May 9, 2009

We were scheduled to visit Kora Station, one that I have not been to as of yet, for Sabbath services. After picking up Patrick, MDP Kajiado Coordinator, Ogoti, Ogecha and I headed down into the heat of the Rift Valley towards Magadi. Unfortunately, Patrick was used to traveling to the Kora station via another route. Thus we became lost in the bush with no road. We made a quick decision that since we were so close to Oldonoyoki station that we retrace our tracks and worship with our workers at that station.

Much to my surprise, the lay pastor and literacy teacher for this area had persevered and mobilized the community to built a tin structure for the church. It is not complete, it is dust and dirt floor, no windows and no doors, but it was shade from the sun. The no windows provided a breeze that swept through that was refreshing.

I took a picture of the grass structure they had been meeting in because there is no way I could describe it adequately. I will try to get a picture posted soon. It was so small that lay pastor, Joseph Risianoi had to bend over to stand up in it. They were surprised to see us and we were happy to see the evidence of their hard work. As we drove up literacy teacher Daniel Nkatito was teaching a class for the children and youth inside the grass structure. Inside the church structure, was lay pastor, Joseph Risianoi teaching a class for adults. It was our privilege to present Bibles in Ki-Maasai to those who had been recently baptized and also to those present who were in the current literacy program. Bibles were left for those that were not attending the church services.

The MDP workers with mischievous smiles on their faces,surprised Ogoti Kenani, MDP Administrator, announcing that he would sing a special song. Ogoti,was totally taken by surprise, but being a good sport, got up choosing a song in Ki-Kisii and had the MDP workers sing it along with him in Ki-Maasai. The people loved it.

Someone in the area had just lost a child, so they were mobilizing the people to go visit the family and take up a collection to buy some food for the family. This area has been heavily hit by drought and food and water is scarce in this remote area. My heart went out to each person there sacrificing for their neighbors. It is always encouraging to make surprise visits to MDP stations and see the fruits of the MDP workers. These young men are making a difference in their community.

I would like to encourage you to partner with us in a wonderful opportunity to support MDP workers. Workers that as yet do not have sponsors are shown on our web site. If you cannot fully sponsor a lay worker, you are welcome to partially sponsor what you are able. By sponsoring one of these workers, you will be making a difference not only for individuals but whole communities.

Jan Meharry
Founder/Executive Director
Maasai Development Project - www.4mdp.org
Help Give, Hope for Life - Hope in Life