It has been a good few days at Kapsowar. Sunday we went to a local Kenyan church in the morning and then had bible study at the "station" in the evening. One of the long term missionaries here had just returned from a trip to Lebanon and shared stories of what God is doing in the Middle East. He shed tears as he recalled testimonies of the faith of those Christians in these war torn places filled with constant threats to their safety. For example, Christians in Syria are actually thanking God for what is happening in Syria...it seems impossible to thank God for something like that - but it is their faith in a sovereign God that allows them to praise God in the midst of extreme suffering. How humbling. It seems stretching for us to go to Africa for a month...then we meet families who are here for 2-13 years...then we meet a family who has been here 3 years and although they are due for furlough can't go back to the states as they are undergoing the process of adoption of a Kenyan boy whose mom died in this hospital right after he was born...then we hear of Christians and missionaries going to the Middle East and risking all for the cause of the gospel. My world is way too small, my trials so insignificant, my faith so lacking...yet, I thank God for opportunities like this to remind me of my narrow mind and His far reaching love. He is sovereign over all. Jeremy's brother, Wayne, sent us an email the other day with the words of a hymn which seemed so timely - the last verse...
This is my Father's world.
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!
As I see things "wrong" at home, here in Kenya or hear of even more "wrong" in the Middle East, I press on to remember that this is all my Father's world and because He is ruler, I can be glad.
I love the motto of Kapsowar hospital above. May God's grace be sufficient for all - and in our weakness, may His power be made perfect. Please pray for Jeremy tomorrow as he travels to and from Iten and has meetings regarding sports medicine there. Love to all - Christine.
PS - I know several of you may not be impressed with home made tortillas - but cooking from scratch is a real stretch for me and not many boxed kits or pre made food here :)
Thank you so much for your messages. When we think we have it tough, it is good to be reminded and humbled. Thank you for your family's work. Thank God for our blessed lives. Praying for all of you.
ReplyDeleteYour comments are very timely for me today. Thank you.
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