Be Still and Know...

"The Lord says, "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in all the earth." ~Psalm 46:10

This scripture was in our devotional for today and it was rather fitting. This verse used to frustrate me because I have a very hard time being still, just ask anyone who knows me. But that's because I made it about me and only focused on the "be still" part of the verse and not on what follows which is an exaltation of God while I am still.

Today, there were times while we were digging a trench for a wall that I could have gotten frustrated. We took a long break and a longer lunch simply because that is what the foreman told us to do. They take the time to take breaks. Myself, Margie, and Jennifer (who are part of our team) were digging a trench along the fence line and we began talking with Samson who is one of our drivers this week. Samson did not have to work with us but he chose to and I am so glad that he did. He began explaining the language in Kenya. He told us there were 42 tribal languages that were spoken in Kenya but Swahili is the language that everyone knows and that is the way people communicate. For instance, when Kenyan people trade in the marketplace they usually will speak in Swahili because it is the common language. He then began to teach us some Swahili words. I asked for the Swahili words for the primary tools we were using: an ax, a shovel, and a machete. In case you were wondering the Swahili word for ax is shoka, shovel is kijiko, and machete is ponga. We really enjoyed these conversations with Samson and learned a great deal from him.

Later in the afternoon a doctoral student named Raj came to help us dig the trench. He is here on a medical trip. He is originally from India and is currently a medical student in Galveston. Between digging, as we were taking breaks, we talked about how how we ended up where we were. We probably talked for about 30-45 minutes while we were working and taking breaks. We even found we had a commonality, he grew up in Beaumont and I met my wife in Beaumont. So the place is special to both of us for different reasons.

A reflection question in our devotion today was: did you have a still moment today when you exalted God? I did. As I took one short breather late this afternoon and Raj began to work, I was silent and simply thanked God for today. Neither Samson or Raj had to be there working-they chose to work and for that I am thankful. They gave of their time and came to work because they wanted to help out. My day would have not been as fruitful if not for the two of them. I am grateful that God put them in the same place as me today to fulfilling a greater purpose then digging a trench to build a wall. I hope that they are able to come back and help tomorrow.

Have you had a still moment today when you have exalted God? If not I encourage you to do so now. If you have had a still moment with God today, having another one can't hurt...

Peace,

Kevin

Building an AIDS Orphan Home

"What good is it, brothers and sisters, if you have faith, but do not have works?"~James 2:14

Today we began work on an AIDS orphan home here in Maua, Kenya. The home is for two young people living with AIDS named Alfred (who is 15) and his 18 year old sister. Alfred helped with the building of his home with us today by carrying lumber and working on the frames of the trusses for the house. We have a foreman named Charles, who is directing our Kenya mission team on the worksite. He's awesome and trimmed a board with a machete which initially caught me off guard but actually was a better cut than four pastors could manage. And yes, I'm being serious-toward the end of the day four of us pastors had a hand in cutting one board and it wasn't a straight cut. So the answer to the question: "how many pastors does it take to saw a board" the answer is four. Charles directed myself, Corey, Eric, Greg, and Harrell in the building of the two room 10X20 home. Our team from the West District will continue to rotate throughout the week and I believe all thirteen of us will have a hand in the building of the home. Charles had a crew with him to help including a young girl named Elizabeth (who we called Queen Elizabeth) working very hard today. I am quite certain that this crew could build the home much quicker without our help. We could have just donated the money for the home and left it at that, but that's not really the point.

Building the house together with the Kenyan people is so meaningful for everyone involved because it involves them and us working together despite the barriers between us. First, we are able to work together and build relationships. To start building those relationships we had to first work together. There was a language barrier but it didn't matter because we had a common goal that as Corey put it: "of simply doing what needed to be done. It's meaningful to me that Alfred wanted to help with the building of the house for him and his sister. He is investing in his own home, he didn't have to but he chose to. Second, I noticed today was that we (as Americans) followed the lead of the Kenyans (Charles and his crew). That's not something that we are accustomed to do often but I believe its a good practice. We followed and the Kenyans led because they had a better way that they are accustomed to within their culture. The Kenyan people build these homes (with our help) but the houses get built their way in a way that works for them. They take the lead and we follow. Erik said it reminded him that Christ came to serve and not to be served. We didn't do it our way, we did it the way the Kenyan people do it because we are here to be Christlike by serving others the way Christ served others.

I glanced over at the clothes on the table and noticed the shirt on top which reads: "I Am Second." I think that is fitting tonight. The statement means that Christ is first. Today that statement meant more because I was second to the Kenyan people because I needed to allow them to lead so I could follow. Their way in building this home is a better way of building a home for them, just like Christ's way is a better way for our lives which included service to others. I look forward to working throughout the rest of the week with Charles and his crew as we build the house together, serving together, and above all putting Christ first by serving. Today we worked on our faith by working with others. Our faith is not good enough when we choose to do it our way and not work with others.

Blessings,

Kevin

Not Your Typical Sunday

Today was such an amazing, wonderful, and inspiring day. Our team began the day by going to Stanley Gitari's church in Maua (MCK Athiru Gaiti Methodist Church) and hearing a powerful message about love. The pastor there was preaching his last sermon at the church and still made a point to deliver a message that involved us as visitors. The message was spoken in English and Swahili. I couldn't understand some of the words of the message because of the language barrier but it didn't matter because it was obvious how passionate both men were about delivering the message and translating that message for everyone present, Kenyans and Americans alike. The Holy Spirit truly was present in that worship space this morning. 

After having tea with some of the church members we went to the New Hope ECDE School to present them with a gift for a water well to be dug on their campus on behalf of the West District of the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. We were welcomed with open arms as they greeted us by walking towards us singing a song of welcome. We then all walked into the courtyard singing together. I was overwhelmed by their hospitality and the singing as we arrived. I have never seen such hospitality in my life. As I began to shoot a video of them walking towards us I got a little choked up because there was a child leading them. How fitting. I believe that I have heard that in the Bible somewhere...

"And a little child shall lead them." ~Isaiah 11:6

One of the smallest children at the school was leading other children and adults to welcome us. I loved how the child was leading the group to welcome us because it means that someone must have been showing her how to be welcoming. That gives me hope. The kids were so excited that they wanted to take pictures with the team. Some of them even knew what a selfie was and wanted to take selfies with our mission team to have on their own phones. It gave me hope because these children and all of these people did not see the color of our skin or where we were from. They simply saw that we came there to them and that we are all children of God. That gives me hope.

I hope that we can always strive to be as passionate about worship as the Kenyan people were today. I hope that we can be as welcoming each and every day as the Kenyan people were today. I hope that we can look past all of our differences and simply see every person as a beloved child of God.

Blessings,

Kevin

More Traveling Musings

Today was another day of travel within Kenya. It was a full day and I feel like most of us were tired after dinner and devotional but still some of us decided to go shopping for some souvenirs across the street from the hotel. We traveled inland from Nairobi to Maua where we will be for the rest of the week. A couple things really stuck out to me today as we traveled. First, everyone we came in contact with was very hospitable. We had three wonderful meals at three different places today and at each of them everyone was so nice and we tried new things at each meal. We even cleaned our hands before dinner with lemon and a hot towel which was a brand new experience for me. Second, everything from driving inland to Meru and Maua to our tour of an agricultural training center showed how resourceful the Kenyan people are. They make due with everything that they have so that they can make a living and provide for each other. It didn't seem like anything was wasted. We saw numerous donkeys, cows, and goats throughout our travels today assisting the people with agricultural needs. We then had lunch at the Meru Methodist Bio-Intensive Agriculture Training Center where they grow their own crops while training others.

I think we can learn a lesson from this, that lesson is simply that we can be more resourceful by not wasting what we have which includes the land that we are called to take care of by God. And we can be hospitable towards others. I feel like this blog post should be a bit longer but like I said, it's been a long day.

Blessings,

Kevin

Traveling to Kenya

Traveling to Kenya involved spending almost 24 hours on an airplane and in airports. We were told that it would not be easy and it wasn't. It was cramped, the person behind me repeatedly kicked my seat, I got very restless while we were on the airplane but at least I got to watch a few movies, and then we were jam packed into a minivan with luggage to go to the Methodist Resort and Conference Centre for a few hours of sleep. All this to say that it was not comfortable, and maybe that's the point and will be the biggest takeaway for me from the day of travel. I am so used to being comfortable with everything I have that I don't think enough about those who don't have the comforts and blessings that I have. That is a big reason that I wanted to go on this pilgrimage (that's what it is called on the front of our trip devotional guide).

I gave up many comforts to be here such as being away from my family, my two churches, the comfort of my own bed, etc. This trip would not have been possible for me without the support of my family, friends, churches, and the mission team who have supported me financially and through support and prayer. I cannot say thank you enough but please know how much it means to me. I am especially grateful to kathy for taking a leap of faith and stepping outside her own comfort zone to allow me to go.

Often times God calls us to get out of our comfort zone to do what we are called to do. I do know that I will be out of my comfort zone while I am here just by the simple fact that I am away from my family. I know that this trip will change the way I look at things in my own life as well as in the life of others. On top of telling me to bring home a six foot tall carved wooden giraffe as a carry on, my friend Ben (aka Batman) told me that I should go into this trip with an open mind with no expectations other than to listen to what God has to say to me. I don't know exactly what that will be or how that will happen but I am excited knowing that God will speak to me through this experience.

Blessings,
Kevin

Some People Test the Jesus in Me

I saw a shirt this summer that said: Some People Test the Jesus in Me. I thought it was hilarious and showed it to Kathy and her response was something like-you can't wear that. I thought to myself that not only could I wear it but I could wear it at church and there was a good sermon message in that statement. So Kathy made me the shirt and I preached about that statement a couple of weeks ago. Here are some thoughts from that message.

Some people irritate each of us in certain ways. Some people who are punctual get frustrated when others don't respect other peoples time. People who are hard workers get frustrated with those who do the bare minimum just to get by. Others get frustrated when someone spends 1/3 of the time on a seminary paper and gets a better grade. All of these examples apply to me from time to time. We all have that person who tests are patience and gets on our nerves more than others. That person who does things differently that makes us shake our head, roll our eyes, grit our teeth, or clench our fists. When people frustrate me it tests my ability to be nice.

Well what if someone tested Jesus? How would He respond? There's a story in Matthew 15:21-28 where Jesus is tested:

From there Jesus went to the regions of Tyre and Sidon. A canaanite woman from those territories came out and shouted, "Show we mercy, Son of David. My daughter is suffering terribly from demon possession." But he didn't respond to her at all. His disciples came and urged him, "Send her away; she keeps shouting out after us." Jesus replied, "I've been sent only to the lost sheep, the people of Israel. But she knelt before him and said, "Lord, help me." He replied, "It is not good to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord. But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall off their masters' table. Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith. It will be just as you wish." And right then her daughter was healed.

Jesus does not seem to respond in a way I typically view Jesus. First, he ignores her cries for help. Second, he says his message is only for the Lost sheep of Israel. Third, he uses a metaphor and tells her that food for the children should not be thrown to the dogs. The women is marginalized and Jesus doesn't seem to have time for her, is dismissive, and insults her. So what do I do with this? At first glance Jesus' response is troubling and brings up troubling questions. Was Jesus having a bad day? Was Jesus being rude? Was Jesus simply in a hurry to get to where he was planning on going? Or was Jesus testing the woman's faith?

But further thinking, study, and discussion allows this text to help my understanding of Jesus and strengthen my faith. First, it shows me the humanity of Jesus. I think if someone was shouting at me I would at first ignore them and then probably try and walk away as fast as I could without even hearing them. I would probably respond in a similar way to how Jesus responds here. Second, this text helps me because Jesus responds in a way that I would not expect and today Jesus does not always come through in the way that we expect. Honest reflection and questions help to strengthen us as disciples of Christ. Perhaps this was a reminder in Jesus' ministry about the gospel message being for everyone. Maybe a reminder to the disciples (who wanted to send the woman away). Or maybe a reminder to Jesus himself about his own gospel.

We all have people who test us and who try our patience. It's going to happen. It's not important that others test us but it is important how we ultimately respond. Ultimately, Jesus responded with grace, mercy, and compassion. How will you respond when people "test" you?

Grace & Peace
Kevin

Jesus Took Naps. Be Like Jesus!!

I saw a shirt online that said: Jesus Takes Naps. Be Like Jesus. I thought to myself: Wow, I want to be like Jesus and I like to take naps too. What are the odds? I often take naps on Sunday afternoons after preaching simply to refresh my body. But what exactly does napping have to do with Jesus? I would venture to say that when we are asked what we can do to be like Jesus that very few people would say that the way to be like Jesus is to take naps. We know about Jesus retreating to places for solitude and talking about the importance of Sabbath but specifically about Jesus napping? Well naturally I had to research this idea. At the bottom of the shirt I saw there was a bible verse-Mark 4:38

But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, "Teacher, don't you care that we're drowning?"

This verse is in the middle of the story where Jesus calms the storm. But why is Jesus napping? Shouldn't Jesus be more concerned with what is going on? It's helpful to look at the context of what is going on here. Jesus has spent the day explaining that parables are about God's kingdom. Among the parables he has shared are the parable about the lamp (about everything that is hidden must be revealed), the parable of the sower (scattering seeds so that some will take root), and the parable of the mustard seed (the smallest seed becomes the biggest plant). So to this point Jesus has had a long day. And now, him and the disciples are going to get into a boat and head to the other side of the lake where Jesus will speak to the Gentiles. So I think it is safe to say that Jesus has earned a nap not only for what he has done but also for what he will do later in the day.

So we get to the point where Jesus is in the boat napping while a storm rages. And you have the disciples wake him up asking if he "cares that we're drowning?" So Jesus gets up and says:

"Silence! Be Still!" The wind settled down and there was great calm. Jesus asked them, "Why are you frightened? Don't you have faith yet?"

Hmmm. The disciples are anxious and are worried about "drowning" and Jesus simply calms the storm. Then he asks about their faith. Perhaps this drowning is not only about drowning in the boat but also about the disciples drowning spiritually. They are "drowning" because they don't have the necessary faith...yet. Often we have storms in our lives, in our communities, in our nation, and in our world. As humans I believe there is a tendency to become anxious much like the disciples. But we must have faith. A faith that allow us to be calm in the midst of life's storms. Something that is sometimes quite difficult today with everything going on around us. Just this last weekend we had another mass shooting, this time in a small church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. And then two days later TCU was on lockdown due to an armed person on campus. Both of these events gave me anxiety because I serve two small churches in Texas and I attend TCU. But even in times like these, faithful discipleship requires us to be like Jesus. Jesus calming the storm reminds me that we should strive to be calm in stressful and anxious situations. The fears and anxieties we have need not consume us. They need not paralyze us. There are things to be fearful and anxious about. We can very easily exist in a state of constant anxiety or we can have faith and be aware that Jesus is with us in that boat. We can remember that Jesus is able to calm the storm and if we put our faith in Jesus we can  have peace in anxious situations because Jesus gives us that peace. So we can be like Jesus by being calm.

When anxiety and fear come your way how will you respond? Will you respond with anxiety like the disciples? Or will you respond with the calm of Jesus?

Grace & Peace
Kevin