His Work Among the Luo People Of Kenya Go ... and make disciples of all nations Matthew 28:19
August 1, 1993

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

                                             "Thou art my rock"  Psalm 31:3
 

Dear family and friends in Christ,

Do you remember the old Prudential Life Insurance slogan:  GET A PIECE OF THE ROCK?
I sure do. . . and there's more than one way these days, to get a piece of the rock in South Nyanza.
One month ago, here in South Nyanza, a woman went early in the morning to hoe in her sweet potato field.  She found an odd rock the likes of which she had never seen before.  So she took the rock home and called her friend to come see it.  He examined it and declared that he did not recognize what it could be.  That night she went to bed and the next morning found the rock was missing.  The Gold Rush is on in Luo land with everyone scrambling to "GET A PIECE OF THE ROCK".

Overnight, a tent city has sprung up just two kilometers from our home.  People by the thousands are leaving home to dig in the gold fields.  Much of the normal market trade has dwindled to almost nothing as many try their luck.  For just 400 shillings ($5.00) you can dig a karaya of rocks (about 15 lbs.), carry it from the gold mine site, crush and wash it yourself, and maybe get 5 shillings (6 cents) worth of gold from it.  That's the word that comes through the infamed African grapevine.

It's amazing how many Luo's have come up with 400 shillings and are carrying their 15 pounds of dirt away.  They line the roads, waving us down for a ride, carrying their sack of dirt on their head.  As we pass the gold mine, we can't see it for the crowds of people.  I wonder how many children are going without supper tonight because their parents are busy getting a piece of the rock"?

We're offering Luo's a "piece of the Rock" too.  It's the real Rock, and it's absolutely free!  As a matter of fact, for the last 20 years, missionaries have been offering Luo's a "piece of the Rock".  It's an offer they can't refuse, but as He predicted (Matthew 7:13-14), we have comparatively few takers.  "The Real Rock" doesn't cost 400 shillings (about a months wages it doesn't burden one with an extra 15 pounds to carry around, it need not be crushed or washed, and it's certainly not a waste of some child's supper.  And above all, it won't be left behind at death.  The Rock we're offering is the "Eternal Rock".

We'd be deceiving you if we told you that this Gold Rush is not affecting the Christian community here in South Nyanza.  Last week Barry had an area leaders meeting some 70 miles away from our home.  Two of the young preachers, who needed to hear the teaching most, were not there.  They had been struck by gold fever and were just a few kilometers from our home digging for a "piece of the rock".  Were we disappointed?  Well, wouldn't you be disappointed?

Last Wednesday I took a car full of ladies to a ladies meeting at the Ruga Gem congregation.  We all failed our Christ.  We were so full of talk about the gold nine that we completely forgot to plan for the coming meeting and when we arrived, found ourselves unprepared for sharing Christ with the ladies at Ruga Gem.

My purpose here is not to show you that all is lost, that the Christians here would throw over the work of Christ for a slim chance at best of earthly wealth.  On the contrary, we've had some pleasant surprises and yet again are reassured that we are struggling to "water" and God is providing the increase.  I heard a few words this week that sum up this gold situation so beautifully.  I was sitting in a ladies class where much of the talk was centered on the gold mine. Even the lesson reflected thoughts of the gold mine.  The teacher (a dear Luo lady friend of mine) said,  "Yes!  We want a piece of the Rock, the real Rock, the sure Rock, the eternal Rock.  Gold?  Yawa! (That's the Luo equivalent of a completely useless exclamatory expression.)  We can wait for "'real gold", the gold that lines the streets of heaven.  Our Rock is Christ.  And I want a piece of that Rock!"

Is this work for Christ in Luo land worthwhile?  And productive?  Are we wasting our time here?  Are these Christians maturing?  You can judge for yourself, but I think there's no better place we can serve Him just now.  Thanks so much for all your help.

We welcome you to Luo land if you too, want a piece of the rock.  You're welcome to try your hand in the gold field.  We'll provide your room and board free.  But please consider instead, coming to see how the Luo Christians are grasping a piece of the real Rock.  We guarantee fulfillment!

Until next month, Oriti (May He protect you.),
 
 

Barry, Stacy & Kit Rosie