Bwana Sifiwe? Amen!

Today was my first Sunday here in Kenya and I was invited to go to the Kosovo church which was started in Mathare simultaneously with Missions of Hope in 2000. The people were very friendly of course and the service actually didn't last as long as I was expecting but three hours is still longer than in the US. We had a good deal of praise and worship which was so good! People were dancing and shouting praises to God for his providence and sovereignty. Most of the songs were in Swahili, but some of the verses they would sing in English. I took a video, but for some reason it is not uploading so I will have to try again another time!

After a few long songs, there was a time of testimony were people would come up to the front and share how God had worked in their lives that week. They didn't translate this part which was very disappointing but after every couple sentences or so the person would ask, "Bwana Sifiwe?" or "Praise God?" and the crowd would answer, "Amen!" I was happy to at least take part in that!

One of the visiting teams had someone preach today and there was a translator for the congregation. He preached on hope and made a heartfelt connection with how even though we as Muzugus' (white people) are different from Africans, we still go through hardships and need the hope that Jesus brings. It was an uplifting message based on Mark 5.

An interesting thing happened during the service though. The main pastor, Pastor Joseph, came up to the front and called up another man to stand next to him. The young man was given the microphone and then proceeded to speak about a sin that he had committed and was confessing to. Pastor Joseph made it clear to the congregation that this was a serious subject and that they do not condone it at all, but he made a point to say that the church still welcomed this man to stay in the congregation offering forgiveness. We later found out this man was confessing to having an affair. I was a little surprised but then thankful for having the opportunity to experience what a biblical congregation looks like, not that mine at home is not haha. But confession is a discipline not practiced very often in the States which is sad because it strengthens and unifies the Body. Maybe that is why our churches are falling apart so often...hmm.

Well Kosovo is also a school, so I explored a little bit and went upstairs. This allowed me to get a good view of Mathare, at least in that area. Here are some photos showing the shanty houses.

I have a few more days of orientation before I get to settle into some specific department, so we will see how all that goes! I hope you all enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and I am praying it is a relaxing one for you. God is so good to give us rest :)