• Ruby’s blog 

The end of our trip has arrived and it has been full of wonderful heartwarming memories I will cherish forever. My son and I met our sponsored boys. They were so shy at first but warmed up to us as we played Uno.   During our time in Nairobi we visited three homes of sponsored children. We got to know each other a little and prayed for them. We visited far away communities in Olturot and ended in Masai Mara. The happiness and faith these children have is so genuine and invigorating, truly contagious. They loved the games and activities we had for them. It was so fun hearing the kids laughing and running….just being kids. We also saw how the Masai Mara community is thriving since the water well was found. The women now have an Empowerment Beading Project where they are able to sell their handmade jewelry.  ‘Teach a ‘wo’man to fish and you feed her for a lifetime’

• Joseph’s blog 

Today marked the beginning of the second phase of our mission trip in the Mara region, with a vibrant start to Vacation Bible School (VBS) and a dedicated medical service to the local community.I served win the medical team with the Nyreith,Janet ,Emma, Grace and and Peter.From 10:15 AM, the  medical team began triaging patients, and by the end of the day, we had seen and served approximately 70 individuals from the Nkoisuash area.

The symptoms presented included coughs, runny noses, body aches, chest pain,fever and abdominal pain etc.Commons signs of respiratory infections, likely cases of the flu or upper respiratory tract infections.Despite the physical challenges they faced, the community showed incredible gratitude and service.The cooperation between Local clinical officers were evident, and it reminded us why we came not  just to treat illness but to be a living example of Christ’s love in action.As we served, we were reminded of Galatians 5:13:
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

This verse encapsulates the heart of this mission!Freedom in Christ that moves us to serve others humbly, lovingly, and generously. Today, through each patient seen ,we witnessed how powerful simple acts of compassion can go a long way 

We look forward to continuing this work the next day ahead, strengthened by faith, community, and hope that  both physical and spiritual healing.

• Maria’s blog

l glory to God!  It was an honor to serve the Masai community along with a wonderful and the most inspirational team . Another successful mission trip for Crossroads. We had the privilege to support The Women Empowerment Beading Project, by purchasing directly from the women of the village on their road to self-sufficiency .

 God opened many hearts and now ten more high School girls have been sponsored . 

 My dear Ann, a 15 year  old matured young lady is so eargered to continue her education. Ann shared her spiritual gifts: knowledge, encouragement and giving;. 

Through  our pastors’ Debbie and Lisa teaching, students learned how to serve their church and community . We all leave a part of our hearts in Kenya . 

“Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.”

— Matthew 25:40

• Rosemary’s blog

What an unforgettable day we had yesterday as we wrapped up our time at Vacation Bible School. Our hearts were truly overwhelmed by the love poured out on us. One of the most touching moments was the beautiful farewell ceremony—so thoughtfully prepared.

The children, in their sweet and genuine way, presented us with traditional Maasai blankets as a gesture of gratitude. Their families joined in celebration, lifting up joyful songs and vibrant dances to honor the Lord. It was a powerful display of love, faith, and community.

I came to Kenya hoping to be a blessing to these children and their families—but the truth is, they blessed me in ways I could never have imagined.

These past couple of weeks have changed me. I witnessed firsthand that true happiness and joy aren’t found in material things, but in deep faith, strong family bonds, and a caring community.

• Nicole’s blog

Today we had our last day of vbs at Nkoisuash primary school. I loved how excited the kids were too see us and welcoming us to their school. We started by doing worship as a team with all of the kids. The smiles on their faces were amazing as they were looking at us worshiping. Then watching them dance and singing the songs was the best thing ever and was amazing in every way. We began VBS which was the exciting part of my day and I got to do art. The kids got to each make their own backpack and use different colors of markers by drawing anything they love. We also had them write the verse Matthew 28:20 and use the words Jesus loves you. I loved seeing all of the different pictures of all the things they love but one thing that touched me was seeing one child write they loved themself which was my favorite to see and blessed my heart. They loved the backpacks and I love how they appreciate even the little things that they get. As soon as I gave them the backpack they said thank you with so much joy. I even got to teach them how to use a backpack as they thought it goes in front of them.  Art was so great and such a blessing to be a part of. 

To wrap up our vbs I love coming back as a returning and seeing kids that I have seen in past years which is really special.  Today I got to see a boy named Stephen who is one of our Maasai’s sons who Crossroads has built a relationship with on past trips which I have loved. Today was amazing and couldn’t have been more blessed and it was a wonderful day. It was perfect to end Day 1 In the Mara.

• Steph’s blog

Today was one of my favorite days of the trip so far. We traveled from Nairobi to Narok in the morning and we stopped at our hotel then quickly made our way to a local church. The Maasai are some of the most welcoming people I’ve ever come across and today was no different. This is my 2nd time in Kenya but, my first time getting to go to church in the Maasai Mara. The experience was so special and I feel so blessed to have been able to experience it. We got welcomed with the traditional Maasai dancing and singing before hearing a beautiful message by our one and only Emma. After that we got the opportunity to share a meal with the congregation as well as pass out bibles to those who didn’t have any. Once we finished that, I got to see my sweet sponsor girl Deborah whom I met last year. This time she brought along her father (again), her mother, and her brother. It was so sweet to reunite with her again and see her beautiful smile. She is such a sweet and bright girl and I have been so honored to get to sponsor her this past year. We got to talk and she gifted me with a BEAUTIFUL handmade dress and shawl as well as 2 Maasai necklaces. To say I feel blessed is an understatement. Her family and I got to hangout and talk a bit before I got to pray over them. It’s always so sweet to get to pray over the people here in Kenya because they receive it so well and are so grateful to us for just being here. I had such an amazing day and seeing Deborah made it that much sweeter.

• Emma’s blog

Today we began a new phase of our mission journey in the Mara, where we worked with the Maasai tribe. Although we were delayed, we made it to church on time and were welcomed in the most beautiful way.

I had the honor of sharing a message with the Maasai church, which had over 200 people in attendance! We spoke about the importance of getting into the Word and how the Bible is our guide and reveals our true identity. Since many in the community didn’t have access to Bibles, we were able to provide bibles to over 75 people. Their gratitude was overwhelming they thanked us with hugs and warm smiles.  I’m incredibly humbled to have been a part of such an unforgettable day. It’s an experience I will never forget!

• Stephanie G

Week one is officially complete — and what a week it’s been.
This is my first time in Kenya, and I’m already so moved by the people and the presence of God here. On our first day of missions work, we were welcomed by the MOHI children with joyful singing. You could feel the joy of the Lord radiating from their faces. The MOHI staff were just as joyful and full of love. From the moment we stepped onto the campus, children ran to us to love on us. Their hugs, their laughter, the way they held our hands — it was a love that felt pure, deep, and genuine. Later that day, we split into groups and walked through the slums for home visits. One moment I’ll never forget was visiting a family who had lost their home due to those floods. They were now living in a very small, dark space — no electricity, no real light. We gathered inside with them, sitting closely together in the dark, the only light coming from a flashlight on a phone. It was humbling just to be in that moment — sharing space, hearing their story, praying, and feeling the weight of it all.Their young son, Simon, looked at us and said something I’ll carry with me: “We still are blessed. God has been faithful.” That hit me hard. In a place where most would feel forgotten, they saw God’s goodness. Their home may have been small, but their faith was so big. That kind of gratitude and perspective shook something in me. Kenyans have reminded me that joy isn’t found in what we have — it’s rooted in knowing who God is and having Him at the very center of it all.Another highlight was flying early one morning to visit the MOHI school in Olturot — a remote village that truly felt like the middle of nowhere. As the plane landed, villagers came out to watch. The kids ran and waved, calling their parents to come see. Visitors are rare, and they made us feel so welcomed.When we arrived at the school, we were greeted with singing, dancing, and huge smiles. I got to help lead a puppet skit alongside the the worship team, and the children lit up with joy. We shared the message from Matthew — that Jesus is with us always, even to the end of the age — through puppet storytelling. Watching them take it in with such excitement and wonder was beautiful.A special moment came when I got to meet Mambula, a young girl sponsored by my dear friends. We shared a meal together, and she asked me to take two handmade bracelets back for her sponsors. Just before I left, she wrapped me in a big hug and called me her rafiki — “friend” in Swahili. Then she took off her very last bracelet — one her mother had made for her — and gave it to me. That small act meant more than I can explain. It was pure love. Once again, I witnessed how people here give so freely — not out of excess, but out of deep generosity and love. Today, we worshiped at a church in the Maasai Mara. Pastor Emma shared a powerful word about the Bible being our guide. A few people gave their lives to Jesus, and we were able to gift Bibles to the congregation. The gratitude in that room was overwhelming.This week has left me in awe. I’ve seen worship that is raw and real. I’ve seen faith that stands tall in the midst of trial. I’ve seen love that is freely given, even to strangers. My heart feels full. My spirit is stirred. And the fire in me feels freshly lit. There is hope here in Kenya — and that is the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Praise God for week one. I can’t wait to see what He does in week two!

• Debbies blog

I Peter 4:10 – Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  

This is the verse we shared at the Conference with grades 6-9 in Kenya. This is the third Conference in Kenya that I have been so blessed to be involved in. Pastor Lisa Mitichison gave a recap of prior years and these students remembered! This year the goal in the spiritual development was around discipleship and discovering their spiritual gifts, how we receive them, what we do with them and how they work together with others. What a powerful time where each student was given a spiritual gifts assessment specifically for their age and crafted to be like the one we give at Crosssroads. My heart was and still is elated to have been able to witness and share this experience with the students and teachers as they discovered their gifts. During a portion of the conference I shared about spiritual gifts and how one receives them through the Holy Spirit and that they are important gifts given by God to use in His church. We had some of our team share their gift with the students and how they used them at the church!! They were so engaged and during part of the segment I then had them get into groups of 8-10 students and there they shared their top three gifts with some of our team. Our team shared that the interactions they had were powerful. Gifts like miracles, healing, and helps, were many top gifts. This is very interesting since they live in one of the most impoverished countries where you wouldn’t imagine people would have gifts like these……BUT GOD. I then called out 12 various spiritual gifts and ask if any of the students had them to raise their hands and I’d select one, each selected student was given a puzzle 🧩 piece to put on the board, when completed it was a beautiful photo that gave the example of what it looks like when we use our gifts together. After that I prayed and invited anyone who wanted to receive Jesus to raise their hands.  There were 30 students total that gave their lives to the Lord!! Hallelujah!!

Each student was given a backpack with a pen, a 21 day journal on Spiritual Gifts, a puzzle pin that we have given out on many of our Crosssroads serving teams, sun glasses, and sweatbands for the color run. After the group segment.

Life without the Holy Spirit is so plain and boring, like a white shirt! With the Holy Spirit, colorful and fun! Vibrant!

It was an incredible day!!

• Chris 

My Time in Kenya

The Kiamaiko schools were more heartwarming than I expected! Everyone here, including the guards, was incredibly welcoming. It felt like they treated us like angels. The kids were honestly my favorite part of the whole experience. I got to meet so many new friends, and it felt really special because I connected with pretty much all of them, even the preschoolers!

I truly enjoyed spending time doing more than just what you’d call God’s work. After that, all the students took a test to discover their spiritual gifts and then shared them with their groups. One of the most meaningful parts for me was praying for each kid. It amazed me to have the privilege of hearing their prayer requests and lifting them up in prayer.

I also got to meet my sponsor kid, Elijah! He was a little shy and quiet at first, but as soon as I showed him the gifts I brought, his face lit up. It was such a beautiful moment. Honestly, one of the most special memories from this whole trip and definitely something I’ll never forget. That moment really confirmed for me that God had called me to do more than just give gifts. He called me to connect and be present.

Another highlight while being in Kenya was flying over to Olturot and handing out snacks to the kids. The students were so friendly and finished their snacks way faster than I expected, which I found hilarious. I brought my camera with me, and they were completely mind blown by it. A few even grabbed it, took some photos, and gave it right back, lol!

We also sang chants together and really connected. My snack buddy, Athan, and I ended up beatboxing for them, and a few of the kids even started rapping. The whole experience was just so fun. I feel beyond blessed, not only to have had a blast with the kids but also to serve God and pour into them in a meaningful way.

•  Mia’s blog

The past two days at the color run have been nothing short of incredible. Every moment whether talking with the 6th to 9th graders about their spiritual gifts, forming deep connections, or running alongside them has been filled with joy and purpose. One highlight for me was the privilege of running with Rafael. Seeing the pure joy on his face as we ran together made every step completely worth it. As the kids ran past me, I would ask, “Are you having fun?” Every single one of them responded with the biggest smile and a cheerful “Yes!” It was a beautiful reminder of the simple but profound happiness found in these moments. A powerful shift in my perspective came when we asked a 7th grader how he would use his spiritual gift in the church. Without hesitation, he replied, “I would use my gift of helps to help those in need.” What struck me most was that he lived in the slums, yet his heart overflowed with a desire to serve others. He didn’t care about what he lacked, his only concern was using his gift for the Lord. To end the day, I got to see my sponsor child, Emmanuel, a moment I’ll always cherish. He came running up to me and hugged me so tightly that I couldn’t help but squeeze him back just as hard. As we were getting ready to leave, a song began to play with the lyrics, “I have a very big God, He’s always by my side.” Emmanuel started to dance with pure joy and the biggest smile on his face. That moment was a powerful reminder of God’s presence and love. Emmanuel’s joy and faith reminded me that no matter our circumstances, God is always with us covering us, protecting us, and walking alongside us. He knows that Jesus is by his side, and his life radiates that truth.

• Mykie’s blog

We started our day off bright and early at 7:30am and loaded onto the busses to head to Baba Dogo for our 2nd day of mental health conference and color run with the 8th and 9th graders. On our way to the school we sang worship in the bus while Bill played guitar and I played the new drum that Lisa bought for the Global Outreach department. With our hearts recentered and full of praise we hit the ground running and began the mental health conference. We opened with a few worship songs: I Love You Lord, Worthy of it All, Praise, and I thank God. Kymmy and Malia were our lead vocals, Bill led on the guitar, and I on the drum. The kids loved the worship and were so engaged, some of the other team members even came forward to the front to hype the kids up and get them jumping and clapping. After worship, Lisa and Debbie led the conference where we taught the students about their spiritual gifts and how they can use them in the church. We also emphasized that every gift is equal and all gifts are necessary to help the church, and when we all work together using our individual gifts we make this beautiful puzzle picture with all of the pieces. At the end Debbie led an alter call for the students to have the opportunity to give their lives to Jesus. We had many kids raise their hands and give their lives to Jesus which was such a blessing to witness. After the conference we went straight into the color run which was so much fun not only for the kids but also the team members and staff. Everyone was dancing, singing, running, and jumping around, color was flying everywhere and music was playing, and the kids were running around and going crazy, but they had so much joy on their faces and it was such a blessing to see. We started Macarena lines, had dance circles, and even learned some new dances from the kids. It was such a joy being able to let these kids have fun and just be kids, to not worry about their burdens but to leave them behind so they could enjoy themselves and be bright with color. The goal of our color run was to let the kids know that “life without Jesus is bland and boring, but life with Jesus is fun and colorful,” and by the end of the color run our message definitely got across because everyone was covered head to toe with colored powder. 

After our two conferences and color runs we ended our day with a farewell from our sponsor kids and the students at Baba Dogo. Being able to see our sponsor kids one more time was the highlight of our week, but also the saddest because saying goodbye was so hard. We got to love on them and watch a few performances from the students, and at the end we got to share some cake with them which they were so happy to eat. When it was time to say goodbye, many tears were shed and hugs were given, and we got to wave to them from the bus while we were driving away. From there we made a quick pit stop to our hotel to change before we made our 2 hour drive to Mary and Wallace Kamao’s home for dinner. Their house was beautiful and they prepared KenMex for us which is Kenyan Mexican food, and it was delicious. During dinner it started to rain so we all gathered inside and had our debrief of the week and shared our highs and lows. Everyone seemed to collectively agree that we didn’t really have any lows for this trip because of the amount of joy that was present and how much we could see God move in these children’s lives and the communities we visited. After our debrief we got to pray for Mary and bless her organization, and enjoy chai together before heading back home. Overall,

It was such a joyful day and such a gift to be able to enjoy a tiny part in these kids lives and be invited into Mary and Wallace’s home.

• Daisy’s blog

Day Highlights from Kiamaiko Ngei, Kenya:

Today’s highlight was visiting homes in the community around our Kiamaiko Ngei school after hosting VBS. Our team split into small groups, each joined by two social workers and two MOHI students, to visit their families.

Every moment was special, from walking through the community and connecting with the social workers to sitting with families and praying over their needs. I had prayed that God would guide our conversations, and He truly did!

In our first home, Ryan, a MOHI student, introduced us to his uncle and aunt. When I asked if they had a personal relationship with Jesus, the aunt said she had not yet. After hearing the Gospel, she chose to follow Christ!! It was such a beautiful moment.

At our next stop, we met the mother of another student. She asked for prayer over her family and job. I felt led to ask more, and she opened up about challenges in her marriage. She shared her desire to keep fighting for it, which is something rare and powerful in Kenyan culture. We prayed with her and trusted that God sees her and is working in her life.

I am humbled and thankful for how God used our team today to share His love and hope in this community.

• Bill’s blog

Today, we had the chance to fly out to Olturot to host vbs for kids in a remote part of Kenya. I had the chance to sit in as a co-pilot on the airplane, which  made the experience incredible. However, it didnt compare to seeing the love and excitement on the eyes of the kids. I had such a blessed time, whether it was running around jumping (might have ripped by shorts while doing this), losing my voice while worshipping or helping the kids color their bracelet. Seeing the way they light up when you spend intentional time and lock eyes with them is a picture I wont be forgetting. It’s so humbling seeing kids who have so little yet so rich in their love for God and have such command over memorizing scripture.

• Malia’s blog 

On ministry day 3 half the team went to Kiamaiko to host a VBS! while the others went to Olturot by plane to host VBS. I was on the team that served in Kiamaiko and it was an amazing experience, all of the kids were filled with joy to be with us and work on arts and crafts as well as sing worship to the Lord and memorize our memory verse together which is Matthew 28:20. We had the chance to visit some homes and my team and I met Caroline and Thomas. Both are parents of children that are apart of MOHI and what they had in common was their love for the Lord and the hope they have in Him to sustain them through lives trials. It was very clear from the moment they welcomed us into their home that it was a place The Holy Spirit dwelled in. While we were in Thomas’s home, God kept putting it on my heart to sing the blessing over him as it’s rare to see a father in the home providing and seeking after God’s own heart. Thomas’ faith inspired me in many ways as he’s a pillar for his children and looks to Jesus for His strength. The team, social workers and I laid hands on him and his children and sung the blessing over them. It was a tender moment led by the Holy Spirit, I will never forget it and will forever be grateful to be used as the hands and feet of Jesus out here in Kenya.

• Maddie’s blog 

Today we went to the Olturat school! Words cannot explain the experience of getting just a peak into their every day lives. This morning, Theresa shared John 20:21 that says “Jesus said to them again ‘Peace be with you. As the father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’” Today, Jesus sent us love these kids – to sing worship with the kids, play games and do crafts! Even when I met with the sponsor child, the joy of these little gifts is unmatched. The kids love to be with us! Simply being with us was more enjoyable to them than the snacks and gifts. That is love! My favorite part about today was making the crafts with the kids because it gave me a chance to talk to them! One boy said his dream is to become famous one day and go to the United States. My heart was so soft today and I thank God for humbling me to share special moments with his children!

• Izy’s blog 

Today we had our first day of VBS in Kiamaiko!! I was apart of the crafts group  and I was able to decorate bracelets with the kids. The most special part of my day was being able to see my sponsor child again!!! I was so worried I wasn’t going to be able to, but as we worshipped with all the kids, i saw her right in the front. She recognized me and immediately her face lit up. It was so heartwarming to see her again and to see the joy on her face as we were dancing & praising together. Every single child I encountered today just radiated joy and I can’t put into words the impact they have had on me. Truly the best experience, I’ve been so blessed. Im so excited to see what the Lord will continue to do on this trip.

• Suzanne’s blog 

Today our Kenya team went to meet the MOHI main campus of Kiamaiko to meet the kids pre-school to 5th graders with VBS fun focusing on Matthew 28:20 “…I am with you always, to the end of age.”

After VBS we went into the community to visit at homes of some of the MOHI students. This was special to be able to spend time with and learn about the family to be able to provide encouragement and pray over the families. We prayed per their requests for needs such as health of the family members, and peace within their community.

To wrap-up the overall day at Kiamaiko the most touching part of my day was specific to child sponsorship. Yesterday, I learned that one of my teenage boys that I sponsor dropped out from the MOHI program; today I now sponsor a new 6th grade teenage boy named Chris and he’s wonderful. We are so excited for God’s blessings and the opportunity to help Chris with clothing for school, two meals a day at school, medical and dental care and a positive Christ centered educational environment helping kids thrive, and I shared pictures with him of my twin boys and shared about our family starting communication.

• Desiree’s blog

Wow, what a fantastic first day of VBS in Olturot today! As soon as we arrived, the community and the kids were bursting with excitement to see us visitors. The MOHI students welcomed us with a cultural dance and even invited us to join them as we walked through their corridor. The kids were so engaged with our activities, and during worship time, it was heartwarming to see their joy and love for the Lord. It was truly inspiring! Another super sweet highlight is I finally got to meet my sponsor child, Samson!

• Ava’s blog

Yesterday was such an incredible blessing. Our day consisted of orientation , home visits, and child sponsorship. It was such a special day filled with so much joy. The home visits were beautiful and touching. We met a woman named Monica who is truly incredible. We were able to pray for her and give encouragement. We also got to meet with our sponsor children, where I got to see my two sponsor children again. This was my favorite part of the whole day. Getting to connect with both Briteney and Scarlet. Their smiles and laughter was such a blessing. It was a wonderful day and I am so grateful to be in Kenya.

• Xavier’s Blog 

Day 1 was such a wonderful blessing just being able to see the little kids and to dance with them. Another thing was being able to meet with our sponsor children which was such an amazing blessing and seeing them so thankful for such little things like bubble gum was just so sad and heart breaking. Seeing the slums was very sad and difficult just seeing that the people there just had so little and were just so grateful for everything.  They were so proud of their little homes and their garden. On my home visit we were able to pray for Agnus and Kennedy.  Kennedy accepted Jesus and got saved. We prayed for wellness and prosperity. Day 1 was an incredible blessing.