KENYA:
TWO YEARS WITH NO RAI
WITH T
In late August, Rev. George Ondieki (LHF translator in Kenya, Africa) and Tuomo Simojoki (coordinator for the LHF-Kenya office, pictured at top right) set out for the Kitui region of Kenya, boxes of catechisms and Bible storybooks packing the trunk of their vehicle. As the two men traveled the several hundred miles from Nairobi, to Meru, to Kitui County, green vegetation became sparser and the dust gathered. River beds, like the one shown here, were dry. There had been no rain for two years. “The area is really suffering at the moment,” shared Tuomo. “There is massive drought and no crops. Communities consist of women and children, drained of men as they move to cities for income. “So
in one congregation we visited, there was only one man present. The women walk three hours a day to find water and then another three to get back home–six hours every day! In case of sickness, they walk 20 miles to the nearest health clinic. So many die on the way.” IN THE MIDST OF SUCH CHALLENGES, CONGREGATIONS ARE THIRSTY FOR RESOURCES AND TRAINING.
“We were invited by the bishop of the Mt. Kenyan (Lutheran) Synod to join them in a mission trip,” Tuomo explained. “There were two new Lutheran congregations, which had previously been Pentecostal but have become Lutheran. Their pastors had never seen a catechism before. They were extremely thrilled to receive catechisms in their Kamba language! “The congregations and pastors are thirsty for resources and training. Some of the pastors came from Anglican backgrounds, a few from Methodist, and also some from Pentecostal backgrounds. Because of a lack of training, many African pastors’ theology is shallow and limited. But a change has come, from hearing good Lutheran theology. They are impressed by the depth and Biblical truth of our Lutheran teachings.” “WE WANT MORE!”
At each of the churches, Rev. Ondieki introduced the Small Catechism, translated and published by LHF in the Kamba language. Listeners eagerly followed along and discussed
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