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 3^rd 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.