He traveled from a far and distant land. A weekly bus trip from the far western border of Kenya to Nairobi was not easy. Leaving every Tuesday evening, he would arrive in Nairobi at daybreak Wednesday morning. Then a full day of Bible School in the Kibera slum. He would then rush downtown, leaving Nairobi in the evening. 48 hours after leaving his upcountry village, Pastor Evans would arrive back home. Exhausted, but joyful. Worn out, but full of spiritual strength.
For nearly three years, Pastors Evans traveled the vast lands of Kenya faithfully every week for one purpose: to hear God’s Word taught faithfully, understandably and without compromise.
By God’s grace and provision, we were able to assist Pastor Evans with part of his transportation expenses. He entered into an agreement: we would pay up to $10 per week for his transport, in exchange for his “mandatory volunteering” in cleaning and maintaining the latrines while at the Bible School. He agreed. We did our part, and he did his....faithfully, humbly and with an exceedingly grateful heart. In his view (and many, many others), it was an answer to much prayer and hope. As he freely testifies...“I prayed to God this one thing: Lead me to where I can learn about You. You put this desire in my heart. In your mercy, please fulfill it.”
Pastor Evans was introduced to DSM by one of our Pastors teaching a Bible Seminar in western Kenya. Evans asked the pastor where he had received such wisdom and training in God’s Word. That same pastor invited Evans to visit him in Nairobi and come and see for himself. “I couldn’t believe what Pastor Felix was telling me. A free Bible School. A Bible School that would not require academic credentials. A Bible School that would teach me God’s Word. I simply could not believe it. And so, I traveled across Kenya to see for myself.”
And Evans found it to be true. True that God has answered his plea. After speaking with us, Pastor Evans was invited to apply. He would be required to travel across the land of Kenya at his own expense the first semester. If he passed the semester, we would consider assisting him with the transport, in addition to sponsoring his school fee. He was wide-eyed in wonder. Where else could he go to Bible School for free? There were none between his home in western Kenya and Nairobi that would accept him. He had neither the required education, recommendations, ministry credentials or money. His circumstances are typical of thousands upon thousands of Pastors and Ministry Leaders serving the Least of our brethren. We find that the slum and impoverished communities are ministered to almost exclusively by Pastors like Evans. Independent churches that minister to those that no one else wants. Those relegated to the worst lands, the worst slums and the least concern by those with the power and means to help.
Our aim is to teach, train and encourage the Pastors of the Least. And through them reach the unwanted and unreached of East Africa with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Fast forward three years. Pastors Evans had finished the Pastors’ Bible School & Discipleship program. After graduating in December of 2017, Pastor Evans faced yet his greatest test ever. He was thrown out of his church by his Bishop. It is not unusual. Many of our Pastors and Ministry Leaders face such fierce opposition, as they bring the true Gospel of Jesus Christ into their churches. What made it so shocking was the sudden, humiliating and public manner in which it was done...“I was simply told to leave. The Bishop made his statement on a Sunday. With everyone present in the church. It was not a rebuke. It was a public disgrace and dishonor. I remembered what I was taught at the Bible School. I did not resist. I did not fight for my rights. And I did not allow anyone to follow me. I left with nowhere to go...but to the mercies of God.”
Several months later I received a message from Pastor Evans. He asked if he could bring another Pastor to the Bible School. He mentioned nothing of what had happened in his church. Like many of our Pastors, he is a humble servant of God. He did not bring me a problem. He brought me a new student...and a Testimony.
“I left that church with nowhere to go. Many people in the church were upset and wanted to follow me out of the church. I would not let them come. As you taught us, I would not allow myself to be accused of splitting a church. And so, I left alone...with my family. If others chose to follow, they would have to do it on their own.”
It is important to note that under such circumstances, faced by many of our pastors, they lose not only their standing in the community, but often their job. For Evans, this was the case. In one sudden moment, his sole means of financial support was gone. The Bishop confiscated the church, the people and the associated financial support. Evans was banished. And yet his behavior and response were exemplary.
He did not call me. He did not beg for help. He went to God...directly, personally and humbly. Like Moses in the wilderness, Evans knew that God could supply all that was needed. His test was to walk to by Faith...through the desert Land. Without complaining, without grumbling, and without fear. And to trust God to do whatever He pleased.
Opening celebrations at the new church
“I never met the man before, Brother Paul. He sent me a message and said he wanted to meet me. He said he had heard about what happened at my prior church. He had been to that church occasionally before and had heard my teachings. But the man wasn’t even saved himself. And so, I met him.” What happened next reflects our Father’s Heart...and Evan’s Faith.
“He said God had spoken clearly to him. The man then asked me very direct questions. ‘Where are you going to go? When are you going to start your new church? Where will it be located?’ Truthfully, I didn’t know the answer to any of these things. It had only been a few days since I had been expelled from the church. And I told the man the same. He said, ‘Go and pick a plot of Land. And then call me.’”
Evans continued, “The man later saw the plot we had in mind. He said, ‘No. Pick a larger one.’ We did, and he bought the plot of Land outright and handed me the title deed! Then he paid for the construction of the church! And he paid for all the chairs! It’s was a miracle! What God did through this man was a miracle!”
Miracles are not, by definition, deserved...nor empowered by any man. They are undeserved, and they are of supernatural origin. We know that God provided miracle upon miracle on Israel’s behalf as they journeyed through the desert land...on the way to the Promised Land.
Evan’s journeys from western Kenya to Nairobi were similar steps in a steadily unfolding work of God. Pastor Evans did things Faithful and Righteously. That is not a small thing. It’s a huge thing. And God does not overlook Faithfully, Righteous behavior. He has, in fact, promised to bless it. And in Evan’s case, God chose to multiply His blessings! As Evans testified...“From the first week the church has been full! It’s was like coming out of the desert, and into the Promised Land.”
I couldn’t have said it better!
