GROWING IN FAITH AND COURAGE
ALCIDES & LESLIE MORAIS
Having served the churches in Ethiopia and Brazil after leaving Kenya, Alcides and Leslie Morais now live in Seattle, USA, with their two children, Lucas And Stephanie.
Looking back now, after 15 years…(could it be that long already!) we can recall many fond memories of Africa, namely Nairobi, Kenya. Upon our arrival, we peered through the small oval, double paned window of the airplane as we landed at Kenyatta airport and thought to ourselves, "We can't believe we're finally in Africa!" The landscape was typical of pictures we'd seen - dried grassy plains with an occasional low, wide-spreading tree. Although Alcides was probably anticipating his first official safari, I couldn't help but search the horizon from the airplane for a stray wild animal. Who knew, maybe I'd see my first long-necked giraffe or grazing zebra that very first day.
Those initial impressions were exciting, yet made us feel farther from home than we'd had ever been before. Alcides had grown up in the state of São Paulo, in the South American country of Brazil. He had been one of the first Brazilians baptized in the church begun by the mission team that was lead by Mike and Anne-Brigitte Taliaferro in 1987. I was from New York City and was accustomed only to the concrete jungle. Those first weeks in Nairobi were filled with a barrage of new sights, sounds, tastes and feelings.
I didn't expect Nairobi to be such as bustling and busy city. We especially remember our first exploratory trips around the city. Mike took the whole team to a high point that over looked the city and led our hearts and minds in a prayer for Nairobi as we gained a vision for the city being won for Christ. As we traveled down Kenyatta Avenue we learned about the country's history and struggles for freedom. We wanted to bring about a spiritual revolution as well!
The city itself was rich in culture and new experiences. We remember City Market with its fruits and vegetables, and hand-carved treasures from all over Kenya. There was Biashara Street and Nairobi's down town area. I especially remember setting up lots of Bible studies in a restaurant called Green Corner. But our fondest memories of all would have to be the people we met along the way those first weeks and months. Although customs and cultures may differ, we recall the warmth of African sun, our Kenyan friends' hospitality, and sincerity and openness of their hearts.
Surely a scary moment for us was when Alcides was attacked one night while walking home. Hindsight really is clearer, but it doesn't help you when you're in the heat of an intimidating moment. He realized later that he shouldn't have been alone on that particular street at that time of night, but unfortunately…he was. After being confronted by three men, his wallet, passport and shoes were stolen, and he was left in the road beaten and unconscious. Somehow, groggily after revival, he made his way to a nearby home where he was allowed entry and a place to stay for the night. Other than a throbbing headache and wounded pride, he would be alright. The incident caused us all to be more on guard of our surroundings and realize that God had to protect us.
There were certainly many factors involved in our decision to come to Africa but probably the main one was the desire to see God's kingdom grow and to be used by Him in accomplishing that goal. One prime aspect for me was my friendship with Mike and Anne-Brigitte. A discipling relationship can become a strong bond and I knew I wanted to be where they were. Alcides remembers wanting to grasp the opportunity of actually living out Matthew 28:18-20 by going to all nations, baptizing and teaching them to obey all that Jesus had taught.
Surely, an experience like planting the church in Nairobi enabled us to grow in faith, courage and trust in God. On a mission team your heart and character are revealed like nowhere else. It's one of the best opportunities to refine your relationship with God and with other disciples. The lessons learned could fill a book and the memories are much more than mere photos in albums.
Lucas was born in Nairobi, which is something very special for us. We are grateful and humbled that God found us useful. Thank you, Nairobi, for allowing us that honour.
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