I met Pastor Patrick Mukhwuana when he reached out to me on Messenger. I don’t remember what he said. Most of you know that in America we get a lot of people from developing countries reaching out to us. They know we are a blessed country, not perfect, but surely blessed as compared to many other countries. They dream of coming to America. The land where dreams can come true. Some of them seem to think that all Americans are wealthy. Along with this reality is the fact that there are schemers and shysters (I like this word) out there who prey on the generosity of Americans. Knowing this, I am always skeptical when I receive messages and requests for financial help from someone in Africa, Latin America, India, or any other impoverished country.

Pastor Patrick and I messaged each other for quite a while. He told me about his James 1:27 Ministry, which focuses on ministering to widows and orphans. Our relationship developed as ordained by God. Talking about God, sharing stories, thoughts, values, and passionate beliefs. Then, Pastor Patrick asked me to minister to the widows on Saturdays via Zoom. I remember when I saw the women for the first time. I was so pleased to see so many of them and how receptive they were to the Word I ministered.

I started sending small amounts of money at first to support the ministry. Pastor Patrick always sends me receipts immediately. Trust was being established.

God Getting Hubby Onboard

God knows what He’s doing when He brings two people together in marriage. My personality is to get excited about something, and I’m ready to run right away. My husband, on the other hand, is more cautious. My default is “yes, let’s go”. His is “ no, let’s not”. We complement each other because sometimes God uses me to get him to move, and sometimes God uses him to slow me down. James was skeptical when I told him about
James 1:27 Ministry and Pastor Patrick. I also remember the first time he saw the women on Zoom. I could see that he was beginning to trust and believe. I thank God for a husband who has gifts different from mine. It keeps us discerning and balanced.

Working Together

I decided to help Pastor Patrick put some structure in place for the ministry, such as a website. I asked him to share how he began James 1:27 Ministry and to focus on ministering to widows and orphans. I was so impressed with how he ministered. The message was scripturally sound, clear, and passionate. I learned so much. Anyone with just a basic knowledge of the Bible knows God tells us to take care of widows and orphans. I just didn’t know how many times God says it. We know that if God says something once, He means it. We also know that it’s a priority of His heart if it’s said multiple times. The Bible specifically reminds us to take care of widows and orphans over 40 times. I think that’s noteworthy. I thank Pastor Patrick for my new revelation of how important this is to our Father.

As months went on, the Lord knitted our hearts together. Pastor Patrick and the widows requested that we come to Kenya to visit.

James was now fully on board. This was a work of God, considering his propensity to say no to something like this. I admit, going to Kenya for 12 days, trusting people you’ve never met in person, was an act of faith. But God says 4 times that “the just shall LIVE by faith” (). It’s the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. We have to be willing to come out of our comfort zones. God is so much bigger than us. I would be skeptical of Him If He wasn’t asking us to trust Him beyond ourselves. You will find God when you follow Him beyond your places of comfort. It takes courage but it’s so wonderful when you see God’s will and provision unfolding before your eyes.

There is, however, a balance in living for God. You don’t want to fall into presumption. But He’s so faithful. My brother-in-law just happens to know a pastor in his church who is from Kenya. He asked him to find out if Pastor Patrick was legit by reaching out to other ministers in Kenya. The report came back yes. A new chapter was beginning for the ministry. We were on our way.