establish | encourage | energize

The ravaging drought prevailing in Africa and Kenya in particular has adversely affected agricultural production. Altered weather patterns have distorted the thermal structures of the upper atmosphere resulting in drastic reduction of an already erratic rainfall regime, a phenomenon directly related to global warming. A quick visit to major supermarkets in the Kenya capital will reveal an acute shortage of maize flour and sugar, two features of the local diet.
As families adjust their eating habits in these dire times, a new scenario is likely to arise. People will settle down to sugar-free diet or use natural sweeteners, citing several health benefits and significant financial savings. On the other end of the spectrum, the sugar industry (made up of farmers, processors, distributors, retailers) will survive the shortage by reducing or shutting down operations raising sugar prices and laying off staff. The shortfall is likely to be met by cheap imports which have generated endless wrangling within the political class.
While the circus continues, the Kenyan consumer must focus on a hitherto ignored angle on the debate. Sugar, as it has been said, serves absolutely no nutritional value to the body.
Policy makers must identify, recognize and innovate for lasting solutions to the perpetual food crisis. Citizens must continue demand better governance characterized by the departure from endless blame game and political squabbles, to an integrated approach at tackling bottlenecks in commerce and industry.
The private sector must continue to generate healthy competition by providing consumers with alternatives such as natural sweeteners, for as long as the sugar industry is dominated by inefficient processors and importers, citizen will never be free from the stranglehold of runaway price controls.
Our health sector must also strongly voice out warnings on the increase in obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardio-vascular complications. ‘A nation is as strong as the health of its citizens’ is a critical mission statement for any national healthcare plan that strategically employs preventative approach. Citizens must be empowered to make informed choices.
In the meantime as I write this I am enjoying a cup of tea.
Yes, without any sugar.

A frail old lady boarded a crowded train full of soldiers returning from a battleground occasioned by aggression from a neighboring country. They noisily reveled with female companions of questionable character in the excitement of breaking away all the demands of their shift at the border post. At the next stop a senior military officer also got on the train. The drinks were quickly hidden as everyone stood at attention.  All this time the old lady was leaning against a window at the far end, where the cold hit her hard and the swaying motion tossed her about. The officer returned their salute but refused their offer of the best seat in the carriage. Pointing at the old lady, he softly said, “If you could not offer the seat to her, then I am not worthy of it.”

What is greatness?

 Most people equate greatness with status fame and fortune. Unfortunately, this view is catching on in Christian ministry circles. There seems to be an ever-increasing focus on the minister rather than on the Word of God and the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Greatness starts from humility. That makes a good summary statement. And who else to better describe humility than Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith?

It written in the Bible:

“At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He (Jesus) called a little child and had him stand among them. And He said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

 (Matthew 18:1-4)

The innocence of a child grants him freedom from ill-motives and other persuasions that could be well out of God’s will. Essentially, he has not learned sin, nor developed worldly trends. A child is a good model of purity and simplicity. The Lord used an example that would forever minister to Christians who jostle for power and recognition. Even today, children are just as adorable and they touch our hearts with their simple view of the world we live in. They live in a world where everything is possible – their view of God has not been clouded by vices like pride, arrogance or doubt.

I started with an illustration of soldiers who feigned respect. Despite their rigorous combat training, not one had the humility to help the old lady. Similarly, our Lord expects us to love and respect fellow man. If really want to be great in God’s kingdom I must first humble myself, consider others and serve them.