In the early seventies a genuine spiritual revival broke out among the youth of a little village just outside of Nairobi, Kenya. Banana Hill is a bustling little community situated between Nairobi and Limuru. The Christian population of the day was made up primarily of Anglican and Roman Catholic. As the heat of spiritual awakening swept through the youth of the community--as so often happens--it was rejected by the established church. Many of the young people involved were excommunicated from the Anglican church. A core group of leaders, just children really, emerged and at the forefront was a young man by the name of Michael Chege. At the age of 17 he became their "pastor". As the years have passed, Michael has remained faithful to the people of Banana Hill and is now one of the most respected leaders of the community and is known and welcomed all over the country as a "man of God."
I first met Michael in October of 1992 when I made my first visit to Kenya. We became friends instantaneously; a friendship that has endured to this day--and a partnership was formed that is very, very special. Michael has a heart for the remote tribal groups of Kenya and his influence has continued to spread the church throughout the nation as he has established or helped to establish churches with an 'apostolic' fervor. I love to train leaders so our partnership was made in heaven as I have had the opportunity to influence and train literally hundreds of young men and women as they have spread out across the country. I consider my partnership with Restoration Victory Ministries as nothing less than a divine appointment and heavenly orchestration.
Michael Chege is in the foreground, pictured with another good friend Baba Kamau
Over the past 16 years I have been in Kenya almost every year (sometimes as many as three times in a single year). I have preached in most of the provincial areas of the country and have forged deep, sacred friendships with men and women of such profound commitment and personal sacrifice that I am humbled to even speak their names. I have baptized hundreds, preached to multiplied thousands, and lived in the bush with men that most people would consider "primitives", but whom I consider spiritual giants.
I write about this today because I am preparing to visit Kenya again (October of 2008). This may be the most significant trip of the many I have made. The occasion is the Ordination of Bishop Michael Chege. Now here in the states - I don't get real worked up over titles and most of the Bishops I have met, I wouldn't give you a wooden nickle for the lot of them. But I understand the personal cost that Michael Chege has paid, the enormous sacrifices he has yeilded up to extend the church into the most remote areas of the country. I have seen the sparkle in his eyes as he has driven me for hours into the bush to preach for some little church gathered in a rented building, and sometimes under a tree. And in October, all of those Pastors and many of the people will come together, as many as 2000 of them, to recognize that sacrifice. I am both honored and humbled to be invited to speak at Michael's ordination.
One of our last Banana Hill Crusades as the people turn to face the town and break the powers of darkness over the community. Many thousands heard the gospel that day.
Some years ago, I was presented a chief's staff by the church at Banana Hill, signifying my position as an elder in the church. I am considered "uncle" by Michael and Catherine's children. I am seen as an apostle by the pastors of the Restoration association. However, the title I hold most dear is the one Michael himself has assigned me -- friend.
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