A 40-Year Return
One of the most impactful seasons of my life was my first international travel experience to the African nation of Kenya in the summer of 1984. A young 20-year-old with a desire to serve the Lord, I had joined a summer team showing the Jesus Film, a freshly-released evangelistic tool translating the gospel of Luke into local languages. The movie beautifully shared the life-transforming message of Jesus for the first time with indigenous people living near the border of Ethiopia. It felt like an invitation to an adventure with God, and that’s something I’ve always been keen on.
For those who’ve read my book By the Fire, you’ll recall some of the stories that highlighted that incredible summer. The surprising interaction with a Maasai tribesman on the bus is a reader favorite. Those days came flooding back when I was invited to join a team visiting Kenya again this last month. The bulk of our time would be spent with the Maasai people living in the African bush, and a children’s home. I jumped at the chance, wondering what 40 years might have brought.
It was a whole lot different and a whole lot the same.
The international airport—and capital Nairobi—had really blossomed into modernity. The roads were all paved and striped, at least in the cities. Traffic was chaotic and Toyota vehicles seemed to have market share. We drove about in an honest-to-goodness safari Land Rover. Everyone carried a cell phone with great network access all over the country. The abundance of food and the most delicious pineapple and mangos I’ve ever tasted were just out at the market. This all felt new and fresh to me on this trip.
Wonderfully, the warmth and hospitality of the people remained the same. We spent much of our time visiting the marginalized Maasai people in the bush to the south, near Tanzania. Their community gathering places are often under large trees that spread out like umbrellas, as many don’t have permanent structures available. This is where all community business was done. Bright shining faces greeted us with exuberant hand-shaking receptions. Everywhere the children presented themselves with heads bowed, waiting for hands of blessing to be placed on them. The smell of charcoal fires burned, and the roasted goat meat that we were given at every stop tasted so familiar, as did the greens, potatoes, and Kenyan chai. The red dust from driving the bumpy dirt roads permeated our clothes and covered our skin, while out the window we’d be surprised by the occasional giraffe, ostrich and gazelle.
Welcoming us and acting as our guides were an 84-year-old Maasai tribal elder named Samson (grandson of a famous chief known all over Kenya) and his wife, Nellie (a powerful evangelist and spiritual mother to countless others throughout the country). Jesus has done a wonder with this couple and their pastor, Daniel. Together they’ve had a hand in planting nearly 200 churches, many launched under trees, and providing care and education fees for hundreds of children, especially young girls rescued out of the tribal tradition of child marriage over the years. “All that you see has been birthed and sustained in prayer; it is the only resource we have for certain,” Nellie said, smiling ear to ear. Samson giving an acknowledging nod.
Their soft, clear words dripped with experiential wisdom. We all listened closely whenever they spoke, but we especially listened to Samson. His presence was always felt, but his words were few. When he did speak, others grew quiet.
“I killed a lion while caring for my father’s cattle as a young man,” he said over an evening meal. All conversation stopped, as he recounted the thrilling tale. “In Maasai culture, a rite of passage for a man is to hunt down and kill a lion with a spear. It’s dangerous business, for sure,” Samson said. “You gather a group of fifteen to twenty friends to join you in the hunt. When the lion is flushed out and you’ve locked eyes, you step forward, provoking the attack while launching your spear at the roaring lion’s chest,” he explained. “As soon as you throw the spear, you glance over your shoulder to see which of your friends is with you. Most times only one or two remain—the others have fled in fear. Facing the lion reveals who you are, and it reveals the substance of those who stand with you.” Dang, this Maasai man is hardcore. Eighty-four years’ wise and dropping truth bombs without even trying, and surely it will impact me for years to come.
What a gift to stand again, after 40 years, in the land and among a people that God made to be a “hinge moment” in my life. A time when things shifted inside. It was as if Jesus was standing behind me in those days with His hands on my shoulders, adjusting my life trajectory, and whispering into my ear, “Go for it.” It’s amazing the distances He’ll take us to get us into a place where we can hear.
Facing any lions? Heard any whispers?
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