Precious Jewels Study-Nairobi Summit

November 24, 2019

Precious Jewels Nairobi Summit - St. Francis Karen

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16

Saturday marked the debut of the Precious Jewels Study in Africa! The Study was presented at a summit at the St. Francis Anglican Church in Karen, Nairobi. It was attended by about 120 women whom we believe the Lord had specifically chosen to attend this meeting, because Leah and I had prayed for God to stir the hearts of those He had purposed to hear His Word through this Study. God answered our prayers for this day immeasurably more than we had asked or imagined.

The day began with rain! Yes ... Leah and I have been praying for some rain to ease any lingering dust. It is the short rains period in Kenya which is expected to last through the end of November. It usually rains in the night and by morning the sun comes out warming up into the low 70s (20৹ Celsius). But on Saturday, it was still raining when we got out of the house at 7:30am. We had the opportunity to use our $5 purple umbrellas☂ that we had diligently brought with us.😀 Earlier in the morning, Leah and I had an opportunity to bathe the day and the teaching in prayer. Leah did not sleep to well she was awake at 2:00am and decided to go through the study again. She fell asleep at 5:00am only to be awakened by her alarm at 6:00am. But God graciously upheld Leah all day.

Rev. Nzimbi - Curate

The Summit was opened in prayer by the Curate, Rev. Peter Nzimbi on behalf of the Vicar of the Church about 9:00am and after he left - since it was a ladies event😉, we started with praise and worship - Kenyan style - meaning lots of dancing and clapping. I then went up and shared a devotion using John 15:16 and the back story of the Precious Jewels Nairobi Summit. Before Leah came up to teach the ladies had an opportunity to get a cup of tea and snacks. Kenya is a former British colony so the country adopted some British mannerism like having a mid-day and mid-afternoon cup of tea and snack. So it is customary at an event such as this to provide tea (along with other beverages options like Cocoa, Chocolate and coffee) and snacks. Snacks primarily consist of slices of traditional arrowroot, sweet potatoes (different from American sweet potato - these are white in color and firm), and samosas.

After the tea break I had the opportunity to introduce and pray for Leah before she began to teach. We had a short break between the Diamond and Pearl study where everyone was able to stretch their legs as we sang and danced to few more worship songs.

Leah teaching

DIAMOND- Dust or Diamond
We are constantly under pressure. As we look at the Diamond, we learn that we don't have to let the crushing weight of the world destroy us. We have a Savior who loves us and will strengthen us.

PEARL- Setting ourselves apart
The pearl is the only stone formed from a living organism. It's the result of an oyster protecting itself. As we learn about the pearl, we learn that no trial, persecution or situation is in vain. They are tools to grow us and to give Glory to Jesus Christ.

After these two Jewel teachings the meeting broke for lunch. The lunch was a variety of

Traditional food

Kenyan traditional dishes. There was "mukimo" made of peas, potatoes and maize mashed together, there were "chapatis" - an Indian-styled bread (Kenya has a significant Indian population that has influenced it's cuisine), traditional green vegetables, beef stew and basmati rice. After lunch we had another short praise and worship - Kenyan style 👏👏 before Leah came up to give the last Jewel teaching - the Ruby.

RUBY – Total Transparency
We live in a world that exalts perfection. It pushes an image where flaws and imperfections are unacceptable. However, as we dig into the formation of Rubies, we find that God sees things very different.

Ven. Joyce Kariuki and Leah

By this time, our host, the Vicar of St. Francis, Venerable Joyce Kariuki had joined our meeting after coming from an administrative meeting that morning. Ven. Joyce Kariuki is a dynamic, Spirit-filled incredible woman of God whose powerful and life-transforming teaching has caught the attention of leaders around the world. So before closing the meeting Ven. Joyce Kariuki had ladies stand and give one thing they had learnt and an application they took way from the studies. The testimonies were amazing as each woman stood up and mentioned what new knowledge she had gained and believed. It was a humbling moment for us. Many were asking if Leah has a book or study guide on the Jewel Study because they want to go deeper as well as share it with others who were not able to attend the meeting. This will be the next step for Leah - an author in the making! Praise the Lord!🙏 The meeting ended at about 3:00pm with worship and prayer. A few women stayed for a group photo which marks a historic moment for the Precious Jewels Study debut in Africa.

After the meeting we were invited for a cuppa tea at my aunt's home which is about 3 miles from the church. We will be holding the last Jewels Study at her home on November 30th.