IN THE BEAN FIELD

It was such a privilege for me to be able to preach in the village of Mtito Andei in the church pastored by Shadrack Mkau. Several years ago, Shadrack went to the country of Burundi to plant churches. There he was imprisoned for more than 1 year because of his zeal for God. His accusers even tried to take his life deliberately exposing him to malaria and then withholding treatment once he got ill. Because of the prayers of God’s people in Kenya, he was miraculously released from prison. Back in Kenya, Shadrack was offered a high position in his church denomination but he refused so that he could remain with his congregation in Mtito Andei where God had called him. 

 

It was hard to contain the excitement that I had in being able to speak at his church but something happened that overshadowed everything else.

  

We arrived early and so Shadrach took us for a walk to see the school he had under construction.  As we passed on the edge of a bean field we saw 4 young men sitting in a circle.  On the ground between them were playing cards and money.  It was obvious that they were doing a little gambling.

 

 

The Holy Spirit spoke to me. He told me that I should greet them and share the good news of Jesus Christ, which I did. All of them prayed with me the prayer of faith to become followers of Jesus. 

 

I thank God that by the power of the Holy Spirit our ministry in Kenya has brought many to new life in Christ.  I have seen many in whose lives the seed of faith has sprouted and then they became full of the cares of this life and hence they did not mature.  I have seen others in which their new found faith did not take root because:

 

1.   They don’t read and study the scriptures

2.   They don’t meet with other believers
3.   They don’t pray or talk to God regularly

I have also seen others whose faith takes root in their lives, changing their lives and producing fruit. When Jesus healed the 10 lepers, only one returned to give thanks. 

Later that morning, one of the men came to the church service, stood in front of the congregation, and testified of what God had done for him.  

I rejoice with all of heaven with these men that have found faith in Christ, but my rejoicing is even greater with the one who gave public testimony of his new life in Christ.

Don