Category Archives: Kenya

THE GREAT COMMISSION RESET—By Paul Cowley

I have the unique opportunity to travel between North America and East Africa quite often. Ministry responsibilities require my presence on two continents. They are separated not only by distance, but also by culture. North America being historically a Western Judeo Christian culture. East Africa lies at the frontier of traditionally Eastern Oriental cultures. As missionaries, much of our advance training was focused on Cross-Cultural Adaptation. Knowledge and skills for Immersion, Infiltration and Impact. It’s one thing to “Go!” It’s quite another to be fruitful…especially if you find yourself in a Spiritually Hostile Culture.

“Westerners”, whether Christian or not, carry vestiges of a Christian heritage and worldview. What we assume as “basics” (i.e. human rights, rule of law, the intrinsic value of human life) are rare exceptions in historically Eastern cultures. This is not a disparagement. This is a bona fide anthropological and sociological fact. It has everything to do with the pervasive impact of Christ and Christianity on mankind. Where Christ is foundational, mankind thrives. Where He and the Gospel are absent from culture, mankind suffers under incredible bondage, oppression and corruption. This is true Historically, and Currently.

There was a time when the Christian missionaries launched from their cultural heritage of Spiritual Abundance (in Christ) to minister in faraway Eastern cultures in Spiritual Bondage. Thousands devoted their lives to be “Ambassadors of Christ.” With noble, righteous and holy aims: reaching the unreached, setting the captives free…making disciples of Christ in all nations. Countless missionaries endured the shock and awe of living in cultures untouched by Christianity. Seeped in idolatry, licentiousness, carnality and oppression. The Word of God explains “Why?”…

“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the Wicked one.” 1 JOHN 5:19

The “Wicked one” continues his “sway” to this day. And seems to be doing a yeoman’s job of it. The Enemy of our souls has his foot on the accelerator. Down to the floor. The whole world is in an uproar today. Not just boisterous little identity groups…but entire nations. Indeed, even whole cultures. The Signs of the Times indicate a new season of unparalleled spiritual degression, cultural suicide and fashionable Paganism. Boston hosts “Satancon 2023”. Palm Springs boasts “Coachella”. Colorado churches provide Ayahuasca drug retreats. Wall Street sponsors Pride parades. As missionaries, we see the Signs of the Times quite starkly. It’s a new “shock and awe” of Cultural Dissonance for us…but in Reverse! Let me explain…

While in East Africa, I encounter pervasive Spiritual Curiosity and Sincerity amongst the locals. I can comfortably converse about “things of God” with everyone I encounter. Whether from the elite, privileged political class…or from the destitute urban slums, I can engage them, evangelize them, invite them, intrigue them….in things of Christ. Even pray with them. The prevailing culture is one of great Spiritual Interest… and Respectful Discourse. There is an ever-expanding Cultural foundation of Christ- like behavior, norms and attitudes.

It is an increasingly recognizable culture to me as a “Westerner”. If I ask someone if I can pray with them, I will never be denied. It is not mere  courtesy to the foreigner. Nor some vestige of post- colonial deference. Our Pastors and Ministry Leaders receive the same reaction. These are the hallmarks of a society not only “touched” by Christ and Christian culture…they have largely embraced it…and made it their own.

Counterpoint: from the time I enter the airports in Europe and head back to North America, I experience Cultural Dissonance… in Reverse. Whether in mannerisms, clothing, conversation or interests, the prevailing theme is one of carnality, licentiousness, spiritual Apathy at best…and increasingly anti-Christian. I courteously engage in light conversation with people as I travel. All goes quite well. Until the point when they ask what I do for a living. Or I pull out my Bible to read. From that point forward, almost without fail, the discourse ends…never to be picked up again. From fellow passengers to ticket agents, immigration officials to storekeepers, the prevailing culture is one that I instinctively recognize. Afterall, it’s my calling to work cross culturally. What is it? In one word: Paganism.

The “West”  is a post-Christian society. It is NOT “becoming” post-Christian. It is Here and it is Now! On the other hand, large swaths of the “East” are now bastions of fundamental Christian culture.

Case in point: the ongoing disintegration of main-line Christian denominations in the West. (Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, etc). are in all sorts of theological turmoil over fundamental principles. Who has drawn the line in the sand? The churches in Africa and Asia! Who has stepped “over the line” into apostasy and heresy? The churches in the West! It is the bishops of Africa that are most vocal about the need to “return to our roots” as God-fearing Christians. By failing to recognize this  epic Reversal, we are apt to continue on as before…and become increasingly irrational, ineffective and irrelevant in our own society and culture! Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for much the same…

Jesus…said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the Signs of the Times.” MATTHEW 16:2

Where do we go from here? What are we to do? First, recognize (like Dorothy) that “we’re not in Oz anymore.” We all live in a new, foreign and increasingly hostile culture. With that in mind, we’d do well to begin ministering like missionaries in hostile cultures.  Not expecting easy reaping, but rather hard-core sowing. Planting the first seeds of Christ and Christianity. We call them “Pioneers.” There’s much to be said here. More than I can fit into this brief. But a few basic “Do’s and Don’ts” of Basic Pioneer Missions Training might prompt some prayerful consideration…

  1. Don’t be the Christian caricature. Remove the Christian T-shirt, yard signs and bumper stickers.
  2. Don’t be Rude: crashing the Pride parade, blocking the downtown sidewalk on a Friday night, criticizing unbeliever’s lifestyles or beliefs. Do that as a missionary in a hostile country, and you’ll be thrown on the next plane.
  3. Don’t complain about Working among unbelievers. Missionaries pray for opportunities to find secular jobs in pagan cultures. It’s the most effective place to engage others.
  4. Don’t be a day-trader in Christianese rhetoric. Speak their “language”. Stop the Bold Font All Caps Red Letter KJV with unbelievers. Use the vernacular (but not the vulgar).
  5. Spend most of your time with Unbelievers. Be Sincere. Don’t befriend someone just to save them.
  6. Serve outside the Church tribe. Wash the Unbeliever’s feet. And don’t broadcast it.  
  7. Start with Outcasts whom no one wants to deal with.
  8. Be an Example. They’re looking for the fraud. Don’t be one.
  9. Infiltrate Individuals, not causes,
  10. Be prepared to Suffer… God will allow it… because that is when they watch you the most!

 The world is in the midst of “The Great Reset.”  We need to make a Reset, as well. The Signs of the Times dictate as much.  It’s high time we Reset our Great Commission approach:
Pioneers in a hostile culture. Infiltrators behind enemy lines..in our own land!

The Kiberia Slum, Nairobi, Kenya — Testimony from one of Pastors of the Least

 PAUL COWLEY:  EXCEPTIONS THAT UNLEACHED THE EXCEPTIONAL

Pastor Peter didn’t arrive at the DSM Bible Institute as a Pastor. He was merely an Usher serving in a local slum church. He bounced from one church to another trying to “find” something. He wasn’t quite sure what “it” was, but he was sure something was missing. Everyone seemed to be so sure of what they were doing for the Lord. Peter was not. No matter how much he tried to get involved at the church, he seemed to be disqualified, delayed or discouraged by those in authority. He yearned to be more engaged, more knowledgeable, more effective in the Body of Christ. Ambitious for holy things. But all to no avail.

Normally, we would not accept an “Usher” into the Bible Schools. For no other reason than limited space and resources. With the little we have to work with, we seek to disciple those with the greatest spiritual influence in the slum communities. Consequently, we only accept Pastors and Ministry Leaders into the Bible Schools. No congregation members, no matter how insistent they may be. It’s always a gut-wrenching situation to explain this to those who are otherwise wonderful candidates, but not serving in Ministry Leadership.

We rest in this: the “multitudes” will be taught and discipled by our Graduates in their churches…not at the DSM Bible Schools.

We do, however, make some Exceptions. Peter was one of them. One of our Graduates pleaded for an Exception for Peter. “He is a serious man. He loves the Lord. He…” We’ve heard it a thousand times. We aren’t easily moved. The answer remained “No!”

But then God… clearly told us to make an “Exception” for Peter. And we did. Not fully understanding “Why?” But walking by faith according to His Counsels. Not all of which are written down in the Bible. It’s not that simple. We don’t follow the Book. We follow HIM! God is a God of infinite Order and Purpose. Yet even He makes “Exceptions” to His Laws and Ordinances…based upon “Priorities of Purpose.” Not all of His Laws are equal. In fact, none of them are. They are all established within the Perfect Hierarchy of His Perfect Purposes. Find a “Law” in the Bible and you will often find an Exception as well. Except for these Two:

“Teacher, which is the Great commandment in the Law?” Jesus said to him, “’You shall Love the Lord your God with all your Heart, with all your Soul, and with all your Mind.’ This is the First and great commandment. And the Second is like it: ‘You shall Love your Neighbor as yourself.’ “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” MATTHEW 22:36

God’s Laws are not to be obeyed indiscriminately. But rather with the greatest of sober-mindedness, prayerful consideration and God-given Discernment. Afterall, we are not in a religious system. Christianity is not a Religion. It is  a Relationship. As such, every “Law” we apply must be done considered in the Light of God’s holy and preeminent concern for People. If, in “obeying” a Law or Standard, we violate the “two greatest” commandments, then we have violated all the Law! On this, the Pharisees and Scribes stumbled repeatedly. It continues today.

God sets our parameters. In the Ministry, and in our lives. His Laws provide boundaries. And we are not to casually make Exceptions to God’s written directives simply because we “feel it’s the right thing to do”.

Rather we are called to Pray! To continually cry out for the ever- available counsel of the Holy Spirit. Not simply at our bedside every morning and evening. But “without ceasing.” That might sound tiring and wearisome. Quite the opposite! It is restful, comforting, infinitely wise and efficient in God’s economy.

And so Peter’s holy discontent led to him being directed by a Graduate Pastor, who was then led to request an “Exception”…leading to our Prayerful consideration, and God’s clear counsel: “Accept this young man into the Bible School. It’s Me making this Exception . Not you.”

Peter enrolled in September, 2009 and did not complete the two-year program until November, 2014. Five years of intense Bible studying…not because of delays or disruptions, but because he just kept coming and coming and coming!  During those five years, he grew in every holy and righteous way. Bearing witness to one of God’s Foundational Principles and Promises…right before our eyes!

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain comes down … So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” ISAIAH 55:8

According to God’s higher “thoughts and ways”, the “Usher” became a Deacon, and eventually an Assistant Pastor! The “Exception” was becoming quite “Exceptional” right before our eyes!

After graduation, Peter continued to come…as a Volunteer, helping with tutoring, and eventually Translating. In this regard, he really blossomed. He has continued translating at the Bible Schools for over seven years.

A few months ago, Peter came to me personally about opening a new church himself! “I’ve been teaching some people in my house for the past two years. A small home church. Now, a local businessman who had heard me preach, sought me out and asked me to consider opening a church in our slum. He has a piece of land he is willing to donate. We can build whatever we like. He’s offered to donate some material for the floor.”

What a journey we have witnessed! God knew the intended end of making an Exception to His own standard at the Bible School. If we do not Pray and continually seek His confirming Counsel, we risk missing the Highest Purposes of the very One we seek to serve.

Jesus touched the leper…against the Law. Jesus healed on the Sabbath…against the Law. Jesus gathered grain on the Sabbath…against the Law. Every one of these “Exceptions” were not, in fact, breaking God’s Law. But rather obeying even Greater Laws. How much we miss by two common missteps:
#1. Making Prayerless Exceptions under the guise of “Grace”.
#2: Legalistically applying God’s Law without considering the Purpose. Two extremes…that will crush any efforts to “make Disciples.

Peter and his church continue slowly building the structure and the people of the slum community. One piece of sheet metal…one tiny step…one single soul…one day at a time. So much of what Peter has done in the past 13 years is “out of the box.” Who would have thought he’d find a free Bible School in the squalid slums of Nairobi? “But then God…” Who would have imagined the Usher would become a Senior Pastor, and a church planter?

“But then God…” Who would have dreamed a stranger would donate land in an overcrowded slum? “But then God…”

All kinds of rules, laws and methods were “broken” before Peter’s eyes…and ours. And every single one was God ordained . Serving His Purposes according to His Priorities. Exceptions that unleashed the Exceptional!

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

Has God not chosen the poor in this world to be rich in in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”  James 2:5

             This scripture applies aptly to the Pastors of the Least in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya.  They have the least of earthly goods, but they have the riches of the Word of God imbedded deeply into their souls and hearts, and endeavor to apply Biblical principles in their own lives, thanks to the labor of love and mentoring by Paul and Marcia Cowley.

Twenty years ago, this young American-Brazilian couple heard God’s call to uproot from living the good life in South Florida, and moved to serve in Kiberia, the largest slum in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa. The assignment? Establish a Bible Training Institute for the thousands of largely uneducated slum pastors living there. Little did they know that their plan to have a group of 20-25 students graduating per semester, has grown to 250 during the last 20 years. Students and graduates have seen the power of the Word of God transform thousands of people’s lives under their care.

Peter is one of these individuals.  He pursued  and reached his goal through faith, endurance and persistence: to establish & pastor a church in the slum!

 

 

                                                                                     

The Fear Factor—The Church and The Pandemic: An American’s View Seen through an African Lens By Paul Cowley

The Fear Factor

Fear is a good thing. It alerts us to potential harm, activates our defense responses and, if harnessed properly, motivates us to timely, appropriate self-preservation behavior. It keeps us Alive.  It is true not only in the physical realm but also the Spiritual.

Alternatively, Fear can be a bad thing. It can blind us to reality, cloud our analytic processing and, if not harnessed properly,  send us into paralysis, inaction and further vulnerability. In short,  it can lock us into a Death Spiral.

The “Fear Factor” is an opportunity, and also a dilemma. The choice between the two remains within our grasp.  Grasp onto “living Life” too freely or casually, and we end up foolishly encountering death prematurely. Grasp onto “preserving Life” too earnestly or analytically, and we miss the opportunity to Live Life to its fullest. This predicament presents itself throughout our daily activities and responsibilities: at work, leisure, pleasure, exercise, diet, education, decision-making, communication, social interaction, spirituality, Christian-living, ministry and our eternal destiny.  Yes, it impacts our final destination—Forever!

When Fear is harnessed properly, it is first and foremost focused on our Creator. After all, if we don’t Fear God, how can any other Fear even be relevant in the final analysis? Only with the Wisdom of God can we effectively thread the varied needles of Fear in the tiny eye we call “Life” God Himself has declared, “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge.  But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Proverbs 1:7

When Fear of God is maligned or ignored, it doesn’t go away. It cannot.  It exists and must settle somewhere. That Fear simply mutates into a  Fearful Life. It becomes what the Bible calls “fear of man.”   “The Fear of Man brings a Snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be Safe.” Proverbs 29:25

The Church and The Pandemic

A snare. A trap. Stifling life, placing it on a sure course of inactivity, paralysis and death. It’s happening to Ministers and  Ministries all over the world. While pastors and people pontificate over how, when and whether to “reopen” their churches on Sunday, we miss the Spiritual Reality hidden in plain sight: Christianity is in a Death Spiral,  like an airplane that has lost “lift”—plummeting precipitously with precious little opportunity to dodge disaster. To continue our circular conversations about churches reopening is to miss the main point:  We are not doing Christianity. The works, fruit, and eternal purpose of the Christian Life amount to much more than Sunday service. The Enemy knows , but we act as if we don’t.

Having promoted a Pandemic of Fear in the masses, the Enemy has redirected our focus from Fear of God to fear of man. It was cunning, stealthy and quite ingenious. But now that Christian ministry is in the crosshairs of cultural irrelevance, what should the Church be doing? Struggling to reopen Sunday services? That would be like replacing professional Nascar racing with virtual video “races” online. Sounds absurd? That’s exactly what largely is happening.  And with it, they begin the certain Death of actual “in-person” Nascar racing. How about replacing Christian ministry with images and voices on a digital screen every Sunday?

Christian Life and Christian Ministry go far beyond Sunday’s holy huddle. As people bark and banter about restrictions on Sunday services, they blindly miss the open eradication of Christian works: counseling, visiting orphans and widows, feeding the hungry, door to door evangelism, open air evangelistic crusades, nursing home/hospital/hospice visitations, prison ministry, chaplaincy, grieving and honorably burying the dead, discipling anyone, leading by example, helps ministry, teaching (let alone making) new Disciples, marriage, baptism, communion, missionary endeavors, mission trips, reaching the unreached, reaching the digitally unconnected—42% of the world have no access to the internet!

The list goes on and on. These are not optional side dishes in a buffet of Christian Ministry. These are commands and imperatives from the mouth of God. Christianity cannot be reduced to Sunday service, much less a digital imitation of it. Touchless, virtual ministry has become the golden calf. An idol that keeps the money flowing, the congregation seeing and hearing…and subtly anesthetizes us from obediently Doing!

We tend to think that “Fear of  God” can coexist with “fear of man”. It cannot! They are mutually exclusive. And so, we are called to press forward into the vast imperatives of Christian Life with one Fear: Fear of God. It is high time we get back to the Christian Life before the possibility of participating passes us by. God does not need us to accomplish His work. Rather, He grants us the divine invitation to co-labor with Him. This will cost us dearly. It will divide communities, churches, ministries, homes, friends, marriages and loved ones. Make no mistake about it. The “days” are upon us.

“… and he who does not take his cross and follow after Me, is not worth of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake, will find it.”  Mt. 10:34

THE DISCIPLE SUPPORT MINISTRIES BIBLESCHOOLS AND THE PANDEMIC

The DSM Bible Schools are up and running. Indeed, because of corona virus restrictions, due to complying with “social distancing” mandates, we are now teaching more days per week than ever before. This has led to an INCREASED ENROLLMENT! In fact, we cannot even process new students because of the overwhelming response from current and prior enrolled Pastors and Ministry Leaders. Life is being proclaimed from the hilltop!

But more important is what our Pastors and Ministry Leaders are Doing. They are marrying the unmarried. They are baptizing believers. They are partaking in communion services. They are evangelizing door to door. They are visiting the widows, the sick, the elderly, the shut-ins, the disabled and dying. They are counseling face-to-face. Most, if not all, of this is illegal. Some of our Pastors have been tracked, apprehended and imprisoned. I cannot provide specifics without furthering endangering them and others. But suffice it to say, their Fear of God has enraged kings and kingdoms of this world. The Christian Faith is being tested worldwide… and the Faithful and Faithless are quickly being sorted and sifted.

Our most pressing need is for your Prayers. Fervent prayers. Faith filled prayers.  For our Pastors and Ministry Leaders—to courageously Do the Will of God; for the Bible School Ministry—to boldly continue Discipleship through the Ministry of the Word of God; for Fear of God—to suffocate any and all Fear of Man in us.

The time for Christ-like Courageous Ministering is Today—lest we dare to presume we even have tomorrow!

 

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

Almost two decades ago, Disciple Support Ministries (DSM) was founded by Paul and Marcia Cowley with a call to minister in the heart of Africa. Since their move to East Africa in 2002, the Lord has blessed them with three children (Isaac, Joshua, and Alegria).
Today the ministry has grown to operate two Bible Schools directly inside the two largest slums of Nairobi, Kenya. One in Kibera slum, the single largest slum in Africa, with over 1,000,000 residents. The other in the Mathare Valley slum, with over 500,000 residents. The Schools are strategically located on opposite sides of the city, in the two largest and most easily accessible slum.

Steve and I have known Paul and Marcia from the time they were newlyweds living in South Florida, a couple of years before they heard God’s call and moved to Africa.  We have had the joy of serving them on their extraordinary journey.  In this issue, Paul gives his perspective on the Church at large and the Lord’s commission to His people, especially  during hard times, seen through the eyes of his slum Pastors of the Least, for whom overcoming insurmountable hardships through faith and trust in God’s caring love and provision, are daily occurrences. We have much to learn from them! We highly recommend DSM worthy of your support.

Please mark your gift 8344 Kenya Workers.

A Personal Note from R.K. to my Fellow Americans—The Upcoming Presidential Election

From its inception, The Bridge’s primary purpose has been to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the nations via primarily indigenous peoples—a mission we continually endeavor to faithfully follow.  Sometimes, however, events take place in one country which have far reaching consequences throughout the rest of the world. The Covid-19 pandemic is one, and I dare to state that the United States Presidential election is another.  Our fellow believers we serve in the nations all are fervently praying for this country, expressing their concern that the United States is at a crossroad, whereby her people may lose their freedom, liberty, and egalitarianism, which up till now have been the bulwark against other nations’ tyrants who oppress their people.  Most of our partners live in countries where their freedom is limited. There is only one reason that America has been called a “Shining City upon a Hill” – The American Constitution!  The words “WE THE PEOPLE” is the fundamental bedrock which makes it different than any other  governing document in the world, guaranteeing its individual citizens Equality of Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness as given by our Creator!  That means, no ruler can demand total loyalty and obedience of his subjects!

Don’t get lost in the two candidates’ rhetoric, or promises fueled by the election campaigns of the two parties; don’t get lost in the idiosyncrasies of the two individual candidates – and PLEASE tune out the noise from the media!  Rather, study the ideology and philosophy shaping the views of the two individual parties, policies and the individual Presidential candidates.  Then, vote for the candidate whose past record and future platform most closely confirm, honor and shape his policies in accordance with the American Constitution!

In Kibera – Kenya’s Nairobi Slum: A Day in Pastor John’s Life

HAPPY EASTER TO FAMILY, FRIENDS AND PARTNERS FROM THE BRIDGE TEAM!

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”  John 4:9-11

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

How is it possible that Covid-19, this nano-tiny, attractive-looking ball with heart-shaped spikes, although not being alive, nor possessing a brain or a heart, has the ability to plow through humanity and cause death, distress and disruption in close to 190 countries in less than four months, while shaking the very world system to the core?

This pandemic is making it evident to all that man is not ultimately in charge of his destiny; he must look beyond himself to find purpose and security. Let us pray that  the many who are seeking a higher power for answers will, during this Easter Season, experience the fulfillment of the words in Jeremiah 29:12-13, “You will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” … and come to faith in a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ!

I find it easy to fall into a complaining mode over the inconveniences of being quarantined at home. When I come into that mode, I am reminded of the scores of our brothers and sisters abroad whose life conditions are continually on the brink of disaster, yet they thank God for His love and care and steadfastly share the Good News with others – that makes my seeming hardships non-existent!!  Pastor John, one of the Pastors of the Least in the Disciple Ministry Support Bible Institute in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya, founded by Paul Cowley, is one of them.  May his testimony edify you as you and your family celebrate the Risen Lord during this Easter Season!

A DAY IN PASTOR JOHN’S LIFE – by Paul Cowley

It’s cold and damp this morning. A brisk wind is sweeping through the valley, making the 40-degree temperature seem much colder. With his thin Sunday suit jacket and hard sole shoes, Pastor John sets off for work. It is 3 a.m. The only light guiding him through the dark slum is the moon. It is a one mile journey weaving through the mud, stick and sheet metal shacks, over raw sewage ditches and finally onto the rail line. Shortly he is on the road, joined by hundreds of others beginning the day. Thankful that he has a job to go to, Pastor John shares the Good News with anyone and everyone he happens to be walking next to. He has at least several opportunities each morning. After all, it’s another 2 1/2 hours and 13 miles to work.

Like many of our students, Pastor John works as a security guard. He is fortunate to have the better shift… daytime duty. His official hours of duty are 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. He works 6 days a weeks. No food, no latrine, no water, no breaks are provided. And, ironically, no weapons other than a wood baton. Should any incident occur at the facility he is guarding, he will be arrested, and charged with either complicity with the criminals or criminal neglect. Either charge will result in immediate detention in “remand” waiting for a trial. Most remands continue for at least 60-90 days. His job will be lost even if found not guilty. It has happened to him twice before. To get such a job, every applicant must pay a “consideration” fee to those processing the applications. To keep such a job, every worker must pay a “appreciation gift” to the personnel manager every month. No delay, no complaints, no tattle-tales allowed.

Pastor John’s Path to Work

At 6 p.m., Pastor John begins the walk home. Within a half hour, darkness descends on the city. Another 14-mile journey along busy roads with no shoulder, no lighting and lots of thugs. He prays continually to arrive home safely…and find his family safe as well. It takes longer to get home, due to the countless masses of people walking. Nairobi is called “the Walking City”. There are in excess of 1,000,000 people in the Kibera slum alone, where Pastor John lives. The vast majority of the working poor walk to work because they cannot afford the public transport vans. Transport for John would cost $3 per day round trip. His net pay per day is $2.50. He walks 28 miles per day in order to simply eat.

At 9.30 p.m. he arrives home. His three children are already asleep. He sits down with his wife Janet and thanks God for another day of work, safe travel and provision. Janet uncovers a plate with his one meal for the day: maize and beans.  The couple whisper quietly as the children sleep nearby…very nearby. The house is the standard ten by ten foot shack. That space is the living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom…for two adults and three children. It is a combination of mud and stick walls, with sheet metal roofing. The sky is clearly visible through the holes and gaps in the rusted tin. During the two rainy seasons each year, the water literally flows across the floor and pours through the roof. In the dry season, the windowless shack becomes unbearably hot and suffocating.

Pastor John and his wife, Janet in front of their shack called Home.

Malaria ridden mosquitoes torment the family throughout the night. These accommodations are in Kibera, one of the most “preferred” slums in Nairobi. There are 199 slums and over 3,000,000 slum dwellers in Nairobi. Most slums are much worse than Kibera. But regardless of where one settles, there is no such thing as “squatting” on land in Nairobi. Everyone pays someone. John will work two full weeks to pay the rent. And that is just the beginning.

The DMS Bible Institute (white building in the background) towers as a Bright Lighthouse in the Kibera Slum

With the remainder of his pay, John and Janet must overcome a mountain of necessary expenses. They have to purchase and carry their water from a vendor… at nine times the rate the City charges customers with piped water. Then they must purchase wood or charcoal to boil the water. A bucket bath is a luxury. Once per week in the hot, dry season. Much less often in the cold rainy season. To use a pit latrine, they will have to “rent” a key. That is a luxury few slum dwellers can afford. Instead they will use a plastic bag and toss it out the window. They and another 3,000,000 people…every day.

Inside John and Janet’s 10 foot by 10 foot shack called Home

Janet shares with Pastor John the pressing news and needs of the day. She still has severe cramping and bleeding from her recent miscarriage…her third. They would not even examine her at the community hospital. She didn’t have the necessary “gratuity” to even enter the waiting room. And she was in such severe pain, she could not wait the two to three days to be seen. Their eldest daughter was sent home from school for failing to pay the school fees. It takes another 10 days of work to pay the basic tuition for the three children: Maureen is 14 years old in grade 6…the twins, Abel and Milcah are 7 years old in grade one. That does not include exam fees, marking fees, uniform fees, supplies or the development” fees charged by every school. Pastor John instructs Janet to send their daughter back and plead for mercy from the headmaster once again. He then gives her food money to buy some Tylenol.

By 10:30 p.m., dad and mom are asleep in their one bed with their children. Privacy is a luxury they and their children will never know.    Never to have their own bedroom, never to use a latrine…nor to use toilet paper or own a toothbrush. Pastor John is one of the fortunate ones…he has a job. At least for today.  In just four hours, he will awaken, put on his hard sole shoes and Sunday suit coat… and begin the long walk again… looking for every opportunity to invite people to the church… and to share with them the Good News in his life.

If you want to know more about Paul and Marcia Cowley and their life’s work at the Disciple Support Ministries’ Bible Institute for the Pastor’s of the Least in the  Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya, please see a prior update:  https://www.bridgeinternational.org/2019/08/ 
Would you consider becoming a sponsor?  Please donate above and mark your donation  8344 Kenya Workers.

Nairobi, Kenya — Update from Paul Cowley on the Discipleship Support Ministries Bible Institute

One of the greatest Joys of being on the mission field is directly observing the effect of God’s Word on the hearts and minds of the people. In the past three Semesters, we have studied, verse by verse, the books of Jeremiah, Obadiah, Haggai, Malachi, Psalms, Joel, Amos, 1st Kings, Jonah, Ephesians, Jude, Colossians, Peter, Epistles of John, Philemon and Revelation. In addition, every new student is required to take a semester long class in Inductive Bible Study Techniques.

At the end of each semester, the Student/Pastors voluntarily provide their feedback. They are candid testimonies from those on the ground who are on the receiving end of this Ministry. As you read the below small sample of current testimonies as an indication of the eternal effect of planting God’s Word in people, we hope you will gain further insight into the ground level effect of this Discipleship Ministry on the Pastors of the Least.  We trust you will be encouraged, and even challenged:

  • Keep it up DSM! You are changing our nation. I am thankful to God for the opportunity to be here.
  • This does not exist anywhere in Africa: a free Bible School for us slum Pastors! There is no school, no church, no ministry teaching the Truth we learn here.
  • I changed from a man-pleaser to a God–pleaser. I am able to stand firm, even when threatened by death.
  • The teachers and staff are well prepared, godly examples – like good fathers to us.
  • Volunteering duties have taught me that ministry starts with serving from the bottom-up, not top-down.
  • This ministry is God’s miracle in my life!
  • Learning the Bible verse-by-verse, book-by-book is standard. Every member comes to church with a Bible, pen, and notebook, ready and enthusiastic about learning the Word.
  • I do not know of anyone with such sincere love and care for slum Pastors.

Disciple Support Ministries Bible Institute. The descriptive title of Bible Institute rather than Bible College is purposeful. We emphasize the Bible, above all other needful and necessary topics that one should learn as a Pastor or Ministry Leader. This  allows us to focus on a growing gap in the church: Bible Literacy, which means being well-versed, familiar, comfortable and competent in fundamental Bible Theology, Exposition, Interpretation and Application. We do not teach topical classes, except one class on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, only books of the Bible: verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book.

The curriculum is the 66 books. Overviews, Summations and Surveys are out. A Gospel is taught every year. Revelation is taught every other year; all other books in various combinations of Old and New Testament books each semester, but never skipping or overemphasizing any book. The goal is to present the whole counsel of God as God presented it to mankind: unadulterated, undigested, uninfluenced by commentaries, denominational biases or personal preferences. In this manner we seek to fill the gap, rather than duplicate, what is already available in other teaching ministries in East Africa.

The program is distinctively limited to Pastors and Ministry Leaders, to garner the most influence and effect throughout the Body of Christ. If we can reach church leaders, the fruit will multiply far beyond the confines of the Bible Institute and the city of Nairobi. Another distinction is our focus on those who live and minister in the urban slums.  The city of Nairobi has approximately 5,000,000 residents. Of those, 65% live in slums. To reach most people, you need to go where they are. Unlike any others, our two Bible Institutes are inside the slums, filling a significant gap.  This is where most of our people live.

Finally, it is a Discipleship program. The goal is to make Disciples, not Bible scholars. And it is this distinctive that creates the greatest challenges.

If we just taught the Word of God at the Bible Institute, but did not require Change, we would simply be producing hearers, fat sheep, filled with the Word, but never exercising it. Likewise, if we just enforce rules, but do not teach the Word of God, we simply produce religious robots. And if we fixate on the numbers, whether salvations or  graduates, we are fooling no one but ourselves. There must be a simultaneous emphasis on Hearing the Word from God, and then Doing what is Pleasing unto God. Holding Pastors and Ministry Leaders in a Bible Institute accountable should be the norm, not the exception. Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit, but the Method of Ministry must follow in the Steps of Jesus: how He proclaimed the Word, how He discipled, how He lead by example, and how He never accommodated Sin. It isn’t always popular. But as our Pastors testify…it works!

The vast majority of our Pastors and Ministry Leaders are working Pastors. They work secular jobs full time to support their families, and their ministries. Full time work in Kenya is typically 5½ days per week. To come to the Bible Institute, they sacrifice a full or half day of work’s pay. That’s significant. It means a drastic reduction in the family’s provision, requiring a profound Step of Faith. I consider myself privileged to walk among such current day Heroes of the Faith.

Many first arrive at Bible Institute without secular provision, as they are encouraged, if not required, by their Bishops/Sr. Pastors, to prove their faith by quitting all secular work. This allegedly is a “step of faith” and proves they are “trusting God” for their provision. The result: most end in the terrible grip of destitution, subjecting their families to self-inflicted suffering. Eventually, many of these pastors “living by faith” morph into master manipulators, prosperity pimps and abusive hirelings that relentlessly beat the sheep for tithes and offerings. The fruit of disobeying God’s Word is always bad. Every time.  It is only through the Holy Spirit, and the ministry of God’s Word, that our Pastors are set free. God’s explicit command is for men to work. God requires work by all able bodied men. It is not optional.

In Nairobi, it is nearly impossible to find formal employment. But the informal sector provides many work opportunities. Even within the massive urban slums, there is an ongoing economy. Buying, selling, trading and transactions of every sort go on daily. In the Kibera slum, with over 1,000,000 residents, there are thousands of shops, stalls, skills and services engaged in meeting the daily needs of the residents. And therein lay the opportunity for the Pastors and Ministry Leaders to lead the way.

The fruit is glorious by every measure.  Over the many years of ministry, hundreds upon hundreds of Pastors and Ministry Leaders have been led into Obedience, and consequently, Blessings from God. We now have Pastors who represent every trade imaginable—welders, mechanics, shopkeepers, painters, drivers, security guards, plumbers, teachers, gardeners, traders, farmers, recyclers, cooks, cleaners, construction workers, tailors, and yes, even carpenters—just like Jesus!

One of the great scandals of the church these days is prevalent sexual immorality, especially involving church leaders! Four years ago, we implemented a new requirement. To graduate, you must confirm that the one you are living with is your legal spouse. Married in the eyes of God and man. Of course, we have exceptions for those few who are single, widowed or have exceptional situations. In my view, it was scandalous that we even had to implement such a rule. But the reality on the ground demanded it. Too many testimonies outside were reaching my ears: Pastors and Ministry Leaders going through the motions of the Discipleship, but living another reality. Year after year there was little change of hearts. By withholding Diplomas, we certainly got everyone’s attention! Good testimonies abound. Marriages restored. Families reconciled. Children “in submission with all reverence.” (1. Tim 3:4) Testimonies in the church, in the community, and at the attorney general’s office where marriage certificates are produced. The goal: to be conformed into the image of Christ!

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

Paul and Marcia Cowley need no introduction to our longstanding partners and friends.  We have followed them for almost twenty years since they as newlyweds gave up a prosperous life in South Florida, sold their home and business, then headed with a few belongings into the unknown— to the most extreme of all places: Nairobi, capital of Kenya, where 2.5 million slum dwellers live in squalor — 65% of the population!  “Who will I send and who will go”? The question echoed in Paul’s heart while the visiting missionary described the ignorance, poverty and lack of knowledge of Biblical truth among these slum Pastors.  Paul heard God’s call, and responded, “I am here, I will go.”

Without any preset curriculum, administrative  manual, or any other tools—only with the Bible in hand, he simply gathered hungry men and women who were willing to sit under the influence of the teaching of the Word of God.  He watched how the lives of the poorest of the poor—the Pastors of the Least, their families and communities, be transformed by the Power of the pure Word of God.  His report from the Bible Institute is awe-inspiring, humbling, and challenging!

Will you join the ranks and help sponsor the Cowleys and the ministry their Pastors?

Charity: Paul Cowley, the Pastors of the Least, and Steven Ulrich – from Kenya to Florida

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

 Many who have been praying for my husband, Steven in his battle against prostate cancer, keep asking how he is doing.  Not wanting to emphasize our needs over those serving in the mission fields, we have not been so forthcoming on details.

In this issue, however, we have a current update on Steve, which you will find it at the end of the  main article on CHARITY, written by Paul Cowley, who with his family is training the Pastors of the Least in the largest slum in Nairobi, Africa.  The reason I have made a connecting between Kenya and Florida, is that, of all the people who have sacrificially stood with us in love, support, and prayer for Steve and myself, the Pastors of the Least have made the deepest impression on us for reasons I will lay out in the update section below.  Thanks to all of you who keep standing with us and praying for Steve’s health!  Cont. below…

CHARITY – FROM KENYA TO FLORIDA by Paul Cowley

We often think of charity as the relevant work of Charities.  While there is truth in that, it does not exempt us from the Biblical admonition to be charitable ourselves both individually and personally. Charity is more than a non-profit organization. It is more than giving material possessions or money. It is a habitual action, a firm mindset and a Godly characteristic all wrapped up in one. We cannot conjure it up ourselves, apart from God and His grace, which sets it so far apart from mere philanthropic generosity or giving. The glory of our giving must point to God Himself, or we are left with self-indulgent sacrifices to satisfy our own ulterior needs and motives.

This Ministry has been given the privilege of serving the very Least of our Brethren. Working with Pastors and Ministry Leaders in the slums of East Africa has been the high-point of my Christian service. It is in part due to the opportunity I have to express God’s heart of Charity  toward the neediest.

The lives of the Pastors/Ministry Leaders we serve are no different from those in the many pictures you have seen in our newsletter.  In fact, it is many times worse.  The pastor is often the last to receive, the hungriest, more chronically unemployed and continually homeless. His children are in and out of schooling, never completing a year without interruption, due to financial burdens. Many people remark about how well our pastors are dressed. That is true., but “well-dressed” has a critical context that must be considered. Every stitch of clothing on his body is second hand. I know virtually no pastor who has more than one used, or pre-owned suit — one used white shirt, one used necktie, and one pair of used shoes. One and no more. The clothing they wear today is the same I have seen them wear for as many years as I have known them. And so, the ability to minister to such saints with benevolence and charity is nothing short of a God given privilege.

A Biblical foundation for Charity can be found in 2. Corinthians chapters 8 and 9.  God has much to say to us, and His admonitions are there for all to be enlightened regarding Christ-like Charity. But I will focus on what is another critical context…

“For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an Equality,

that now at this time your Abundance may supply their Lack,

that their Abundance also may supply your Lack — that there may be Equality.

As it is written, ‘He who gathered Much had nothing left over,

and he who gathered Little had no Lack.'”   2. Cor. 8:13

There is a glorious exchange in every act of Christ-like giving. I may have the God-given ability to give… of my time, talent and/or treasure. And yet God foreordains that the one in need will be giving as well. Somehow, needs of both the giver and recipient are miraculously and supernaturally filled in the exchange process. Jesus said it most succinctly and poignantly, confirmed through the pen of Paul the Apostle…

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.

And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said,

‘It is more blessed to Give than to Receive.'”  Acts 20:35

Christ’s words denote pure Spiritual blessings wrought thick and through with eternal value and significance. Not mere material blessings proffered by many during their manipulative solicitations. As we admonish our pastors, “Don’t give to get. If you do, then it’s not giving; it’s not a gift; it’s not charity. It’s merely an investment scheme.”

God’s Word sets the spiritual standard of Christ-like giving: freely, cheerfully, willingly, secretly, according to our ability, and without compulsion. Giving to God, and giving to mankind, is never to be done for the sake of a material return.  God lets us know there is, indeed, a Spiritual return that is truly out of this world. And so, we rejoice in the privilege to provide material relief to those in need, and in the blessing to see them glorify God…

“For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints,

but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God; through the proof of this ministry,

 they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ,

and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you,

who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!”  2.Cor. 9:12

Indeed, it is truly an indescribable gift from God to be able to give. This  brings me to a final point. Throughout our 16+ years on the mission field, God has supported this Ministry through the faithful giving of the saints.  And many times, people have expressed their apologies for “not giving”, for a sudden need to “stop” giving or some justification for their inability to give.  We would like to reiterate our heart-felt admonition…

  1. No explanation is ever needed. Certainly not to us. Not ever.
  2. Seasons change. I believe God purposefully allows us to be inspired to give, and then withholds the very ability to do so at specific times in our life. There are great spiritual lessons to be learned in each season.
  3. Our desire to give (when we cannot) is perhaps more precious in God’s eyes than actually giving. We serve a God who looks at our heart first and foremost. The intents of our heart matter most to Him.
  4. The greatest gift anyone can offer this Ministry, our family, and others is faithful and fervent intercession.

It is often through the intercessory prayer of one, that God releases His provision and protection by the hand of others.

…cont   FROM R.K.’S CORNER – UPDATE ON THE HEALTH OF MY HUSBAND, STEVEN

                 On the first day of this month, Easter Sunday, we celebrated the most significant and ultimate love gift ever given to mankind by anyone … the gift of eternal life by the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The hallmark of those who have been transformed by God’s love, is a life of generosity and CHARITY.  That includes those who have no earthly possessions to give, as they show charity by giving of themselves in serving others!

               This issue is a clear demonstration of CHARITY extended to my husband, Steve — living in prosperous South Florida, from the Pastors of the Least — living in abject poverty, while attending Paul Cowley’s DSM’s Bible Institute in the Kiberia slum in Nairobi, Kenya.

In 2012, six years ago, my husband, Steve was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer.  His prostate was surgically removed.  For three years, he was doing well with no recurrence.  Then, in 2015, the cancer returned.  He underwent 37 radiation therapy sessions.  Regretfully, that did not reduce the cancer, rather, the PSA (blood test cancer indication) continued to rise.  In Oct. 2017, a body scan showed that the cancer had metastasized into his lymph nodes, and he was deemed terminal, Steve decided to have no further medical treatments, as there are few effective choices available going forward.  We did, however, choose to add a natural remedy  that allegedly heals cancer.

Steve and R.K. – Resting in Him: “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms…”

This week, to our utter surprise, Steve and I were told by his oncologist that his most recent body scan shows no detectable cancer — even his lymph nodes are back to normal, in spite of the fact that the PSA keeps rising drastically, indicating the cancer is aggressively on the move!  Steve’s oncologist doctor has no explanation.  He is double checking the test results to ensure they are correct.  God often confounds earthly knowledge and wisdom by His supernatural touch! We are on a faith journey, not knowing what it means, but we firmly believe that Steve’s life is in God’s hands — He will complete the fullness of his days (Deuteronomy 33:27)! In the meanwhile, Steve keeps sharing the Gospel with everyone in waiting rooms and doctor offices!

Family, friends, and partners, locally and all around the world, have surrounded us with love and prayers.  Among them, perhaps those who have been the greatest encouragement to Steve, are the Pastors of the Least in Kenya. Paul sent us a note on their behalf: “We are storming heaven with praise and petitions on your behalf…. let us all stand confidently in His Sovereign grace and enduring mercies.  Our brother Steve is well. Let the testimony of Jesus & you continue 1. Cor 2: 9-16. Let us stand boldly in What we know, and Who we know — in Faith!  Blessings, prayers, and deep affection to you two!”

                In the Kenyan slum, a group of men and women—too poor to enjoy any medical care—are interceding with confident, childlike faith for a miracle on behalf of Steve — enjoying the world’s best medical care available.  Steve has been generous toward them with financial blessings… they are giving of themselves in intercession on his behalf! 2. Cor. 8:13 is actively at work!

Our post modern culture has produced an entitlement  generation who demand their “rights”.  In contrast, Paul Cowley’s excellent article above on CHARITY is both timely and relevant!