The Kenyan team shared last night at church. They showed slides and brought the household items they had bought from the Pokot people. Each one that was there talked about why they went and what was significant to them. The downstairs room was full and our worldview and hearts became full as we heard about the life-changing experiences of the team. They want to go back. They want others to go back so they will understand. The poorest of the poor in America are rich compared to these folks. But they are wealthy in their love of God.
The Pokot people do not show affection towards their children. They try not to get attached because there is a great likelihood that their child will die before he/she reaches adulthood. If the mother gets attached, she would get depressed if she would lose her child, and the family would be in trouble. It is the woman who builds the house and gets the food. The men fight and hunt. Women have little value. Their value is measured in the number of goats or cattle that a man offers in exchange for them. The team showed affection to the children and the children responded. By the end of their week there, the parents were beginning to show affection to their children. They were beginning to see that love costs more but pays more too.
I have loved Africa for as long as I can remember. Perhaps it is because of my mother's missionary friends that would visit in our home. Most of them lived in Africa. I heard their stories and ate their food and my mother put their beautiful gifts on the mantel of our fireplace. I don't have to wait until "someday" to go. I can go now through my prayers and undergird those who are already there. John and Terry offer the Pokot's clean water, physically and spiritually. God give them strength and courage. God give them wisdom and love. God give them hope. God give them peace. God help them. You'll be glad You did.
No comments:
Post a Comment