Summer 2012

Esther: A Reflection by Sharon Moffitt

        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

            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!

            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….

            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)!

God is good all the time; all the time God is good.