Preaching

On Sunday we had the opportunity to worship at a Maasai church out in the bush. It was one of the best experiences we have had in Kenya. The church was down in the Rift Valley about 3 hours away from our home. Jason had the privilege of preaching at the church. It was his first time preaching with an interpreter as almost no one at the church spoke English.

The service was long by American standards (we left at 7:30 AM and got home at 6:30 PM - that was with only 1 service, they asked us to stay and have an afternoon service with them, but we weren't able to). The service was filled with much singing and dancing. The church building is in the middle of nowhere, everyone walks to church. There are very few trees and plants near the church and everything that grows there is covered in thorns. The "road" leading to the church is guarded by a "fence" of thorn bushes. There is no electricity in the area, but they do have a battery to power a microphone and a piano. The building is made of sheet metal, and most of the seats are plastic chairs and rough wooden benches.

After the service, we greeted everyone outside of the building. Jason was given a beaded necklace by one of the ladies, and Nicole was given a beaded ring. The Maasai greet children by touching the tops of their heads, all of us really enjoyed this. Lexi was the first kid most of them had seen with long blond hair. The children spent a lot time stroking her hair and feeling her skin. Both Lexi and Nate handled all of the "hands-on" attention very well, and made some friends.

After the service we ate lunch with the pastor at his home. We were very honored and humbled by his kindness. We had red beans, goat meat, and chapatis. (Lexi and Nate decided they don't like goat meat - but everyone loves chapatis and read beans!)

The area is very hot and dry most of the year, and desperately needs rain. Water is scarce, and a very precious commodity. Many of the Maasai's cows have died, and carcasses were everywhere. We were able to help take corn meal (for Ugali) and sugar to help those in need. We have too many pictures to show here, but will post a few. It was an opportunity we will never forget, and are so grateful for the memories.