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 "God made me a blessing to Kenya."

"The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing" (Ge 12:1-2).
 
Almost thirteen months ago, I set out on a journey to Korea, a country I did not have a lot of experience with. Though excited, I had anxiety, fears, and reservations since I had not lived in a foreign country before. All I knew was that this was a God-given opportunity to pursue my program in a prestigious university, Korea University, and could not contemplate anything coming to disrupt me. Time has elapsed so fast when I look back, and all I can say is thank God I achieved what I have without any problems physically or otherwise.

Born in 1981 in a family of five, my parents, my sister, and my brother, in a place called Thika which is 60 km from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, I spent my early school life there.

I was baptized in 1993 in a Catholic church. Despite some very low moments and problems in my family, we have experienced grace and mercy to this day and I am glad God continues to bless my family. I always remember where I came from and where God has lifted us up from. Through prayers and walking with Jesus, my mother has been persistent in prayer for us to be on the winning side. When my father used to drink, I felt inadequate because of the financial and relationship problems we sometimes went through. Many times we could not feel his presence at home. I cannot, however, boast of being free of bad behavior and unholy ways and at times, a mean-spirited attitude. Though I did not consider myself a “big” sinner, I realized that the small things of hot tempers, occasional drinking, evil sexual thoughts and indulgence, being hot-tempered, and a sense of low self-esteem hindered my life and relationship with my Creator.
 
Nevertheless, God helped me to do well in my schoolwork and by his grace, led me to Korea for more study through an intensive Master’s degree course at the prestigious Korea University. At a low point in my life, God sent a listening friend who would point a promising way to me. I am thankful for Sarah Hemin because when she asked to talk to me for the first time during the spring semester, I never thought it would change my view of life and relationship here in Korea.

I was invited to the English worship service and I was very happy to have fellowship with UBF leaders. I had been lonely before I came here. Four months after I came to Anam UBF, I was invited to the 2010 Summer Bible Camp. I listened to a lot of the heart-moving messages there. I was able to share feelings through the speakers' faces, gestures, tears, and trembling voices. I also understood God's word and the love of God through the translations done by dedicated leaders. Through the messages, I realized that I had committed sins through my thoughts and eyes. So I confessed my sins to God, and God forgave me of my sins through his precious blood on the cross. 

In spite of God's grace, I made a lot of mistakes when I went back to my academic life. I decided not to drink alcohol, but I was too weak to resist the temptation.

After the Bible conference, I began to have Genesis Bible study with Barnabas. Through this, I have come to know the early relationship between God and man and the origins of sin. This book reveals how the sin of man is met by the intervention and redemption of God. It also teaches us of God’s choice of a man named Abraham through whom he would bless all nations. When I heard, "You will be a blessing!" I felt excited, asking of myself, "Am I a blessing?" Barnabas emphasized on and on about God's hope, saying, "You are a source of blessing. God wants you to be a Bible teacher for university students in Kenya. God blesses you so that Kenya and African countries will be blessed." He said to me again and again, "You are a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. You are a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. You are a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Blablabla… blablablabla…."

God’s voice echoed back into my ear and into my brain and into my soul, on and on. I was brainwashed by God’s voice. I thought God's hope was too high and too big for me to accept. But God's hope was so wonderful and amazing to me, this little boy. Throughout my academic life, God has helped me to do well and excel. I also realized that I have a decision to make in this short life. I experienced real happiness and joy through Bible studies and worship services at Anam UBF. I won't forget all of you.

I felt I had no reliable friend or anything else to live for apart from my program colleagues and my studies. But God gave me good opportunities to share fellowship in Christ and the word of God. I have continued to gather strength from the Lord through the powerful messages, Bible study sessions, and your prayers. I thank God that he sent me dedicated servants of faith who have been such an inspiration to me.

When I am back in Keyna, I want to keep having Bible studies. I learned Genesis up to the life of Jacob. I am now excited when I think about learning the rest of Genesis and the other books of the Bible. I believe that God has a purpose for my life and his word will give me a reason to live for and die for.

As I leave Korea, I'm worried about my future life. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I believe God will guide me in the best way when I hold on to his word of promise, "You will be a blessing." I pray I may meet M. Mark Yoon and keep studying the Bible with him so that I may grow up in faith to be a shepherd and Bible teacher of Kenyan university students.

I thank all of you who welcomed me with warm hearts and love and served me with tender care. Hope to see you again. Thank you all and may our Lord bless you mightily.

One Word: You will be a blessing to Kenya