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God’s Word as Inspiration for CMA
Larry allowed God to guide him in every aspect of his life. This was especially true when it came to the work of Christian Mission Aid.
Larry turned to the word of the Lord and let those principles be the founding principles for Christian Mission Aid.
CMA’s Job Description:
Larry always put Christ at the center of CMA’s work. He understood that the true word of God was the most important food for even the poorest of the poor, thus Christian teaching formed the foundation and heart of CMA’s work.
Larry always said that CMA’s job description could be found in God’s word,
Matthew 25:35-36:
“For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was a stranger and you invited me into your home, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you cared for me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
The Seven Good Men:
When Larry established Christian Mission Aid, it was to empower the church to meet the spiritual and physical needs of people.
In order to do this, CMA adopted the principles of Acts 6: 1 – 7:
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."
Larry was proud of all his staff at CMA and always told them that they were part of the seven good men and women supporting and caring for the physical needs of the people, while also being witnesses of God’s love.
Doing Good to All:
Larry’s dream was to help communities meet their spiritual, social and physical needs. Larry’s passion was to help the unreached and most disadvantaged people. A visionary who always wanted to help everyone in need and bring Christ into their lives, Larry lived by CMA’s theme verse:
Galatians 6:10:
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.”
He did that by helping people who suffered war, disaster and disease in rural areas of Kenya and Uganda, the slums of Nairobi, and the interior of southern Sudan.
Chad Hoffman, a friend of Larry’s who spent time with him in Kenya last year, has written a tribute on his blog. Click here to read his thoughts:
Mud of Honor – by Chad
“Tenderness” Oil by Shannon Wirrenga
Jesus is so tender with all His children. Not in any hurry, very patiently allowing us to come to Him on our own terms.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:14, 16
“From my mother’s womb You have been my God.” Psalm 22:10
I would like to dedicate this painting to:
all my friends adopting children abroad in countries such as Ethiopia, to the work of Christian Mission Aid, my Aunt and Uncle’s organization in Kenya, Africa. They have touched countless lives of little ones just like this for over 30 years. May my Uncle Larry (who passed away March 27th) be blessed beyond measure in eternity, for sharing Yeshua’s love with all God’s children.
“My Committment” Acrylic by Shannon Wirrenga
The first time I came across the words of this commitment I knew I would calligraphy it someday. It charges up my faith every time I read it. I’ve also put together a digital layout with the same words. The words having been written by an unknown African pastor have deep meaning for me. Even though the words are not my own… I would like to dedicate any inspiration coming from these words to my Uncle Larry Kitchel. These words remind me so much of him. He and my Aunt Deb have been missionaries in Nairobi Kenya for over 30 years… even founding their own organization called Christian Mission Aid. On March 27th, Uncle Larry lost his battle with cancer. When they first heard the news, he expressed confidence in where he is going… to be with the One he has served for so long. I am certain he heard the words we all long to hear some day, “Well done good and faithful servant!”
The Larry Kitchel Memorial Fund for Leadership Training:
Just like he did in his personal life, Larry always put Christ at the center of CMA’s work. He understood that the true word of God was the most important food for even the poorest of the poor, thus Christian teaching formed the foundation and heart of CMA’s work.
For that reason, we have established the Larry Kitchel Memorial Fund for Leadership Training.. Money from this fund will be used to train African pastors and lay leaders in how to more effectively spread the word of God and lead others to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
If you wish to contribute to this, please send you cheques to:
| In the USA: Christian Mission Aid 2900 Wilson Avenue SW, Suite 115 Grandville, MI, 49418 In Canada: All other locations: |
Or, click “Donate”:
For Donors in the United States:For Donors in Canada: |