Max Willocks, Archie Stephens, Wayne Baldwin, Tim Files, and I experienced the mighty movement of God during our 18-day trip to Kenya (Sept 9-27). Our task was to train pastors and lay leaders in the area of Awendo in evangelism and the starting of home churches. After 1 1/2 days of training, we spent the rest of our time walking with them and mentoring them as we went village to village and hut to hut.
We realized very quickly that God was intending to do something spectacular. God did! 1,339 were saved. 714 home churches were started. As I walked with both God and the Kenyan people, I was learning. Here are 10 truths that I learned for the first time . . . or all over again! (See Audio Sermons on the home page to listen to the 10/11/09 sermon in full.)
1. We don’t have a monopoly on God. In Kenya there is a spiritual hunger and openness. There is a welcoming spirit among the people.
2. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. Each of the home churches will be led by a “regular” person. They do not have formal training, and most are new believers. They will do fine because they have no choice but to depend upon the Holy Spirit for understanding (John 16:13). God also reminded me that those of us with years of formal education and seminary training aren’t doing all that well (80% of American churches are plateaued or declining, and theological heresy is rampant in our churches).
3. God blesses us when we are faithful (2 Samuel 22:26). It may not be the blessing for which we prayed. It may not be the blessing we expect. Just ask Tim Files!
4. God is at work in Kenya, particularly through the “home church” movement.
5. “Home Churches” are biblical and are a method we should explore (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15). I will be meeting with Max and our Director of Missions next week for this very purpose.
6. God can and does work through women (Galatians 3:26-28, Romans 16:1-5). I saw it happening in a major way in Kenya. This messes with my comfort zone, but then I think that makes God smile!
