Part 3: The Rice and the Revelation: A Mission’s Closing Blessing

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” — Zechariah 4:10 (NIV)

Saturday morning broke with the sounds of laughter, clinking mugs, and the aroma of breakfast lingering in the Limuru air. As with every mission day, we slipped into our familiar rhythm: sandwiches being crafted with precision, boiled maize (Mutungo) bubbling away, and apples polished for shine. Limuru’s Supa Duka; a treasure trove of Farmers Choice goodness once again became our silent partner in provision.

My teammate Faith and I had somehow became unofficial ambassadors of the town. We’d stumbled upon hidden shops and secret stalls tucked between quiet corners and welcoming smiles. If loyalty points existed, we’d own stock.

Lesson One: Be friendly. Locals often hold the keys to efficiency, wisdom, and deep humanity.

Our morning mission took us to Kwa Mbira, a place with a name echoing history and legacy. We invited the community to the afternoon crusade and the inaugural service of Mavuno Limuru Church. One elderly gentleman, 84 years strong, etched a memory into my heart as he unfolded the story of the late Mbira, a man of many wives but also of fairness. He divided his land equally, preventing conflict among his descendants. Yet despite this legacy, a dark cloud loomed — the youth here were battling addiction, drowning in the pull of alcoholism and illicit brews.

My heart broke.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me… to bind up the brokenhearted… to proclaim freedom for the captives.” — Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

This was not just a physical mission. It was a spiritual war.

Later, we visited a team member’s relatives. At first glance, their home seemed peaceful, but beneath the surface, they were entangled in spiritual chains. It was a moment only prayer could enter. And God came in like a flood. Visions, prophecies, and the undeniable presence of the Holy Spirit filled the room.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

The family appointed our teammate as their spiritual covering. That encounter inspired me to initiate a Family Prayer Chain, where we would pray over:

• Generational patterns – the habits passed unknowingly. (observable behaviors, traits, and beliefs that are transmitted across generations)
• Generational curses – the burdens inherited. ( beliefs that certain negative outcomes or misfortunes are passed down through generations due to past actions or sins)
• Generational blessings – the gifts and futures still unfolding.

As we prepared for the open-air crusade near Naivas, our Swallowship Ministry (yes, we called it that with pride) needed reinforcement. Word had spread about the sandwiches, and let’s just say... some saints went for seconds before others got firsts. We had to make a quick run to feed 22 extra people.

“Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’” — Matthew 14:16 (NIV)

And as if living Scripture wasn’t enough, my body started sending warning signs. Chest pains I had ignored intensified. I ended up at a clinic, missing the latter half of the crusade. Yet even in that sterile space, the mission continued.

The nurse attending to me noticed the PRAY silicone band on my wrist and asked if she could have it. Just like that — a silent bracelet became a loud testimony.

Lesson Two: Your life may be the only sermon someone ever hears. Wear it well.

We returned to the center to the most miraculous meal of the mission: rice with sautéed mixed vegetables. Chef Kelvin and Reina had outdone themselves. For the first time in three days, no leftovers, yet everyone was satisfied.

I was reminded of a story about dishes in the sink. You can see them as a burden, or you can thank God that someone enjoyed the meal enough to leave a dirty plate behind. If rice could testify, it would preach about joy, generosity, and satisfied stomachs.

“They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” — Matthew 14:20 (NIV)

 

The Grand Finale – Sunday 27th

Dressed in our Sunday best (because Mama said so), usher sashes neatly worn, joy bubbling , this was Launch Day. Mavuno Limuru Church was finally opening its doors. The dream that had taken four years to build was now alive.

Pastor Muindi Kimanzi delivered a word that struck deep roots:

“Only planted trees can bear fruit.”

To be planted in the church, we must:

• Make a personal decision to be rooted.
• Create loving communities that heal and uplift.
• Disciple others and embrace global impact.
• Strengthen men, the high priests of homes and communities.

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” — Psalm 1:3 (NIV)

There was cake. There were gifts. There were prayers of commissioning by Bishop Chola from Clarence Matheny Ministries. It was a divine celebration.

But back at the dining hall, a quietness settled. It was time to pack. To leave. To return. The mission was over, but something new had begun.

 

My Lessons. My Blessings.

1. When God calls, say YES. You don’t have to be qualified-God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. All He needs is your surrender. (Isaiah 6:8: “Here I am. Send me!”.)

‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

2. Your gift will find its stage. I’ve long known I carry the gift of vision and prophecy. For years, I feared sharing visions or prophecies because of misjudgment. This mission? It changed everything. God created the moment, the opening, the validation. And I chose courage. I saw how stepping out in faith opened hearts and confirmed God’s Word. Don’t sit on your gift. Use it, even if your knees are shaking.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” — Romans 12:6 (NIV)

3. Every Role Matters.
   Whether praying, cooking, carrying sound equipment, or evangelizing, it’s all vital. It’s all sacred. It’s all part of the chain. From sandwich slicers to stage speakers, we were all part of a divine chain. And chains only hold when every link shows up.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

4. Prayer is not an event, it’s a lifestyle-Pray without ceasing.
   Because what is won in prayer must be sustained in prayer. Prayer isn’t an event, it’s a rhythm. Keep going. Keep knocking. (Luke 18:1: “Always pray and never give up.”)
   Don’t stop. Don’t give up.
5. Honor and Respect  Every Spiritual Journey.
   Everyone’s spiritual walk is different. Show respect, extend grace. People are growing at different speeds. God isn’t done with any of us yet.
6. Leave a blessing wherever you go. Whether a word, a hug, or a silent prayer, blessings build bridges to heaven. Before I left, I shared a word or blessing with many. Some teared up. Some were surprised. But all received. Make people feel seen, loved, and known , just as Christ did.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” — Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)

As I reflect on the Rice and the Revelation, I realize mission work isn’t always glamorous. It’s messy, holy, painful, and powerful. It was about how God showed up in unexpected ways through unexpected people. In the kitchen, in the crusade, at the clinic, through prayer, through friendship, through obedience. It’s serving sandwiches and sowing seeds. It’s chest pains and cake cuttings. It’s prophecy and prayer chains. It’s finding God in the mundane and the miraculous.

And sometimes… it’s just finishing the rice.

“Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.” – Genesis 28:16 (NIV)