CALLED: KHOCHOBENI “PENY” ODYUO

My mother used to pray, “God you have given me eight children. If there is not even one from them to serve you, how can I face you?” I felt joy and started to pray, “God let it be me.” But I had no guidance, because my parents were illiterate. After many years, when the time came for me to attend theological college, my father passed away. I lost hope, thinking that if God was willing to use me, he would not have taken my only source of help. But a year after my father passed, my church decided to sponsor half my fees, so I went.

After my studies, I served in my church and I got married. But because I could not have a child, my marriage ended. My life was covered with shame and hopelessness and I asked God to let me die. In the darkest days, my church leaders invited me to attend cross-cultural missionary training in another state. Confused, I went. There I learned about SIM through SIM North East India (NEI) founders, Laiu and Debbie Fachhai. God opened a way for me to serve in Kenya in 2010 among vulnerable street children.

In 2011, I visited Ayan village, more than 400 kilometres east of Nairobi, with a prayer team. Our goal was to pray for rain. The area’s harsh semi-arid climate leads to drought and food insecurity which, at times, culminates in severe hunger and malnutrition. The communities live with no churches, schools, roads, running water, electricity or dispensaries. Yet some elders and their families ran into the bush, stating they didn’t want their children to go to school and they didn’t need development. They were worried about losing their culture, which they loved.

During my visit, I had a frightening experience with the villagers, who said I was the first foreigner to step into Ayan. I promised myself never to return to this community. But over time, I could not take these precious people out of my heart. They reminded me of my Lotha Naga tribe from North East India. More than 100 years ago, our forefathers were head-hunters until an American couple took a risk to come share the salvation of Jesus. Now God is helping us to be soulhunters for his kingdom.

By the grace of God, Ayan now has an established church and school. The community is experiencing the blessing of a place of worship in their village, so the neighbours have invited us to start churches in their villages, too.

Inspired by God’s leading and by how they gather to worship God under thorn trees, our East Pokot team has planted seven churches. We have only one pastor, so every Sunday when I am there, I try to visit the churches, although they are far apart. Praise God, who is raising men and women to serve in the churches, though most have never attended school.

Before my mother passed away in 2013, she reminded me that when I was about 12 years, I shared in our family prayer time my desire to fly from place to place and proclaim the salvation of our Lord Jesus. She asked for forgiveness because she stopped me from sharing this; I was a widow’s child and, in our context, widows’ children should not dream. But she expressed happiness that my dream came true.

I forgot what I had said as a child, but I’m so thankful God reminded me through her that I am his daughter and he has decided my future. Today I am content in the ministry God has given me to serve the East Pokots in the smallest way. Praise Jesus. khochobeni.odyuo@sim.org

PRAY FOR:

- For the East Pokot team and the African Gospel Church as we follow God’s leading to reach this community.

- For a continual culture of trust and prayer for each other among the seven churches, especially in Sunday worship, despite many challenges.

Peny teaching at the only school in Ayan village. Children walk from far villages to learn and receive a lunch.