Sharing with the Samburu

Preaching the message to the little, remote Samburu Church last Sunday, I shared a story about two boys who had grown up together as friends. The two friends had enjoyed tending the goats, sheep, and cattle together, enjoying each other’s company as they worked hard from sunrise to sunset. Over time though, one of the boys began to do things that he should not. He began to lie and not complete the work he said he would do. He began treating others harshly, too. His friend tried to convince him to stop sinning in these ways, but he refused to listen. Over time, their friendship faded, as they no longer enjoyed spending time with each other. Over the years, the one friend would try to convince his old friend to do right, but the boy, who was now a man, could no longer hear his friend’s humble requests.

I explained to the congregation that this story of the two boys is a picture of our relationship with God. When we are young, we have a tender heart toward God, but over time, as we sin, we begin to distance ourselves from God and can no longer hear His voice. He still pursues us, but we have learned to tune Him out, as the one man could no longer hear his friend’s entreaties.

Sharing the message to the church, I focused the application directly to the kids, sharing with them that those who usually come to Christ, do so as children. Whether they are in Pakistan, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia or Samburu, it does not matter. For us all, it becomes harder and harder to hear the voice of God as we become older. Preaching specifically to the kids, I implored them to turn to the Lord now, before it is too late. I warned them that they should not assume that they can do so in years to come, since it becomes harder to hear as we become more accustomed to our sin.

The Lord was laying on my heart to share with the kids and I believe He gave me just the right story to do so.

The Pastor who was translating for me into Samburu closed us in prayer, as 7 or 8 people raised their hands indicating that they wanted to follow the Lord. It was a wonderful moment to be amongst God calling His precious children into the Kingdom.

~Dan