Dirty Feet

During devotions while the Black Forest Academy (BFA) team from Kandern Germany was working in Longido, the focus that night was serving.  This theme was visually demonstrated by the leaders of the group washing the feet of the students who were participating on this trip.  Then they encouraged the students to follow the example of serving in their everyday lives.  As the students were planning the activities for the Abernathy Primary School the next day, one of the students suggested that they wash the feet of the teachers at the school in front of the entire student body during the daily worship time.  The rationale was that they could demonstrate serving to the teachers and students symbolically and then admonish them to go and serve their fellow students, their homes and the surrounding community in various ways.  The idea was embraced and plans were made to do this the next day.

On the following day, the head master was presented this idea and consulted with on whether or not this would be appropriate culturally as well as within the school setting and also to get permission from the teachers for their participation.

All was authorized and the day's activities began in earnest.

The worship time came, the BFA group led out in singing.
The announcements were completed.
Then the all the elementary teachers were asked to come to the front of the assembly, which met under a very large acacia tree in the school yard.
The teachers were seated on benches.

The the BFA group leader told the story of Jesus washing the disciple's feet and how this was an example of serving others.  He then explained that the BFA students would wash the teacher's feet as an example of how Jesus showed us serve others.
The BFA group removed the teacher's shoes (and socks if any), washed the teacher's feet, prayed individually for them.

The students watched in awe and speechlessness (which is rare) as these "white visitors" performed this service for their teachers.







The service concluded with a song and an admonishment from the BFA leader that the  elementary school students should follow example and be servants in their school, homes and community through their words, actions and work.
Silence prevailed as the students were dismissed to their remaining classes

Later, the BFA students related that they were able listen to and answer many questions that the students asked concerning this most "unusual event" which occurred at their school.

Needless to say, this was the topic of conversation in many bomas (bow mahs -- homes) that night and on into the following days.
The community impact will be realized in the days and weeks to follow.
Let us pray for these students as they serve in their school, homes, and community