Delivering Chalk Boards in Turkana An experience during our visit to the area was one afternoon the missionary we were visiting asked us if we wanted to deliver chalk boards. He was a man of few words and no explanation was given. So with us, two trucks, two chalk boards, and as many Turkana elders as we could fit, we drove off into the desert. Now Turkana is a remote region but these two villages were remote even by Turkana standards. At each village we pulled up and were greeted by everyone individually. The Turkana greeting is similar to ours. We always say “Hello, how are you?” and respond “fine” even though your car may have broken down or your coffee maker broke. Similarly the Turkana greet saying “Ejoka” [hello] “nyano ngache?” [Do you have any problems?] and the response is always “mam ngache” [no problems], though this statement is often followed by a detailed description of their problems. The elders visited with the “old man” or head of each village and finally we unloaded a chalk board and one elder to leave behind. Then before leaving everyone joined together in singing a praise song. We were surprised at first by the villagers’ soft clapping and unsteady voices, until it became obvious it was their first time singing praise songs. It was their first time singing praise to their Father in heaven.

Our language instructor later explained that each “old man” had been a diviner but had had a vision telling him to learn who Jesus Christ was. So the diviners sent their sons to find the missionary to see what he could tell them. The chalk boards were a teaching tool they had requested for the village to learn to read Turkana so they could read the Bible and learn more about God and His Son. Though struggling themselves, they would house and feed the elder for two years to gain this knowledge. These two elders were leaving their families and breaking social expectations to share the Gospel with those they did not know.

These men were an inspiration to me. They were willing to sacrifice so much, having so little and what they struggle for, I often take for granted. This ministry is a way to help. It is an opportunity to share our many blessings with our brothers and sisters half a world away.

A Night Church Service Another experience during our time in Kenya was going to a night church service. The Turkana have Sunday morning service like us and also a night service one day a week. If you can imagine, we pulled up to this small congregation of believers. There no lights, just dark sand with the moon and stars over head. We were standing in a circle, the men facing east the women facing west, singing, dancing, jumping and clapping; singing praise songs to the same God you and I praise every Sunday. The songs were followed by a few scripture readings then a passionate sermon where the elder would continually yell out “Kipuroy Yesu” and the congregation would respond, “Kipuroy” - “Praise Jesus; Praise Him”. The service concluded with that elder telling us, “We will be praying for our brothers and sisters in America. Send more missionaries, there is much work to be done”.

Those words have stayed with us to this day. He was right, there is much work to be done. There are 500,000 Turkana spread across a desert region the size of South Carolina. Currently there are only 6000 beleivers, but the feilds are ripe for harvest! We feel blessed to be a part of God's work in Kenya and are truly grateful for all those who feel called to partner in it with us.