After visiting Pioneer Christians Memorial Academy, we had lunch with Simon the school manager, his wife and his brother and his wife. As is the custom, Susan took a few things for the woman of the house. Lunch was one of the most delicious meals I’ve had here in Kenya. I had two huge plates and the hosts were very pleased! For a while the luncheon conversation focused on the “gay issue” in the church. My contribution to the conversation consisted of two points. I explained that the future of those who have broken away from The Episcopal Church is far from certain. I also discussed the problem of bishops taking actions inside another bishop’s diocese without permission. I think I made some headway when they agreed that this is something that would not even be allowed within the Anglican Church of Kenya itself.
After fellowship and lunch I said a prayer of blessing for the household and then we toured the small farm with its dairy cows, goats, bananas, several kinds of produce and coffee trees. As we were going to leave, we were given at least 50 pounds of potatoes and the banana harvest from three trees.
The one thing that stands out for me more than anything else was Simon’s comment, “You’re not like other white men. You should learn Kikuyu and become one.” I’m not sure exactly what he meant, but I do know it was an obvious compliment. I know God is doing a good work through me because as I build up goodwill and develop relationships, the day will come when they will be challenged to rethink everything they think they know LGBT people are. I don’t know when that will be. I’m not quick to come out at this point. The timing I pray will be God’s and not my own.
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