December 4th It was Sunday and I was on my way to a small village just outside of town. I had been to Nakwamekwi before. We had built a 25 x 50 church there to replace the grass hut church the people were meeting in and had also out grown.
As we rode through the gate of the compound to the outside there was a group of children waiting to view the guests as they rode by. Many wait here in hopes of a hand out. Everything looked very much the same although the condition of the dirt roads had worsened. Along the way little ones would cry out “muzungu” and try to run beside us.
The mountain side cult, Legions of Mary, seemed to be expanding with more evidence of their communal village around there prayer center. They are a break off of the Roman Catholic Religion and still use many of the same symbols only in much larger size. They believe the larger the symbol the more powers will be available to them. This tradition and belief stems from the Luo tribe. Mediums are used to deal with the spirit world. Here in Lodwar and other areas they will be seen in robes of purple, yellow and other colors. There are times you will see them climbing the mountain to pray.
The sun is already hot and the dust of the road rolls behind us. The roads are busy with people walking here and there. The women walk with loads upon their heads and a baby tied to their back. The hard lines of the sun are ironed into their faces. Goats and sheep run freely through the roads with a shepherd close by. His whistle tells them which way to turn. A smile comes to my face when I see a man walking with a rope around his young camel’s neck. Sure, I understand the pleasure that walking your dog can bring, but a camel!
The children are seated at the front of the church. The drum has started beating and they are already singing. Visitors have come to join in with the regular church members as well. The cross made by the late Noel Hastings is still attached to the timber in the front of the church and the large cross on top of the roof made by my husband still stands strong. It lets everyone know that they have a place to come together in to worship the Lord.
After the service many were given a Bible. They no longer have to share one and go without.
December 5th, Even though it is Monday there will still be a service today, in fact there will be two. One service in the morning and after a short rest we will continue to the second service to be held around 3 in the afternoon.
The motorcycle could be heard finding its way through the maze of huts. The children started gathering before we even arrived at the church. I could see the excitement in their faces. It was a special day for everyone. The grass hut church with mats attached to the sides was full. Some people had gathered outside under a tree and were resting on their mats that they had carried with them.
The happy sounds of praise filled the church as well as the area around. I found my place inside and so did the children. They were happy to sit on the dirt floor right up front. They didn’t want to miss anything and I do believe that every eye was on me.
Again after the service there was a time of giving Bibles to those that needed one. The pastor commented on the need and appreciation for such a gift. Many here never have the opportunity to own their own Bible. You will often see a church with one Bible only. This Bible is shared amongst everyone and they fear to let it leave the church as they might never see it again.
At the end of the service all the children were running in and out of the church. They were all as happy as could be except for one. He was resting on the dirt floor because he was sick and they brought him to me for prayer. I could not believe how high his fever was when I placed my hand on his face. We prayed and then hired a vehicle to take this weak little one to the hospital. His malaria count was extremely high and they immediately started giving him injections to bring it down. Stephen is now feeling much better.
Turkana are known for their basket weaving. The art has been passed down for many generations. Before leaving here today the ladies presented me with beautiful baskets that they had made. It is a gift of much labor and love.
After a short rest from the heat of the noon day sun we traveled out further to Pastor Peter’s church. He has many orphans and widows in his church. The widows are hard workers and are very dedicated to their church. They have worked and saved a great deal in order that the church could have a metal roof. They also love to dance as they sing and when a white woman joins in with them the place fills with joy.
Again because of the generous giving of those of you at home we were able to give out Bibles in three different languages. It is a gift that will be treasured. Thank you
Psalms 119: 105 “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
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