That has to be the most asked question of us when we tell people we're moving to Kenya. Until a few days ago, we responded with, "Sure it is. Kenya's one of the most stable nations in Africa." And it was. Until the elections. With the Presidential win being questioned by many, politics has turned tribal.
You see, this is not just matter of hanging chads here folks. The political party division is not really even an issue anymore. Now, it's escalated to a tribal division.
It's so hard for us Americans to understand the depth of passion and kinsmanship that Africans have for members of their tribe. It surpasses that of being "Kenyan." We come from such a melting pot that our identity is mostly wrapped around being "American." Even the ethnic divergences we have here pale in comparison to the tribal divisions there.
And they *sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book, and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. (italics mine, the text from Revelation 5:9)
God isn't blind to race or color or tribe and he doesn't want us to be either. God delights in all the complexity and variety and magnificence of His creation! And so should we. Differences are there because God created them that way. But He also wants us to know that those differences only serve to make us complete. Jesus doesn't just love one African tribe or another. He loves us all -- every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
That's why we're going to Africa - safe or not.
You see, this is not just matter of hanging chads here folks. The political party division is not really even an issue anymore. Now, it's escalated to a tribal division.
It's so hard for us Americans to understand the depth of passion and kinsmanship that Africans have for members of their tribe. It surpasses that of being "Kenyan." We come from such a melting pot that our identity is mostly wrapped around being "American." Even the ethnic divergences we have here pale in comparison to the tribal divisions there.
And they *sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book, and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. (italics mine, the text from Revelation 5:9)
God isn't blind to race or color or tribe and he doesn't want us to be either. God delights in all the complexity and variety and magnificence of His creation! And so should we. Differences are there because God created them that way. But He also wants us to know that those differences only serve to make us complete. Jesus doesn't just love one African tribe or another. He loves us all -- every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
That's why we're going to Africa - safe or not.
When God paints
2 comments:
Julie and Jeff,
Thanks for referring me to your blog for additional insights into the chaos in Kenya. God's blessings as you continue to prepare to go where God send you.
Love,
Linda Heesch
Julie,
Finally a chance to write you. You are daily in my prayers as you prepare to be obedient to God's calling. He will protect you, just like He has protected us here in the Amazon.
Looking forward to hearing how He continues to provide for you.
Terri VB
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