1- Monday

Hastening the Work of Salvation Special Broadcast

On Sunday June 23, 2013, our family attended a special worldwide broadcast held for all of the members of the LDS church, called Hastening the Work of Salvation. In the broadcast, church members gathered to learn from prophets and apostles how to better participate in the work of salvation. President Thomas S. Monson and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared messages about how each of us could better see ourselves in the work. They shared powerful messages about how the Lord is preparing many, and the work is about to hasten, specifically as we use new powerful tools of technology such as social media and other online resources to find and teach those who are seeking to know the truth.

https://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/special-broadcast

I went home from the meeting inspired, as many others did.  A few days later, our ward mission leader called to ask if he could bring the bishop and missionaries to our home to discuss missionary work with our family as a follow-up to the broadcast.  I said yes, and the following Sunday night, as we sat together in the living room of our home, we discussed the work of salvation, and they showed the same video clip that had a been included in the broadcast, depicting a family who prepared in every way to share the gospel with those who came into their lives that day. As I watched this video clip for the second time in a week, I realized that my approach to missionary work had been to be a quiet example of service, and then hope that the spirit would prompt the person to ask the right questions about to the gospel, and then we would go from there. But I now realized that I was putting too much weight on their acting and speaking, rather than myself letting them know that I am a witness of Jesus Christ.  We have been told that there are tens of thousands being prepared, which would mean that those prepared are walking among us today.  One is bound to cross my path soon, and it is our job -my job- to let them know that this is where to find the answer to their prayers.

That night, we were invited to recommit ourselves to missionary work, and, after we had successful experiences with it, to share it in testimony with others, lighting a fire and inspiring the good desires within others to do the same.

*(This is why I am writing today).

This is me, and my husband Brad

The next morning began as usual, and in family and in my own personal prayers, I remembered the promise that I had made the night before, to consider ANY person who came into my life that day as a prepared person, golden and waiting. This Monday morning was different because I opened my heart to whatever and whomever might come, and I began the morning by preparing myself as the family in video did, with added scripture study and resolve.

No more than a few minutes after our family went their different directions, I checked my inbox, and an email from facebook said that I had received a friend invitation from a person Named "Kiaruuh" (name has been changed) from Kenya, Africa.

I had never seen this man before in my life. We had no friends in common.  At first, instinctively, I didn’t even consider it. I waved my mouse around, thinking right now I’d like to see a new “Absolutely Not” button.... but then, I hesitated, as from the back of my mind, I recalled the promise that I had made to myself literally just a few minutes earlier (I'm sure the Lord knows well my weakness, and that I would not have remembered had it not been so close to time).  

The promise was to consider anyone as a child of God who had been prepared to receive the gospel.

"Gee, that was quick!" I joked with a smile. It was like someone ringing the doorbell after you say "amen."

But this was funny, not at all likely to be the type of thing that would be worth considering.  When I pictured missionary work, I pictured crossing paths with someone while doing errands, at the store, but this fellow lives in Africa.  This couldn't be the way the Lord works...?  And moreover, does the Lord Facebook?

I looked closer and began a debate within myeslf.  

Was he really from Kenya, Africa? It looked to be so, but you never know if the photo is legit.  Kiaruuh--was that his real name? He didn't have very many facebook friends, and none from the U.S. So, what was his real motive in finding and friending me?  Seemed super suspicious.

As I debated, the fact remained that he did come into my day, (but, by facebook?!) and maybe, he is someone that Heavenly Father wants me to talk to. After all, I did promise to consider anyone today (but, again, by facebook??!!). And likely he’ll never cross another member of the LDS church again in his life.  

I remembered that we are all children of God, and each deserves a chance to hear the gospel. I wanted to keep my promise. (I'm pretty stubborn once I resolve to do something.  I'm German.)

I called my husband Brad at this point, and told him what I was thinking. Together we decided that it would be alright to go ahead and accept this friendship invitation, careful and vigilant to keep all of the online safety rules, and if anything became strange, such as him asking for personal information or getting too "friendly,"  I would right away block him, and, as they say, that would be that. It was decided that this conversation would begin with Jesus Christ, and stay about Jesus Christ, or there would be no conversation.

I took a big breath, and I hit “accept”.
  
(*I would like to mention that I do not recommend accepting invitations from strangers in any way- this is a rare and unusual case which I now know was aligned by Providence).

______________________________

Before moving on, I feel it is important to note that, only the night before had the missionaries come into our home. Had Kiaruuh invited me to be his friend one day earlier, or, had it come one day later, when I would have been a bit more relaxed about my new approach to missionary work, I would not have considered his invitation at all.  But this particular Monday was the only day that I would have ever considered accepting his friend invitation, and still I almost passed it by.  

But now I'm so grateful that the merciful and patient Lord made this happen within minutes of establishing my promise, or I'm sure that I would never have experienced all of the joyful, beautiful experiences that were to come.

It is important to go back and see the patterns of His hand in our lives. This Monday morning facebook friendship became the first golden "stitch" to the beautiful forthcoming design.

_________________________________

Upon accepting his invitation, I immediately wrote a message to my new friend Kiaruuh. I got right to the point with two questions: “Why did you invite me?” and “Do you have questions about Jesus Christ?”

ACTUAL MESSAGE ARCHIVES: 

Christin Francom ShumwayMonday, July 1, 2013 at 8:03am CDT

I don't know you, do you live in Africa, Kiaruuh? I am also curious why you invited me to be your facebook friend? -and thank you :) 

Kiaruuh Monday, July 1, 2013 at 10:41am CDT

"AFRICA KENYA".

Christin Francom ShumwayMonday, July 1, 2013 at 11:45am

That is great. Why did you want me to be your friend?

Kiaruuh Monday, July 1, 2013 at 1:17pm CDT

i saw u in facbk en was interested

___________________________________

A bit of background- When Kiaruuh saw that I accepted his friend invitation and began to message him, he was surprised and much more nervous about it even than I was.  Some of his friends told him that I might be evil and will come there and take advantage of him.  So he was reluctant and quiet at first, just trying to figure out what was going on.

In his world, Kiaruuh had just been introduced to Facebook via his college roommate’s low-grade phone, using number keys to type out the letters (thus the abbreviated words and short answers). One certain friend he looked for was a high school friend named Christin Francis. My name (Christin Francom Shumway) popped up as a suggestion, along with two others, and, not knowing which was really her (in Kenya they are face-shy and commonly hide behind stock photos of scenery or people of any nationality), he invited all of them.  So you could say it was an “accidental” friendship.  But I know that it was no accident in the eyes of God.

______________________________________

So, back to the messages... and the second question.

Christin Francom Shumway Monday, July 1, 2013 at 3:10pm 

I am religious; are you interested in God and Jesus Christ? I love to share the truth of where we came from before we were here, and why we are here, and what will happen to us after we die. So many beautiful things are happening to us that we don't know, and I like to share this with others. Are you having questions on these things?

Kiaruuh Monday, July 1, 2013 at 10:55pm 

JESUS CHRIST IS MY SAVIOUR AND I WLD LIKE 2 SHARE YOUR VIEWS.   TO BE SAVED AND DO WHAT GOD LIKES. IS NOT JOKES

This bold reply wasn't what I expected!  Still, not knowing anything yet for certain, I continued.

Christin Francom Shumway Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 12:27am 

Jesus Christ is my savior too, and I love the Bible. What are some questions that have been in your mind and heart that you would really like to know about?

Kiaruuh Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 2:32am

I wonder whats ua denomination? i wanted to know your denomination and ua style of worship and do we hv something common in xtianity?

Christin Francom ShumwayTuesday, July 2, 2013 at 7:12am 

I believe that our God wants us to keep his commandments to show our love, faith, and trust and obedience in him. I believe that he gave us the commandments because he loves us and he wants us to learn to have self control over the flesh and to develop a good and loving heart inside. I believe that if we follow him in deed and in heart that we will one day be able to return and live with him again, and with our loved ones, as a forever family who will be a family forever, and our spouses will be our spouses, sealed together forever. I know that I will make mistakes and so this would be impossible to be perfect to return to my Father in Heaven, so because of my Savior, he is the miracle that made it so that I can repent and become clean and worthy again to turn to my Father in heaven. I know that these things aretrue for each of us,and that with prayer we can all discover these things for ourselves. Because our father answers our questions in prayer. Do you pray? Do you believe these things?

Kiaruuh Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 7:34am 

i pray alot, i belif in prayer but everybody prays, +sinners. is prayer approve that u shall c God?

I continued to tell Kiaruuh that because Heavenly Father loves us, and because of our Savior,we will all be resurrected and see God, but only those pure, of a loving heart, keeping his commandments and are humbly repentant, will be able to live with him eternally.

…but those who live the most righteously will receive the best (eternal life!) because they have proven that they can handle that kind of blessing, and they will have freedom and power and progression that the others naturally cannot have. Do you believe this?

You can ask God if it is true....you don't have to trust me,but you can trust God , since he knows everything. 

I would like to know what you believe?

Kiaruuh MmtTuesday, July 2, 2013 at 10:30am 

i belif tht thr is fire to burn sinners +satan forever and pure n heart wl inherit the kingdom of GOD

Christin Francom ShumwayTuesday, July 2, 2013 at 10:33pm 

Are you understanding the English words I am using? Also, do you have a family. Job, etc?

Kiaruuh Mnga MmtWednesday, July 3, 2013 at 10:40 pm

i can understand your english words very well, what about mine? am a student in Garissa Teachers Training College, am single and

job not yet. i will be graduating december 2013, youre all welcome to my graduatn

Christin Francom ShumwayTuesday, July 2, 2013 at 10:49pm 

It is now our bed time, sorry that I didn't say more, I have a very busy week. I'll try to write more in a few hours. Thank you!

Kiaruuh Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 3:39am 

welcome to kenya, people here need to be preached, they love jesus. c u.good nyt see u 2morw

The conversation continued with a chain of messages each day. I suggested to Brad (my husband) that he take over the reigns, but he adamantly declined, saying that he isn’t a texting/chatting kind of person, but he said to say hello to Kiarhuuh and let him know that he is alongside me in each of the conversations, which Kiaruuh was happy to hear. It was mutually understood that we each represented our own families, our lands and people. Of course we talked a little about the lands that we come from, but mostly about faith. Each day was filled with religious questions, and answers, with testimony. Encouraged, Kiaruuh kept saying how he expected a lot.  He began to relax from his anxiety about talking to another strange person from a far-off land, and sent this note of reassurance -(mostly to reassure himself). 

Kiaruuh Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 11:14pm 

I live in Africa,the poorest kitui county in Kenya,i love the blessed kenya, i also love Brazil in america (He apparently thought that America meant South America).especially thr soccer team .am ready to share any information u need frm me. Although i dnt know u but i can predict that u are saved, kind, caring and faithfull person. Thanks for the information u hv given me. Dnt fear me, am God fearing man but since we are a human beings we can.t trust each other fully as we hv never come in conduct (contact) .i do expect alot frm you.

(That day, July 4, I was busy with my guests, having a hamburger dinner and fireworks)

Kiaruuh Friday, July 5, 2013 at 12:02pm 

How was your day madam? today you was soo quiet, why? 

By the way it was my pleasure to communicate with somebody from abroad
 but stil i expect alot from you.

At the point, I figured I could just refer him to LDS.org.  Sharing the gospel through messages would be too slow and limiting; he needed the web.

Christin Francom ShumwayFriday, July 5, 2013 at 3:41pm 

Ok, more about my religion. We are a special religion because in our church we know very many things about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do you have a computer that you can look at websites or movies (like YouTube)? Or do you carry a smartphone? I would like to recommend a website.

Kiaruuh Friday, July 5, 2013 at 3:49pm 

(this is a compilation of several messages that afternoon)

To get a computer here is like to get to London which is impossible.     my phone is of low class

In fact i want to know more about your religion, i will also tell you more about mine, i want to compare and contrast.

in my church we trust in God in all aspects and He is very near us. 

we depend on God in our daily bread bec we are very poor,we reliy on relief frm developed country like london but we are very strong in our faith,

i hv seen miracles and powers of jesus christ in our church, i will sent you a scripture which encourages us.

 Christin Francom Shumway Friday, July 5, 2013 at 11:14pm 

We also trust in God , and believe that he is our Father and loves me and you and all of us very much. We lived with him in heaven before we were born,. Together we decided on a plan, to come to earth and get a body and learn how to have control over our physical challenges, and also to learn and have experiences and challenges, to prove to Him that we will be true and faithful to His commandments. He knew that we would make mistakes, and so Jesus Christ, the son of God, stood and offered to be our Savior, to die and allow us to repent and be clean from our sins. This was all in the plan for us before we came to Earth. We were all spirit sons and daughters. But Satan wanted us to have no freedom, to force us to do right without a choice. He wanted to be God and take God's place, and he was angry when God didn't allow him to do this. There was a great contention in heaven and Satan was cast out of heaven and not allowed to come to Earth and have a body, also many other spirits who liked him and let with him. Satan and his followers we very angry and decided to be enemies to God , to tempt His children here on Earth to make it harder for us to return back to live with our father in heaven. And that is what happened before we came. This life is a part of a big story and a big plan, with a great purpose.

Christin Francom ShumwayFriday, July 5, 2013 at 11:17pm 

Do you feel that this is true? Does the spirit teach truth to your heart?

Kiaruuh Friday, July 5, 2013 at 11:28pm 

Thats a clean truth, Let us chat and as we move on you shall like it, i hv so many detail of our religion and i want to share them with u one by one. 

by the end of it u shall belief tht in Kenya, thr is church which was left by jesus

Christin Francom ShumwayFriday, July 5, 2013 at 11:32pm 

These beliefs that I shared are quite unique to my Christian faith, so I think it is wonderful that you feel it is a clean truth. I am happy that you will send messages, but it is late here, almost midnight, and tomorrow morning I teach a cooking class, so I must sleep but I will read them as soon as I can, and respond. Thank you!

Kiaruuh Friday, July 5, 2013 at 11:34pm 

the most important thing is how u relate with your God.

 to be given life is common to every body, even sinner hv life and health, but to be saved means alot.. i.e your actions,faith,etc

Christin Francom ShumwayFriday, July 5, 2013 at 11:34pm

Yes, that is true

Christin Francom ShumwayFriday, July 5, 2013 at 11:36pm 

Some believe that you are saved only if you believe in Jesus, but I believe that he taught that we must also have good actions and a good heart of love toward others, to be saved. And repent of sins to stay clean

______________________________

So as the days rolled along, I learned about Kenya and Kiaruuh, reading and investigating online for any clues as to why I could or could not trust my new friend.  Any questions or discomfort in your mind that you may have had when first hearing or reading this story, as any careful person would naturally have, were all magnified 100 times, because it was real-time reality for me!   All of those doubts, and suspicions, and anxieties were ever-present in my mind and emotions.  Every message he sent met my sceptical eye.  It took a very long time for me -months- to feel like I could trust him at all, and really I never felt a real trust until after I met him in person, as is natural with any people who have never talked or worked together. 

But as trust grew a little at a time, and Kiaruuh's words, lines, local happenings and ideas met my research and turned into valid facts, as days turned to weeks, as I saw only an innocent extending of a brotherly hand of friendship, and as he shared his feelings and faith (never about me, and always about God and his people), I started to see that this was truly a legitimate and unique type of conversation. I saw that by a random act of fate (and of God), we were both innocently and unknowingly placed at two ends of a long bridge of humanity that ran between our worlds, and we were sending faith and testimony across the world to each others' people.  What a special and rare opportunity this was.

  I am grateful that I had the trust and support of my own family at home.   

Shumway family 2011.  We need to get another one! ;)

My husband and children asked about the developments each day, and they knew that it was an innocent and a special kind of conversation, so together we all enjoyed hearing from our new Kenyan brother.  Kiaruuh became a household name and a household friend.  He often greeted my husband and children, and they said hello to him and his family.  When, I told a few close relatives about about the things that were happening, they felt about it as any caring person would, uncomfortable with me messaging with a guy in Africa, and they didn't want to hear much about it. We understood their concern, as they weren't in a position to understand, and knew that there was no way to put those concerns to rest, so thereafter we just kept the adventure within our own home.

But, today, a year later, I can tell you a lot about Kiarruh, and I'd like to introduce you to him.

Kiaruuh is a young man from the bush of Kenya, in his early twenties (I'm almost double his age, just FYI), and at the time of our meeting, he was involved in his final semester at a US sponsored Teacher Training College, located in a town called Garissa, which is a dry, hot, desert Muslim town (a couple of hours from Somalia), located four hours away from his home. 

His home and parents and family live four hours away from Garissa, inward of Kenya. Kiaruuh is first generation education, and his family is very proud of him and his older siblings for making it to this upper level of education.  Passing the upcoming college exams that he was facing, and graduating, was extremely important to the success of his family and getting them out of the poverty that they are in.

 His family’s home is tucked into a green, woody mountainside, deep in the bush of Kenya. 

This is a stock photo, not their own home.
Better photos will follow later in the blog.

His mom cooks over a coal open fire, his dad works in cement in the nearby village, and they raise their own food (plants and goats, chickens, etc), witout any power or running water.

Kiaruuh is third of ten siblings, most of them younger, still living at home. 

 Kenya was experiencing a second year of a serious drought, so this was a hard time for them. They had to travel a long way to get water each day. 

They depend heavily upon rains, and upon God.  

NEXT PAGE: 2- Prophecy