New life in Kenya : 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