The same, not different

The same – not different

One of the tenets of Christianity is all human kind is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Repeated throughout the Bible, it is particularly underscored in Jesus life and teaching, and throughout the New Testament.  Jesus constantly reverses the cultural tendency to erect walls of disparity between people groups such as men and women, rich and poor, saint and sinner.  The apostle Paul followed his lead and states clearly that God’s intention for the world is a place where “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female for you are all one.” (Galatians 3:28)

Living in a country where the color of your skin is different than the majority of the population is a reminder that being one or ‘all the same’ does not equate to looking alike. The beauty of humanity is our diversity.  Our skin color, abilities, talents, language, preferences, and personalities are delightfully contrasting. The world might be pretty boring without it. Morris often tells the story of visiting a supermarket in Kakamega last year. He was browsing around the store, when a little hand gently touched his arm. It was a young boy about three or four years old. Morris greeted him with “hello little one” and the boy shyly scurried off. Within a few minutes, the boy returned and without any exchange of words, reached out again to feel Morris’s arm. Another smile and off he ran. Morris thought ‘my, the children are very friendly here’.   Then, after a third return ‘touch’, Morris thought 'perhaps this is the first time this boy has seen a mzungu (white man).' There was a good chance the boy wanted to know if this different colored person felt the same as he did! Since then we’ve had several occasions where little children want to feel the touch of our skin or our hair and it always brings laughter and a chance to say “see, we’re just like you”!

Imagine the peace and prosperity our world would have if everyone valued that “What unites us is much greater than what divides us” (Pope John XXIII). I believe the desire of God is to eliminate, as much as we are able, the human tendency to think that our variances detach or dissect us. To focus on the differences between people, rather than the similarities has potential to accelerate superiority and inferiority. Superiority is the inclination to see oneself as better than another and inferiority to see yourself as someone less than. This is where the seeds of power struggles are birthed and likely why we live in a world of enemies and conflict, war and inequality, oppression and poverty.

As much as I love many things about The Salvation Army, I must confess that I also think of this challenge with our denominational quasi-military hierarchical structure. There has been (and perhaps still can be), the danger of considering someone of a higher rank to be superior not only in a supervisory role but in value or accomplishment. In a conversation with an officer some time ago, Morris was asked “What do I need to do to get promoted?” The officer wasn’t referring to the required responsibilities of completing certain courses to move from the rank of Lieutenant to Captain or Captain to Major. It was about what he should do to one day become a Divisional Commander or a Chief Secretary because by attaining those positions you would be ‘arriving’. Morris diverted the dialogue to a focus on the essence of our service having nothing to do with status, position, or rank. We are called to be servant leaders who follow Jesus example. “Whoever wants to be great must be a servant of all” (Matthew 20:28)

There have been occasions through the years when Morris and I have been part of gatherings where separation was evident.  One example is being seated at a head table and served in a contrasting way from the rest of the group.  Or the time we arrived at a youth workers event and were ushered to a room to have lunch with the facilitators instead of lining up with the delegates. We asked if we could queue up to connect with the participants and find out what they had learned at the seminar. It made so much more sense in that situation and we were so glad we did.  

Any opportunity we have to help reduce barriers between us can increase mutual respect and equality. It will never be perfect and I fully acknowledge the occasions when we have supervisory responsibilities.  However,  the goal of inclusiveness can get better if we look for intentional situations where we can reverse the impulse to be separate and nurture what it means to be ‘the same’.  We are all fallen people in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. We stand on level ground in the eyes of our Creator. If we are truly meant to reflect Him, then surely this vision of egalitarianism must also be ours.  Neither our abilities or our inabilities or our disabilities define us so neither should that divide us.

The belief in Jesus Christ as both a personal Saviour and the world’s Saviour is to understand Christ’s role in bringing us together (reconciliation). The Cross was (and is) the way of restoring the brokenness between God and humanity and by extension, the brokenness existing between humanity. No wonder Jesus simplified what it means to be a Christian – to love God and love each other. Jesus death and sacrifice is the causeway that connects us. Christian faith breaks down the barriers between us (Ephesians 2:14) and gives us the responsibility to be reconcilers too (2 Corinthians 5:18).

How do we find ways to intentionally connect and converse with people who are not exactly the same as we are? How do we do better at opening the doors of our home, our churches, our social groups, and our ‘on the street’ encounters and welcome into our lives the person who looks, talks, smells, or thinks differently than we do?

Recently someone told me about a gentleman who biked across Canada from June to September. In his travels, there were 11 different occasions when complete strangers he met along the way (some just in casual conversation in a coffee shop) invited him to spend the night at their house.  Risky? Maybe, but it was a risk that resulted in mutual comradery. In the last city he visited, Halifax, a Christian couple whom he did not know hosted him for three days where he received the warmest hospitality. “I ate some of the best fish in my life” he said with a big smile. He even joined them in a worship service, and this man was not of the same faith. A great example of looking beyond what divides us and embracing what unites us.

As I write this blog, I am conscious of so many heart wrenching examples where the opposite experience from the biker is occurring.  Discrimination, racism, and segregation sabotage the splendor of diversity.  The cruel attack on a Jewish synagogue in Pennsylvania last week, with 11 lives lost, and in Egypt where seven Coptic Christians were killed in an attack on two buses near a monastery are just two of those instances. Immigration and refugee situations also come to mind. We cannot solve every global social issue. Only God will reverse all evil but while we wait for that day, let's consider our best opportunities to respect, include, and embrace one another in every way we can. 

Morris and I have lived in Kenya for almost two years now. It is not always easy, but it has enlarged our understanding and appreciation of what it means to look beyond the divides and embrace the bridges.   

Preparing for the 'big guy'!

Blog #46 - Preparing for the big guy!

October 20 was Mashujaa Day in Kenya - Heroes’ Day!  It is a public national holiday honoring those who contributed to the struggle for Kenya’s independence (1963) and those who have positively shaped the post-independence of the country.  People honor how independence has enabled the country to provide better opportunities and living conditions for its residents. Heroes Day also acknowledges Kenyans who have made significant contributions in sports, education, medicine, and in other areas.

This year, the town where I live, Kakamega, celebrated the occasion in fine style.  The President, Uhuru  Kenyatta and his first lady, Margaret Kenyatta, came to town – along with the Deputy President, the opposition leader, and guest President of Namibia, Mr. Hage Geingob - quite the entourage for this rural place. The weekend festivities included a major celebration gathering at the new local arena where the President gave the keynote address.  In his speech, he declared unity to be the spirit of the Kenyan handshake which must be emulated across all sectors.  Traditional dancers and choirs  entertained the crowd and one of our Salvation Army Territorial leaders, Commissioner Grace Chepkurui, participated with prayer. An air show of fighter jets by the Kenya Air Force wowed the residents while tons of food vendors were a great attraction to those who congregated to see the big guy! The town likely swelled by thousands over the weekend.

Leading up to the event, concerted preparations were quite visible for several months.  Road repairs galore, the installation of literally hundreds of street lights, embedded floral in the round-a-bouts, significant additions of shelter/sun shade space to the stadium, and a new fountain in the centre of town helped beautify Kakamega’s community image.  Presumably all paid for by the national government. The increased military presence, heightened police security, tons of colorful national and municipal flags flying, and lots of rehearsals for community groups and schools were among the final details before the big day. Near the end, you could almost feel the panic of last minute arrangements in town. Ready or not, here he comes!

In many ways, the measures taken were an asset to the area. Better road conditions, bright lights for evening traffic and travelers, extra visitors, first hand exposure to government officials, and a more visually appealing municipal ambiance for any newcomers. The weekend generated additional revenue for local businesses and potentially highlighted Kakamega as a charming place to live in Kenya. Obviously, the upgrades had its limits and did not address lots of other social and community needs. Some wondered if the large number of erected street lights could possibly have an adverse effect if electricity costs to run these lights propel a surge in power costs for the ordinary consumer.  (Perhaps not all the lights will be turned on after the holiday event). In any case, preparing for the country’s President has definitely been a rigorous and resolute labour intensive attempt to impress political dignitaries and will likely be the talk of the town for quite some time.

Observing this hustle and bustle begged a reflection for me about the coming of another prominent figure, a dignitary of a different sort, Jesus.  In the Christian faith, we believe that one day our ‘big guy’ will come (again) to town. (Please don’t mistake this light-hearted description of Jesus as sacrilegious or disrespectful).  The Bible teaches us that the promise of Christ when he ascended to Heaven following his resurrection was his eminent return. In John 14:3, Jesus promised “If I go … (and he did go), I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  Some years later, the apostle Paul wrote in one of his letters “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” (I Thess. 5:16-17)

One of the differences between the coming of Jesus and the appearance of a prominent political leader is we will not be fore warned about the actual time & date. As a matter of fact, “in an hour when you least expect it, the Son of God will come back – like a thief in the night.” (Matt. 24:44) Our preparation days won’t be just for two weeks or two months.  More truthfully, it's every day. We do not have a date for Jesus return, though the bible does describe the kind of times we may be living in: “days of wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6). Sound familiar?  Question is, how do we ‘get ready’ for an arrival of such great magnitude that it makes the President coming to town seem mundane and inconsequential? I think it means we need to pay careful attention to how we live - every day.

Following Paul’s prediction of Christ's return, he gives us some pretty good advice while we wait. Various phrases from 1 Thess. 5:6-11 encourage us to  “be alert … be self-controlled, put on faith and love as a shield, and the hope of salvation as a protective headdress ... encourage one another and build each other up.” Preparing to meet Jesus, whether at his official return to earth or the day when we die, is about putting into practice what He told us to do – love God and love others. Believe in and receive the gift of salvation. Then follow His example in how we treat people, including every effort to stand against evil and injustice. In other words, let’s expend our energy beyond what can be seen on the outside. Let’s do more than just embellish our image. Let's find ways to make a real difference.  Don’t be self-centred. Be aware (alert) to the reality of people around you (neighbors) and those across the globe. Put your faith into action.  

Notably, this is NOT about impressing Christ, for none of our ‘good works’ earn us a place at the table being prepared for our eternal feasting. Faith alone in the unmerited grace of God is the only way into His presence. It is not an outward beautifying effort. It is a preparation that begins (and ends) in the heart and translates into a living, active faith.

In many ways, I am grateful that the coming back of Jesus is an unknown day. If I was given a date when I would leave this world or the date when Jesus would show up on my door step, would I potentially be as frantic as the hired workers I’ve seen in Kakamega the past two weeks? Would I be scurrying against the clock to ensure everything in my life was ‘in place’? Would I be panicking about what I had left undone? Maybe - though I'm sure I would not get it just right.  Instead, because his return is an unexpected one, I get a new opportunity, a fresh chance, every day to carefully and prayerfully prepare my heart and live my life in honor of His grace to me.

Ready or not, He’s coming.

Karibu (welcome) to Kakamega! 

Prep work - by hand

Crowds at the stadium - some like the lime light!

Celebrate Kenya!

Artistic flare! 

And the dignitaries ...

Coaching and cultivating

Blog #45

Coaching and cultivating – envisioning a better future

Words are so often contextual. Meanings vary depending on setting or circumstance. The word ‘coaching’ has its most familiar framework in sports.  Individual athletes and sports teams depend highly on effective coaching for success.  (Okay, hockey fans in Canada, perhaps the Toronto Maple Leafs still have that hope!).  About ten years ago, Morris and I welcomed a new context for this word, attaching it to being a leader. We quickly resonated with the principles, values, and theory of coaching and have sought to emulate it in our leadership.  We haven’t perfected it but still pursue it.

The other word for today is ‘cultivating’.  Without much difficulty, common images are growing, gardening, or farming, though it can apply elsewhere - in education, relationships, or even finances. In my current setting, the default for this word is quite natural. Living in rural Africa, cultivating is seen constantly since farming is the inherent livelihood for most.  Recently, I considered the congruency between coaching and cultivating.  Both, I believe, are rooted (no pun intended) in the forward movement of a better future.

When harvest season happens in Kenya, hundreds (maybe thousands) of acres of maize (corn) are cultivated. Maize is the basis for a staple food – ugali.  Maize is planted in March or April and usually harvested in October.  The investment of sowing the grain commences the annual practice of producing what is needed to feed families and generate revenue. Without it, their future may be bleak.

To redeem a quality crop, cultivating is quite a process.  It begins with choosing the right kind of seed, one not easily destroyed by insects. The seeds are planted in straight rows about two feet apart with fertilizer sprinkled to stimulate productivity. Once the plants grow to about knee height, weeding happens, discarding all that hinders maximum gain. Following a second topping of fertilizer, and if weather conditions are favorable, in a few months the green cobs turn brown and are ready to be cut. After grouping the stalks in bundles for quick drying, the kernels are peeled from the cobs and laid out on a flat surface to dry for two weeks, followed by tedious shelling, until only the maize seeds remain for grinding into flour. Finally the flour is bagged into 90 kilo sacks and ready for home and the market. Every year the farmers must care for their crops properly to ensure a fertile harvest. 

Recently Morris and I did some lectures at the Officers Training College on leader coaching. On our drive home, peering past miles of farmland, I contemplated the similarities between coaching and cultivating. Coaching is a style of leadership that involves building trust, creating an honest awareness of your current reality, and making necessary adjustments to redeem a better future.  Carol MacKinnon and Susan Wright define it as “the process of getting to know both yourself and other(s), establishing a relationship of mutual trust and awareness for the purpose of working together to reach a common goal” (Leader Alchemy).  Coaching begins with an investment (a cultivation of sorts) in yourself first and then developing others to accomplish goals (or mission) for something bigger than self-interest. For spiritual leaders, it is an investment for the purpose of seeing God’s Kingdom come (grow) on earth as it is in Heaven – the prayer and passion of Jesus.  Others using this approach can also find personal or organizational applications.

So how are coaching and cultivating similar? When local farmers start tilling soil and planting seeds, a trust commences.  To start with, they believe the ground to be fertile in ‘receiving’ what’s being embedded. A unique relationship emerges between the farmer and the soil, perhaps similar to fisherman and the ocean or miners and the underground.  Farmers also need trust in the atmospheric environment – the right balance of sun and rain.  Yet, truth is, the weather is not dependable. Too much rain washes away the crops prematurely and long periods of drought saps the crops nutrients. To add to that, if they haven’t chosen the right seeds or if they have failed to weed properly, these variables can adversely affect the results and the needed source of life for their families.  Simply put, farmers cannot depend on nature alone.  The process needs their regular attention.  

In leader coaching, if people are being led towards a better future, they should be able to trust the person or the organization they are following.  Realistically, people can find themselves embedded in a culture that has taken for granted the faith others have in them (the natural ground).   However, when rains of doubt or uncertainty fall too heavily or if a drought of dependability occurs, or if regular attention to what is integral has been neglected, trust can be marred or even severed with rebuilding required. Trust must be created. It is not automatically dependable ground. Transparency and accountability, honesty and integrity, as well as being reliable and approachable are foundational values which leaders (and others) want to sow and give regular attention. These seeds of character need cultivating.  And whereas some external conditions in farming like weather patterns are not predictable or controllable, perhaps our behaviors ought to be. Jesus said “Let your light so shine before people that they see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

When my untrained farming eye first started gazing at large fields of maize, I was impressed.  What a great harvest! After some time, however, I discovered there was something even better going on, something else was growing in between the rows of the tall corn stalks that I didn’t see. Beans had been planted in the gaps, enabling farmers to reap not just one crop, but two. While the corn is hovering high, beans are being produced closer to the ground. Optimal use of the field is happening!  (And by the way, I’ve tasted the beans here - they are quite yummy and provide great protein too.)

One of the goals for leading as a coach is to identify and help fill in the gaps of what is missing in the culture being created, for the purpose of an improved future. It’s easy sometimes to see all that’s good and miss some prime opportunities.  The former Salvation Army General, Andre Cox, reminded us that we cannot depend on our past successes, no matter how great they appear to be. There are still gaps missing.  Filling the gaps in churches and also in our individual lives (whether we are leaders or not), means becoming aware of what can be better, admitting what we have possibly overlooked, and exploring the prospects of a forward movement or a better direction. This requires a combined effort with lots of helpful and loving support. Leadership is not a solo sport and we can always accomplish more together than alone. The cultivating process farmers use is not done by one person.  There’s too much to do and too much at stake.

When crops yield a productive harvest, I’ve seen how happy people are. Conversations in the tea room at the office or with the locals on the street are naturally more jovial when the farming year has been a good one. Everyone benefits - families, the economy, the church and the community. The process has been worthwhile when all contributing factors are working in the same direction and goals are accomplished.  If however the conditions have not been favorable and the results are less than what was imagined, I also see that the farmer doesn’t give up.  If a crop has failed or is poor, the farmer must examine the reason why and commit to a change for the following year.  Was something neglected? What changes are required for better results? What can be done differently? And of course, acknowledging what was uncontrollable (like the weather).  Instead of yielding to despair, new commitments (alternative actions) can ensure progress.  Before long, there is a new year ahead! Another opportunity and fresh space to adjust, regroup, learn, and plant again.

In leader coaching, as we build trust through healthy relationships and focus on common goals, we gain traction in moving beyond resistance (our own or what is in others) and discover together new possibilities for more favorable outcomes.  Commitments and helpful support will enable us to set our sights on the fields around us which are “white unto harvest”, knowing that nothing is wasted when we are leaning and growing.

Coaching and cultivating may have an array of meanings for different people. For me, they are opportunities for wise investments, developing something beyond ourselves, and foreseeing greater takeaways!   On this Canadian Thanksgiving Day, among many reasons for gratitude, the ability to learn, improve and grow is definitely on my list.

3000 Strong - Women's Congress

With firewood & pots, mattresses, basins and soap, bags of flour, cooking oil, vegetables, and luggage filled with pretty dresses and uniforms – and their Bibles – 3000 women arrived for the Congress.  We reached the school grounds to find the ladies carrying heavy loads on their heads and with no hesitation, setting up make shift kitchens around the compound. The excitement was building for this long awaited spiritual retreat. They had traveled from the deep interior, from villages and mountains, in buses and matatus, on motor bikes and on foot.  The Turkana group voyaged for 18 hours and they wouldn’t miss it!

The early birds landed a dormitory bunk while others found sleeping space on the concrete classroom floors of the Mudavadi Girls Secondary School.  A hint of panic set in when there was an obvious overflow of delegates. Extra tents were quickly ordered and before long the green grass became the additional sleeping space, a nocturnal crib under the stars. Despite some minor complaining, none of these ‘inconveniences’ tarnished the ladies’ eagerness and expectancy.  For many, it was their ‘vacation of the year’ filled with sunrise to sunset dancing, singing, worship, and prayer – plus lots of fun and laughter.  Like many such events around the globe, women love being together. It’s in our DNA. This scene was no exception. The ear to ear smiles and their never ending energy for ‘moving to the music’ spoke volumes of their vigour to be together for hours of praise and thanksgiving to God.  Our two guests from The Salvation Army US Southern Territory, Commissioner Barbara Howell and Major Brenda Raymer, were immediately thrilled to meet and mingle with the ladies. Soon they too were dancing the African way. Warm welcomes and ‘join us’ are never in short supply for visitors!  

The messages and teaching supported the theme “Women Serving Christ Positively”. It was quite appropriate that Major Brenda reminded us to ‘pause’ this weekend and hear God speak. The days sped quickly, moving from times of worship and Bible study to limitless presentations of gospel dance, choir, drama, timbrels and poems along with life lessons about women’s health, parenting skills and child development, and a tutorial on uniform wearing.  The highlight for many, including myself, was our final session on Sunday morning.  Commissioner Barbara shared stories of several women in the Bible whose godly influence was effective despite their imperfect circumstances. It germinated our thinking about the influence we can have on our families and communities. She declared the truth that the measure of our worth is not found in the opinion of others but in whose we are and “if we belong to God, our influence is about what matters in His kingdom”, she said.  Covering her head with a crimson scarf, and mobilizing herself around the field, she relayed the story of the woman who was full of shame and despised by her village because of a bleeding condition that was out of her control. “After a very long time of enduring feelings of disgrace, this woman’s dignity was finally restored when she reached out, desperate yet determined, to touch Christ” Barbara reminded us.  She beat the odds in her life to “walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7) and found herself empowered by God’s healing spirit. The application - this can be our story too. Many of us may battle with shame and personal worth. Sometimes our circumstances defeat us.  The woman in Matthew 9 is a great example of how faith in Christ can restore our value and release the inner beauty, strength, and compassion within us which can overflow to the lives of others.  As Barbara knelt on the grass, allowing the head scarf to slowly drop to her shoulders, she invited the women to come before God, without any fear of hiding.  "With full confidence of His grace and courage to believe that His Spirit can help us, we are invited to Jesus."  Hundreds of women walked onto the field, kneeling humbly in prayer. We came together - in one accord - to confess our need of God’s help to serve from the inside out with godly impact and influence.  Loud murmurs of heart felt prayer filled the field as Commissioner Grace prayed fervently over the seeking crowd. These days were so worth it. 

Events like this are not always easy to measure in terms of impact. It is never only about what happens during the time together but perhaps more importantly, it is about how it propels us forward. What difference will this gathering make for these women personally? What impact will it have in their family life, in the church and the community? While sharing in corporate worship, praying together, and learning new truths are great blessings in the moment and well worth the planning, we long to know that deep and meaningful effects have truly taken root and will bloom with a fragrance that touches many lives in the days ahead. Some of these we will never know but others will be quite evident in the local setting. For this we now pray. 

I am very grateful to have been part of this event.  It was energizing to glimpse the traditional expressions of exalting God with voices and motion. Sometimes I had to catch my breath after joining them for a gospel dance!  It was enriching to hear God’s Word spoken with clarity and truth.  It was defining to remember the commonality of our spiritual needs as we internalized the message spoken.   When we waved good bye on Sunday afternoon, I was jolted within as I acknowledged that normal every-day life for some of these women is far from easy and some of them returned to challenges that may burst their bubbles very quickly. I prayed for God’s protection against any situations which could potentially harm any of them in body, mind, or soul. I continue to pray and hope for support and on the ground partnering to help these women find courage to overcome any circumstances that may rob them of their joy in places where they may be quite vulnerable. I pray for justice and mercy. I pray for a daring obedience for each one of them, and for myself, to follow God in ways that will translate into better lives and generational good.

God bless the women of Kenya.

Here are a few of the hundreds of pictures taken over this weekend!

Arrival & Settling in

Our Guests

Two TPWM's

Translators are such gems!

Commissioner Grace welcomes the crowd!

And the dancing begins ...

DDWM from Turkana in her native dress

I love meeting little girls :) 

Timbrels 

She can't keep still :)

An amazing crowd!

The District officers who hosted us.

They do not hesitate to pray 

I'm tryin'!! 

And it's Sunday morning ... 

Taking the salute to 3000 women takes time. 

Brenda's last Bible Study 

Sunday morning sermon

A stirring moment

Love this image of Barbara clasping hands with one of the ladies as we all pray together. 

And when it's all over, he's always there ... 

Inspired

Blog #42   Inspired

Over the past week, Morris and I have found ourselves deeply inspired by several people and experiences. On Wednesday, our staff said farewell to two officers who are being transferred. Captain Nancy Zazi is assuming the role of Finance Secretary and her husband, Captain Fredrick Zazi, will be the Assistant Projects Officer in the Malawi Territory.  These competent and passionate officers will contribute much in their first ‘away from home’ appointment, beyond just their skills.  Captain Nancy shared with me how besides fulfilling her Finance appointment in Malawi, she wants to “find at least ten children and start a Sunday School!”   I have witnessed Nancy’s passion for God’s Word, her gift of teaching, and her heart for mission. She is a humble, genuine, and intelligent leader.   In her farewell words, she left three thoughts with her colleagues, perhaps unexpected for the occasion but truly thought provoking.

1.       Just because you think you’re right doesn’t mean you are right

2.       Don’t trust your mouth when your heart is bitter

3.       I am so, so grateful to The Salvation Army for all they have given me - especially a house that has floor tiles, water, and electricity.

We won't soon forget these honest and straight forward words. As I listened to her third comment, I was personally challenged to deepen my thankfulness.

On Thursday morning, we left our compound very early for a field excursion. We love visiting remote areas of the Territory to see the Army engaged in the isolated or far-off places.  One of the District leaders arranged to take us on a tour of part of his area, including one corps located high on the slopes of Mount Elgon, bordering Uganda. We were eager for the adventure.  On route that morning, however, we received a message that saddened us. One of our dear friends, Max Porter, had died. At the age of 88, this energetic, kind, ‘young at heart’ man, still engaged in his accounting business, had taken a stroke in early July. His recovery did not go well and to the regret of his loving family, he passed away. But Max did not leave this earth or us unaffected. His positive influence was wide spread across Newfoundland - in church, community, and with his business associates. Our friendship with Max began as corps officers at Grand Falls Citadel. He was a faithful encourager in our ministry and an unofficial mentor to Morris. Max had a keen mind, particularly in the fields of business and music. His active music days were mostly behind him when we met, but his contribution to effective business strategies remained.  He offered his finance skills as a helpful support to the corps. He was wise and jovial and cared about others. Max had a gift of focusing attention away from himself and onto you whenever you were chatting. (I hope I always nurture Max-type conversations).   There was no ‘fluff’ with Max but he sure knew how to make you laugh.  Max helped the corps face a challenging fiscal reality and prepare for a better desired future.  “Let’s face the situation we have and move forward in the best way possible” Max would say. We won’t ever forget that or him. The tears that fell on Thursday and the reflections Morris and I have shared about this kind man in the past few days are evidence of a life which inspired us.

We continued our journey that day to our first destination - a steep drive up the mountain. The view was spectacular, miles and miles of rich fertile land strewn along the slopes with endless acres of maize, vegetables, and coffee crops growing.  We climbed higher and higher over a rough, twisty, narrow terrain, driving sometimes within what seemed like inches from the edge of the road. Our four wheel drive vehicle was a blessing and a bit of a contrast to the local modes of transportation maneuvering alongside us - motorbikes, tractors towing trailers, and donkeys.

The breath taking scenery captured our gaze til we reached the summit to find Kebee Corps, and two Salvation Army sponsored schools in the adjoining compound. The corps building was a semi-permanent structure with an unfinished floor and walls made of stone and wire mesh, held together with mud on the inside and the exterior covered with plaster.  A small group of Salvationists and the corps officer gathered to greet us. These faithful few were keeping the flag flying and the mission moving in this faraway place, in spite of many deficiencies.  We shared some time listening to their reality, praying for their encouragement, and thanked them for their commitment and faithfulness. Insisting on a group photo before we left, we knew they were happy to see visitors. The schools next door welcomed us to greet the students, parents, and teachers. It was the day before their school break.  The high school was celebrating their first year to have a graduating class, a worthwhile achievement for the area.  Devoted soldiers of the Army and several hundred beautiful energetic pupils with potential and hope for a brighter future warmed our hearts on that mountain. 

After a couple hours in Kebee, we descended the mountain to visit more joyful and loyal Salvationists who met us with contagious enthusiasm. Singing, drums, tambourines, and dancing are never in short supply! We were thrilled to hear stories of how the church is growing and impacting their communities in some of these out-of-the-way areas whose life and ministry is often in less than ideal circumstances.  In my heart I pray that the joy of serving God and my faith in Him will never be hinged on personal comfort or perfect circumstances.  We were reminded that day that The Salvation Army is so wide spread in many obscure places, sharing the truth of the gospel and influencing both the current and next generation with a message of the love of God. We are so grateful that we have the privilege of seeing this up close.

Our inspiring week continues. On Friday, The Salvation Army welcomed a new international leader – General Brian Peddle. We have known this man for many years and have a deep respect for him and Commissioner Rosalie.  We have seen how congruent their private and public lives are since our days of being Cadets in the same city where they were Corps Officers.  They have remained committed and competent leaders with a passion for the mission of the Army.  They are not faultless. They are ordinary, though gift, people with a deep personal faith in God who will lead with purpose and sincerity. They inspire us.

Morris and I ended our week at the Rondo Retreat Centre, a haven in the Kakamega rain forest. Rondo was initially established to provide solace and refreshing especially for Christian missionaries and continues as a faith based business.  For us, it is a place to nurture a rhythm of rest and reflection.  Besides losing ourselves in some great reading over the weekend, we took a walk through a small section of the forest. The dense and tangled tall trees delighted our eyes, nose, and ears. The wide spread tree roots criss-crossing the narrow trails under our feet illustrate how deep roots of faith can propel lasting growth and enable you to withstand many changes and challenges. The fragrant smell of dark green foliage, both the decaying and new, remind us of the cycles of life that are intrinsic to all creation. The sweet hum and chirping of several species of birds gently denting the stillness of the forest was music to our ears.  We are inspired.

Thank you God for these days. 

Captain Nancy Zazi 

A few pics of the drive up the mountain 

The Corps at the top of the slopes 

Primary School kids love getting their picture taken

Couldn't resist posting this close up! :) 

High School students 

Kimobeli corps at the base of the mountain