Shelvis preaching in PCEA service
Nancy and I experienced a pretty big day during our second week. I was invited to preach for the weekly worship service at the main office for the Presbytery Church of East Africa. The office is the headquarters for all of the Presbyterian churches in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania (over 4 million Presbyterians). It was a huge honor and definitely an unexpected surprise.
In all honesty, the invitation was rather intimidating, because I didn’t want to reflect poorly on the Presbyterian Church USA during my very first preaching assignment in Kenya. I feared that my sermon’s words, humor, or songs might inadvertently offend or embarrass the Kenyan leadership. In the hours leading up to service, my nervousness grew…and grew…and grew. Nancy, as always, was a wonderful support and a calming presence. She was even willing to assist me with a skit during the sermon. You should see her acting skills! 
Discovering on a Gatundu Farm
God did a beautiful work during the worship service. The prayers and the acapella hymns echoed throughout the room. The Swahili lyrics tickled my ears and sent chills up my arm. The people welcomed us warmly and embraced me with open arms. In the end, God was glorified.
After the service, Nancy and I had breakfast with the General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (which is roughly equivalent to the denomination’s president). We talked about the state of the Kenyan Church, tribal/ethnic division, and the post election violence in Kenya.
YAVs visiting archeological sites
Needless to say, our time in Kenya has been pretty amazing thus far. Thank you again for all of your love and support and I hope to hear from you soon.
Bwana Asifiwe (The Lord be Praised!)
Shelvis Smith-Mather
Posted on October 20th, 2008 by Shelvis
Filed under: Uncategorized