As I had mentioned previously I spent the first week of March doing ministry alongside my parents in Kijabe, Kenya. This was the first time that parent's had been invited to join their racers on the field and I, along with 15 other racers from my squad (F squad) and G squad were blessed that our parents were able to join us. This was the first time that my parents had ever been on any type of missions trip and of course their first time in Africa! It was an incredible week for all of them and I was blown away at what God did in that one week. Before she left I asked my mom if she would be willing to write a blog about her experience to share with you all, and she so graciously agreed. I hope you enjoy hearing what my parents were able to experience as much as I did!
-Jess
In Kenya I saw faith in action in a way that has permanently changed my life….
The families of Maai Maihu showed loved and faith that goes beyond the levels we normally experience. In the midst of what is economic poverty…there is true gratitude and complete faith in God. Families who posses practically nothing, by our American standards, rejoice and praise God daily for the blessings they have…a roof over their head, food to put in their stomach, and their health. They welcome us into their very humble homes with tight hugs, huge smiles, and in the most hospitable way sit and share of their life with us. We chatted in the garden of a woman who after an extended hospital stay had permanent damage in both legs. She praises God that she overcame that, that God gave her the insight to build a makeshift well to hold rain water and gives praise that her cabbage and corn were growing well. She prayed for us and for our country. Holding hands and looking into the eye’s of little Michael’s mother I encounter Jesus…she is very ill…she has AIDS and her entire body is only skin and bones…it hits me that 4 yr old Michael will likely be an orphan soon. His mother has to fully trust that God will provide those who will look after her son…I have to truly and absolutely believe that God has Michael in the palm of his hands.
Door to door in the villages
The 61project is a fabulous testimony to the power of discipleship. Matt Patch, Kelly, Jason, Rhoda, Sylvia, Steven and others…they are true disciples of Jesus and every day they impact the lives of so many children from the Maai Maihu camp. They have a passion and a love to teach, to share, and to lead others to know and follow Jesus and to live in the truth and freedom of his Salvation. Their passion for Christ is palpable…their true love for others is evidenced through the work and the impact of 61project. They provide a living testimony of what Paul calls us to in Romans 12.
with some of the children from a village near Turkana
Working with Jessica and learning from her was a humbling experience and a great blessing. Seeing her faith in action, leading others to Christ, sharing the hope of Christ, and praying alongside with her was such a fulfilling experience. I see the work that God is doing her life, the impact the race has already had on her and the way that God is transforming her into the woman of God he intends for her to be. Experiencing this week with her helps me to know and understand in a new way her passion for missions. It gives me a fresh perspective and respect for the challenge of The World Race and for God’s transformative power.
Construction on the house
Every day with each ministry I witnessed faith in action in both the beautiful people of Kenya and in the missionaries working there. The last two days for us were the construction project for Momma Joyce’s house. This gave me an incredible experience of what God’s people can do when we all work together… the tear down and rebuilding of this house is a reminder of what happens when we release the old and embrace the new…a lot of work has gone into the house… it has a phenomenal start and good foundation…the house like all of us…is still a work in progress….for us this was a time for sowing and we know the Lord will provide what is needed to finish what has been started…I know the Lord will continue the work he has started within me and he is calling me to be so bold in my faith that I may not only witness these living testimonies of faith but that I too will live my faith through action…..
Maggie Martensen
