The Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania are unlike any other people group in the world. With their iconic dress to their passionate worship services, the Maasai should be near the top of everyone's list of cultures to experience.
During a recent Passport Expedition trip, Weston Jordan reflected on his amazing time spent among the Maasai and realized some important truths about God.
It's morning. Early morning.
The compound is brisk, and the bleating of sheep and goats fill my ears along with the occasional rooster. Yeyu Jane comes and helps make a fire. No matter how early I rise, it seems her morning is always well underway by the time I'm awake. She's already done several chores as I stumble out of my tent.
I cherish this time. Even if I can't wake up earlier than my hosts I can still beat the sun up. And it's beyond worth it. Pieces of light break through the clouds and appear across the sky. The mountains in the southeast see it first, and several minutes later it appears on the horizon. It rises quickly, becoming brighter as Kenya prepares for morning. Often I put my Bible down and I stand to take in the majesty of God.
Two weeks ago we went to the church here in Musul for our first time. A meeting had been called by a father to help pay for the cost of his sons tuition. It was a Saturday afternoon and the whole community gathered.
They sang and prayed, and then my team and I witnessed an incredibly tangible example of the body of Christ.
People stood up and, in faith, gave everything they brought. Some even promised more. Occasionally someone would announce that they felt led to give everything they had to live on for the week. People would then give to that individual for the next few minutes. Often they ended up with more than the originally shared. Our minds were blown away at the generosity emulated by the church members.
And it extends far beyond this. From hospitality like I've never experienced, to humility that is almost unfathomable, these people have exhibited extraordinary love over the past two and a half weeks.
I've seen through my early mornings how the faith of the Maasai works. It is realized by hope.
A hope not founded on what can be accomplished in their work or homes. But instead a hope originated by the blood of the cross and in existence to bring the kingdom of Jesus here; a hope that waits for his return.
They are living for restoration that doesn't lie in anything of this world. Rather, restoration here is defined as waiting for him who will make all things new. And they are doing more than acknowledging this – they live it out daily.
As it says in 2 Corinthians 4:16, renewal is occurring day by day. This earth fails to fulfill the lasting promises these people cling to; recognition is granted to the fact that we are, indeed, wasting away.
It's tangible in the lives of the Maasai, and that's the difference.
I've never even heard of church communities gathering solely to hand money to a brother in Christ while expecting nothing in return. And this is just one instance. The examples are endless.
That is what it means to live out the hope to which we are called as followers of Jesus.
And I am inspired. I am challenged and my perspective is being broken, that he might put it back together by the blueprint of faith and with the glue of love. He is molding my hope into something beautiful.
So as I sit and watch the sunrise, I glimpse the hope these people hold. I see promise because by Christ there is wonder in the moment, but also because there is joy that comes with knowing a fresh day is coming.
I wait in anticipation for all that God will do, with a hope that he desires to radically work through my team and I. I am able to live for my Lord in the present, but I also realize that this present is foreign to my hope.
Just as I recognize the excitement and promise of a new day, this tribe also clings to a promise of hope and restoration that isn't realized now. They wait with praise on their lips and love in their hearts for the moment they pray for.
And like my hope in the morning, the Maasai hope for Jesus in a remarkable way. They have taught me much, but this one thing in particular.
The best is yet to come.
*Photo via AJ Levan
Are you 18-22 and looking for an adventure? You could live with the vibrant Maasai people and experience the hope they have in Christ just like Weston did.
But you only have two more days to apply, so click HERE if you're interested.
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