Gaining Insight. Experiencing God. Growing in Understanding.

Roommates with the Rhinos for New Year’s Eve

Shelvis, Nancy, Sarah and Anna at Lake Nakuru National Park

Shelvis, Nancy, Sarah and Anna at Lake Nakuru National Park

I like to think of myself as an adventurous person. An adventurous outdoorsie type. So when my friends, Anna and Sarah, told me that we were all going camping when they came to visit Kenya, I thought to myself, “Hakuna matata (Kiswahili for “no problem”). I can camp, I can handle this.” Even though they told me we would be camping in the game park, I did not fully realize what that meant until we arrived. Yes, we were literally sharing our sleeping space with the animals. Hmmm…

Because we were with a large group, and everyone else seemed fine with the sleeping arrangements, I told myself, “I am adventurous. Yes, I can do this.” But in the back of my mind I was thinking of all the animals (the water buffalo, the zebras, the hyenas, the rhinos and the warthogs) we drove past on the way to our camp site. Perhaps we were all trying to look tough so as not to scare each other with the reality of the situation. At least, I think that is what Shelvis and I did. Neither of us was willing, however, to leave the tent at night for a trip to the bathroom (a whole in the dirt).

Surprisingly, in the midst of the fear, I felt an incredible peace. The beauty of watching wild animals in their natural habitat, the incredible landscape, and the fact that I was able to sit around a camp fire in Kenya with two of my best friends from college (and my husband!) to welcome in a new year, was overwhelming.

Sarah told us to read Psalm 19 while we were in the park.. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands…” (Psalm 19:1). I have never seen the sky and the earth as I did in that place, and I am not sure I have ever been so grateful to see friends. Anna and Sarah are the kind of friends that even when time has passed, we can pick up and laugh and cry, and encourage each other with words or just by presence. Communion with my friends and with creation clarified for me the presence of God in that place, and consequently in all places.

Thank you Anna and Sarah for sharing your lives with me and for making my husband and I more adventurous than we ever thought we could be!

Posted on January 29th, 2009 by Nancy
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Presidential Inauguration Viewed from Kenya

Nancy with 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Environmental and Human Rights Activist Wangari MaathaiNancy with 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Environmental and Human Rights Activist Wangari Maathai

Here in Kenya, the Young Adult Volunteer Team and other Americans planned a worship/prayer service to celebrate the inauguration of President Obama called “Fulfilling the Dream.” The service provided Americans, Kenyans, and many others with an opportunity to celebrate those who “paved the way” for such a special day. It was an opportunity to recognize God’s work in history through the lives of civil rights leaders in the US and in this region. This service was the vision of our coordinator, Rev. Phyllis Byrd, who also made arrangements for the team to watch the inauguration with Wangari Maathai, Kenya’s Nobel Peace Prize Winner.

However, I was at a clergy meeting in Eldoret (training ground for many of Kenya’s elite marathon runners), so I watched the ceremony in a cafeteria. The clergy meeting focused on the role of the church in reuniting the people of Kenya. Many clergy spoke of how their congregations fled when the ethnically and politically charged violence broke out in Kenya a year ago. They lamented that more church leaders did not speak out against the tribal division.

4 Generations: Grandma Bessie, Shirley, Nikia and AssataGenerations: Grandma Bessie, Shirley, Nikia and Assata

After a long day of prayer, discussion, and strategizing, I joined forty Kenyan archbishops, bishops and pastors in the cafeteria to watch the much anticipated inauguration event. We huddled around a projector and gazed at the images on a large sheet hanging from the wall. It was a little surreal, yet extremely touching to share the moment together.

The next morning, I was asked to start our meeting by telling the group the significance of the inauguration for the US. I did my best to share what it meant for me as an American and as an African-American. I told them about my conversation with my 89-year-old Grandmother on the night of the election. It meant more than anything, to hear the excitement in the voice of a woman who has seen more discrimination and racial hatred than I could ever imagine, and who still lives in a small southern town with train tracks dividing blacks on one side and whites on the other.

Peace Statue in Mozambique. After the country's civil war, the Christian Council of Mozambique traded tools (sewing machines, plows, etc.) with the people for their weapons. The weapons were turned into artwork.Peace Statue in Mozambique. After the country’s civil war, the Christian Council of Mozambique traded tools (sewing machines, plows, etc.) with the people for their weapons. The weapons were turned into artwork. (photo by AACC)

After I spoke, the bishops insisted that we take a moment to pray for the continued racial reconciliation in the United States and the leadership of President Obama. They prayed because they believed that if this level of progress could happen in the US, then it could also happen in their battle scarred country. They found strength in the example of the United States of America and the American people. In the midst of the prayer, I felt so humbled, yet so proud to be an American.

The day after the inauguration, every picture of every paper was about the new 1st Family of America. There were articles about Barack’s dancing, Michelle’s fashion, the kid’s puppy…but the article that I think sums it all up said of Obama, “He is Nobody’s Messiah but Everybody’s Hope.” What a special moment in history.

To God be the Glory,

Shelvis

Posted on January 29th, 2009 by Shelvis
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Reaching to the Sky

photo by Henry Coates

We would like to conclude our January update, with words from Wangari Maathai’s autobiography.  Lovingly called, “The Tree Mother of Africa,” Maathai has worked tirelessly for environmental and women’s issues.  May her words inspire us as we continue to embrace the new year.  ”Trees have been an essential part of my life and have provided me with many lessons.  Trees are living symbols of peace and hope.  A tree has roots in the soil yet reaches to the sky.  It tells us that in order to aspire we need to be grounded, and that no matter how high we go it is from our roots that we draw sustenance.  It is a reminder to all of us who have had success that we cannot forget where we come from.”

Posted on January 29th, 2009 by Nancy
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The Christmas Story in Kenya

"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people." -Luke 2:10 (photo by AACC)

photo by Henry Coates

Posted on December 21st, 2008 by Nancy
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Miracles Take Many Forms

Last month, I traveled to a rural community in the West Pokot district of Kenya, to visit a Church World Service program.  In 2005, CWS partnered with Yang’at, a community based organization in Pokot, to build a sand dam with the local people.  What I learned from my visit is that water transforms lives.

Young Mothers Who Helped Build the Sand Dam

Young Mothers Who Helped Build the Sand Dam

While in Pokot, two community members talked to our group about the changes the sand dam has created.  Jenifer, a young mother, explained that she no longer walks 6-7 hours a day to gather water.  Consequently, she now has time to attend the adult literacy class held under a tree near her home. (To read a report I wrote for CWS on Jenifer, click on the “Water Impacting Literacy” page in the right column).

Elder Kalutarin

Elder Kalutarin

After Jenifer shared, an elder in the community named Kalutarin addressed the CWS group. The man began by pointing to two Pokot women from Yang’at who coordinated the sand dam project.  He said that the two women have shown him, by bringing water closer to the community and by bringing visitors from the land of Obama, what kinds of things women are capable of doing.  “From this day forward,” he stated, “I know that girls have value.”

 

Because women and girls are viewed as property in that community, I know I witnessed a miracle that day.  Some of the incredibly difficult situations that girls in rural communities are up against, do not seem quite as overwhelming when I actually see their faces, see the strength of their spirits, and see the changes that are being made. 

Posted on December 21st, 2008 by Nancy
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Angels with a Message of Hope

Ms. Caroline, Founding Member of Yang'at

Ms. Caroline Menach, Founding Member of Yang'at

Similar to the experience of the elder in Pokot, my mind was also expanded to see “what things women can do” when I met Caroline and Magdalene.
Caroline Menach, in addition to teaching secondary school, is a founding member and the vice chair of the board of Yang’at Girl Child Potential and Sensitization Group.  While attending college, Caroline noticed that she was the only female student from Pokot in her class. After graduation, she joined four other women from Pokot who also completed college degrees, and together they formed Yang’at (which means “care” in the local language).  The group returned to their home communities to advocate for the education of girls. Yang’at is now celebrating a 30% increase of girls’ primary school enrollment in the Pokot community.    

Magdalene Gathoni, Founder of KALA

Magdalene Gathoni did not attend school as a child because of the cultural belief that education was not important for girls.  At the age of 37, however, Magdalene learned to read and write.  Once literate, she began to mobilize other women in rural areas to join classes.  Then, Magdalene formed the Kenya Adult Learners’ Association (KALA). 

“Literacy has changed my life,” states Magdalene.  Now, she travels the world, and she helped start learners’ associations in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Ghana and Zimbabwe.  “I am 61,” Magdalene recently wrote, “but I feel that I should continue helping the unreached, though many challenges face me.   With God I will overcome and reach my vision of changing Kenyans from poverty and illiteracy to empowerment.” 

Posted on December 21st, 2008 by Nancy
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Plenty of Room in the Inn

Maasai Women Students

Maasai Women Students

Church World Service works alongside the Maasai community in the Narok District. The Maasai people are easy to identify as they are usually clad in colorful attire and adorned with lots of beaded jewelry. The community we visited in Narok started functional literacy classes to prepare themselves to run small businesses. Once the community completes their training, they will receive micro-loans. The hope is that increasing economic activity will lead to greater food security, as the people live in a dry area prone to droughts.

The Maasai community we visited in Narok lives among the wild animals, about a four day walk from town. While driving the rocky road from the community’s market back to town, I noticed that the Masaai mud homes were spread far apart from one another. Mr. Paraiyo, a Masaai who works in town directing a community organization, explained to me that when a Masaai is traveling along the road, he or she is welcomed into any home. The traveler is invited in and given the greatest portion of the dinner meal.

Young Maasai Men in Class

Young Maasai Men in Class (photo by Henry Coates)

The Maasai community still practices the radical hospitality we read about in scripture. I was reminded that Jesus sent out the disciples saying, “take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no bag, no money in your belts… Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town” (Luke 9:3-4). Jesus assumed that the community would take care of the disciples as they traveled. I am grateful that the Maasai people practice radical hospitality, and I think their love for each other embodies the spirit of Christmas. 

Posted on December 21st, 2008 by Nancy
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“Glory to God in the Highest”

I just returned from Maputo, Mozambique where I attended the 9th Assembly of the All Africa Conference of Churches (http://www.aacc-ceta.org/en/ninth-assembly/home.htm). It was an intense couple of days in which my organization (Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa) hosted workshops on human rights.  Church leaders from every country in Africa were present and many others from Europe, Asia and the US.  The conference was like nothing that I have ever experienced.

photos by AACC

The greatest gift of the conference was the worship which was filled with the rhythm and pulse of drums, the energy and dancing of people, and the communal witness of God’s love.  During each service, the Lord’s Prayer was offered by every person in their mother tongue, which included: English, Portuguese, Shangaan, French, Kiswahili, Amharic, Zulu, and many others.  Surrounded by prayers in multiple languages, I felt like the early Christians who encountered the beauty and the challenge of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The worship illustrated the diversity of the family of God.

The experience was eye opening. We were all stretched to acknowledge people from across the world who worship and praise God differently. We had to admit that we are each just one member of God’s family, and no member is greater than any other. I also recognized the necessity for gatherings like the Assembly, because in such circumstances we are reminded that there are many ways to worship God. (A prayer Nancy wrote with CWS colleagues for the Gender-Based Violence service is attached as a page in right column).

In the final worship service, I was a part of the international clergy team offering communion. In addition, I was given the opportunity to lead the congregation in “How Great Thou Art.”  As soon as I began to sing, the choir and the entire congregation joined in singing the famous hymn. I left the pulpit, knowing that I was unworthy to share in the leadership of God’s people and at the same time in awe that God could and would use someone like me.

 

Form. Pres. Joachim Chissano, Exec. Dir. Fecclaha Fred Nyabera, Rev. Shelvis Smith-Mather

His Excellency President Chissano, Fecclaha Exec. Dir. Fred Nyabera, Rev. Shelvis Smith-Mather

In addition to the worship experiences, God gave me the opportunity to meet three African Presidents last week. First, I met the current president of Mozambique (Armando Guebuza), who gave the opening address for the assembly. Second, I met the former president of Mozambique (Joachim Chissano), who spoke in our workshops on Human Rights. Joachim Chissano was the president of Mozambique for 20 years and then voluntarily stepped down, even though the nation wanted him to stay in power. Everyone spoke of his character, integrity, and humility. He is currently working with churches to ensure the progress of the continent. Finally, I met Thabo Mbeki who is the former president of South Africa. I attended a small question/answer forum between him and about twenty religious leaders before getting to meet him personally.

God is doing amazing things on this continent. I feel extremely fortunate that I get to experience the Spirit moving in this land and that I have the opportunity to learn from God’s people in Africa.

 

Posted on December 21st, 2008 by Shelvis
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Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

photo by AACC

We miss all of you, our friends and family, this holiday season, and we recognize that Christmas is quite a different experience in Kenya.  There are not many Christmas lights hanging on houses in Nairobi, and decorated trees are few and far between. Our homes in the US, filled with traditions and memories, are an incredible blessing to us, yet being away from familiarity this year has brought a new perspective on the Christmas season.  We are learning that “home” is really more than a geographic location.  ”Home” is a place that God calls us all to every day.  We are “home” when we have peace and assurance in our hearts, knowing that God’s love surrounds us, and God’s Spirit guides our journey.

At the Christmas concert we attended this weekend, the choir sang the “Hallelujah” chorus in Kiswahili.  We could not understand all that was said, but one word remains the same across all languages: Hallelujah!  ”Hallelujah” is the message we received, and the message we would like to share.  For in the midst of a dark night, in a family that did not have many material things, a child was born, a child whose life is a reminder that God still dwells among us.  Hallelujah!

We love you all!  Merry Christmas!

Nancy and Shelvis                                                                  (photo by AACC)

Posted on December 21st, 2008 by Nancy
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Apology and Request

Several people wrote beautiful and encouraging notes in our guestbook sometime between the middle of October and Nov. 20th.  By accident, when trying to “approve” the messages so that they would post for all to see, I accidently hit “delete.”  If you wrote one of those kind messages (you can check the guestbook to see if your note is posted or not), would you please briefly write back because Shelvis had not yet read them before I accidently erased them (sorry for the inconvenience).

Posted on November 21st, 2008 by Nancy
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