This is the day that the Lord has made!

“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24). When I reflect on what has transpired today, an old childhood church song comes to mind, “They will know that we are Christian by our Love.” That is actually what happened as we witnessed God’s love being expressed to a community of village people who many have never heard the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our day started with an exuberant, high-spirited worship service at the church in Injilli, where several choirs sung praises to the Lord and Pastor Haley brought forth a powerful sermon about the lame man being healed. Oh, how wonderful it was to be in a service where people were shouting sincere praises to God free from worrying about what their neighbors thought of them. Also, the pure devotion of the children choir brought tears to many of us who witness their true authentic worship. People of many nationalities stood shoulder to shoulder praising and worshipping together. I truly believed God was pleased with us today to see a glimpse on earth of what it shall be in Heaven.

The day continued with a processional from the primary school to the property of the new Valarye McMillan Hope Community High School.  It seemed as though every villager in a 2 mile radius attended the ceremony, many of whom are Muslim. National and local government officials were also in attendance. They too have witnessed the significant impact the ministry at Injili is making in this community. As the ceremony went on, we witnessed how God used the growing Christian community to boldly and unapologetically proclaim the name of Jesus Christ before the masses.  Again, I believe the Lord was pleased with this bold witness, as it reflects His desire for all to know Him.

Another highlight of the ceremony was when some shared the faith of Valarye McMillan, who had a deep desire for Kenyan people of this community. She prayed for many years that this community would be transformed by the love of Jesus Christ. Many who knew her spoke about her vision for the children to be educated and afforded opportunities that did not exist. The inaugural class of high school students was given the charge to not only to do well academically but also to embrace Valarye’s faith in Jesus Christ for their own lives. Valarye’s life is personal testament of a life lived well for the honor of God that is significantly changing the lives of others across the world.

-Stacy Burrell

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