| One year later, Cesalie arrived,
thanks to a sponsor, and stayed with us while she studied English,
then completed a diploma and a bachelor’s degree in community
development. During that time, Jean and Cesalie were married.
Now, with two children, Jean has completed an MA in rural development,
while Cesalie is presently studying for her MBA. They both work
with World Concern and dream of beginning projects in Burundi,
Jean with health and water issues, Cesalie with widows and orphans.
Laban, who graduated in biblical studies, is a pastor and counselor.
Egide is also a pastor, currently studying for his MA in Christian
ministry leadership at Nairobi International School of Theology.
Evelyn, Laban’s wife, is in her third year at Daystar. They
represent the myriads of displaced people fleeing from war and
violence but for whom as a result God has opened up far greater
potential as they sought to serve him in their place of exile.
Life does not end at displacement. In fact, often God seems to
meet us in remarkable ways in our places of exile, where we are
shaken from our familiar paths, and are open to new options and
new beginnings. Ultimately, Jesus was God displaced, coming down
from heaven to earth, born as a poor child to parents who were
new in town and looking for lodging. Through Jesus’ life,
ministry, and death on the cross, we have proof of a God who enters
our world and walks with us even when, or sometimes especially
when, we are displaced. He knows the reality of being displaced,
and He is able to bring hope even to the most desperate places.
Even we, my family and I, are thriving as a displaced people:
Having left Seattle over 11 years ago, Nairobi is now truly my
home. Justin, now 8, born in an Eastside Nairobi crisis pregnancy
clinic, is full of creativity and energy, rarely found without
a soccer ball; Imani, now 6 and a half, abandoned at birth in
the Kenyan national hospital, loves music, dancing, and anything
pink. Steven (age 18) seeks a future after his family disintegrated,
dreams of being a pilot. He took his first plane ride this past
week! In a small four-seater, he even got to fly it himself a
few minutes over the lakes of the great Rift Valley. We are now
family—a new family full of life, laughter, ups-and-downs,
and sticking together. God with us, creating new life and new
bonds.
Joy to you for Christmas, and on into the new year of 2006! As
citizens of the Kingdom, we are all living as displaced peoples,
freed up to follow, be used to help others, enjoying life now,
and looking forward to what’s even better ahead!
The Bennett family: Marta, Justin, Imani and Steven
The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
335 |
