Devotions

A word that is changing my life It’s a simple word but it’s become my favorite. The word is “Privilege.” It’s become one of my “6 words to live by.”* I’m simply using this word to remind myself of how privileged I am to: Be alive Serving Bwana (Lord) Jesus in Africa. Having a wonderful family. Good health. Learning a …

Listen to short clip from Tigoni Baptist Church Kenya Easter 2013 (Above) Don’t miss Dada Stella’s famous Shrill Swahili Spiritual Squeal. It’s one of my favorite parts of African worship! The clip below is an acapella Easter song from the Tigoni Adult Choir.  Enjoy and Worship: TigoniEaster2 On the clip above, listen to each choir member humming their part.  Also, …

A New Heart I will give you a new heart and mind.  I will take away your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.   Ezekiel 36:26 It’s become a favorite word of mine in Kenya. Moyo.     It means heart in Swahili. As in Moyo ya Moyo . . .  Heart to Heart.   It’s odd …

It’s been a fine weekend in Kenya. Yesterday we spent the day hiking and climbing in the Great Rift Valley.  More on that below. Today was Palm Sunday and its significance was burned into my heart like never before. It’s due to donkeys and palm fronds. As we drove to church this morning, we passed crowds of worshipers carrying palm …

This week's African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. "

Pamoja:  it’s our Swahili word for the week.  It means “Working together.” Pamoja.  It’s a good word to share with you.  As a friend, reader, and prayer supporter, you are working together as we follow God’s leadership in serving in east Africa. Keep praying! Praying for us this week: We’re in Entebbe, Uganda this week.  Training with Bob and Nancy …

On TheJourney . . . walking the red dirt roads of East Africa updated on Sunday, 17 Feb2013 February 2013 Have you read our latest newsletter? You can also subscribe to the newsletter. As always, we love to hear from you.  Email us at creekbank.stories@gmail.com   Click on image for larger view Praying for us this week: Our KiSwahili language …

Today is Monday*  11Feb 2013 * “Juma Tatu”    Day 3 of the week  (Swahili week begins with Sunday)   Juma:  Week/  Tatu: 3 I Heard it through the Grapevine I was in a store last week and heard it over the stereo system.  That unmistakable bass line of the beginning of “I heard it through the grapevine.”  It was the Marvin …

Today is Tuesday 4 February 2013 Hakuna Matata  “No worries”  from The Lion King.  Swahili speakers make fun of how we Americans know this term.  Another Lion King word:  Jambo.  “When a Mzungu (white man) says ‘Jambo’ we raise the price* on everything.  It’s evident they don’t know anything.”  (Correct term is “Hu Jambo?” which means “no problems.”  Reply should …

Huge Eucalyptus Tree near our home. Friday, Feb. 1 “Juzi Juzi” We’ve been learning about time in Swahil.  My current favorite term is,  “Juzi Juzi” which means just “The Other Day.”  I’ve heard Louisiana country men use the phrase all of my life.  Whether they’re standing line at Foreman’s Meat Market, in the front of the post office, or on …

Friday morning,  Jan. 18 It’s Friday morning here in Nairobi.  Eight hours ahead of the US. My American friends and family are abed, but close in my heart. Today we move (again) to our home for the next three months:  Brackenhurst Retreat Center.  It’s located in the Kenyan “foothills” at 7800 feet. This will be our home as we begin …

“Pack no air” or “Don’t pack air.” They say the same thing.  Which one sounds best to you? That’s Big!   The Sheer Size of Africa. Still The Dark Continent? This nightime satellite image illustrates the lighted population of Africa with its neighbor to the north, Europe. Heading to Africa    We leave this Monday (Jan. 14) from Houston. COUNTDOWN WIDGET

  Wed. Jan. 2, 2013 I’m calling it The Journey.     12 days left in the piney woods and I’m happy and sad. It’s what I’m on. In fact, it’s what we’re all on. TheJourney.  The path and direction of our life. 2013 is a new section of the journey.  The road is clear and seems level as far …

December 31 New Year’s Eve Finishing Strong “If it’s worth doing, it is worth doing right—especially if it is for God!” Ted Williams is generally considered the greatest hitter in the history of major league baseball. Two events from his career speak about the concept of “finishing strong.” In 1941, Williams entered the last day of the season with a …