We took a short boat ride then a long and bumpy mutatu (van) ride from Manda island to Mpekatoni on the mainland. We crowded 14 and luggage into a van built for 12 max. The rough road through villages and past babboons, gazelles, and other wildlife brought us to our impressive hotel well after dark. We were dusty and my left butt cheek was numb from the ride, but were able to order dinner (chichen curry and orange fanta) and rest while getting to know the pastors of the covenant churches in the area. Their stories are of love for God and the people. They are ministering under threats at times from Islamic officials. The lead pastor of this area, John, has been a force for understanding the muslim leaders as he debates them publicly. Still there is respect growing from the islamic majority and the churches grow. He tells us that the muslim official on manda island may be resisting our planned medical clinic on Saturday, due to our not having the proper government permission. Pray that love for the people and the desire to aid them will trump the fear and power hunger that might keep us from Lamu. If that happens, we will spend another clinic day here in Mpekatoni.
As I wake to the loudspeaker chants for the muslim call to prayer, I am struck by the contrast of a loving God in Christ to one of power and sometimes intimidation as represented in my knowledge of Islam. If love is our highest capacity as I believe it is; It speaks to the truth of a God who calls us there having occupied that ground first.
No comments:
Post a Comment