Monday, October 22, 2012

A Big Book and A Big Smile

Today we went to Nairobi. We have made a good connection with The Bible Society of Kenya. All of the Bibles (in Pokot, Swahili, and English) that we have purchased, since in Kenya, have come from our friends at BSK. Almost every language in Kenya which has a portion of the Scriptures in print can be found there. And because we are not buying Bibles to turn around and sell them, often we are given a generous discount.

But Bibles are not the only thing found at BSK. They also sell a really good whole Bible commentary entiled "Africa Bible Commentary" or ABC for short. If you know Phil, you know that he really likes books... and well, today he bought two copies of this commentary.

In Kenya, finding sound Biblical tools is significantly difficult, and the tools that you do find are often more than the avarage pastor can afford. After spending two weeks laboring beside Joseph Mulatya (the Kenyan missionary who is preparing to move to Amaya) we had ample time to discuss our passions - which for both of Joseph and Phil books were near the top of the list.

While visiting Mulatya's home, he mentioned how he had been looking for the ABC but every time he had an opportunity to purchase the book, he literally did not have enough money to purchase it (one copy costs about $30).

So, today after buying 60 Bibles and two copies of the ABC, we went to Mulatya's house. As a demonstration of God's gracious provision of His Word, we are sending to two villages in Pokot (Amaya and Kasilangua) 16 English, 23 Pokot, and 21 Swahili Bibles. And because Mulatya is going to Amaya before us, he and Phil carried the Bibles down to his house. After this difficult task, Phil pulled out a copy of the ABC as a surprise gift for Mulatya. How I wish I had a picture of that moment! But a picture a few moments after is not too bad... :)

Here is Joseph Mulatya holding a Pokot Bible (a language he must soon learn) and his own copy of the Africa Bible Commentary. This picture describes perfectly what we pray the Lord will do through us: giving people the Word of God and the tools they need to apply it to their lives and ministries.

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