I was recently asked what I like most about my life in Kenya and the ministry God has put before me...
The rich cultures of Kenya place a high value on relationships which contributes to a welcoming hospitality and a deemphasis on hurry, haste, and busyness. Many cultures are built around traditional conservatives values with minimal influence from materialism or the inherent frustrations of an entertainment/leisure-based culture. Kenya is a wonderful place to raise a family and we feel fortunate despite cross-cultural frustrations to be called here. My favorite task as a missionary in Kenya is to visit, encourage, and walk alongside God’s people here in their own context. I love to be in the bush, worshiping with a small congregation under a tree or in a mud church and joining them in their songs of exuberance and joy, to receive their warm hospitality and tea or a meal, to walk with them in their community, to share with them our own joys and challenges and to hear theirs. This ministry of presence, a focus on relationship and fellowship in Christ, both fulfills and encourages us all as fellow believers for the glory of His name and for the sake of reaching the lost. These are the joys of my life and work. Thanks be to God!
-Shauen