I just wanted to post a quick blog to start the process of processing my upcoming trip to Kenya. We (myself and two buddies from church) leave June 10th and return around June 26th. God is good and has opened the door for me to return to Kilifi and visit old friends and encourage the Christians there.
One of the key cultural principles in Kenya, in fact its such a part of their culture that they put it in the official seal of the country (see above) is called HARAMBEE. It's the Swahili word that means "Let's Pull Together". It was traditionally used when men worked together to accomplish a huge task, much like we might chant "Heave, ho!" In modern times, it expressed an event that celebrates the community coming together to support a cause or special project. We often encountered them when people were building a church building or providing school fees for a student's higher education. I'm asking you to join with me in the spirit of HARAMBEE for my trip. God's provided the finances, but would you join in praying for us?
I'm not sure what God intends for this trip, I just feel like He's called me to go. Pray for guidance - that God will reveal himself and his purpose for our visit. Pray for our safety and pray for our families here. Pray that God will be glorified and his Kingdom lifted up through our travels.
Stay tuned for updates...
6 comments:
Can't wait to hear more!! I so wish that we were going with you! You'll have to take us another time. :)
We will continue to "harambee" with you in your journey with our prayers! ;) I love you!
Hi Gabe. Don't know if you remember me, Lynsey is one of my best friends from LCU. Just want you to know that I've enjoyed reading your blog. And also to tell you that I'll be praying for your trip and for Jill and Avery while you are away. I look forward to reading about your trip. God bless!
I'm glad you're back to blogland. It will be great to hear your adventures. Love you.
I'm sad I missed the Abernathy Harambee! Hope it went well last night! I can't believe you leave so soon...
Yea, i've read that one...I read it my Senior Year at LCU. It is a challenging read. Probably what was best for me was realizing how important it was to live out my faith bodily - what I mean by that is that the dichotomy that I used to place between my body and my soul began to disintigrate. The more I have learned about the historical development of Christianity the more I have come to see that the western view of our bodies and the importance of living out our faith in the here in now is very distorted and more platonistic than truly Christian. Instead of seeing today as preparation or qualification for heaven I see today as the place to embody my faith in the flesh to the fullest. Eternal Salvation has much more to do with participating in God's active and imminent presence in this world today than it does with trying to qualify for something else to come. Willard planted those seeds within me.
What stands out to you?
Blessings on your africa trip,
Robby
Glad you are back safely!!!! Not pressuring for an update ... seriously ... just wanted you to know that I am really looking forward to hearing how it all went. Love you!
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