Women's Conference in Turkana, Kenya

Women's Conference in Turkana County, Kenya 2019

God asked, "Who will go?"

We said, "We will be your messengers. Send us!"

"But God, what message should we prepare to share with the women?"

-"I have been preparing you your whole life for this my daughter..."

"But God, how will we reach them? We know very little about the culture?"

-"You will know when you get there."

"But God, some don't speak English or Swahili. How will they understand?"

-"Love needs no translation. You are just a pen in the writers hand, don't use your mind, tell the women my story."

Our team of 10, along with 40 pairs of servant hands from the local church community, came together to reign blessings on Turkana County on Feb 20, 2019. One year of asking God for favor and His provision in America and in Turkana for this day. The mission was to remind them of the faithful and unfailing love of God. To encourage a deep relationship with Jesus. To move from head knowledge to the heart, for the purpose of the Kingdom.

The dirt ground and the stone walls were sturdy and sure as we, asked God's blessing on 300, individual chairs. 40 round tables prepared with coverings and centerpieces, walls draped with colorful touches. Banners spread wide and flowers stacked for a magnificent splendor of beauty at the alter. Microphones and speakers were in full tune as we began the day under the hot sun and the blue sky of Turkana County.

Women entered on bodas (motorbikes), came by matatus (vans for hire), some accompanied by sons who waited at the gates all day. One group said they walked nearly 3 hours to be at the event..

Greeted by men of the community, the men registered every woman by name, with a pen and paper on a loose leaf sheet of paper. Expecting 250, there were 330 individual souls accounted for.

It is important in Kenya to wash hands before handling food, always. So the women of MCC came together in order to help assist with hand washing on their way in. Some had never been touched by a munzungu (white person) but we came to love. Breakfast was prepared, cooked, and served by some men of MOHI. Dressed in their finest, they waited expectantly.

Beginning with live worship performed by the worship team in Turkana, the Spirit of God was on us. Everyone worshipped, praised, danced, jumped, and gave glory to God for a time to gather in the name of Jesus. Joy came beaming from the souls of members from 27 different churches. Mary Kamau of MOHI, joined by her team, introduced and hosted the day with dignity and grace.  A message of Jesus' love and a well known story was shared and received with good response and smiles.  A time of sharing and teaching from John 15 was understood and received well by many who took notes. The women were hungry for practical ways to improve their walks with Christian dignity. A powerful testimony from one of the respected members, Roda was delivered.  After each speaker, reflection questions were answered among tables, lead by members of the community, standing in as table leaders....A gift they can continue to practice, forever!

Each woman had her picture taken, and printed. A hearty lunch was served. A crafty photo frame was a fun activity for all and a ribbon craft that represented the fruits of The Spirit, was enjoyed.

Ending the day with prayers and anointing each person with oil, we commissioned them to go spread the love of God, where ever they go. Draping the women with purple lessos (cloth sling), they began the journey back home.  Carrying with them full bellies, Joy, Hope, Love, and the Spirit of God. Many women shared blessings to each of you at home. Tens of women prayed God to bless our church and families and friends. They said they were blessed and refreshed and loved by God. One shared she recommitted her life to Christ on her way out, another was encouraged in her marriage to keep going. Many more words and expressions of gratitude were exchanged, but we give every praise, every bit of glory, and every thanks to a good, faithful, and loving Father.

The most humbling part of the day was cleaning up water bottle lids and miscellaneous trash from the dry, dirt ground. All the while giving thanks to God, in the 105 degree temperature, (having run out of water) for each bottle of fresh water that was opened and emptied.

John 7:38 "Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the scriptures declare, Rivers of living water will flow from His heart"