For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. – Rom 8:22
I am interested in the well being and success of all of god’s people, all over the world. Specifically, I’m interested in the success of the people that God has called me to walk with and to live out life with. At this moment in time, I find myself split between two continents. I live on one and I have blood deep roots in another.
My constant travail is for both the United States and the people of Africa, Kenya in particular. That God has put these two parts of the world on my heart is no secret. That He speaks to me about both in profound ways is also no secret. That I carry a burden to see God move and freedom happen on both continents is absolutely no secret.
I cannot ignore that which ails us. I have a travail in my spirit to see freedom and a move of God in my day and in my generation break out in a profound and never before seen way.
At this moment in time, I find myself split between two continents. I live on one and I have blood deep roots in another.
Travail for Kenya
I was born in this beautiful country and spent my formative years there. I had my first experience with the will, purpose, and call of God in this country. I still have glimpses of what God desires to do every now and then. I also have amazing thoughts and ideas for what needs to be done to untangle the spiritual and cultural ailments.
I see a people who have turned to God in masses. Kenya, in less than 50 years moved from a mostly traditional African religious land to almost 90% Christian nation. That’s profound and yet the only beginning of the story. Kenya has over 42 tribes and the challenge has always been how to keep the country together in the midst of the tribal divisiveness.
Kenya, in less than 50 years moved from a mostly traditional African religious land to almost 90% Christian nation.
Tribes are not the problem
I thought at one time that tribalism was the problem but I’ve grown to appreciate the diversity it brings. Culture is a blessing from God and to destroy it would be to go against His very nature. I am now of the opinion that we should celebrate our diversity.
As I get older, I lean into the wisdom of my parents, seeking to learn more about our people, the Luhya tribe. I lean into the history and current affairs of Kenya to learn more about what ailments must be fixed and what rich treasures exist.
“…you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” – Rev. 5:9-10
I find that the culture cannot be cured outside of Godly leadership. What ails us is the history and culture of corruption. The moment someone receives wealth for nothing, they are prone to pass down the same attitude to subsequent generations. This is what happened in most African countries.
Most of our founding fathers inherited the nation from the colonial masters and acquired wealth they did not work for. They then trained those around them to do the same. Their children grew up with wealth no one taught them how to create and if not corrected, generation after generation begins to live with the mindset that you can get things without having to work to create them. It’s the fallacy that kills good governance and destroys entire nations.
Reversing the tide
I believe it will take a move of God to restore decency in government service. It will take a leader or leaders who understand the point where the bleeding began to bring the healing balm. We need Godly leaders who will not be pastors to the nation but rather will understand both the spiritual and the natural causes of these situations.
We need ethical and upright leadership to reflect the true nature of capitalism – honest gain for honest work. This will restore dignity to public offices and attract like minded leaders to run for office. In the course of time, voters will naturally begin to drift towards honest and diligent leadership and reject the culture of corruption.
How Long?
For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. – Rom. 8:19
I believe a move of God can happen in an instant. Yet I also know that God works within His own design that does not always match up to what we expect. Realistically, this type of change is generational.
When the generation whose mindset was gain for no work or dishonest gain has passed on, God may raise up a generation that thinks different and views leadership from a different lens. I trust and believe that day is coming as I can see seeds of it in the making.
I already see a new generation that’s not caught up in tribal identity since we grew up among people of different tribes. I also see a generation that understands wealth creation and the value of hard work in the private sector and honest service in the public sector.
This is what drives my spiritual travail. Tune in next week as I share my travail for the United States, where I have lived for over 20 years.
Nelson Masinde 