The saints in Korogocho

I wish you could meet some of the people we've talked to in Korogocho. As Justin so eloquently said, we've seen just a tiny glimpse into their lives and we can only hope to illuminate a fraction of that via the words, pictures and stories we share with others. But we have been blessed and humbled countless times by seeing the faith, confidence and selflessness of the Christians in Korogocho so hopefully I can show at least a little bit of that here.

Ben and Evans are two single guys in their mid-20's. They both live in Korogocho and their circumstances are typical of young men in the slums. They have to provide for themselves and, with a high school education at best, a regular job is nearly unattainable. Day labor (hauling water or helping out with construction) pays around $4 for 10 hours of work but even these jobs are not consistently available. Given this reality, theft is the leading category of "employment" for young men in the slums, and alcoholism is the norm. But Ben and Evans, having heard the Gospel as a result of the Abungus' ministry, have chosen to live differently. When they accepted Christ their material prospects didn't improve - they still live in the smelly, dangerous slum and still have to struggle for each meal and to pay the rent. But their spirits are totally changed. They don't live according to the norms of the world around them, and you wouldn't even know they were poor from talking to them. At least I didn't, not until several days afterwards. They are both full of joy and have an attitude of putting others first. Evans is a responsible and trustworthy guy whose heart is clearly about serving, and Ben is so good at encouraging others - he's tall and goofy and his smile makes your day when you see it. They remind me of James 1 where it says the poor person is to glory in his high position, and they seem totally content with where God put them and willing to trust Him with what comes next. Their spirits have continually lifted ours up, and I don't know what we would have done without their service and encouragement.

Eunice is a widow who lives deep in Korogocho. Her home is a tiny, one room shack crowded in among scores of others along a narrow footpath. She shares the space with three children. She has had no consistent means of provision since her husband passed away in 2003, and has to fight with the landlord constantly to keep from being thrown out of her tiny home. When we met her, though, Eunice was an absolute picture of grace and dignity. She warmly welcomed us to her home and began to tell us about her life, somehow through a smile. After a little while she asked if we would like something to eat or drink. I initially offended her by trying to refuse, but after realizing how important it was to her to serve us we said ok and she disappeared out the doorway. A few moments later she came back with Cokes and cookies for everyone. Tom said he was certain she didn't have the means to pay for such a feast, but clearly Eunice would not have dreamed of treating her guests with anything less than the best. I enjoyed the Coke and the conversation but at the same time was left in awe by the hospitality of a woman who had so little to give. We got the chance to see Eunice for a second time today and though there wasn't time for more snacks the warmth of her spirit was again a blessing.

Conditions in Korogocho are as bad as you can imagine and probably will be for a long time. The needs of its residents are intense, and this is true of Christians and non-believers alike. But at the same time God's power is shining so brightly through His people here and lots more stories like the ones above could be told. Praise Him for that and pray for His provision and power to continue to be shown in the lives of our brothers and sisters!