Final Finish with a Frenzy

Thursday (5/22) was another day projected to be a "slow" day BUT some assumptions get one in trouble.  There were lots of phone calls and follow-ups from earlier in the week.  I took time to meet with Pastor Elias Agola about what Sunday services; both Elias and I felt better about the services once we explored the similarities and differences between PCEA and PCUSA lirurgies.

Friday (5/23)was a busy, significant day.   Just to remind readers, the Marietta congregation has a long-standing support for the Presbyterian University of East Africa [faculty detached house in 2001, tuition endowment fund 2002, various facility renovations 2003 - 2008].  Friday was a Board of Trustees and University Council luncheon (4 hours!) at the Fairview Hotel.  The meeting was to share the work of the BOT and it was a great report.  Over the last nine months, the BOT has organized itself and, today, announced the selection of the Vice Chancellor (really the CEO), Dr. Kihumbu Thairu, the current Chair, Kenya Commission for Higher Education (equivalent to Chancellor of the University System of GA).  This is a great landmark selection by the Search Committee announced to the whole BOT.  Now the way forward will have a pilot who is well qualified (physician, medical educator, WHO experienced, researcher) and well-experienced in University administration.  I sat by Dr Thairu at a three person table all during the dining portion of the meeting; he is a great conversationalist and has great stories.  He is an Elder in the PCEA and loves his church.

Friday evening (directly from the meeting) started at 5 p.m. with an African themed dinner.  Guests arrived in African dress and ate Kenyan food (roasted goat, beef stew, fruits and vegetables galore) up to the time "thirds!" were called for those who could hold it.  African dancers and music honored Dr. Melva Costen and her family for their nearly three decade support of the University dream.  The adult Costen children received African names in an elaborate ceremony.  

Saturday was the grand celebration of the first terms for the University.  The celebration began with worship at 10 a.m.   [short night!].   Then came the public review of accomplishments for this year, the public announcement of the new Vice Chancellor, and public announcement of the new Costen Endowment fund.  The theme of the meeting and luncheon [only 3 hours long] was the way forward into the future.  The PUEA is ready to offer a much needed post-secondary resource for Kenya.  Off from there to nap and review the sermon for Sunday.

My last Sunday found me preaching to a familiar Loresho congregation; many of the Elders offer active support to the University.  This is the congregation that hosted the 2006 youth Spring Break trip to Kenya.  It is a vibrant congregation with lots of youth.  A praise band supports the first service and half of that band supports the second service.  At the two services, Pastor Elias and I celebrated Communion, baptized 8 infants, and received  5 reaffirmations.   The first service was an hour and 40 minutes and the second was 2 hours and 30 minutes; both had my 20-minute sermon.

Monday morning gave me the opportunity to videotape an interview from the Board of Social Responsibility (BSR).  A printed report and a catalog of pictures will arrive via G.G. Gitahi; these will tell of an astonishing six months of human hatred and violence since the national elections.  The violence has stopped but there are tens of thousand of displaced persons who fear returning home.  To hear David and Patrick, two young professional BSR staff, relate the serious order of magnitude and consequences,  the BSR response, and the enormous task ahead, either leads one to tears and a little immobilized. 

All the assignments done, it was off to pack and go to the Nairobi airport.  I met a Kenya-based missionary, Dr. Salvador de la Torre, on the plane and we caught up with each other since we last saw each other last year in Louisville.  Salvador went on to New York from Amsterdam as I went on to Atlanta.

My flight was not very full and was the usual nap, read, eat, stretch, nap, read routine.  Now I have to adjust my body to the seven hours difference and edit six hours of video and hundreds of photos to tell many wonderful stories about:

hunger relief opportunities, Bible translation, Habitat builds in 2009, and the emerging University. 

Finishing

John Wells in front of the new Presbyterian University gate. 
G.G. Gitahi stands to the side of the PUEA Library and new sidewalks.
Dr. Melva Costen chats with the new PUEA Vice Chancellor, Dr. Kihumha Thairu.
The Loresho Church.
John Wells signs Communion Cards with Pastor Elias Agola and the acting Clerk of Session.

Picture Posting 2

Board of Social Responsibility Director Gibson Gichcuki shares beans and maize.
The Parish Church
The children, who by virtue of being there this Sunday, who are the children's choir.
The youth who led one-third of the music for the congregation.
The tea behind the church; the church is on one hill overlooking a river and the tea farm is on the other side of the river.

Picture Additions 1

The Habitat for Humanity Kenya National Office has just a simple sign.
HFHK National Director, Mark Wooding.
The Partnerships of many Bible translating groups located in one compound.
The BTL Director, Mundara Muturi, with a map of translation opportunities.
A photo of those who have had the food supply cut off and have come to a church compound for food.

Three Posts at Once

The internet speed is tough in comparison to U.S. capability. Our unit has been down since the seconday of my trip. I saved the following running summaries. Pics come when I have greater speed.
Saturday, May 17th, 2008
Nairobi Kenya
The trip from Georgia, USA, to Kenya was the usual uneventful experience, long and introducing the time change. Seated on the plane in Atlanta, turning the watch 6 hours ahead (4 U.S./10 Europe) and getting asleep around 2 a.m. European time somewhere over the Atlantic. On to Nairobi and adding an hour so that one is off by 7 hours and arriving at 7:30 p.m. Nairobi time (12:30 p.m. U.S.)
Wednesday starts slowly. The days and nights are almost equal, sunrise at 6:30 p.m. and sunset at 6:30 p.m. The first meeting was Wednesday afternoon at St Andrews Presbyterian Church in central Nairobi, seen as the largest Presbyterian church in Kenya. The Presbyterian University of East Africa Finance Committee met to plan the celebration of the first term for the University; the first 35 completed the this first term. Saturday, May 24th is to be a big celebration. Plans are exciting for that whole Friday, Saturday, and Sunday weekend.
Thursday was a great day as I was able to meet with Habitat for Humanity Kenya(HFHK) staff at the new national offices. I had been tasked by the Cobb Coalition to carry 25 of its 2008 tee-shirts. Mark Wooding and Ann Njuguna were glad to receive these and will give them to Habitat Affiliates and Chapters. I am returning with 20 of 2008 HFHK tees for the Cobb Coalition. In June 2008, HFHK will build its 3000th house; Cobb Coalition sponsored at least 1% of them!! HFHK is expanding its impact with three models: the traditional rural home construction, the home renewal/rehab, and, new, the urban village in Nairobi. There are many wonderful opportunities for the good partnership to continue and expand.
Friday was another great day taking me to the Bible Translation and Literacy Centre (BTL). BTL was where our missionaries, Steve and Kathy Womack, served from 2006 until 2008. The National Director, Mundura Muturi, and the Program Developer, Carol Kamau, led me through some exciting possibilities for FPC partnerships; Carol is developing specific proposals for our consideration. We celebrated the publication of the first Digo language New Testament, a work that took 20 years; prayers of thanks and prayers for the Holy Spirit to use the Word in this people’s language sealed our visit. Later Friday, I had a chance to visit several congregations around Nairobi.
On to worship this Sunday in the shadow of Mount Kenya.

MondayBlog519
Saturday was spent finishing the sermon on Romans 8 for the Kabutet congregation in Gatundu township. The town is located in the Central Providence about an hour north of Nairobi and is the lower tea-growing region. The congregation is composed of all Kikuyu tribal people.
Most (90%) speak English but, on Sunday, a teacher translated the sermon into Kikuyu; I tried to keep my language in short, declarative sentences. In the congregation were 16 senior high-aged youth who sat together and led the congregation in two songs and liturgical dances. There were about 30 children who sang, “I have decided to follow Jesus” (in English) for the congregation. The Women’s Guild sat separately from the men of the church. In the Kenyan tradition, the Vestry (of Elders and Deacons) sat in the chancel with me; at the proper time, the Vestry Chairman escorted me to the pulpit. Even in this simple, farming community church, the pulpit is a high pulpit at the right of the chancel; the Lord’s Table is the central chancel furniture. In the Kenyan fashion, a Vestry member summarized the sermon immediately after the preacher sits down; humbling, to say the least.
I had a chance to be with the children and youth following the service. The young children sang the service song again for the video. The youth allowed this “two left feet” Muzungu (white man) to dance the “Remember Zion” (in English) song with them; no smashed feet were encountered but the whole thing is on video. The children and youth posed for photographs and were interested to seeing the digital screen with their images.
The Vestry showed me the property surrounding the church buildings, now a worship building and a fellowship hall. The pastor for the church has 10 congregations and only preaches at Kabutet once every two months; the Vestry members preach on the other 7 or 8 Sundays. If the congregation can assure the long-term costs, the parish will be cut to 5 churches and a Manse will be built here to house the pastor. The Vestry has other plans for what is the largest tract of land in the current, and proposed, parish.
Following the survey of the property and bidding farewell to the after-church meeting of the Women’s Guild, we all met for lunch on a tea farm. I had the opportunity to pick tea the proper way. Imagine a plant about 30-36” high that looks like a medium leaf shrub in the U.S. The tea is picked from the tender new growth on the top of the shrub, the bud leave and the next two down the stem; I was told that the inspectors are most particular to look for old stems or old leaves. The tea packers pick up the tea daily to preserve the maximum flavor.
Sunday’s day ended with preliminary planning for Sunday’s service (5/24) back in Nairobi. The congregation’s theme of the month is on Christ and this Sunday is on the eternity of Christ, focusing on his existence before creation (Col. 1, Genesis 1, John 1). Pastor Elias and I will meet to decide on the prayers, Communion at the first service, and confirmation at the second service.
On Monday, I met with the Board of Social Responsibility (BSR) (PCEA) about the vast crisis that disrupted Kenya and all East Africa this year. Political appeasement has come to Nairobi but the tribal issues have not begun to be put to rest in the north and west regions. The geographical work areas negotiated for the BSR includes some of the most conflicted areas. Food is in short supply and it appears that the fall crops, usually maize/corn, will not be planted in time for a good harvest. If planted within the next month, peas can be a substitute crop able to be grown by traditional harvest time; the BSR has obtained seed peas for farmers who feel secure enough to return and work the crop. We will meet again on Wednesday to define ways congregations can help secure food supplies.
To end the day, another University meeting was held that lasted right into the evening, meaning that dinner was at 9:30 p.m. Nairobi time. There will be several more meetings in order to make the May 24th celebration honor the first completed term at the University.

Tuesday evening.
G.G. Gitahi arrived tonight. These will be active four days (Wed-Sat)
Will do a Thursday Blog to update everyone.

Pre-Trip Briefing

Where in the World is John Wells going, NOW?!
Well, it is back to Kenya, partly to celebrate long-standing relationships and to explore new ones.

On Saturday, May 24, the Presbyterian University of East Africa will celebrate its first term as a University. FPC Marietta became a partner back in 2000 when the Presbyterian Pastoral Institute, a certificate-level program for pastors, moved to become the Presbyterian College, a baccalaureate level theology center. FPC Marietta committed in 2001to build a faculty home (3BR, 2BA, Study for $33,000) and provide for a permanent scholarship endowment ($30,000). Over the following years, FPC Marietta contributed thousands of books to the library, helped renovate classroom space in the library, and helped fund faculty apartments. In 2003, I officiated with Moderator Jesse Kamau at the dedication of the Marietta House

 and the James & Melva Costen Faculty Flats. Our youth Spring Break Missionaries visited the House in 2006.  Our investment is paying off with Lyle and Terry Dykstra, PCUSA missionaries, who joined the faculty and live in the Marietta House; Lyle teaches pastoral care and Terry leads the development office. They and other faculty have led the College to become a University, offering theological education and, with this term, a liberal arts baccalaureate. A group of American, Irish, Scottish, German, and Hungarian partners will meet several days with the Board of Trustees to map out the next steps to launch the University’s strategic plan (business, pharmacy, nursing, and computing science in five years).

On Friday, May 16, I will meet with Mundara Muturi of Bible Translation and Literacy, the 25-year Kenya partner with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Our Wycliffe missionaries, Steve and Kathy Womack, have just completed a two year assignment in Kenya and have returned to the U.S. The work of providing God’s Word in the heart language, the native tongue, to all Kenyans is not done; 16 of the 42 language groups do not have the Bible in their own native tongue. To have the Word come in one’s own indigenous language is, as one tribal leader stated, “It feels like Jesus is now walking among us.” Another leader said, “I am committing my life to Jesus; he speaks our language because he spoke to me.” We will explore partnership opportunities in the translation of God’s Word among the small, remote tribes in Kenya.

I will meet with the staff of Habitat for Humanity Kenya. The Cobb Presbyterian Coalition involves nine congregations, including FPC Marietta, to build homes, one or two each year in Cobb County and several in Kenya. In 2008, one home will be built in Cobb County and SEVEN homes in Kenya; this will fulfill this year’s theme, “Eight in 2008.” Leadership from the Cobb Coalition have been planning a trip to Kenya to help build several of the Kenyan homes; perhaps some of the “Nine in 2009” will have FPC Marietta fingerprints on them there. The country director, Mark Wooding, is a marvelous Christian gentleman, who also happens to be an architect and planner; I will carry several of the “Eight in 2008” shirts to the Kenyan staff and be encouraged by the possibilities available to FPC Marietta.

Another important FPC Marietta partnership is with the Board of Social Responsibility (BSR), Presbyterian Church of East Africa. In 2006, an FPC family donated the majority of the costs for a deep well drilling rig; the multiyear drought has not been broken but access to the deep water tables have changed lives. The political upheaval this year has caused further suffering to the people by the disruption of normal life, to include planting this year’s crops. Food shortages are, and will be, severe. The PCUSA is coordinating a response to this tragedy with the BSR; FPC Marietta has committed $5,000 from the Gift Trust Fund in partnership with other PCUSA congregations. I plan to meet several times with the BSR leaders to learn how our partnership can be further strengthened.

On the two Sundays I will be away from you, I will preach at two different congregations, one in the tea growing region of Mount Kenya and one in the Nairobi suburb of Loresho. Our 2006 youth Spring Break Mission team led worship at Loresho; they are still warmly remembered. I will be taking several other sermon outlines with me because sermons are not just for Sunday in Kenya; when people gather around a partner visit, a time for worship, to include a sermon from the visitor, will likely happen. Bwana Asifwe (Praise the Lord)!

My intent is to send back reports via the blogcast, to include some pictures of the people and projects visited. I will be praying for you with each blogcast. With each that you read, please pray for me.