The recently concluded Springboard Convention 2014 at CITAM Valley Road was a reminder of the same old song that Christian all over the world keep hearing and singing. While all the speakers provoked my thinking, Dr. Memusha Fenta’s “A Tale of Two Mothers” was a reminder that I needed to move swiftly without delay!
For the past two years I have been involved in a venture that, most of the times, leave me feeling inadequate and that what I am doing is merely throwing a pebble in the vast ocean. You know how it feels when you are involved in impacting on the lives of vulnerable children and at the end of the day you arrive home and have nothing to put on the table? Or better still, when it is end month and the landlord comes knocking for rent?
While I am doing what others get paid to do, it bothers me that I have to make do with living one day at time. Trust me, you will get to understand what it means to go through this kind of experience! When we see people reach out to those in need, we normally think, “Oh, it is so cute!” But the truth is, it comes at a heavy price.
“A Tale of Two Mothers” reminded me that I will always have the excuse of being inadequate, that I am not cut out for the job at hand. Yet when I heard Dr. Fenta share what has become his burden, I felt I had to answer the call and leave the rest to God. I know you may be feeling strongly about an issue. Maybe it is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, minister to prostitutes, empower single mothers, clean the environment or save your neighbourhood for the sound of a crying baby or stray dogs.
Whatever happens, chances are that you will feel overwhelmed with inadequacy. You may, like Jonah, try to run in the opposite direction or muffle your ears with wax. I am learning that the sooner you accept and walk in the call, the sooner your wilderness and training ends! Wait a minute! The truth is, I wish I had learnt to listen sooner because my time in the training field and wilderness would have ended by now. Instead, I have spent the last two or so years trying to run away and turn a deaf ear to this call. Dr. Fenta reminded me to surrender my fears, expectations and needs to Jesus Christ and continue working. When I look at the Bible and see how God used people like Moses, David and others I believe that calls us because he already knows we are the right person for the job. All He asks of us is that we use what we already have and leave the rest to Him. Look at how God use the same staff that Moses thought was useless to part the Red Sea, cause water to gush from a rock and many other wonders for His glory.
Consider David using his sling. Consider too how God fed Elijah through the raven and the widow. Is there something you want to do for God’s people? Do you feel inadequate? Do not worry, you are not alone. Just make the first move and leave the rest to God. Our God is a faithful God!
I am charged, more than ever to evangelize to children and young people in juvenile prisons, informal schools and rehabilitation centres and their respective families. That is how Lifesong Kenya came into being. Everyday before I leave for ministry I have a list of songs I listen to. I have included lyrics to one of the songs entitled “If You’re Out There” by John Legend. Listen to it and you might want to do something about the issue you feel strongly called to do something about.
If you hear this message, wherever you stand
I’m calling every woman, calling every man
We’re the generation, we can’t afford to wait
The future started yesterday and we’re already late
We’ve been looking for a song to sing
Searched for a melody, searched for someone to lead
We’ve been looking for the world to change
If you feel the same then go on and say
If you’re out there, sing along with me
If you’re out there, I’m dying to believe
That you’re out there, stand up and say it loud
If you’re out there, tomorrow’s starting now, now, now…