving to death. Sometimes she manages to swallow a bit of water, but as we witnessed, she often chokes on it as she tries to swallow. The hunger pains are so bad that she has tied material around her stomach to try to ease them at least a little. And to add to it all, every bone, joint, and muscle in her body is in intense pain. My heart broke to see someone in such agony and tears filled my eyes as I silently mourned with one who was mourning. A light massage with some Tiger Balm for her aching muscles, and a heartfelt prayer were all we could offer at the time. We are working with her family to try to get her to a hospital tomorrow and will see if there’s anything the doctors can do. (She did stop her groaning for a minute as she broke into laughter after looking at the picture I took of her. I rejoiced to see her smile even for a few seconds).

Then there’s Lucy, who I met today. Pastor Peter and I were visiting one of our Samaritan ladies whose son was killed last week after being hit by a truck on his bicycle. We were already mourning with one family when a neighbor asked if we could please come look at a hurt girl. Entering a tiny shack in the slum, we met 9-year-old Lucy. Lucy’s mom is extremely sick with AIDS and has been in the hospital for the last few days. 5 days ago, Lucy was trying to cook for the family and spilled boiling water all over herself. She has third degree burns covering her entire stomach and arm. With no money in the house for transport or medical bills, Lucy has stayed in the shack for the past week in that condition. Unable to wear clothes because of the burns, she has just draped a piece of material over her bony frame. 50 cents would have paid for her transport to a clinic, but the 5 children in the family were unable to come up with even that meager amount. Again my heart broke for the desperateness of the situation. We prayed with all our hearts and then helped provide the transport and medical fees to bring her to the nearest clinic. Lucy lit up with one of the most beautiful smiles I’ve ever seen as we asked her if she wanted to go to the clinic, and my heart was touched beyond words as she snuggled her head into my neck to look at the picture we took together. I don’t know the road ahead of her, but God does and He cares and I pray he allows us to walk more of it with her.


But the week hasn’t been all mourning - there has been great rejoicing too. There’s Prisca, a pregnant single mom, who I was blessed to lead to the Lord on a home visit. I rejoiced that day, and rejoiced even more as she arrived to our training center a few days later to do a Bible-study with us. I am excited to watch God continue to transform her. Then there’s little 3-year-old Noah who received braces for his crooked legs last week from an American team. His legs have already made a huge improvement in just one week, and the tears of joy in his mom’s eyes as she testified to God’s goodness ushered me into a place of rejoicing beyond words. The list of victories goes on and on, but let me stop here for now.

My heart has been moved this week and I pray that yours has been also through these stories. As followers of Christ, we are called to truly enter the rejoicing and mourning of others. We cannot numbly sit by. I was challenged by a friend this week (who grew up as a street boy until he was rescued by a good Samaritan and met Christ) and I will leave you with the same challenge. It’s from Lamentaions 2:19: Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street.

Will we happily sit by in our lives of comfort while children faint from hunger at the head of every street, or will we choose to mourn with those who mourn, pouring out our hearts through the watches of the night for the lives of the suffering in this world? I’m not sure I know what it is to intercede throughout the night for the Paulines and Lucys of this world, but I desire to learn. Oh Jesus, please teach us what true love, compassion, and sacrifice look like.