A Day In Nakuru

Yesterday, we travelled a couple of hours from Nairobi to the city of Nakuru. A new friend, Pastor Mike Brawan is a city leader; he was nominated by the government to serve as a city councillor. Mike seems to be known by everyone wherever we went. He works closely with federal and local government officials, city church leaders and business people. Mike believes in helping the poor by giving them opportunity; he has helped start nearly 50 businesses. Some of these employ multiple people; others are micro-businesses that he facilitates by giving loans to the poor. I saw bicycle taxis all over downtown, vegetable carts, even shoeshine stands. All of these are the result of Mike's efforts. He pastors a church of 1,500 people that meets outdoors. They have children's homes, support poor children in schools, have full time pastors in maximum security prisons, and feeding programs in the large dump on the city outskirts.

After conducting a meeting for about 170 pastors in the morning, Mike took us to the dump. It was filled with men, women and children (lots of women and children!) scavenging for garbage that they could sell. As soon as they saw Mike, they began to stream to us from all over the dump. Mike talked with them for a few minutes and then introduced us to them all. I had the opportunity to pray for the sick and then very briefly (about 2 minutes) preach the Gospel. A good number were instantly healed. When this happened, a good number prayed to give their lives to Jesus. Tomorrow, one of Mike's team will go back with enough food for all of them to last for a day or two. As always seems to be the case when ministering to the very poorest, I was very aware of the Lord's presence and love. Jesus always has, and always will, identify with the poor in a very special way.

One more thing you should know: when Mike Brawan was an 8 year old who was suddenly orphaned, he went to this same dump and lived there for 4 years. It was while he was living in the dump that one day he heard someone share the Gospel and his life was changed forever.

Paul wrote to the church in Rome that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation. I must always remember the great treasure that has been given to me so that I can give it to others.