Watermark hosts Upendo’s Valentine Banquet
“Upendo” is Swahili for agape love – and it’s also the name of a local Kenyan church. On Valentine’s night
, about 35 members served Upendo by hosting their annual dinner. About 160 of their members attended and almost 60 kids! Here’s a note from their Pastor Shadrack Ruto:
Good moring …! It looks like even with more time I cannot have the right words to express how grateful I am for what you and your team did to our couples. What you did was historical in many ways. First, many of these couples call back home (Kenya) to tell their parents and friends Wazungus served us dinner and cleaned the fellowship hall and kitchen. As one of them said, “we saw Jesus in their lives.” Secondly, here are people who experience racism in their work-place from the majority culture, then those from majority culture come and serve them at this special dinner. They could not believe their eyes. This was nothing short of a testimony of the power of the blood of Christ. Thirdly, on Sunday morning they were asking, you mean Wazungus really served us?
Even though I told you this would be classic, I have to admit I never knew it would have such a great impact to our people. Both believers and unbelievers in our congregation are saying, “Surely, Christ makes a difference”. This became a powerful testimony and made Christ really attractive. You wonder why we have not thought of doing something like this. If it touches people in this way, why not do more of it? What can I say to your team? They need to know that they proclaimed Christ in a big way and their testimony will always be talked about. They did it with joy and humility. I know it was a sacrifice for them to miss their valentine, but they will be rewarded by God. Thanks again for your willingness to organize on such short notice. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! Our relationship with Watermark has truly been a blessing to us. Make sure Todd knows about this. We are grateful to God for crossing our paths. Be Blessed!
Shadrack Ruto
Thanks to all who participated! Please feel free to respond with any comments or stories about your service that night!
