Today was super meaningful—filled with breakout sessions, and classes.

And yes… more African worship.

This worship is not held back or reserved in the least—it’s alive. It’s the kind of worship that makes you want to move, to lift your hands high, and to truly praise the King of Kings with everything you are. Truly magnificent!

Throughout the day, the theme of bearing fruit was presented as we dug into Scripture and presented with great illustrations of how God helps us to grow:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” — John 15:5

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” — John 15:8

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23

One illustration shared today stood out for me.

It went like this:

A man felt God asking him to push a large rock. So he did. Day after day, month after month he pushed and pushed and pushed—but the rock never moved. Eventually, discouraged, he said to God, “It’s no use. The rock won’t move.”

And God responded, “I didn’t ask you to move the rock. I asked you to push it.”

In that moment, the man noticed that his arms were stronger, his chest broader, his body transformed. And God said, “Now you’re ready for what I’ve called you to do.”

That imagery carried through the entire day.

In the breakout sessions, story after story echoed the same truth: We struggle. We persevere. And in that process, God strengthens us for the real work to be done.

It reminded me of my time at Michigan Avenue Baptist—one of the most challenging seasons of church work I’ve ever walked through. And yet, looking back now, I can see clearly: God had me there for a reason. He was building strength, shaping endurance, and preparing me for what would become a career of over 30 years in worship ministry.

And now, looking ahead… we’ll see what’s next.

There’s something deeply encouraging about being surrounded by people of like mind—people who love the Lord Jesus and are committed to His work. When we come together like this, we begin to see God’s hand more clearly—not just in our own lives, but in the bigger story He’s writing across the world.

Ski is doing well, and we’re both continually amazed at how good we’re being cared for here. The hospitality is incredible. The meals are outstanding. We truly lack nothing.

Tomorrow is safari day!

More to come!

Tuendelee kuzaa matunda mema, na neema ya Bwana iendelee kutuongoza.

Let us continue to bear good fruit, and may the grace of the Lord continue to guide us.