Christ Visible

With almost four Sundays under way for church services, it is easy to see our Mighty God at work here in Kisumu. As I reminisce and think back to three years ago when we were in Kisumu for our second visit I am so amazed at all God has done. It was that second visit to Kisumu that we met Stephen and I remember hearing his heart for Kisumu and his friends and family here to know Christ and to know His Word. He seemed so excited for us to come and begin a Calvary Chapel. I’ll never forget Matt asking him why he wasn’t pastoring or why he wouldn’t start a church and be the pastor. He told us at that time that he felt he should be an assistant. However God used our time during language school to really form and shape the vision for Calvary Chapel Lakeside. During our time in language and cultural school, we knew we wanted Christ to be visible more than anything and since we are white (wazungu) Christ is not always what people see first. (They often see money, resources or opportunities.) As God worked in all of our hearts we knew that having a National pastor would really make Christ the most visible to the people of Kisumu.

Here we are three years later and not only is Pastor Stephen Otieno the senior pastor, he is an amazing Bible teacher who is feeding people the meat of the Word. 2nd Timothy 2:14-15 says, “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Pastor Stephen is one who does this very thing. The response from the Sunday morning teachings has been remarkable. As I told a friend, people are being blessed because it is the Word of God going forth and not unprofitable words. Big smile.

Some people may ask why Matt is not pastoring the church. We truly believe that God wants us to disciple His people here in Kisumu to use their gifts and minister to their own people in ways we never can. It has been such a blessing to invest spiritually in the Otieno family, encourage them, and advise them where needed. Personally meeting with Maureen, Pastor Stephen’s, wife has been an honor as we go through the Word and encourage one another in the ministry and as wives and mamas. There are two other women who attend the ladies Bible study and their heart for God’s Word and to study it is amazing. They also love to worship and learn new worship songs. For those of you who know, “This is me saying thank you,” and “Break my heart,” these are some of their favorites. When Matt plays worship on Sunday and plays these songs, one mama looks at me and smiles big. We look forward to more discipleship as God brings people to Calvary Chapel Lakeside.

On a final note, it was such a blessing to see the Lord provide a location, a tent, chairs, a podium, tithe bags, and a sign for that first Sunday. As I sit under the simple tent, in plastic chairs, with a simple podium in front, listening to Matt lead worship in Kiswahili and Pastor Stephen rightly dividing the Word of Truth (and watching Kenya Grace run around with the other small children) I truly see Christ Visible! And Glory to God!

Calvary Chapel Lakeside, Kisumu, Kenya

It is with great pleasure and delight that I get to share that Calvary Chapel Lakeside in Kisumu, Kenya, has officially been started. Our first visit to Kisumu was in February 2007, and from that time the Lord had burdened our hearts for there to be a solid Bible teaching church in this city. We weren't sure all the details of how the church would start, who would be pastoring it, where it would be located, and many other details; but God has finally given us the means to move forward. When we first left our home in California we had thought that I (Matt) would be the pastor of this church, but as we got here to Kenya, the Lord clearly showed us that wisdom would be to have a Kenyan pastor leading the church, even from the the get-go. God had already connected us with the person who we saw as that man, and slowly but surely God confirmed that he was the one to lead this church. Pastor Stephen Otieno was originally from the area of Kisumu, but the Lord had lead him to C.I.F. near Nairobi, Kenya; a church that is pastored by a good missionary friend of ours. So the Lord brought all of us together to begin this new work in Kisumu. This past Sunday (Easter Sunday) we held our first service. It was such a blessing, and we were all so excited for all that the Lord is doing. Most of those who have been faithfully coming to the Bible Study that meets at Pastor Stephen's house were there for church, and have all voiced that they are excited to have a church that teaches the Word of God. Here in Kenya there are many many churches that "preach" but do not "teach" the Word. In fact, it is commonly thought that if the pastor has not lost his voice by the end of his message that he wasn't "anointed" (due to yelling). I do believe that this church is very different than the way Kenyan's are used to 'church'. All of us were blessed by the message that Pastor Stephen taught (John 20) last week, and starting this coming Sunday we will begin going through the gospel of John, verse by verse, chapter by chapter. We are so thankful for the Lord's grace in helping get started. We are trusting the Lord as we make many decisions in this early stage of the church. We are praying about direction regarding language, having 2 services, and children's ministry (to name a few things). We appreciate all the prayer and support and encouragement that we've been getting. Praise the Lord!