At first you would not know it was sunrise, except the birds begin a harmony of sound.  As if on cue, they call out to the sun, “Get up, get up!  It’s time to rise.”  The sun responds and begins to fill the sky with its light.  The land stretches out with velvety soft, rolling, green hills peppered with trees, wet from fresh rains.  A haze hangs over the low areas, evidence of last night’s downpour.

This is Kenya.  I think it must be what heaven will look like.  I have watched the sun rise every morning during our stay here.  It is a good illustration of what God is doing spiritually amongst his people in Africa.  The light of Jesus is being shed abroad in their hearts, dawning into new hope each day.  Their voices lifted in melodious praise and worship, even sweeter than that of the birds.  Their hunger to know God and his Word is like the hills; vast, wide and deep green from drinking in the Living Water.

From the first moment we arrived, I noticed in the Kenyans a people of joy.  Their faces reflected a countenance of deep contentment of heart — the kind that only comes from knowing Jesus in the midst of a hard life.  Not only is there a joy that radiates outward, but inwardly, there is a sweet and simple deep love for Jesus.  He is their Strength, their Adequacy, their Sufficiency.  He is their All in All, their Hiding Place, their Refuge.

I came here to love and to teach them, knowing that I would be loved and taught in return. Oh, but I had no idea that I would be so impacted by their love.  John 13:35 is true of Kenya, “A new command I give to you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this, all men will know that you are my disciples.”   The Kenyans know how to love because they value God and value people above all else.

My heart has grown larger and more full as a result of going to Africa.  Africa is so rich, and I desire the riches they have.  To love God and love people with a simple, trusting faith.

Terri Downs
July, 2001