Saturday, the 21st, we journeyed to Jason and Lisa Hovingh's home located in Malewa, about 45 minutes NW of Kijabe. This is a beautiful area of Kenya as photos is future posts will show. As we experienced many adventures on this trip, too many to include in one posting, I'll start with the Christmas Church Service hosted by J & L.
Upon arriving at the Hovingh's, we unpacked our belongings in the guest house which I will show you in a later episode. Then we set to work because the next day, Sunday, the 22nd, Jason and Lisa were expecting approximately 100+ people from their church for the morning Christmas service. We see here Ian doing some last minute grass trimming by pushing a classic hand powered lawn mower. I told Ian that purists in America maintain this type of mower is the best for cutting grass. I think he still would have preferred an engine powered machine.
Rows of chairs were set up in the yard to accommodate the church goers the next day. There is an interesting story behind these chairs. They were donated by a Hindu man in memory of a family member to Jason and Lisa's church to be used in the youth center. Jason said to me, "I love it when God uses non-believers to help Christians." Praise the Lord!
Sunday morning, members and attendees of the Naivasha International Church descended upon the Hovingh residence. A capacity crowd was present for the service as seen at the left. This was the seventh year that Jason and Lisa opened their home and yard to the church for the Christmas Service.
The service began with traditional Christmas carols accompanied by the "Kijabe Karolers". From left to right: Megan, Claire Murphy (who is three and therefore only practiced), Heather Murphy, Ryan Murphy, Ryan Dahlman, Lyndsey, and Jeff. This group was formed just a couple of days before their debut appearance. Thanks to technology: computers, iPads, music apps, etc. and good ole fashioned last minute rehearsing, the team performed well and the service began on a good "note".
The children's sermon was presented by Kim Arensen, in the red top. She is the wife of Shel Arensen, seated in the front row right wearing the safari hat. He is the editor of "Old Africa" magazine which publishes photos and stories from East Africa's past. I thoroughly enjoy reading this magazine and purchase as many issues as are available whenever we come to Kenya. Kim's message dealt with the many Biblical prophecies foretelling the coming of the Messiah. The children participated by reading selected scripture and placing related symbols on a piece of flannel.
The main message was given by Birney Mascher, pastor, of the church. He presented an interesting three point sermon. (Even ministers in Kenya give "3 point" messages. This must be an international phenomenon.) Birney's parents started the church in Naivasha. I enjoyed talking to Birney very much. His parents are German; his wife is British; and he has spent a lot of time in Canada. Missionaries are truly international individuals.
At the conclusion of the service, the "Kijabe Karolers" closed with a couple of traditional Christmas songs and then Jason dismissed the congregation with a word of prayer and a blessing for the food to follow. People had brought a smorgasbord of food to share with one another. Jason had grills available including an open pit fire for the cooking of a variety of meat brought by the congregants. Fellowship is always special around good food.
The grill in the background is an old fashioned barrel grill made from a 55 gallon drum. The grill in the right foreground is a massive 5 burner Kenmore grill. The grill master dressed in the red shirt is Kevin Smith, a missionary who lives near Jason and Lisa and is an RVA graduate. He bought the grill on sale in the States and then had it shipped in a crate bound for other missionaries in Kenya. He converted it to use Kenyan propane and regulators. He transports it on a trailer along some of the roughest roads I've ever seen.
Here church members form two lines on either side of a table groaning under the weight of delicious foods that would be the envy of any State-side church potluck. The Christmas spirit was evident throughout the morning and most of the afternoon. The Naivasha Interntional Church is a growing church reaching out to the citizens of Naivasha with the Gospel of Christ. This Christmas service and dinner afterwards is one way to encourage people to visit the church and, hopefully, become involved. This day, some individuals came who had been newly attending the church. Pray that they will continue and experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
As I look over these pictures taken Sunday a.m. and p.m., the 22nd of December, I can't help but think of the contrast between the weather here and that in the States. Sun here and ice and snowstorms in the Midwest, especially Michigan. And yet the enthusiasm of the season is not diminished no matter what the surroundings. God came to earth to offer those beings created in His image the Way, the Truth, and the Life. By Grace we are offered salvation from our sins. This gift is FREE. All we have to do is choose to receive it.
Enjoy your celebration of Boxing Day. No one really knows what the origin of Boxing Day really is. All most people who do celebrate it know is that this day extends their work holiday. If you are Canadian, this is your "Black Friday". Since Kenya was once a British colony, Boxing Day is celebrated here. No matter where you are, use this day to continue celebrating family.
From Malewa ... there is more to come.
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