First I must say that yesterday’s service felt soooo good! It’s been far too long without corporate worship (almost 2 years) and even though some of the songs were in Swahili the atmosphere was Spirit filled. We are hoping to attend more often but it’s a 1.5 hour drive (one way) to get there, we’ll let God work on that!
True Vine Christian Church is led by Reverend Lewis Wachira, along with Pastor Joseck Angana and Pastor Charles McDonald (yup, my Charles McDonald!) Yesterday’s service was not only a service, but a fundraiser as well. Currently the church is renting a school space on a month by month arrangement. They are looking to find a permanent place to hold service which will also enable them to have mid-week services, Bible studies, prayer groups, office space and much more.
Here’s a look at Sunday’s events:
Reverend Wachira and Chuck at the front of the rented space for True Vine Christian Church
Children come early for Sunday School...Reverend Wachira's son, Josiah, has even gone door to door in the area asking the children if they would like to attend!
Service begins around 10:30 and at that time the children come downstairs to join their parents to hear brief announcements and prayer then
Reverend Wachira dismisses the children for more Sunday School
Reverend Wachira then begins his sermon. This week he spoke on 1 Corinthians 12:12-27…we are all part of the body of Christ and the Church and each is given their specific and unique gifts and talents.
The congregation
After the sermon Chuck and I were asked to say a few words to the congregation
Then it was time to meet the Development Committee for True Vine Christian Church
Let the fundraising begin!
Pastor Joseck recently returned from a trip to the US and kicked off the fundraiser by adding $1 and stating how big God is and how He can work big things for and through this church!
While Chuck and Lewis picked up the food for lunch (it was cooked at the nearby home of Pastor Joseck and his wife Catherine) I gave a short, (hopefully) encouraging message to the moms in the group.
Lunch time!
Rice, goat, cabbage and potatoes
A few of the children in attendance
And of course, after lunch it’s tea time!
Yummy chai!
Then we chatted with friends.
Shogo (Reverend Wachira's sister) and me
And soon it was time to pack up.
Packing up the dishes to take back to Pastor Joseck's home (where we had one more cup of delicious tea!)
and head home
One of the nice portions of road in Kenya...now if only the people would move off the highway!
Thank you Lewis for speaking the Word of God so beautifully, thank you congregation for your warm welcome and most certainly a thank you to Jesus for making it all possible!