Deep in the Desert

Meet Evelyn 

Nursery School in Kargi 

Patience, Ruthie, and Peace 

Kibaki in Kurkum 

Kids in Kurkum 

Meet my Rendille Mom! 

Pastor Brown 

Story time under the tree 

How creative is Our God in cultures! 

100 KM from the nearest town you find a unreached people group called the Rendille. Deep in the desert- where only thorn bushes and acacia grow. Our trip started with a long bus ride to a town in northern Kenya called Marsabit.  We took an all night bus where the three of us were stuck on the same bench crammed together, attempting to sleep. We arrived the next morning and crashed until the next journey. Our next mode of transport was called a "Lory." This meant we sat on top of large bags ( maize or rice) for three hours while the people stared at us. The dust was so bad I had to wrap my head in a scarf. Finally we arrived to where we were staying for the night. The Ndegwa's welcomed us with open arms. This family has been serving in Kargi for about 5 years. They have 3 beautiful girls who made the house always "alive." Our first day in Kargi I went to the school with a girl named Evelyn. She is a short term missionary. I taught the story of Noah to the kids in 4th grade. Most of the kids just stared at me or wanted to play with my watch. Its so hot you cant possibly do anything for most of the afternoon so each day we took a break from about til about 4 to rest. That afternoon we went to the first Manyatta. A manyatta is a cluster of thatched houses. The children came in droves. Some of the women came over - mostly older women. Emily told the story of the demon possessed man. Day 2 I went to the new nursery school. The kids were crazy and hardly understood any Swahili. This was the first time any of these kids had even been to school so they were restless. In the afternoon we went a different manyatta to do a birthday party for some rescued twins. The kids were anxious to get their hands on the goodies we had for them. We moved to Kurkum that night. We stayed in the manyattas where the 2 missionary guys stay. We had to learned to take a bucket bath in the moonlight praying no one was watching. Day 3 I went to the local school with one of the missionary guys to teach class 3. That afternoon we had the frustration of having no translator to speak in Rendille for us so we just walked a greeted people. As we walked up to one lady she stated she wanted to adopt me. She gave me the name "Kurkumea Nalea" Which meant I was born in Kurkum. (The Rendille believe we were all once Rendille and we have come back home). She gave me a necklace on the last day. She was a very sweet and affectionate lady. We were also able to go to the tree where the old men sit all day. This has been unheard of for me when Ive gone to other places, but they received us well. Emily shared C2C with them and they actually answered the questions when asked what they thought about the story. Day 4 I spent the morning in the Manyattas. We walked, greeted, and prayed for many sick people. The Rendille only eat what "relief food" is provided on the trucks when it comes, which basically consist of starch and beans. No vitamins - which means their immune systems are poor. One lady's house we stopped into gave us soured camel's milk to drink. This was by far the worst thing I have ever put in my mouth in all my trips abroad. The missionary, pastor Brown took the bullet and drank most of it for me. That afternoon we visited another manyatta and shared the C2C story with the women and children. The children were restless and the women didnt respond as well as the men did, but they at least heard the story.  That evening we had to pack up our stuff and leave. It was very sad to go after such an incredible week.
This week I learned so much about "counting the cost" Seeing Kenyans reaching to their own people was humbling. The Rendille have nothing but can always afford a smile. They give sacrifices to a fake god and believe in witchcraft. Their "sin" and "doing wrong" is OK when it is done to someone who has wronged them or have "more" than them. One man will have multiple wives and a girl will marry as young as 9 years old. A woman's role in life is to have children and feed them. Having livestock is more important than food in your children's bellies. Going to school is only for the few. The Rendille need to know the gospel.
Please pray for ...
- Pastor Ndegwa and his family as they minister to the people of Kargi.
- The nursery school as is begins and for sponsors to supply needs.
- Evelyn as she finishes her time there.
- Pastor Brown in Kurkum
- Kibaki as he finishes his time there.
- That the Rendille people would come to know God.