Ministry and Community

As our summer comes to a close, I wanted to let our team speak for themselves as far as what they have experienced this summer. The following is a report done by one half of our team tasked with reporting on our group’s experience in Ministry and Team Dynamics.

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Ministry

“God called each of us here with a purpore to serve the people in Kenya, as we started ministry we were surprised by the wet mang ways God need as to reach His People. We partnered with DICE Ministry, and as we worked alongside DICE they taught us how to effectively share Jesus's love through skits, teachings, and dances. Learning cultural dances helped us to connect with the students in new ways. Through teachings we were able to share our personal testimonies and walks with God. As we built relationships with the DICE students we were able to encourage each other and Learn about thier vibrant culture. We started ministry by serving at a school that we were then able to return to multiple times. Through this connection we were able to reach more students and teach them about having a personal relationship with Jesus. We also went to a small high school which was a very different experience, walking in we all felt unprepared and nervous. Because there were very few students, two of our ministry groups were able to lead discussions while the other two groups spent time praying over the ministry. During our discussions, our team was faced witch many challenging questions and spiritual darkness, but through these interactions we were able to have gospel conversations and a student gave his life to Christ. The other half of our team supported the ministry by speciaically praying for our team and the students. As we reflected on our day of ministry, we saw how God's provision was displayed. Even if we came to Kenya for just this one student to be saved, that would be enough. This changed the way that we walked into the rest of our ministry. Another opportunity we were given to serve was at a children’s home. We spent 2 days with them dancing, playing games and hanging out, and the joy they emitted was contagious. Through all these experiences we have been equipped to continue our ministry as we return home.”

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Team Dynamics

“Uplifting. That's the first word I think of when I think of our team. We have seen eachother at both the highest and the lowest points. We all walked into Training Camp, an unfamiliar atmosphere, and were met with new faces and new experiences. Our first memory as a team was sharing stories in a tight circle to distract ourselves from the cold and rain. Even through the uncomfortable moments, we ended each night with a prayer of thanksgiving. Being far from home opened up our willingness to be vulnerable by sharing our testimonies with one another. This led to deeper relationships within our team which made us feel more comfortable and at home with one another. Additionally, we had an all girls team. This led to many special moments like Girl Dinner, Jazz Summer, and bedtime stories with Kara. Girl Dinner was a special time to relax, do facemasks, and perform a silly talent show. An essential part of living in Kenya was learning Ivy’s room rules.

#I: NEVER WASH YOUR FEET

IN THE SINK

#2: NOTHING GOES IN THE TOILET BESIDES TONET PAPER

#3: BE FULLY CLOTHED AT ALL TIMES

These rules have been respected since their creation. Additional rules we followed were what we liked to call "Ellie’s Mom’s Motos.” They came up daily, hourly even. The most memorable one being "Space and Grace.” The Words of Life Water Bottle was a key aspect of our team’s growth. It helped us learn to appreciate everyone’s gifts. The most difficult thing on this trip was the heated political disputes where Tim claimed that “all samosas are not created equal," which led to much debate. Despite these small disagreements, living in community has taught us patience, forgiveness and self sacrifice. As we go back into our lives, we will apply these lessons with those around us.”

This team has thrived through tough adversity and rejoiced through trials, and I couldn’t be more proud. These students and staff have shown that true service to God doesn’t only apply when you see God move and do great things. It is most often just being obedient in the mundane and simple things tgat we see the beauty of a walk with Christ.

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