Kenya, home to 57 million people and having one of the most stable governments in all of Africa, is a country with great potential.
One cannot travel throughout Kenya without seeing the natural beauty that God has given the country.
The year-round growing seasons provide a renewable resource for the average Kenyan family who is struggling to make ends meet. Wherever there is an open patch of ground in Nairobi, you will find some family’s vegetables growing.
With the potential that Kenya has to be a leading country in all of Africa, it is sad to see that corruption has stifled the country’s development. From the lowliest job to the highest position in government, mis-management of resources, embezzlement, theft, and fraud are present. As the leaders of the country do, so do its citizens. In every part of Kenyan society, corruption is found. Foreigners not used to how things are done in Kenya are shocked to realize that not much can be accomplished without “kitu kidogo” (or a bribe) being expected.
With the potential that Kenya has to be a leading country in all of Africa, it is sad to see that corruption has stifled the country’s development. From the lowliest job to the highest position in government, mis-management of resources, embezzlement, theft, and fraud are present. As the leaders of the country do, so do its citizens. In every part of Kenyan society, corruption is found. Foreigners not used to how things are done in Kenya are shocked to realize that not much can be accomplished without “kitu kidogo” (or a bribe) being expected.
It may come as a surprise to learn that nearly 86% of Kenya’s population claims to be Christian. What is called Christianity in Kenya, however, has very little foundation in the Bible. In error, the Jesus that is taught in Kenyan mainstream churches needs man’s help in the work of salvation; and the God who is taught has a casual view of sin, and does not require holiness. While Kenya cannot properly be called an unreached country, they have missed the Truth of the Gospel of Christ. Salvation for many Kenyans has been very near, and yet so far. It is to these people that the Lord has called the Coleys: to Reach the Mis-Reached of Kenya.
In order for us to effectively communicate God’s Word to the Kenyan people, our first year in Kenya had a focus on learning language and culture. The importance of learning the language of the people is easily understood, but why take the time to learn culture? The culture in which a person is raised shapes their thinking. The language that a child learns upon the knees of his mother has been influenced throughout the generations by the culture. For a person to understand the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, it is communicated within the confines of language and culture. Having an understanding of the Kenyan culture and knowing Swahili opens doors for us to present the Gospel to Kenyans in an effective way.
In order for us to effectively communicate God’s Word to the Kenyan people, our first year in Kenya had a focus on learning language and culture. The importance of learning the language of the people is easily understood, but why take the time to learn culture? The culture in which a person is raised shapes their thinking. The language that a child learns upon the knees of his mother has been influenced throughout the generations by the culture. For a person to understand the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, it is communicated within the confines of language and culture. Having an understanding of the Kenyan culture and knowing Swahili opens doors for us to present the Gospel to Kenyans in an effective way.