I have spent the last week getting readjusted to the Pacific time zone, driving on the right side of the street, and shoveling snow after a wonderful and exciting month in Kenya with Reverend Connie and her husband Patrick. I would like to share several observations that I hope would be helpful in your understanding and continued support of Rev. Connie in her efforts to introduce New Thought concepts to Kenya and to one day establish a Center for Spiritual Living.
The first and possibly the most important of these observations is that I found the people of the country to be positive and optimistic about their life and the future. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet quite a few people and was always received warmly and with good will and had some insightful discussions. As we know there is widespread poverty across the country and much corruption in the government. However, the general theme of the people to whom I spoke was that these conditions were being addressed and would be dealt with in time. I think these wonderfully warm and delightful folks would be receptive to the changes in their lives that Science of Mind offers and with time and support I am convinced Rev. Connie will be successful in helping them make these changes.
We have learned several lessons in the short time that Rev. Connie has been there attempting to get classes underway. The most disappointing lesson is that the large number of people who had contacted us and appeared to be solid seed groups have now all dissipated. It is clear their motives were not genuine. This leaves Rev. Connie with just one small class and facing the prospect of building new contacts from the ground up. This represents a staggering challenge. Rev. Connie is a dedicated, high energy, and resourceful minister who can overcome this setback but it will take a long time even with patient and substantive support from all of us back here at home. Another lesson relates to financial contributions and it is critical that it be addressed. We have come to understand that unfortunately some contributions are going to questionable recipients and are not contributing to furthering the success of Rev Connie’s efforts or the growth of the Center for Spiritual Living in Kenya. I strongly urge that all contributions if financial or in other forms be made to one central organization that can disperse them in a productive manner. There is no accountability for contributions to individuals and it is counterproductive in that it encourages others to pander to well meaning CSL members here in the States and Canada. Please encourage everyone to contribute to Global Services and know that the money will get to Rev. Connie and will be used in the most productive way possible.
My last observation is centered around the practical aspects of living in Kenya. Rev. Connie and Patrick live in a very nice new, large apartment so they are more fortunate than most. However, the electric and water systems are often subject to disruption, all laundry is done by hand, grocery markets as we know them are very expensive (goat meat and local vegetables are cheaper), the transportation system is difficult and exhausting, the weather is often very hot and the monsoons are oppressive and the list goes on. Mastering these real circumstances and still having the time to devote to her ministry will be a challenge for Rev. Connie. She and Patrick have done some very practical planning and are forming a spiritual safari and tour business that I think will help them deal with many of these issues and provide greater financial security. It can be a wonderful opportunity for many of our CSL members. I encourage you to publicize throughout the CSL network, news of the opportunity for visits to their home and tours and safari adventures combined with meaningful spiritual work. Rev. Connie will open you up to a spiritual awakening that will take your breath away and Patrick will be your guide to the mysteries of this historic land and become a friend you will never forget. He is a joyful man and fun to be with and of course has a wealth of knowledge about the culture and history of Kenya that he is anxious to share.
I am very optimistic about what is happening in Kenya and know that it is opening up to a new awakening. I was thrilled to be there at the beginning and look forward to watching it grow.
Bob
