Kenya Team Day 3

God opened the doors for a special radio interview for Daniel Messiah 1^st thing this morning. Myself, Dave Zavala and Daniel headed out early for the station. We could still hear the worship singing of morning devotions of the team as we left. Glynn Spangenburg was sharing a moving devotion from Ezra… it’s so cool when team members share from the Word.  The radio interview was amazing, Daniel shared his testimony, some tips on reaching Muslims and even some marriage advise. Daniel told the radio audience that God showed him his wife in a dream before he met her, however her father was not as enthusiastic about their marriage… but that’s another story for another time.

The VBS Day2 at God is Able School went smooth like butter. We knew what to expect, the teaching and activity teams were ready, although the numbers of kids increased (Yay Jesus) the ministry went so awesome. The cloud of red dust was huge from all the running feet and they finished strong with a drama performance of the 3 Hebrew men in the fiery furnace. The crowd of kids laughed hysterically as they acted out the story but the message was oh so clear - our God can be trusted and is worthy to take a stand for our faith in Him.

After a lunch at Java House, our new favorite restaurant in Nairobi (Starbucks clone with a full menu), we made our way down to the Muslim section of Nairobi where a debate with a local Muslim leader was arranged for Daniel Massiah. I don’t think it’s critical to say it was a rough and very impoverished part of town. We were a little uncomfortable. We had to make the ladies on the team wear long skirts and shawls as head coverings… so as not to attract too much attention but safe to say we weren’t kidding anyone- WE DID NOT BLEND IN.

There is a street corner where the Muslim Imam and teachers gather daily to preach and debate Islam, this was the lion's den that our Daniel was walking into. It started with 30 or so people, but as soon as he began to preach the bible as the WORD of God…the crowd quickly became nearly 400 Muslim enthusiasts! Picture this… Daniel, Walter, Dave Zavala (pastor CC Nairobi) and myself sitting in front of huge ½ circle of Muslims… not exactly a comfortable feeling. Plus the place was so rocky -- just bend down and dispatch us under a hailstorm of rocks. Meanwhile, the team was in the bus 50 yards away from the crowd praying like crazy (safest place for the womenfolk).

The Lord used Daniel masterfully with both his grasp of the Muslim faith and a disarming sense of humor. To put it mildly, they were challenged to think about the Koran and the truth of Jesus and the Bible. Once the Muslim teacher took his turn- he was gifted in stirring up the people(this was not good news) and then the crowd starting chanting "Allah is Great!!" Folks -- it was pretty unnerving, I kept thinking “How in the world did I get here?” IT WAS TIME TO GO! We had a code word from our training that when I say "Peanut butter", then the team members know: no argument – it is time to leave an area right now! Over the noise of the chanting I lean over to Daniel... “PEANUTBUTTER!” We quickly thanked and excused ourselves from the arena, however they want us to come back and debate in a bigger arena on another day. I'm not really feeling it honestly. Now that the adrenalin has subsided some… I have to admit it was amazing and miraculous to be a part of all that. Thanks for your prayers….we sensed his protection and power.

Pastor Gary