The Pot-Bellied Pastor

One would notice if someone was portly in this culture where starvation is rampant. An anomaly is the typical so-called pastor. They are fat. It almost goes without saying here, if a pastor is trim, he is serving the people, if he is fat, the people serve him (financially).

A man came up to me on the street, introduced himself as a Bishop (the highest rank in the Kenyan protestant church), and immediately proceeded to boast of his 29 churches. I looked at his mid-section and quietly said, “I should have known”. The usual request of such person is how I can assist them financially in their ministry. Needless to say, I turned and walked away.

In watching TI ministry, there is a chasm that separates this from other ministries. They never ask anyone for money. They believe, and rightly so, that if God is promoting a ministry, He will supply what is needed. They also believe that they are to minister to the downtrodden and have aligned themselves with other ministries that have done the same.

Day after day I have observed the staff walk the streets, meeting street children and spending time with them. Their current goal is to assess the needs of young girls, some who are pregnant and living on the streets. The goal is to build a shelter, get them off glue, provide education and job training for the future. I will write more about them later when TI believes it is safe to take photos.

The attached photos are of street children, going through trash or living among the swine. 

When I think of TI, this verse comes to mind.

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Rom. 12:16