Mud…recurrent theme of the April 2024 medical team trip to Il Kerin, Kenya! I lost count of how many times we were stuck in it or delayed by it. One day we were stuck again, but close enough to the clinic to walk the remaining mile or so through a back path, guided by some Kenyan companions.
Part of the way there, we were climbing a bleak hillside and came across some young children watching us. One of them appeared to have a scarred head and grime-covered face, possibly a developmentally challenged youngster in that remote community. After a few moments, we trudged on up the hill; it was a sobering reminder of how much we all take for granted in our comfortable first world lives.
BUT…Jesus was there. He was there in the beautiful feet (and hands) of my brother Kevin, kneeling in the dirt and trying to gently wipe away some of the debris on that precious face. He was there in the compassionate tears of my sisters Karen and Mindy. He was there in the Spirit-led response of my brother Brett to have us stop a little further on and stretch our hands back over that place in prayer and blessing. These are moments that I think will be seared on our memories forever.
Jesus was there also in the tireless efforts nearby of Pastor Bob, Samson, Peter (the Rock!) and others to get our vehicle unstuck, and otherwise keep us safe and provided for. And Jesus continues to be there…in the Kenyan pastor and his congregation who live and worship nearby, the same pastor/shepherd who (despite language barrier) knew that I needed help to stay on my feet in the mud, and would not let go of me. And He is there in the selfless efforts of the Kenyan medical staff who serve Him by reaching out in compassion to that community.
These children are not forgotten…they are precious in His sight.❤️
Part of the way there, we were climbing a bleak hillside and came across some young children watching us. One of them appeared to have a scarred head and grime-covered face, possibly a developmentally challenged youngster in that remote community. After a few moments, we trudged on up the hill; it was a sobering reminder of how much we all take for granted in our comfortable first world lives.
BUT…Jesus was there. He was there in the beautiful feet (and hands) of my brother Kevin, kneeling in the dirt and trying to gently wipe away some of the debris on that precious face. He was there in the compassionate tears of my sisters Karen and Mindy. He was there in the Spirit-led response of my brother Brett to have us stop a little further on and stretch our hands back over that place in prayer and blessing. These are moments that I think will be seared on our memories forever.
Jesus was there also in the tireless efforts nearby of Pastor Bob, Samson, Peter (the Rock!) and others to get our vehicle unstuck, and otherwise keep us safe and provided for. And Jesus continues to be there…in the Kenyan pastor and his congregation who live and worship nearby, the same pastor/shepherd who (despite language barrier) knew that I needed help to stay on my feet in the mud, and would not let go of me. And He is there in the selfless efforts of the Kenyan medical staff who serve Him by reaching out in compassion to that community.
These children are not forgotten…they are precious in His sight.❤️