A People Carrying the Hope & Joy of the Lord

What a day in Irigithathi, Kenya. Today we worked at the school, repairing one of the classrooms, and we had the privilege of sitting in on one of 410 Bridge’s Business classes with some students in the community. Today would be seen by many as a “work” day. It was a work day, as so much work was done on our hearts through the people of Kenya.

We arrived at the school and were given a brief introduction of what was expected of us while repairing one of the classrooms. The #1 rule was not to work all day, which was odd because that is what we thought we were there for. The expectation was to work a little, and then go play with the kids or go hangout with some of the leaders. The heart of the Kenyan people is so pure, never focusing on what has to be done and always leading with the hope and joy given through connecting with people.

Following the work at the school we got to sit in on a Business Startup Training class that 410 Bridge provides through one of their 5 pillars of a community’s development. This Class is focused around the spiritual, economic, and social approaches to business. The greatest moment in the class was when people began to share the breakthrough they have experienced when they put God 1^st and take hold of seeking knowledge and the resources around them to pursue success. There were stories of people getting off of the streets, begging, and coming together to be a blessing to their community through investing in what they already have. The hope and joy of the Lord that these people embody was so inspiring to us.

My heart is fully captured by the Kenyan people. The way that they trust God, the way that they love people, and the way that they care for not the success of themselves but the success of their people. From our view they don’t have much, but from their overflow of hope and joy they show that they have everything they need in the Lord’s provision and timing. I have been filled up way more than I could ever pour out to the Kenyan people. Each one of them have been preparing for us, I believe before we started or even thought about preparing for them. The Kenyan people are passionate and purposed, truly believing and living in Romans 15:13.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13

– Brittany (Brooks) Pollard