Coming soon!

Team arrives safely and begins packing for a week of VBS!

Eric West

After an amazing nights sleep we headed to spend the day at the MOHI center in Pangani. We were warmly greeted by staff and welcomed to an orientation, facility tour and a few home visits. God has been faithful to us and the people in Kenya every step of the way. The highlight of the day for me was our two home visits in the slums of Pangani.

A few months ago the majority of the people in that community lost their homes to a fire. Many lost everything and had to ‘restart from nothing.’ We are super excited to report that in both homes we prayed for the people to be born again! Here are the stories.

In the first home was a woman named Alice. Alice is a mother for four and lost everything in the recent fire. Her shanty was half the size of a normal bedroom but she warmly welcomed us into her home.

Alice works washing clothes and has been able to put all of her kids in school at MOHI. What a hard working Mother! Her oldest is in University, then one in High School and the other two are Elementary aged.

The second was the home of Anthony. He has a physical disability and expressed a huge desire and interest to work with computers. Anthony’s Grandmother makes and sells detergent and his Mother is in nursing school! I asked him if he was born again, he said no. Then I asked him if he goes to church, he said no. I asked, why? He said that he is living in sin. I asked him if he wanted to make a decision about following Jesus? He said yes and he prayed out asking for God to forgive him.

Have you ever felt like you didn’t do any of the work on something but for whatever reason you got to have all the fun anyway!? I didn’t save these people, I didn’t even know them before today. I am so blessed that God allowed me to sit front row watching Him save people.

Please partner with me in praying for these amazing new Christians!

Alice: new job opportunities for her, school fees for her daughter, and her daughters exam.

Anthony: Grandmother’s business, mothers school fees, and a training opportunity to learn how and work with computers.

Neil King

My first trip to MOHI was incredible!  It started with an update of all the things MOHI is doing, and it is a lot, such as opening new schools, planting churches, and providing job skills in construction, garment making, and cosmetology.  We also witnessed first hand the impact of the MOHI social workers who took is on a tour of the slums in Pangoni, and we did home visits, which included prayer. One team even led two people to Christ!  A tour of MOHI convinced me, and probably all of my team members that our donations are going  into good ground, and it’s a blessing to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus!  The cherry on the top was meeting my sponsor child, she has the hope, and sees a future out of the slums.  To God be the glory!  Can’t wait for day 2!

Phyllis Sutton

Meeting our sponsor child for the first time this afternoon was a memory that  I will never forget.  My family has been sponsoring Juma since 2009 when he was 4 years old.  And now he is 16 years old and thriving at the MOHI school in Kiamaiko .

Seeings Juma’s face light up when we walked into the school courtyard brought me to tears.   It was such a blessing for Kenny and I to be able to experience this together.  We were able to talk to him and pray for him and learn about his family.  Sharing with him and showing him pictures of our children made him feel like part of our family.

Little did we know that almost 12 years ago we would have a relationship with a child in Kenya that is part of our family.  We were able to share that he is just like one of kids, that both have names that start with “J” like Juma.  He got teary when I showed  him the pictures I have of him over the years on my phone.

This simple thing showed him that we care for him and that most of all God loves and cares for him.

Hanna Hernandez

The Crossroads Global Outreach Team visited two rural cities in Kenya, Olturot and Namarei.

Seeing all but a glimpse of how these communities live and have learned to survive is humbling.

Both villages are hot, surrounded by land, little to no water, and their humble homes are made up of sticks and cloth like material covers their roofs.

The little water they gather is usually pulled many miles by rope and barrel, and the animals they care for are their food.

Mohi is the first school these communities have ever had or seen. For the first time their children have access to education, the opportunity to read, write, be fed, learn, and experience the love of Jesus.

Today was the very first time the children we visited experienced VBS. The children loved the activities we planned and were excited to share English they’ve learned, to share their songs and dances, take photos, and just be close to us.

Meeting the child I sponsor to attend Mohi Namarei was more than I could have asked for. Ntaramatwa lit up for the small gifts I brought. She lit up for the scrapbook I made her and wanted to wear her sunglasses right away. Ntaramatwa was a little shy, but she didn’t need to say much to make our time together special. I loved being able to give her a hug and see her smile.

When it was time to part ways and catch our team Jeep, I couldn’t help but notice Ntaramatwa was gathered around a group of women sharing the small gifts she just received. I knew instinctively the women standing next to her was her mother. Ntaramatwa’s mom embraced me with a long hug. We both held onto each other so tight. Although we didn’t speak each other’s languages it was clear she was thanking me. The appreciation Ntaramatwa’s mother had was abundant. She followed me to the Jeep, and gave me one last hug that neither one of us wanted to end. It was difficult to part. I am curious with so many questions, but I am sincerely grateful for Crossroads and Mohi for connecting families from across the world. I pray we can meet again.

To see the hand of God in Kenya is the best life experience I’ve had thus far. To be a part of a church that gives and cares for communities far further then the city of Corona, has overwhelmed me with thanksgiving.

The joy and love overflows in these places and the impact Crossroads and Mohi has made here is a miracle and blessings to many.

The people of these villages are so grateful for the new resources Mohi has provided to their children. Education means a brighter future, it means hope, and the breakage of a generational cycles. The miracles and love of Jesus is evident here.

Mark 16:15
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.“

Joe Vargas

This was day three of our outreach in Kenya. One of the key tenants of mission trips is understanding that sacrifice is an important part of living a Christ like life. Today that meant being up at 5:00 AM to catch a plane to Olturot. It was an almost two-hour flight in smaller planes. That meant three different planes to accommodate not only passengers but the supplies we bring with us for VBS.

I say this so you can understand how remote these areas are. They are truly in the middle of nowhere. The area can best be described as desert with lot and lots of rocks. Compared to Nairobi the region is hot with very little vegetation. This is the same area where child brides are a common cultural practice. That has started to change since Missions of Hope has come to the area.

We were greeted by the children dressed in traditional garb singing and dancing as we entered the school compound. Getting right to work due to the quick timeline we were able to do puppet shows, stenciling, crafts, and snacks. This was followed by a dedication ceremony honoring Crossroads Church for funding the building of the classrooms.

Jennifer and I got to meet our sponsor child for the first time. Mambula was beautiful. She was dressed in traditional costume and had a bright smile. She was so thankful we sponsored her to go to school. She now has the possibility of a future that will hopefully not include being married off at a very young age.

We left Olturot and flew about 30 minutes east to the village of Namarei. We again did an accelerated VBS.  The school is in a remote area and on our way we passed a herd of camels just outside the school grounds. Again, we were greeted with dance and song and made the best of the time we had with the children. We left with the children chanting, “Thank you, Crossroads.”

I am so proud to be part of a church that believes and invests in outreach. What we do is changing lives and leading hundreds of people to relationship with Jesus.

I too thank Crossroads for your faithfulness in investing in the lives of these communities.

Chloe Rogers

VBS day 2 was a success! It was our first day doing VBS at the school in Kiamaiko. We started off with a bang with an amazing welcome from the kids and staff at the school! They sang us a song and let us dance with them. We kicked off VBS with worship and all the kids and staff were super involved. I was on the craft team and we made necklaces with Lego pieces. Each Lego color represented a part of the gospel story. It was great seeing the younger kids try to understand the meaning and having fun putting the pieces on. They were so excited to show us when they finished! I also loved to see the teachers explaining everything to them and getting them involved by having them say what each color was. Each kid got a card they were able to take home with the gospel story on it and what each color meant. Even the teachers wanted one. It’s something that they can now reference. Everyone was so welcoming and loving. As kids would leave to switch stations, a few would want high fives and then all the kids joined in. Others wanted a hug. They were so grateful for us to be there. We ended the day with some very good food and milkshakes! Looking forward to our second day of VBS in Kiamaiko!

Erica Alessandrini

WOW, what a whirlwind the last few days have been!!! It has been such a blessing experiencing Kenya in all its glory. I’m not even sure what day or week or month it is, but I do know that today was my favorite day here, thus far. We made our way to Kiamaiko to spend the day doing VBS with the students there at MOHI. I’m so grateful to be part of the worship team, as we had the opportunity to sing and dance with the kids. It’s definitely an experience I will never forget and one that I want to repeat over and over and over again. After worship, it was time to pass out biscuits and milk to children of all ages. With some time to spare and room to improvise, God was clearly present. He placed it on my heart to pray not only for the children, but their teachers as well. In such a short amount of time, the Holy Spirit moved in a very powerful way. The children recited Bible scriptures that they have memorized, they prayed, and we had the chance to play a game. Seeing their faces light up quickly removed any amount of fatigue that I was experiencing and only made me want to shower them with love even more. As they were leaving to head to their next station, hands flew up in the air, in expectation of high fives. Hugs and air kisses were exchanged, but most importantly the love of a simple smile.

Lillian Dennis

Today we headed to Kiamaiko to do our second day of VBS for the learners there. With yesterday being as wonderful and special as it was, today was even more so. The older classes today understand and speak more English so there is much less of a language barrier. This makes the biggest difference during worship. I was able to teach them the lyrics and hand motions to the songs before we sang them. They caught on immediately and worshiping all together was incredible.

After worship was over, one of the teachers called me into a classroom to help memorize the songs so they could continue to sing them once we left. I walked into a classroom packed with kids eager to learn. I asked what they knew so far and they repeated both songs nearly perfectly. It was not only impressive but so heartwarming. Only a few minutes singing with these kids and they’re all in ready to adopt the songs as their own.

When I didn’t have enough time to practice with them like they wanted, I promised to review the lyrics and hand motions when they visited me in my VBS station. Before I reviewed with them, Jennifer and I painted crosses on all of their arms as a reminder that Jesus loves them. I opened by asking them the importance of the cross and each time they were so eager to share their answers. Every rotation seemed more and more excited.

Something really special to me was during the last rotation of the day. When I went to introduce myself, before I got the chance to finish “my name is…” they all interjected with “Lillian.” Even though I didn’t get to interact with them one on one during worship, I knew that I was able to connect and form a unique relationship with them through it.

After VBS we went to do home visits in the community. Tracy took me and Dr. Don to see Evaline and her mother. Tracy has sponsored Evaline for 6 years. I met Evaline on Monday during the sponsorship visits and really connected with her when we discovered we both wanted to get into nursing and we are exactly one month apart in age. She turned 19 today and I was so excited for the opportunity to wish her a happy birthday on the actual day.

Visiting Evaline and her mother in their home was very difficult, though. Her mother is sick so it was a very emotional visit as we prayed for her healing and the family’s strength. Despite her home situation and the burdens she endures, Evaline carries herself with such grace. She is only a month older than me, yet I look up to her with such respect and admiration.

My time here with her is so short but God has opened so many doors for us to connect. We are even able to allow her to join our freedom conference tomorrow despite her having already graduated.

MOHI is exceptional. The social workers truly get to know their students and meet with their families almost weekly. Even after they graduate, like Evaline, they continue to support and love on them.

We ended the day with a cultural dinner and performance at Grace House Resort and got to dance and celebrate with the Grace House Staff. Their hospitality is unparalleled.

Jessica Markley

After 3 years of being away from Kenya, the only way to describe being back is pure JOY!  Having the opportunity to reconnect with the staff from Missions of Hope and see how much the learners have grown since we were last able to see them in 2019 has been such a blessing and a gift from the Lord!  After concluding our 2 day VBS in Kiamaiko today I find myself filled with gratitude as 874 kids from preschool – grade 5 heard the gospel and experienced Jesus in the 24 VBS stations our team conducted.  Whether it was singing praises to the Lord in worship, learning about what the cross means in stenciling, experiencing authentic joy in games, praying and thanking the Lord for the provision of snack, hearing and connecting the gospel with craft, or learning what it means to become “fishers of men” in puppets, God’s presence was evident.
It is such a privilege to serve alongside a team who selflessly poured themselves out during every second of VBS and became the hands and feet of Jesus as they served humbly and loved on the kids and staff at Kiamaiko school with intentionality and passion.  I pray that as each learner in Kiamaiko school continues to learn about and prayerfully embrace the love of Christ that they are able to go out and now be a light in the darkness.

Jessica Luna

Bwana Asifiwe! Praising the Lord for the opportunity to be back in Kenya! This beautiful place is home away from home and my heart has been overjoyed being back with my Kenyan family. Being the 1st Crossroads team that has returned to Missions of Hope since 2019 has been a true blessing! The moment we stepped foot onto the Kiamaiko campus the children, teachers, and staff greeted us with much appreciation and abundant joy! You could tell that they have missed us so very much!

This trip has been very special because I have had the honor and privilege to lead VBS out with my friend, Jessica. It has been so much fun to plan and prepare our amazing team to serve about 2,500 children at 4 different locations. From schools that have never had a VBS (Olturot & Namarei) to then being back with our children at Kiamaiko after 3 years. God is so good! The Gospel story was taught in each VBS rotation and the prayer is that when the children leave school the Gospel message is brought out to their communities.

We are a small but mighty team and everyone on this team has selflessly contributed 110% serving and being the hands and feet of Jesus to these children.  May the Lord continue to use each one of us as we go into our 2nd week of serving and loving on the people in Kenya.

“I have learned that I will not change the world. Jesus will do that. I can, however, change the world for one person. So I keep loving one person at a time. Because this is my call as a follower of Jesus.” – Katie Davis

Jennifer Vargas

Today was our third and last day in Kiamaiko.

The morning started at Bethany. It’s a property we used for our Freedom Conference, for the Middle School students. I had never been there but it isn’t far from Kiamaiko school. We started with worship then Eric led the conference for about 400 students, we heard two testimonies from our teammates, and an amazing message about Job. I got to lead a workshop activity where the students drew in their journals about something that made them feel more loved and more safe. Then they were led in an amazing “five senses” prayer and finished with ice cream sundaes for students and staff, which they totally enjoyed.  And this was all before lunch.

We headed to Kiamaiko School  for our lunch and farewell celebration.

What was super special about this trip, was Joe and I got to see our sponsor child. We haven’t seen her since 2015. When we saw her on Wednesday, she was a foot taller than me and still very shy. We showed pictures of her when we started sponsoring her (she was 5 years old, now she is 16 ). She has a beautiful smile and I could tell she really enjoyed our time together. Since she is on break from school, she was able to help serve at our VBS. During our farewell celebration, she became our photographer. I loved watching her interact with others. Spending time with her the last two days has been such a blessing.  As we said our good byes, she hugged Joe and I tight and said she was going to miss us. I said we will miss her too. What a day! My heart is full! God is good!

Sharon Casler

What a blessed day. In the morning we presented a conference for 6th- 8th grade students centered on our freedom in Christ. Team members facilitated activities and gave testimonies which both encouraged and inspired students as well as their teachers. We spent the afternoon back at Kiamaiko where students and staff gave us a farewell celebration. There was much singing, dancing, a cake, and many kind words of appreciation. Needless to say, it was an emotional goodbye as everyone in the team has made connections with both staff and students. It was hard to leave. Crossroads Church is doing a great work in Kenya as we experienced hundreds of students and the staff praising God with all their hearts.  What a blessed day!

Nicole Balstad

The last two days have been so exciting and full of many blessings. Yesterday we went to Angaza Discovery Camp. I loved visiting this place and how the mentors and staff are able to spend two weeks with campers teaching them to spend time in God’s word, having devotions to talk about Jesus and doing many skill building activities throughout the day. Many of these students live in the slums or in rural Kenya and they have never slept in a bed or used a shower and a toilet before, but at this camp they get to experience all these things and more.

After we toured the camp, we got to go to the beach with the campers and counselors. We got to stick our feet in the Indian Ocean! We played the game sharks and minnows on the beach and had a great time together. This was a new experience for me as I have never been to this camp before. We also got to see the horses where the students get to ride and learn how to take care of them. This place made me so happy and I was honored to see the way MOHI is intentionally discipling the 6th graders from all over MOHI schools in Kenya. MOHI is giving these kids a glimpse of a completely different life, and the cycles that will break from it is incredible.

Today we traveled to the Masai Mara. This is another one of my favorite places. This is my 5th year to Kenya and every year is a different experience. As soon as we got off the plane I felt so welcomed by all of the staff and Masai Drivers. I am so excited to be here and to be staying at the Tipilikwani Mara Camp. We were welcomed by the staff and they are so excited to have us back again, post Covid. We got to see some amazing animals on our way to where we are staying. Then we visited one of the Masai villages where we got to see the way the Masai live. I found it really cool how they make their homes and even build their own fires. I love learning about the different ways people live and it makes me appreciate so much of what I have and how everyone in Kenya is so happy for what they already have.   

Kerry Casler

Sunday was a day of travel to the Masai Mara. Once we landed we took a one hour trip through the wildlife refuge to get to a beautiful lodge where we will stay for 4 nights.

On the drive we saw at least 11 different types of animals including two lions, a male and female.

God has created the earth with such beauty. He has put everything in the right place with the right surroundings and resources. To see this place with its majesty, one cannot help but see God’s power and grace.

We visited a Masai Village and the Masai people gave us a great reception. The men danced 3 dances: one to welcome, one to pray for us, and one to enter us into the village. The women, once inside the village danced 2 dances for the women on our team; a welcome dance and a rain dance.

Thank you God for a fantastic day.

Kenny Sutton

Today we took a long drive down bumpy dirt roads to the school in the Mara we minister to. The drive was a little tough on our Land Cruisers which suffered two flat tires.  It was an adventure but great to see how our drivers worked together to get us back on the road.

The children greeted us with with such joy and excitement holding our hands, leading us into their school. Our team was briefed that this is a public school but we were given the freedom to preach Jesus here. During the puppet show our team discovered that some of the children had been evangelized on some level already and after asking John, our missionary contact here in the Mara, we discovered that Christian education is built into the public school curriculum in Kenya. How incredible!

The puppet team told the story of Jesus taking Peter fishing. We had a Masai translated with us and I preached Jesus at every point possible. I pray that the children left with the message that they are disciples and fishers of men.

Joseph Aggrey-Carthy

On this day, we remember the Declaration of Independence by congress in July 4th 1776, I am reminded by a daily bible verse from Galatians 5:13 which states “You brothers, have been called to liberty. Only do not use freedom to give opportunity to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” We have been called to love God and love others. This was reflected in our visit to the public school in the Masai Mara.

We were led to the school by John, our Masai missionary here in the Mara, who has been working with Crossroads since 2014. The school was scheduled to be closed because of the absence of washrooms. Through the partnership with crossroads, the  church provided restrooms that met the state requirement to allow the school to open. The public school had grown from about 120 students to about  390 students.

My work today in VBS was to help Dr. Don in examining students with health problems using the SOAP assessment. I was assisted by Madam Grace and Mr. Dixon who work in the clinic and had more knowledge on each student’s name and medical history. Our first assessment included measurement of weight, MUAC score and height of 60 students. These measurements were geared towards looking at malnutrition in the children who had not taken medications to treat worms. We were able to complete those measurements with required doses ordered to be given tomorrow.

The children were in stations for VBS during my health assessment but came in with joy from listening to the puppet story of Christ, snack, games crafts, and stenciling.
Some of our assessment included a child with a broken or fractured arm and a sling was made to reduce inflammation and further damage. Other diagnoses involved a possible gall bladder or liver problem upon CT scan as the patient complained of pain in right upper quadrant upon palpation. We also served the babies, mothers, and individuals from the community. We diagnosed eye problems, skin infections, ulcers,  and upper and lower respiratory problems to say the least.

Throughout the day, as tiredness set through my weary face, I was reminded by the devotion from Jessica Luna in the morning which was from Philippians 2:4 ‘’Let each of you look not only on your own interests, but the interests of others. As Christ emptied Himself as servant to the world, we are called to humility and service in whichever capacity as a believer in Christ.”

My prayer and hope is we were able to bring relief to the children, mothers, and individuals. And that our work continues to manifest Christ who is our only Hope.

Dr. Don Hoechlin

Today was an amazing day for the  “Medical Team”, Joseph and I. We were able to generously give an exceptional group of people our medical care as resources would allow.  We were assisted by 2 local PA’s, Grace and Dixon, they were invaluable. I have to mention a couple of cases that stood out.

One was a village elder, 66 y/o, who strained his knee while chasing his cattle. It was quite swollen and tender , so I put a needle in and drew out over 10 cc of fluid. He said it felt much better. And Joseph was able to tend to the needs of an elderly lady with Leukemia. He also was able to assist a man with urinary problems and weight loss. The last patient of the day turned out to be Dixon’s mother, a very gracious lady.

We thank the Lord for giving us this opportunity to serve a most appreciative group, the Maasai people. They carry themselves with so much dignity and humility. We have been so blessed to be able to return to Kenya to serve these most gracious people after a 3 year absence.

Tracy Taouil

What a trip. What a team! After a 3 year absence, our return to Kenya was so favored by God. We are a small team of 20, but we were able to experience big and mighty things as God ordained some incredible encounters.

I got to co-lead this team and navigate through a post Covid world in travel. After securing all the necessary forms to enter Kenya, we embarked on an awesome two week adventure.

We partner with 3 organizations in Kenya. One organization is Missions of Hope International (MOHI), the second is Christian Missionary Fellowship (CMF), and the third is Kenya Community Education and Action (KCEA). Our first week in Nairobi we worked with MOHI in the slums of Mathare Valley and in rural parts of northern Kenya. Crossroads adopted a slum in Mathare Valley called Kiamaiko, and we’ve been sponsoring children and funding classroom building projects for years. To see the growth in this community year after year is incredible. But due to Covid, those in the slums suffered the most. Praise God for MOHI and the generosity of churches, including Crossroads, that helped sustain these communities these past 3 years.

In Kiamaiko, I got to meet with my sponsor child Evaline for the 4th time. She just graduated and is in a computer program at MOHI. She turned 19 this week and I got to celebrate her birthday with her.

During the MOHI orientation, we learned how far MOHI’s spread is, covering remote areas of Kenya not just the slums in Nairobi. Two of these communities, Olturot and Namarei, are located in Marsabit county in northern Kenya. These communities are desolate, located literally in the middle of nowhere. Girls were married off very young and boys were sent to raid other villages. To partner with MOHI in building schools and sponsoring kids in these locations is so special. As a team, we spent a day flying to these remote villages and we put on their first ever VBS! What an honor to hear these kids recite scripture and learn the gospel story through legos. I got to meet my newest sponsor kid, Bishar, in Olturot and he is the sweetest little boy. He is learning English and already knew who I was. Praying over him was a highlight of mine. Seeing the team experience 2 rural villages and adapt VBS for each of these communities was another one. Our time in each village was short, but the love and care we were able to share and feel was immeasurable.

Led by the incredible Jessica’s, Jessica Luna and a Jessica Markley, we were able to do VBS in Kiamaiko for over 2000 children. This community is so special in how they love and show care. I loved seeing our team be so intentional with getting to know the kids and the staff.

Leaving Kiamaiko is always sad. We make incredibly deep connections with kids, staff, and families, and then have to leave again. The Saturday after a tearful farewell we found ourselves once again flying to another part of Kenya, Kilifi, on the coast of Kenya. MOHI just opened up a camp called Angaza (shining light) for all 6th graders where they are discipled and exposed to luxuries many have never experienced. Luxuries such as the ocean, a mattress, a toilet and hot shower, pizza, horses, and more. We spent time encouraging the camp counselors who pour so much out for these campers. We experienced only one day but what we saw in that one day was so inspiring. Angaza is a truly special place where transformation happens.

After dipping our toes in the Indian Ocean, we flew from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara and began our second week of ministry with John Keshe and KCEA. We drove 2 hours to do a VBS at a public school in Nkoisuash. It was so cool to hear Jesus being taught at a public school. It is at this school that Crossroads donated funds to build 3 new classrooms. Our second day in this school involved a celebration and commissioning of the new classrooms. The celebration and commissioning was so incredibly humbling to be part of. This team got to receive the gratitude and appreciation of an entire community on behalf of Crossroads Church. We heard from parents and pastors about the investment in their children’s future and it was so sweet to witness such an outpouring of love.

We also had a medical clinic partnering with CMF and got to care for this communities physical and spiritual health!

We ended our time in the Mara with Safari. So much of international outreach is relationship building and we’ve had the pleasure of nurturing relationships with our Maasai drivers year after year. Covid impacted the Mara through the lack of tourists more than anything else. And being back in the Mara as one of the first teams back post Covid meant so much to our drivers.

I felt God’s hand over this team and over this trip in such a supernatural way. I can’t wait to see what God continued to do in this incredible country.

Jessica Luna

God is good (all the time)! And all the time (God is good)! My heart is just over flowing with joy and gratefulness! It has been so filling being back in a place that makes your heart so full! Three years has been a long time Missions of Hope has been without visitors and you could tell from the moment we stepped foot onto each campus their excitement and gratefulness showed so evidently.

Over the last two weeks we have seen the Lord move in such a mighty way in and through the people and children our team has selflessly served. From the time we arrived at LAX, landing in Nairobi, from traveling to 5 different locations, and then taking 7 in country flights, the Lords hand has been ALL over this whole trip!

I shared this verse with our team as we started our 2nd week of ministry. Philippians 2:4-5 says, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (NLT).

We may not see the impact that we are making on the lives we came in contact with over the last two weeks, but we are prayerful that we are planting or watering seeds that will have an eternal impact in the lives of the children, people, and community in Kenya! We were reminded this week when we went to the Angaza Adventure Camp that the greatest command is to love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, mind, and soul…and to love your neighbor as yourself.

God wants us to learn that we can give without loving—but we cannot love without giving. Every time we show generosity out of a loving heart, our faith strengthens and we become more like Jesus.

My prayer for this team as we journey home is to  continue being more like Jesus as we continue to serving those around us daily!

Jessica Markley 

If I could think of two words that have described this Kenya 2022 trip it is: all in. Each day this team has begun ready to serve in whatever capacity was needed and the Lord has faithfully provided  in health, energy, and leadership.  Every trip comes with its own challenges, unexpected changes, and adjustments and this trip has been no different – it is how the team responds that makes the difference and the Kenya 2022 team showed up in a big way.  As usual God has provided for our every need and our team has remained unified.

Over the course of the trip we took 7 in country flights, and had the privilege of experiencing many new things including being the first team to conduct a VBS for 2 locations (Olturot and Namerei), were the first team to visit the Angaza Camp that all 6th graders in MOHI schools attend, and take part in a community wide celebration at Nkoisuash school in the Mara as the 3 new classrooms were unveiled that Crossroads donated funds to build.  In addition, we conducted 2 days of VBS at Kiamaiko for grades preschool – grade 5, put on a freedom conference in Kiamaiko for grades 6-8, and conducted a 2 day VBS for grades preschool – grade 8 at the Nkoisuash school in the Mara.

Each day was full, long, busy, and included little rest but all of the different opportunities to share the gospel, love on the people of Kenya, and be the hands and feet of a Jesus was the unified focus of this team and prevailed over illness or exhaustion.

In the midst of it all kids have heard about Jesus, experienced his love and had a ton of fun. Whole communities have been blessed and encouraged and as much as we have poured out we feel like our hearts have been filled up.

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to serve alongside a group of people who are truly servant minded and put the Lord first in everything including each training leading up to the trip, every aspect of the trip while in country, and now during our journey home.