JAMBO ! (HELLO) - KENYA TRIP 2013
“Habari ?” (How are
you ?) – “Misuri” (I’m fine !)
One impression you will leave Africa with is feeling well-greeted.
As a visitor, you will be welcomed in the homes and churches of Kenya with open
arms. Life in Kenya ususally dictates that there are no commitments so
demanding as to disregard a formal introduction and welcoming process. Such was
the case for our team from BroomTree International, as we embarked on our “seed
planting trip” in September 2013. Perhaps you are wondering, though, what is
BroomTree ?
WHO WE ARE
BroomTree International is a Christian ministry that is
dedicated to “serving the faithful servants” of Kenya and beyond. The ministry
idea was conceived by a group of likeminded individuals and a prayer team with
close connections to Kenya and also The Village Church. Today BroomTree’s
office is located in Bartonville, Texas and led by director Jim Spoonts. The
trip taken in September was the 3rd BroomTree trip of this year.
Because my Landman’s office (at Payson Petroleum) is located near BroomTree’s,
I got the special priviledge this year of knowing Jim and the missional heart of
the BroomTree team. This summer I was invited to go to Kenya on the September
trip! Including myself, the September trip team members were Jim Spoonts, Tim
and Dede Wint, and Dawson Russell.
BroomTree’s team also consists of the “faithful servants” we
partner with. 4 Kenyan pastors, named John Korir, Nelson Rugut, Isaac Munji and
Timothy Ledama are on-the-ground administrators of the BroomTree strategy. What
an awesome opportunity it was to meet and spend time with these men of God !
WHAT WE DID
Part of the Kenyan strategy is to assist the local church in
making disciples. While Kenya is one of the most heavily evangelized countries
of Africa, true discipleship in the Word and gospel-centric teaching is sorely
needed. In the election violence of 2007, some Kenyans had to flee the western
regions (including the city of Eldoret) because of inter-tribal conflict. Sadly,
the church did not escape this conflict either, with even some of those that
worshipped at the same church together becoming oppressors of one another. Thankfully
today Kenya is in a season of relief from tribalism, which has opened a door
for reconciliation.
BroomTree’s September trip focused on helping Kenyans plant
seeds of the gospel in order to “jump-start” the disciple making process. One
tool we presented to the churches we visited was the Bible story-telling
method. Many people in the remote areas of Loitoktok, Pokot, and Mt. Elgon are
illiterate. Therefore handing out tracts or bibles is not an effective method
of evangelism. On the other hand, story telling is a powerful medium for all
people, even the illiterate, to use to tell their neighbors about Christ. On
our 3 official ministry days, Wednesday Oct 2- Friday Oct 4, our BroomTree team
members demonstrated the story-telling method and trained the churches on how
to use it. In the Pokot region churches, Tim Wint covered the entire redemptive
history of the Bible in 10 stories. Dede Wint told the story of Adam and the
creation narrative (Genesis 2). I told the story of Jesus and the Possessed man
(Mark 5:1-20). It was amazing to see the excitement in the eyes of the churches
as they realized the power they could wield using this method ! On Friday, we
had special favor from the Lord to have a great experience. After the
story-telling, 8 people professed faith in Jesus Christ for the first time.
Pray for those 8 people, including 5 older men/village elders, that they would
grow in the knowledge and joy of the Lord!
WHAT I LEARNED
Fellowshipping (as the Kenyans often call it) or “Hanging
out” (in my vernacular) with believers in Christ from another culture is truly
a wonderful priviledge ! It is practice for a future date, when all tribes,
tongues, and nations will worship at the feet of Jesus together. I had several
people express concern for our safety on this trip due to the recent terrorism
in Nairobi. While prayers for safety are never unwelcomed, one thing I hope is
that this trip serves as a catalyst for loving the church in Africa and all
over the world - even in the face of disconcerting events. God works all things
“to the counci of his will”! I encourage people to read Bob Mendonsa’s article
on the “illusion of safety” and the Westgate mall attack: http://naomisvillage.org/outside-the-glass/
Bob is the director of Naomi’s Village, an orphanage in Kenya which we got to
visit on the trip. They are great friends of BroomTree!
Lastly, I learned that God is at work in Kenya. As believer
is Christ it is our obligation, but more to the point, an honor to participate in the spread of the gospel
worldwide. God doesn’t need BroomTree or anyone else to bring more people into
his kingdom. But it is an adventure and an incredible experience to be a part
of. I am thankful for the many supporters that allowed me to be part of this
trip & hope this update blesses you.
Love,
Jordan
P.S. Visit BroomTree’s website at thebroomtree.org
to find our more about the ministry.
