Today was a great day! However, the story may not be what you expect to hear. The day began with a celebration and dedication of the Samburu Jesus Film. Local pastors, government officials, a retired member of the Kenyan parliament, and the commanding police officer for the Samburu District were in attendance.
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| Samburu women's choir performs at the morning celebration and dedication |
Although the weather was beautiful all day, as we drove to the soccer stadium the clouds began to grow dark. While waiting for the sun to go down, it began to rain lightly. The rains let up for the film to begin, but shortly thereafter, steady rains returned. As it rained, between 100-200 people gathered under the stadium canopy.
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| Film goers under the canopy at the soccer stadium |
The rains continued. After about 45 minutes of the film, the equipment became too wet to continue the film. The announcement was made to the crowd that the film will be shown in Maralal at a later time. However, before we dismissed, those in attendance were given the opportunity to pray and receive Christ. At the conclusion of the prayer, seven people made a decision to follow Christ!
"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:7
Rain is considered a blessing by the Samburu people. Tonight's showing of the Samburu Jesus Film was only the first showing...but it is by no means the last. Tomorrow we will attend the premiere at the Lare Oibor Church. May the rains we saw tonight foreshadow the blessings of God yet to come for the Samburu people.
"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55: 10-11
Praise God for new family members! What an awesome testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit at work in peoples' lives!
ReplyDeleteBe strong and courageous. Do not fear for the Lord your God will be with you wherever (and whenever) you go.
ReplyDeleteDo not be discouraged by this turn of events. It can be easy on these trips to have expectations and then have them thwarted (at least in our mind). But...He is still on His throne. He is still in control. Just continue to be the vessel that He works through. Miracles are happening and will continue! Praying for tonight. The body here loves you and is lifting you all up. Sing praises...just like Paul and Silas. Bars (or rain) could not contain the Spirit through them either.
Heather