Some
things, and some people, seem to defy description. Such is the case with our
dear friend and sister, Esther Mbaabu, who has just concluded her visit to
Tacoma. What an ambassador for Christ! Esther lives in joy and gratitude,
praising God at every turn. Her example will remain with us forever. What a
marvelous example of how “mission” really works, because though it may seem as
if we are the
missionaries to Kenya, in truth, Esther and her colleagues have ministered to
us in a thousand ways, including demonstrating what it means to remain faithful
to God in all circumstances.
Esther
arrived at SeaTac on July 21 with tales of all the ways that the Lord had
assisted her in her travels, including getting through the infamous Heathrow
Airport in London. Esther sees the
face of Christ in virtually everyone she meets.
While
here, Esther visited several small groups and participated in a wide variety of
events at which she was able to share news from Hope International Ministry
Trust, our partner in Meru …the “boots on the ground” folks who make sure the
children we sponsor are provided for.
It was good to hear firsthand about some of our kids, and to connect
with one of the Hope guardians. It made our ministry to Meru real and immediate
Finally,
thanks to the exuberance and joy of this dear sister, more than 20 people have stepped up to sponsor children in
Meru which means that nearly 200 kids are receiving aid through Cherish
Ministry to Meru! When this
ministry first began, we were motivated by the words of James to the early
Christians, when he said that “pure and undefiled religion” is manifested in “visiting
widows and orphans in their time of trouble.” Thanks to Esther, Elijah, Harun, Ibrahim and Amalia, we have
been able to do this now for almost ten years, adding families to our roster
each year. It is amazing to see
what God can do when people choose to come together in his name. To God be the glory, great things he
has done….

A
highlight of her visit was the UPPC potluck celebration on July 29. Fellowship
Hall was brimming with guests, including sponsors and friends from two local
Kenyan congregations here in Puget Sound. Before the night was over, our Kenyan
brothers and sisters had us on our feet singing and dancing in worship
together. As was pointed out repeatedly that night, we all experienced a “foretaste
of Heaven” where people of every race and nation shall gather together to
praise our God!
And
so, we are happy to report that Esther’s visit was a marvelous success. And for
the record, among the great things God has done, he enabled Esther to have victory over her fear of dogs (thanks
to Lili) and her fear of heights (thanks to the Seattle ferris wheel)!
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