Women are undervalued. They are undervalued in different ways
depending on culture, religion and economic development throughout the
world. Women are not seen or treated as equals to men. They are
overworked, abused, oppressed, exploited, demeaned and underpaid.
Recognizing this gender inequality in Kenya, the Umoja Project has
started a girl empowerment initiative called GET UP. School attendance
for girls drops significantly after grade 8 for various reasons, so GET
UP focuses on girls from classes 6-8. GET UP empowers girls by teaching
them about communication, relationships, health and life skills in
hopes that it will keep vulnerable girls from dropping out of school.
Education is the ticket out of poverty, and out of the damaging cycles
of young pregnancy or marriage, so hopefully GET UP will offer these
girls the knowledge to get out of such cycles.
This summer, the GET UP lesson topic was HIV prevention and
treatment. A disease that is surrounding these girls’ lives…infecting
their families, churches, communities and schools. The topic requires
sex education, however we know that most of these girls probably know
more about sex than we’d like to acknowledge or admit. So, on Saturday
morning the class 6-8 girls from several schools convene on the lawn of
one of the schools. They timidly walk up and sit down on the desks and
benches. They don’t know what to expect…and they are not used to such
an event that focuses solely on girls.
Throughout our time of GET UP lesson planning, I felt the Spirit
stirring my heart. My unsettled feeling kept getting stronger and
stronger until I finally spoke up. All this talk about HIV prevention,
abstinence and Bible verses that speak about our bodies as temples…but,
what about those girls whose bodies have already been used for other
things, removing any feeling of holiness? What about those girls who
have possibly been exposed to this disease already? What about those
girls who have been sexually abused for years? Or by the trusted men in
their lives? What about the girls whose bodies no longer feel valuable
or worth anything? What about those girls who think that because they
have already been used, they can now let any man use them? This HIV
message is going to fall on deaf ears if we do not address these
silently suffering daughters of Christ. After my time in Zambia last
summer, I painfully learned about how prevalent sexual abuse is in
African culture…just as in so many other cultures.
We decided that I would speak to these girls. At the end of the
lesson, I would preach to girls who felt like lost causes…like used
goods…like there was nothing left that anyone would want:
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory,
by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to
himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for,
my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.”
(Phil 3:20-4:1)
Amen! God will take our bodies of humiliation and conform (adapt)
them to the body of His Glory!! The power that places all things under
God is the same power that restores bodies of shame and embarrassment.
Therefore, stand firm in the Lord! I stood up in front of the girls and
said that maybe there were girls in our midst that have been taken
advantage of…that have already been used sexually. Maybe there were
girls who no longer had feelings of pride or holiness for their
bodies…just as so many other girls in Kenya, in the U.S., and in every
other country in the world. I told them that there is hope! There is
restoration! They are still the Lord’s beloved and can still be used
for God’s glory. Hallelujah! I moved on to a new way of thinking:
“…Christ has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I
have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies
behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, press on toward the
goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil
3:12b-14)
FORGET what lies behind. STRAIN forward to what lies AHEAD. PRESS ON toward the goal of the heavenly call.
Forget…meaning to overlook or disregard the past. Drop it. Let it go.
Strain…meaning to strive or labor for. It’s not easy, it takes work. Struggle to move forward to what is to come.
Press on…meaning to pursue or proceed toward the goal. Don’t get
stuck. Don’t stop forward motion. Don’t take your eyes off the end
goal, the divine call.
My heart ached for these girls. I wanted them to know, feel, and
experience how much God loves, treasures and adores these daughters of
His…including their bodies. I wanted to take each girl who was facing
this hardship and make them realize that this one part of their life
does not define them. God restores. He wants to help them move past
this, to move forward, and to reach their heavenly call. There was
complete silence the whole time I was speaking. All 120 sets of eyes
were on me…and I felt the Spirit ministering. Oh, how deeply I meant
every word that came out of my mouth…oh, how I looked into as many eyes
as possible. I was present. I was standing with these broken girls at
the same time as showing them God’s redemption.
Of course God turns this passage around on me weeks later. I visit a
wise woman of God during my last week in the village…I had some
brokenness and questions that I needed counsel about. This mentor was
not at GET UP, and did not know that I had been referencing this
Philippians passage during my time in Kenya thus far. However, her
wisdom to me? To forget what lies behind, and to press on toward what
God has for me in the future. Even though I had been the one telling,
and believing in, such things for those girls…I needed to be the
recipient of those same words myself.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
The ABCs
The other day we did a GET UP (Girls Empowerment Team of the Umoja
Project) session with the middle shcool aged girls at four of the
Umoja partner schools. Our topic to cover was HIV/AIDS. Simple enough,
right? Wear condoms. Know the HIV status of your sexul partners. Fewer
sexual encounters means fewer chances for infection. Don't share
razors. Shaking hands and hugging are safe ways to interact with
people with HIV. Sharing food and a toilet are also safe. Avoid blood,
semon, vaginal discharge, and breast milk as they carry the highest
concentration of the virus.
Yeah, but its not that simple!
The PeaceCorps Life Skills book for this region of Africa that we were
using to help plan the event suggested that we teach the ABCs of HIV.
The ABCs are universally taught.
A = Abstain
B = Be faithful
C = Condoms
I think I was taught the ABCs of HIV back in the US when I was the
same age as these girls. And it makes sense - following these three
directions is bound to greatly decrease one's chance of contracting
HIV.
But how could we teach these things in this culture?
Yes, as a child growing up in the US, I could say no.(Although, that
isn't the reality for many children in the United States who are
abused or forced to work on the street to survive.) And these girls in
Kenya can also say no, but its not the same here.
ABSTAIN. Really, abstain? Let's think about this. Each of these girls
is a partial or total orphan living in a highly patriarchal culture.
Abuse and sexual explotation is rampant. And additionally the children
in Kenya are constantly reminded of how education is the only way to
improve their quality of life. Education is everything to these
students. It is so different from the United States. The high school
students at the St. Gabriel's Minor Seminary, a Catholic boys secondry
boarding school for students discerning a call to the priesthood that I
stay at, wake up at 4:00AM each day to begin studying. They start
class at 7:00AM and continue until 5:00PM or so, but after that they
continue with remedial lessons with their teachers until late in the
evening. Then they do their homework late into the night, only to wake
up the next day at 4:00AM. Even primary school students attend class
on Saturdays. And most of the female students who don't board have
several hours of house work to complete in addition to their school
obligations. Education is top priority in this culture.
Students fight to remain in school. They would do anything for the
opportunity to receive an education. And they do. These girls accept
the offers of their male classmates to have sex with them in exchange
for notebooks for class and other needed school materials. They accept
the advances of older men who might assist with their school fees or
buy them their required school uniform. Because of this, I spoke with
the girls at the GET UP program about saying no to those advances and
offers. We told them that they were beautifully created children of
God, who were known, loved , and adored by the one who created them.
Mandy reminded them that they were treasured possessions of God
(Deuteronomy 7:6). And Winnie, a former Umoja student, told them that they were more valuable than a
notebook of paper that costs at most 50 shillings (roughly 70 cents).
And they are.
But my words were so hallow. These girls are valuable. They are
children and treasures of God. They deserve so much more. But how can
I tell them to "just say no." As if it was that simple. As if saying
no didn't result in them losing their school fees and giving up on
any opportunity for success or a life that they have any control over.
Abstain, be faithful, wear condoms. I felt like a fish out of water.
Could I have been any less sensitive to the realities of their
situations? Statistically, nearly a 1/4 of these girls have been
sexually abused or exploited. Who am I to direct them when I am so out
of touch with the realities of their lives.
These girls are valuable. They are tremendously more valuable than the
few pieces of paper that they are surendering themselves for. But can
I really stand in front of them and tell them to forfeit their
opportunity for education (and better and more full life) over their
purity? I just don't know. I don't know what God wanted me to say. But
I'm pretty sure God had some other words in mind. I'm pretty sure
words aren't enough for the reality of this situation. I can't see the
answer for these girls. I'm pretty sure God knows it, but I'm
struggling to trust in that.
Project) session with the middle shcool aged girls at four of the
Umoja partner schools. Our topic to cover was HIV/AIDS. Simple enough,
right? Wear condoms. Know the HIV status of your sexul partners. Fewer
sexual encounters means fewer chances for infection. Don't share
razors. Shaking hands and hugging are safe ways to interact with
people with HIV. Sharing food and a toilet are also safe. Avoid blood,
semon, vaginal discharge, and breast milk as they carry the highest
concentration of the virus.
Yeah, but its not that simple!
The PeaceCorps Life Skills book for this region of Africa that we were
using to help plan the event suggested that we teach the ABCs of HIV.
The ABCs are universally taught.
A = Abstain
B = Be faithful
C = Condoms
I think I was taught the ABCs of HIV back in the US when I was the
same age as these girls. And it makes sense - following these three
directions is bound to greatly decrease one's chance of contracting
HIV.
But how could we teach these things in this culture?
Yes, as a child growing up in the US, I could say no.(Although, that
isn't the reality for many children in the United States who are
abused or forced to work on the street to survive.) And these girls in
Kenya can also say no, but its not the same here.
ABSTAIN. Really, abstain? Let's think about this. Each of these girls
is a partial or total orphan living in a highly patriarchal culture.
Abuse and sexual explotation is rampant. And additionally the children
in Kenya are constantly reminded of how education is the only way to
improve their quality of life. Education is everything to these
students. It is so different from the United States. The high school
students at the St. Gabriel's Minor Seminary, a Catholic boys secondry
boarding school for students discerning a call to the priesthood that I
stay at, wake up at 4:00AM each day to begin studying. They start
class at 7:00AM and continue until 5:00PM or so, but after that they
continue with remedial lessons with their teachers until late in the
evening. Then they do their homework late into the night, only to wake
up the next day at 4:00AM. Even primary school students attend class
on Saturdays. And most of the female students who don't board have
several hours of house work to complete in addition to their school
obligations. Education is top priority in this culture.
Students fight to remain in school. They would do anything for the
opportunity to receive an education. And they do. These girls accept
the offers of their male classmates to have sex with them in exchange
for notebooks for class and other needed school materials. They accept
the advances of older men who might assist with their school fees or
buy them their required school uniform. Because of this, I spoke with
the girls at the GET UP program about saying no to those advances and
offers. We told them that they were beautifully created children of
God, who were known, loved , and adored by the one who created them.
Mandy reminded them that they were treasured possessions of God
(Deuteronomy 7:6). And Winnie, a former Umoja student, told them that they were more valuable than a
notebook of paper that costs at most 50 shillings (roughly 70 cents).
And they are.
But my words were so hallow. These girls are valuable. They are
children and treasures of God. They deserve so much more. But how can
I tell them to "just say no." As if it was that simple. As if saying
no didn't result in them losing their school fees and giving up on
any opportunity for success or a life that they have any control over.
Abstain, be faithful, wear condoms. I felt like a fish out of water.
Could I have been any less sensitive to the realities of their
situations? Statistically, nearly a 1/4 of these girls have been
sexually abused or exploited. Who am I to direct them when I am so out
of touch with the realities of their lives.
These girls are valuable. They are tremendously more valuable than the
few pieces of paper that they are surendering themselves for. But can
I really stand in front of them and tell them to forfeit their
opportunity for education (and better and more full life) over their
purity? I just don't know. I don't know what God wanted me to say. But
I'm pretty sure God had some other words in mind. I'm pretty sure
words aren't enough for the reality of this situation. I can't see the
answer for these girls. I'm pretty sure God knows it, but I'm
struggling to trust in that.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Time
Here is a journal entry from just a little while ago:
Today was my first real experience with rain in Kenya. (Little did I know that I would have many more.) I say that because it is the first time I've been caught in hard rain without a vehicle. It was interesting. And it was such a reminder of how disconnected we, in America, are from nature. In the US, we jump in our cars and speed through the rain on our paved road with our windshields going full speed. But here, the weather can shape your day. And in an American mindset, that can be very frustrating. On any given day, meetings are cut short because the sky changes color and the temperature drops.
And today when the GET UP (Girls Empowerment Team of the Umoja Project) program ended, the rain began. At first it sprinkled, then it poured, and at times it even hailed. We were worried that the girls would be stuck in the rain, but just like we took shelter in the head teacher's office, they took shelter in the classrooms. And there we waited. But in our waiting we conversed, took lunch, and enjoyed the company of the teachers, guardians, and our own team. Our time together was actually quite nice. But it also meant that we were very late to spend the afternoon with Emily, the woman who was hosting Mandy and Elizabeth in her home. But our tardiness of several hours was completely acceptable. And Emily was completely okay with Tiffany and I leaving only an hour after we arrived so that we could make it home before dark.
Before I left the United States, people warned me about "Africa time" or "Kenyan time." And I was actually told that the Kenyan practices of time might be the only things that I shouldn't bring back from the Kenyan culture to the US. But there is something beautiful about their concept of time even when it means waiting for long periods of time. Time is almost viewed as if it were a gift. Something that didn't belong to them. Something that rested in the hands of the community, not the individual. And ultimately rested in the hands of God.
Today was my first real experience with rain in Kenya. (Little did I know that I would have many more.) I say that because it is the first time I've been caught in hard rain without a vehicle. It was interesting. And it was such a reminder of how disconnected we, in America, are from nature. In the US, we jump in our cars and speed through the rain on our paved road with our windshields going full speed. But here, the weather can shape your day. And in an American mindset, that can be very frustrating. On any given day, meetings are cut short because the sky changes color and the temperature drops.
And today when the GET UP (Girls Empowerment Team of the Umoja Project) program ended, the rain began. At first it sprinkled, then it poured, and at times it even hailed. We were worried that the girls would be stuck in the rain, but just like we took shelter in the head teacher's office, they took shelter in the classrooms. And there we waited. But in our waiting we conversed, took lunch, and enjoyed the company of the teachers, guardians, and our own team. Our time together was actually quite nice. But it also meant that we were very late to spend the afternoon with Emily, the woman who was hosting Mandy and Elizabeth in her home. But our tardiness of several hours was completely acceptable. And Emily was completely okay with Tiffany and I leaving only an hour after we arrived so that we could make it home before dark.
Before I left the United States, people warned me about "Africa time" or "Kenyan time." And I was actually told that the Kenyan practices of time might be the only things that I shouldn't bring back from the Kenyan culture to the US. But there is something beautiful about their concept of time even when it means waiting for long periods of time. Time is almost viewed as if it were a gift. Something that didn't belong to them. Something that rested in the hands of the community, not the individual. And ultimately rested in the hands of God.
Kenyan Terrorist Attacks
17 killed in simultaneous attacks on 2 Christian churches. Grenades
and gunshots rang out while congregations were worshiping God. Death
interrupted people as they were giving what little they had to the
collection plate. Masked gunmen took people’s eyes away from Jesus and
onto terror, blood and the flashes of multiple explosions.
This is not our fight, per say, but it still feels violating. We are visitors in the country that is being targeted. We get a small taste of the fear, suspicion and helplessness that these terrorist attacks stir up in the Kenyan people. The killings happened in a small village on the opposite side of Kenya from us, near the Somalia border. The area typically gets the brunt of the tension between Kenya and the Somalian Al-Qaeda. The terrorist group from Somalia consists of individuals claiming to be Muslims, yet the media here insists that this is not a religious war. Rather, church gatherings are simply the events in Kenya that draw the largest number of people. Is it not a religious war if only people of one religion are being targeted? By attacking congregations that meet on Sundays, there was an assurance of no Muslim victims.
I begin to wonder what if the attacks started moving closer to us? How quickly would we stop attending church on Sundays, or even leave Kenya all together? Would we be quick to leave because the battle does not feel like ours? How different would our response be if these attacks targeted U.S. churches? Sadly, there was already an expectation that terrorism may occur while we were in Kenya since tensions between Somalia have been ongoing for quite some time. Is there more of an expectation, acceptance or tolerance of such attacks in third world countries, compared to such bloodshed happening in America? Why if these same gunmen attacked American churches would I be more outraged than I am now? One country does not deserve these senseless attacks any more than another country…so why would I want an immediate, overwhelming and forceful response from my own country in such a situation, but do not have the same passion for the Kenyan attacks? Is it because I already know that such force is not possible here? Kenya is more vulnerable, with less resources? Is it my American arrogance? Or simply love and sense of ownership for my own country?
The battle in Kenya is ours because it is our brothers and sisters in Christ that are being terrorized. As I make friends here, I see that these attacks are not just on a third world country…but they are on my friends. As I experience the humanity that is here, I see that we have more similarities than differences. And safety is something we all crave for our families and ourselves. Since the attacks, I can no longer robotically listen to the news…mindlessly hearing the countless death tolls from far away countries. These victims are fathers, mothers, children and friends. These people have families, lives, faiths, communities and people who love them. What I’m experiencing is the horror of terror in a country that doesn’t have the defense or resources that we Americans have the luxury of hiding behind…God help us all.
This is not our fight, per say, but it still feels violating. We are visitors in the country that is being targeted. We get a small taste of the fear, suspicion and helplessness that these terrorist attacks stir up in the Kenyan people. The killings happened in a small village on the opposite side of Kenya from us, near the Somalia border. The area typically gets the brunt of the tension between Kenya and the Somalian Al-Qaeda. The terrorist group from Somalia consists of individuals claiming to be Muslims, yet the media here insists that this is not a religious war. Rather, church gatherings are simply the events in Kenya that draw the largest number of people. Is it not a religious war if only people of one religion are being targeted? By attacking congregations that meet on Sundays, there was an assurance of no Muslim victims.
I begin to wonder what if the attacks started moving closer to us? How quickly would we stop attending church on Sundays, or even leave Kenya all together? Would we be quick to leave because the battle does not feel like ours? How different would our response be if these attacks targeted U.S. churches? Sadly, there was already an expectation that terrorism may occur while we were in Kenya since tensions between Somalia have been ongoing for quite some time. Is there more of an expectation, acceptance or tolerance of such attacks in third world countries, compared to such bloodshed happening in America? Why if these same gunmen attacked American churches would I be more outraged than I am now? One country does not deserve these senseless attacks any more than another country…so why would I want an immediate, overwhelming and forceful response from my own country in such a situation, but do not have the same passion for the Kenyan attacks? Is it because I already know that such force is not possible here? Kenya is more vulnerable, with less resources? Is it my American arrogance? Or simply love and sense of ownership for my own country?
The battle in Kenya is ours because it is our brothers and sisters in Christ that are being terrorized. As I make friends here, I see that these attacks are not just on a third world country…but they are on my friends. As I experience the humanity that is here, I see that we have more similarities than differences. And safety is something we all crave for our families and ourselves. Since the attacks, I can no longer robotically listen to the news…mindlessly hearing the countless death tolls from far away countries. These victims are fathers, mothers, children and friends. These people have families, lives, faiths, communities and people who love them. What I’m experiencing is the horror of terror in a country that doesn’t have the defense or resources that we Americans have the luxury of hiding behind…God help us all.
Complaining
Hello!
Finally feeling ready to blog. I haven't been able to think of something to write about... or maybe I've had too many thoughts in my head to get any of them straight. The latter sounds more correct.
For those of you who know me, you know I really don't like the pop singer Taylor Swift. I've always said that she needs to "get a real problem" as she sings about breaking up with her boyfriend of one-week. I feel like now I'm saying that same phrase to myself after having lived in Kenya for this month's time.
I am going to make a conscious effort not to complain unless truly appropriate. Here, for example, are some things I would complain about in the States:
I've always known that I am privileged but as I bucket bathe in the mornings and eat dinner by latern-light, I realize just how lucky I am.
It's hard for me not to feel angry when I think about how America lives in excess. People here give ALL the can; they feel that they have given/tithed/etc because of the amount given. In the US, I feel that I give from excess. Do we give until it hurts? Do we open our homes to people or go out of our way to serve others? I can tell you that the people in Kenya do. Even if they can only afford a soda, they will serve you and even if they don't have any shillings to give to the church, they will give a chicken as a donation. This isn't to say that I think we all should live in poverty, but I think some mentalities (mine) should change. The next time you're internet goes out, just be glad you have access to it and your own computer! When you're stuck in traffic, thank God that you have the means to afford car payments, gas, and insurance. When you go to the doctor, don't complain about the wait but be blessed that you're going to get great care (believe me.... you don't want to go to the Chulaimbo Health Center). Again, this is not to say that we should sell all of our things... or that everyone should be called to African missions. I am going to thank God for the blessings and opportunities that I have and give back 'til it hurts. I will be more mindful of this when I return to the States and share my experience with others. To be honest, I'm not sure how to do this. Do I just encourage people with my own personal actions/changes I'll make to my life? Do I share my stories and reflections? Can anyone understand what I've been here? Will I get sucked back in quickly to an American lifestyle of consumerism? Will I grow bitter towards the US, my friends and family?
I don't know how my life will change upon returning to the States in a mere 2.75 weeks but I pray that I (and my team mates) are forever moved and changed for the better.
Finally feeling ready to blog. I haven't been able to think of something to write about... or maybe I've had too many thoughts in my head to get any of them straight. The latter sounds more correct.
For those of you who know me, you know I really don't like the pop singer Taylor Swift. I've always said that she needs to "get a real problem" as she sings about breaking up with her boyfriend of one-week. I feel like now I'm saying that same phrase to myself after having lived in Kenya for this month's time.
I am going to make a conscious effort not to complain unless truly appropriate. Here, for example, are some things I would complain about in the States:
- I don't want to do laundry
- Ugh, I have to empty the dishwasher
- There's too much traffic
- The Duke University bus system gets me to class late
- There's nothing on TV
I've always known that I am privileged but as I bucket bathe in the mornings and eat dinner by latern-light, I realize just how lucky I am.
It's hard for me not to feel angry when I think about how America lives in excess. People here give ALL the can; they feel that they have given/tithed/etc because of the amount given. In the US, I feel that I give from excess. Do we give until it hurts? Do we open our homes to people or go out of our way to serve others? I can tell you that the people in Kenya do. Even if they can only afford a soda, they will serve you and even if they don't have any shillings to give to the church, they will give a chicken as a donation. This isn't to say that I think we all should live in poverty, but I think some mentalities (mine) should change. The next time you're internet goes out, just be glad you have access to it and your own computer! When you're stuck in traffic, thank God that you have the means to afford car payments, gas, and insurance. When you go to the doctor, don't complain about the wait but be blessed that you're going to get great care (believe me.... you don't want to go to the Chulaimbo Health Center). Again, this is not to say that we should sell all of our things... or that everyone should be called to African missions. I am going to thank God for the blessings and opportunities that I have and give back 'til it hurts. I will be more mindful of this when I return to the States and share my experience with others. To be honest, I'm not sure how to do this. Do I just encourage people with my own personal actions/changes I'll make to my life? Do I share my stories and reflections? Can anyone understand what I've been here? Will I get sucked back in quickly to an American lifestyle of consumerism? Will I grow bitter towards the US, my friends and family?
I don't know how my life will change upon returning to the States in a mere 2.75 weeks but I pray that I (and my team mates) are forever moved and changed for the better.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Second Chances
This past Tuesday the Umoja team met with several head teachers (which is a school principal in America), and community professionals to discussed how implement a program specifically for secondary girls (high school age girls in America) who are in school. For those who are unaware of the education procedures in Kenya, not all youth go to high school or secondary school. In grade 8, the students who go to school have to take an exam and receive a certain score that permits them to continue their education. Even if they receive the right score to continue, they are required to pay for their future education. There is no government support as the American have for education here in Kenya.
As we were discussing how to implement a program for the secondary girls who are sponsored by Umoja (meaning, Umoja pay school fees for students to continue their education. similar to a scholarship) an issue came into play. Some young girls end up facing tough experiences that are beyond their control. For example, some young teenage girls end up getting pregnant by a family member. Or there have been some cases in which a young girl finds in a relationship with a boy/man you clams to love her, at times gives her money that helps her to purchase materials that are needed to study in exchange for sex, she becomes pregnant and the boy/man claims that he does not know the girl and does not support the girl or the baby. To add fuel to the fire, there are some cases in which the young girl also contracts HIV/AIDS.
So our discussion was what do we do with these young girls who find themselves in this situation, for most secondary girls drop out of school if they become pregnant. There may be shamed by their family, father of the child may put or out. And if she is diagnosed with HIV, the communities shuns the young girl. We find our selves in conversation of where is the opportunity for a second chance? How can these young girls receive a second chance when their some of their situations are beyond their control? For if they drop out of school, they loose their spot as a secondary student and is replaced with a new student in regards to school fees being paid for the girl. How can we provide a second chance for these girls?
This bothered me much. For we serve a God of a second chance, but the believers of God have trouble giving second chances. This occurs in many cultures, not just in Kenya. We couldn't come to a place in which we could decided the solution for issues such as this, for time ran away from us. But we all agreed that this is problematic and something is needed to take place.
As I continued processing the conversations I thought of this scripture. Isaiah 43:18-19 says "Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you no perceive it?" (NRSV) I've came to understand that we as believers must forget the past, past disappointments, past sins, and not hold them against anyone or use the past to hinder someone to move on. And not only that, speak life and give hope to those who feel like they have no other chance. We have no right to judge. We should leave that to God, and find ways to help our brothers and sisters regardless of any circumstance. And even though we could not come up with a solution during this time a meeting, verse 19 of this chapter gave peace to my spirit. For I believe that God will do a new thing, provide a new program for these secondary girls who are questioning if they will receive another chance to continue their education. This new thing began with that one meeting, and it shall spring forth.
God is a God of second chances, third chances, 183 chances, that is why he sent his son to die for our sins. God also uses us to give second chances. Don't let stigmas keep you from being a vessel from God to give second chances or many more chances. We are the feet and hands of God sharing the love of Christ to those who are in need. I encourage you to remember that next time you come across someone who feels have if they have no more chances. That second chance may just begin with you!
Blessings~
p.s. I am aware of grammatical errors. I will correct them once I have more time on the internet. Just wanted to let you know~)
As we were discussing how to implement a program for the secondary girls who are sponsored by Umoja (meaning, Umoja pay school fees for students to continue their education. similar to a scholarship) an issue came into play. Some young girls end up facing tough experiences that are beyond their control. For example, some young teenage girls end up getting pregnant by a family member. Or there have been some cases in which a young girl finds in a relationship with a boy/man you clams to love her, at times gives her money that helps her to purchase materials that are needed to study in exchange for sex, she becomes pregnant and the boy/man claims that he does not know the girl and does not support the girl or the baby. To add fuel to the fire, there are some cases in which the young girl also contracts HIV/AIDS.
So our discussion was what do we do with these young girls who find themselves in this situation, for most secondary girls drop out of school if they become pregnant. There may be shamed by their family, father of the child may put or out. And if she is diagnosed with HIV, the communities shuns the young girl. We find our selves in conversation of where is the opportunity for a second chance? How can these young girls receive a second chance when their some of their situations are beyond their control? For if they drop out of school, they loose their spot as a secondary student and is replaced with a new student in regards to school fees being paid for the girl. How can we provide a second chance for these girls?
This bothered me much. For we serve a God of a second chance, but the believers of God have trouble giving second chances. This occurs in many cultures, not just in Kenya. We couldn't come to a place in which we could decided the solution for issues such as this, for time ran away from us. But we all agreed that this is problematic and something is needed to take place.
As I continued processing the conversations I thought of this scripture. Isaiah 43:18-19 says "Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you no perceive it?" (NRSV) I've came to understand that we as believers must forget the past, past disappointments, past sins, and not hold them against anyone or use the past to hinder someone to move on. And not only that, speak life and give hope to those who feel like they have no other chance. We have no right to judge. We should leave that to God, and find ways to help our brothers and sisters regardless of any circumstance. And even though we could not come up with a solution during this time a meeting, verse 19 of this chapter gave peace to my spirit. For I believe that God will do a new thing, provide a new program for these secondary girls who are questioning if they will receive another chance to continue their education. This new thing began with that one meeting, and it shall spring forth.
God is a God of second chances, third chances, 183 chances, that is why he sent his son to die for our sins. God also uses us to give second chances. Don't let stigmas keep you from being a vessel from God to give second chances or many more chances. We are the feet and hands of God sharing the love of Christ to those who are in need. I encourage you to remember that next time you come across someone who feels have if they have no more chances. That second chance may just begin with you!
Blessings~
p.s. I am aware of grammatical errors. I will correct them once I have more time on the internet. Just wanted to let you know~)
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Paradox of Suffering Savior
Shelter. Shepherd. Protector. Refuge. Shield. Savior.
Sufferer.
God promises protection…as well as suffering. He says to expect suffering because it is inevitable. So, what is God shielding me from, then? What exactly does this protection of His look like? Is He the rest and shield away from the suffering? Or in the suffering? His divine understanding of suffering is a shelter I quickly and desperately seek when I am feeling misunderstood and alone. A place of Truth in a world full of untruths. I do this because Jesus knows suffering. He knows suffering more intimately and intensely than I ever will…or am even capable of.
“Christ did not sin or ever tell a lie. Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly…by His cuts and bruises you are healed…” (1 Peter 2:22-24)
Christ never did anything to warrant ridicule, betrayal, punishment, torture or death. And it was not just his enemies that causes Jesus pain, He was denied by those closest to Him in the moment He needed them the most. Jesus Christ knows suffering. He knows betrayal. He can intimately relate to the pain and suffering I encounter in this life, regardless of the suffering’s origin…because He lived it, and triumphed over it.
“God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you.” (1 Peter 2:12)
So, as I reflect on the suffering that has seemed utterly senseless, I choose to turn my eyes to Jesus. The one who understands. The one who knows. The one who gives me the strength to let go of my pride, my defenses, my ego and my expectations in order accept the suffering. To stop fighting or avoiding it. To sit in it. To wait in it. It is only when I stop and stay in one place that I am able to see my critical need for “shelter.” Only then, and there…in my waiting and accepting…am I able to understand God’s promise of being my safe refuge and protective shield.
Sufferer.
God promises protection…as well as suffering. He says to expect suffering because it is inevitable. So, what is God shielding me from, then? What exactly does this protection of His look like? Is He the rest and shield away from the suffering? Or in the suffering? His divine understanding of suffering is a shelter I quickly and desperately seek when I am feeling misunderstood and alone. A place of Truth in a world full of untruths. I do this because Jesus knows suffering. He knows suffering more intimately and intensely than I ever will…or am even capable of.
“Christ did not sin or ever tell a lie. Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly…by His cuts and bruises you are healed…” (1 Peter 2:22-24)
Christ never did anything to warrant ridicule, betrayal, punishment, torture or death. And it was not just his enemies that causes Jesus pain, He was denied by those closest to Him in the moment He needed them the most. Jesus Christ knows suffering. He knows betrayal. He can intimately relate to the pain and suffering I encounter in this life, regardless of the suffering’s origin…because He lived it, and triumphed over it.
“God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you.” (1 Peter 2:12)
So, as I reflect on the suffering that has seemed utterly senseless, I choose to turn my eyes to Jesus. The one who understands. The one who knows. The one who gives me the strength to let go of my pride, my defenses, my ego and my expectations in order accept the suffering. To stop fighting or avoiding it. To sit in it. To wait in it. It is only when I stop and stay in one place that I am able to see my critical need for “shelter.” Only then, and there…in my waiting and accepting…am I able to understand God’s promise of being my safe refuge and protective shield.
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