My first official mission Blog post! I have so much that I want to share already, but first I just want to thank the Lord for opening up the door for me to be here, but then also you all for making it possible that I may come and be here. God is good, and God is on the move! Let me catch you up from the last couple of days.

We are in a small village about 2.5 hours east of Nairobi called Wamunyu. The pastor we have partnered with has been so kind to host us, and we are so grateful! However in full transparency I was not ready for the culture shock of living here. We don’t have any electricity, running water, internet or many of the things we are so used to. I knew I may come across a season like this, but this happens to be one of those things nobody can truly prepare you for. Im pooping in a small hole in the ground and showering out of a small bucket so I’m prepared to be an expert squatter (pray for my knees) and an even better water saver! Times like this make me beyond grateful for the simple things I was so accustomed to. Things like a a warm shower, or running water. Things like power and electricity, or even just a seat to poop! But it’s hard to be in this situation and hear the host family saying that they are so beyond blessed when they lack the basics that 95% of Americans have. Truly I can see Philippians 4:12 played out when Paul talks about the secret to being content in all seasons! The circumstances they are in will not change the joy that they have from the Lord, and as hard as it is, I stand with that, and I declare that. With a lot or very little, God is good, and He is worthy. Our God is beyond circumstances so I delight all the more in the hardship of the next 40 days (James 1).

But please do not feel bad for me, I’m not suffering! I tell you those things to document them and to share the circumstances but not for you to feel sorry for me. I am so thankful that I get to be out here in the “bush” for the Lord. And truly I am growing to like showing out of a bucket and pooping in a hole! I’ve grown to laugh about those things. But I do not just suffer and endure for the Lord, being obedient but doing it pulling teeth and nail, no. While I do these things I have Joy, and I have Peace and I do it all with thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:18) that I have an opportunity to be radical for the Lord and live as the disciples did! What a once in a lifetime experience!

We got to meet Benson’s family by walking up and down the hill where their village is located. From a good viewpoint you can see his whole family in the same area! Community here is very important, and one of the highest valued things here. They are very kind people and while my Swahili is needing some work, everyone is welcoming with a smile. While also saying “Mazungo!!” Which simply means white…we stick out like a sore thumb!

We also got to see his church which is located a little further in the village. Some people walk over an hour just to hear the word of the Lord preached. That dedication is beautiful and I know the Lord looks at it with a massive smile. The worship is presented with loud passionate voices, and very colorful dances that are unto the Lord. Different than ive ever seen, but moving in a beautiful way. We got put on the spot as a team and were asked to sing a song, so the whole church got to hear How Great Is Our God in the most unholy sounding voice…singing was never my calling and got full confirmation on that…sorry Pastor Benson! But after we got to interact with the kids my whole life was truly changed. Their Joy of the Lord is unlike anything ive ever seen in kids who have absolutely nothing. They dont speak English but the sound of laughter and giggles is universal across any tribe, nation or tongue. I got to spend hours chasing them, tickling them, and teaching them handshakes! They dont need anything from me, they are simply beyond excited with the company. Something as simple as a game of tag means the world to them. Remember some people don’t need you to give them the whole world for you to change their life, sometimes it’s a smile or acknowledging them in the room. Small things matter more than we may ever know.

We are also doing door to door ministry here. We have spent hours walking to different houses and been greeted with fresh milk tea when they see us coming. I am not a big tea fan, but fresh cow milk and black tea, it has quickly become my new favorite drink! When they welcome us into their homes we have an amazing opportunity to get to know them and pray for them in many ways. We have seen multiple people come to the Lord already, and many who have said they will come back to church after leaving for many years! Praise God! We have also been able to pray for healing for many people, and although we have not seen an immediate miracle yet, God is so good and we are so confident in who He says he is. I have loved meeting so many amazing people and seeing so many homes.

We will be doing some more door to door evangelism along with evangelism at the markets which are the most chaotic places I have ever seen (so please pray for protection and also confidence). We will also do some fishing evangelism which will be unique and exciting. But the village has heard of Mazungo’s here in town and are very exciting to hear the news we have to bring!

This platform makes it very hard to post pictures and videos so please check out my new instagram where I will be posting all of the updates and some more content that is so sweet and pure!

Insta - @colbyjames.2819