Church under a tree

I visited Rongumo village this afternoon. It is kind of ‘my’ village since I was given a Rendille name by a lady from there (Konkomo – it means ‘short’!)

 

I spent some time with the local Rongumo church. This was very different from a church back home or even in Korr town. Worshippers met under a tree and sat on the dusty ground. There were no song books or PA system or translation. And it was very windy.

 

But they sang and shared testimony and listened to a story of one of Jesus’ miracles being read from a much-read copy of the book of John in Rendille language and heard a short talk afterwards. I was reminded that of course, they were worshipping the very same God that people all over the world worship. A creator God, who loves all people all over the world so much that his heart breaks when they do their own thing. Father God who sent his son Jesus to win his people back. God who longs for people to come to him and get to know him.

Church under a tree

I was also struck at how, in many ways, this church was unlikely. Almost in the middle of nowhere and remote from regular communications and media and the outside world. Surrounded by peoples who follow traditional African religions. Where not everyone goes to school and many are illiterate. Where until recently the local language was not written down. Where there isn’t a complete translation of the Bible in the local language.

God wants all people to hear the message about his love for them and to accept Jesus as their saviour. But how do people in remote northern Kenya get to know this message? The book of Romans speaks of the problem and solution:

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news! (Romans 10:14-15)

 

 Lots of clapping and singing songs to and about God in local Rendille language

 

The Tirrim Project in Korr does many things, some of which are similar to many community development projects all over Kenya. But as well as offering practical assistance to the Rendille people (eg schools and adult education, feeding programmes, vetinary assistance, clean water) it also brings this message. Sometimes this occurs at the same time as the practical help but also separately.

The good news is being translated into Rendille language, and the New Testament books of the Bible are almost complete. Adults in remote villages are being taught basic literacy so that they can not only read the labels on medicines and write to family members, but also read the Bible and learn more about who God is and what he does. 

 

The Bible reading from the Rendille translation of the book of John

 

This is being done partly by people from outside Korr, like Lynne and Nick who set up the Tirrim Project. But excitingly, it is also being done by local people. The church meeting this afternoon had no ‘outside’ help. It was led entirely by local people in a style fitting their culture. It was a privilege to join with them, even if I didn’t know what was being said, as I was able to see how the good news of Jesus is being spread by his messengers so that people can call on his name and be saved.

Praise the Lord!