This is a ‘note’ that I wrote while I was on mission in Nairobi, Kenya last year. I’ve been thinking a lot about that trip and what God did in and through me on it. I hope this is an encouragement to you.

“Uhuru” 7/28/10 3:30am
I am lying in bed anxiously awaiting our assignment for this morning of going to ‘hang out with’ the street children and trying to process all that I have seen in the last two days.

I think what I have been most struck by so far has been “Uhuru”. The word means freedom. It is the name of one of the busiest streets in town as well as I think they said the biggest park in Nairobi. I find that interesting. There are approximately 4 million people in the city of Nairobi. I don’t know the exact number or even a close percentage, but I feel in my spirit that these 4 million people surely do not live in freedom.

They are captives. They are in chains from the government that rules selfishly and with an iron fist. They are bound by the economic structure that they in their lifetime my never escape. And many, many of these 4 million are enslaved by spiritual darkness.

I could see the passionate cry for hope in Tom and Geoffery’s eyes when we passed the park and I asked each of them at different times what “Uhuru” meant. “Freedom!” Tom quietly exclaimed with a slight smile and a gleam in his eye as he raised his tight fist half way up, as if to say “it is possible”. Geoffery had a different look when he muttered the word, even though he had to say it loudly over the incredible traffic. His face did not reflect the hope that a Savior could bring such a gift, but more to say “that is simply the name given to a park” with a slow nod of his head and a weary, forced smile.

Kenyans are so very polite. They are a very articulate people who are most attentive and overall very friendly, yet they, for the most part, live in darkness. We were told by a fellow Kenyan that because they would never intentionally be rude to visitors, many will say they “believe” so as to not reject our message and run the risk of offending. Such kindness and respect for others must surely be a godly attribute, yet it can be the tool used by the enemy to keep them from true uhuru.

As a born again believer, I have tasted and known true uhuru. I know with all that I am that true uhuru comes only from Jesus Christ and it is complete and eternal.

What I believe God is showing me is that because I have accepted and tested His true uhuru, the chains I bear are of my own doing. I have slowly and methodically allowed the enemy to convince me that I have to still carry these burdens of guilt and shame of my past. He entices me to drag the enormous weight of responsibilities that are not ordained for me. He wooes me with the promise of self glory and the attention of others when true uhuru comes from having audience of the One.

So, I suppose I have more in common with these culturally different people than I expected.

On the other hand, although I so often choose to run from Christ’s uhuru, I know He never leaves me. I know that no matter how far I run from Him, He is with me. I am halfway around the world from all that I have ever known, yet He still hems me in. He loves me no matter how many times I reject His uhuru. I know it is always there for me.

UHURU! That is the banner under which I march. As a soldier ready for battle, I am armed with true uhuru, complete and eternal. That is what I have to offer the street children this morning. That is also my prayer for the people of Kenya, true uhuru.

Asante sana Yesu for true uhuru.
“Thank You very much Jesus for true freedom.”