His Work Among the Luo People Of Kenya Go ... and make disciples of all nations Matthew 28:19
October 2, 1989

Fraley's Chapel Church of Christ
c/o Jeff Young
Rt. #2 Box 421
Corinth, Mississippi  38834
 

                                                 SUFFERING FOR CHRIST
                                                                    AND
                                                    GROWING STRONGER

   If you were to ask me for the biblical answer to the question, "What does suffering produce?", my brain could immediately answer: more faith, or more strength in the power of God.  Time and time again, we can read in the New Testament of those who suffered for Christ and were strengthened.  The trouble is, my heart hasn't learned that lesson yet.  And what good is knowing it, if I don't understand it?  I HAVEN'T SUFFERED FOR CHRIST YET.  Have you?  You know!  We think we suffer and most of us have suffered at one time or another, but have we actually suffered for Christ?  Many Luo's believe that when the crops fail and they go without corn for a few months that they are suffering for Christ, or if they can't afford to send a child to school they are suffering for Christ.  Are they?  Are they suffering for Christ?  My family and friends think that I am suffering for Christ because I chose to come to Africa to serve my Lord, and truthfully there have been times when, selfishly, I felt that I was suffering for Christ.  But have I?  Am I suffering because I can't have a Big Mac every week, or because my child was born here without the benefit of grandparents present, or because my teeth rattle when I ride in the truck?  I doubt it!  And that's why my heart doesn't understand "suffering for Christ".  I received a letter this month that has brought me a wee bit closer to understanding "suffering for Christ" and I want to share the story with you. . .
   Jane Akinyi is a dear friend of mine and a fellow sister in Christ.  She's a new sister in Christ who has thirsted and hungered for the Truth for a long time.  These days she takes every opportunity to learn more about her Saviour.  Barry, Kit and I visited Jane, her family, and the church that meets in their home at the beginning of August.  It was a good and uplifting day, full of teaching and encouraging, and it was only marred by a nearby funeral in the community.  Jane promised me at that time that she would come to our Ladies Retreat that was held in August.  I was happy to see that she was making so much effort to fellowship and to learn more about the Bible.  There were 40 women who attended the Ladies Retreat.  Jane never showed up and I am ashamed to say that I never gave her a thought.  40 in attendance seemed such a tremendous success.
    Two weeks ago Jane sent me a letter apologizing for not coming.  This is what she wrote:

       Dear Abuso (that's me),

           I greet you with the strength of Jesus Christ our Lord.  I am so happy to have this opportunity to write to you.  How are you?  We and the Christians here are fine.
          I want to say I am sorry because I did not attend the Ladies Retreat in August but I had a big  problem and I've been very sick.  Let me tell you what happened.  When you met with the Christians at our home in August I invited my Aunt to come from Migori so that she could learn about Jesus, but she didn't arrive on time.  She arrived a few days later, and she found me home alone because Joash (Jane's husband) had returned to work in Ringa (a small town a few miles from where they live).  As soon as she arrived she began to quarrel with me asking questions like:

          - Why do you refuse to worship in a denomination that has more people than this Church of Christ?
          - What kind of gifts are they giving you so that you will worship with them?
          - Give me some of those gifts?
          - Can't you see that those white people are deceiving you?
          - Why don't you go to worship where there are lots of people?
          - Why didn't you go to that funeral on August 5th instead of worshipping with those
             white people
            who are deceiving you?
          - IF YOU DON'T ANSWER ME I AM GOING TO BEAT YOU!

       When I couldn't answer all her questions she began to beat me very hard.  And my body was hurting all over and I swelled badly.  I sent someone to tell Joash and when he arrived home he took me to the hospital.  Now I am in the hospital.  Pray for me my sister.

                                                           I am,
                                                           Jane Akinyi

   Can you imagine Jane sitting in that hospital room after being beaten because she dared to put Christ first in her life, because she dared to attend a worship service instead of go to a funeral, because she dared to worship in truth with a few instead of in error with the majority, and writing a letter of apology to me?  On the day I received that letter, Paul, the apostle came alive for me.  And my heart began to understand "suffering for Christ" just a little more.
    Just a few days ago we received a letter from Jane's husband.  She is home now and in his greeting in the letter he said, "We are striving to grow stronger in Christ and we welcome you to come and teach us more about our Lord."
   Pray for Jane, but learn from her also because she suffered for Christ and she grew stronger because of it.  I
feel blessed to know her and to learn from her faith.

********  We love you and pray for you daily!

For Him,
 

Barry, Stacy & Kit