Is power a prerequisite for reform in a corrupt society?  If you say “Yes!”, you have a lot of bedfellows in African politics.  The history of many African countries is a story of a struggle for power, an exchange of power, peaceful and violent.  Still, injustice remains.  In Uganda, the colonial government was ousted by a Kabaka King.  The result: neocolonialism.  Later the King was overthrown by Milton Obote who oppressed the people.  He was followed by Idi Amin and another period of oppression followed.  Then came Obote again and then Museveni.  The result:  you guessed it, more oppression of the people.  In Kenya, the story is the same, from Kenya’s first and some say it’s most corrupt president, Jomo Kenyatta. Daniel arap Moi dominated the political scene for 24 years with intimidation, torture chambers, diamond smuggling and gold trafficking. Mwai Kibaki, the current president talks a good game but in a coalition government, he has too many hungry political mouths to feed.  Power was and still is viewed by many as a necessary step before injustice can be eradicated.  What even well intentioned leaders do not understand is that power begets more power.  It is a black hole from which little ever escapes.  Alexander Solzhenitsyn said, “The more power we acquire, the more power we require.”  Sadly this litany can be sung across the landscape of Kenya: Politics, law enforcement, business, non profits and even in the church.

Seeking justice not power is to be our goal in the world too.  Whether we are a parent, teacher, business man or missionary, justice is to be our cause for which we sacrifice.  Power tends to be more about the dark side of human nature, and sometimes more alluring than the cause of the oppressed.

As Patty and I return to Kenya for a third year, we are striving to keep our focus on injustice, defending the cause of the oppressed, whether we are speaking to a boy on the street, with a high ranking public official, or one of our own staff.

There exists however a temptation to a kind of missionary colonialism in Africa.  It expresses itself in a style of communication and even decision making structures.  Countless non-governmental organizations and even mission organizations exist in Kenya who try to create change by imposition instead of empowerment.  The end result is that little changes.   It is healthier and--I would contend--Biblical, to work with our staff and management team to arrive at mutual goals in ministry.  Justice would not be served or maintained through a controlling and manipulative “command and obey” style of micro-management.  Such a style is the way of the world, not the kingdom of God.    It is our goal at Agape in Kenya to empower not control; to serve, not enslave.  This means that mistakes will be made and progress may be slow at times.  But then forgiveness and patience are virtues we do well to exercise not avoid.   Societies change when they are empowered to change not when they are forced to change. And societies only change when people change first.

Jesus gives us the ultimate example for development ministry.  He emptied himself of his glory, coming  into the world not to receive the honor and praise of men.  He addressed injustice by recognizing the dignity of the individual. To the men who would stone the woman caught  in adultery he said, “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7   Jesus chose to defend the cause of the one treated unjustly instead of calling down fire from heaven to destroy these self-righteous men. Jesus chose to be born in poverty not a palace, not because it is better to be poor than rich but rather as an expression of his intention in the world.  Savior is not a title given to the dominant and forceful but to the humble servant.

As missionaries, Patty and I are humbled to be counted worthy to carry the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the world.  It is our prayer that we be preserved from the temptation of power.  For with it comes one of the seven deadly sins: pride!  It is our humble goal to maintain an office that is as open to our boys and all our staff as it is to high ranking officials.  We do not view our position as micro-managing, and mandating our will. Rather we work side by side with our national team. At no time do we ever want to give the impression that we are “in charge”.  In fact we rather see our role as encouraging, empowering and evangelizing.

Next week, I’d like to share an essay from one of our staff on some of these issues.  He told me briefly about it just days after I returned.  He said it might be an encouragement and enlightenment to you our supporters.  I agree without even reading what he wrote.  Sorry, I won’t let you know who it is.  You’ll just have to be patient and wait for next week.

Two significant events took place among our staff recently. Lebaus, our Project Manager, received his diploma in counseling after a year of study.  We rejoice with this accomplishment as it will equip him even further in his counseling with the boys. 

On the very first day back at Agape, we learned that Margeret Njeri suffered an accident while riding a boda-boda. She was knocked by a vehicle, breaking her leg. As I write she is in recovery after a plate was inserted in her leg to aid the process of healing and to avoid a long time in traction. Njeri is our bookkeeper, member of our management team and as such an asset to the ministry.

Two other team members are with me in Nairobi as I write these words: Jairo and Helida.  They are here along with our 9 scouts to compete in the East Africa Regional Championship.  Keep reading and the outcome will be reported later in this E-mail.

Unlike last year, we don’t have any staff who are expecting a child. (Patty and I aren’t looking to knit any baby-booties either!)

It is my pleasure to report that the basketball court is experiencing heavy use.  The boys have completely worn out two basketballs while we were away. Considering they are used almost 10 hours each day, one basketball each month would seem to be a long life span for each.  One donor gave us uniforms for a team of 8, so Agape will soon add basketball to the sports curriculum. She doesn’t want to be recognized for her generosity. (So I won’t say anything, Ok Mom?)  Watch your back Shaq!  These guys are hungry!

Patty and I would also like to express our regret that we were not able to connect with all our supporters while we were in the US.  We are filled with joy that you are on our team and praise God for you regularly. God bless each of you.

(Wednesday morning) I am pleased to announce that the scouts finished second in the East Africa Regional competition in Nairobi.  Our troop leader, John Baraka was voted top troop leader in all of East Africa. Praise God

Dan and Patty

Prayer requests

1. Pray for Njeri and a speedy recovery. Pray God encourages her and that she sees God’s hand in this.

2. Pray for our scouts and their effort in Nairobi. They are a powerful testimony on behalf of street boys everywhere, regardless of the outcome of this week’s competition.

3. Pray for Tom Gingerich who departs for Kenya on Dec. 14^th for a one week visit.  Tom and Pat are good friends from Modesto.

4. Pray for the mothers of Dan and Patty: Chrysta and Josey. Pray that we become a reflection of their good character.

5. Praise and thanksgiving for Lebaus and has received a wonderful honor in this counseling diploma.

6. Pray for God’s blessing on our staff and that this vision of empowerment and encouragement brings honor and glory to Jesus.

7. Pray for our high school students in Form 1 and 2 who will be transitioning to boarding schools in the next month.

8. Pray for our Form 4 graduates: Shadrack, Mishen and Emmanuel who are transitioning to independence from Agape in the coming month.

9. Pray for David and Diane Gallagher as they plan the visit of 32 Rotarians to Agape on Dec. 29^th. Pray for traveling mercies for all!

10. Pray for all our boys who are visiting their homes during December. The connection to home is vital to the boys’ reintegration.

See the photos