While difficult to reflect on such a moving trip, here are some final thoughts from Team Members...
Tom:
Linda:
This mission trip turned out to be more than I could’ve ever imagined. I feel like I received & leaned more than I could give. Spending time with camp counselors, learning about MOHI, visiting homes, sharing worship times, hosting VBS, meeting missionaries, etc. were all such blessings. I learned so much from the each person we met and from my team.
I learned I want to be more appreciative, joyful, thankful and welcoming, and attractive to others. All of these are qualities I saw in the children, the teachers, social workers and others that we met.
I also learned that we should be grateful where we are and to be resourceful with what God has given us. The children and staff were so appreciative for everything no matter how small it seemed - they found joy in it all. And they do amazing work with what seems like little resources.
My heart was full everyday from children just wanting to hug you or give you a high five. Plus I was able to meet my sponsor child - an amazing high school girl. She was just so friendly and smart - MOHI has made a real difference in her life. And then met a sweet 4 year old little girl to sponsor and also met her mother. It was such a privilege. I wasn’t sure how the parents felt about the sponsor of their chid but the minute I walked up to her she took my hands in hers and didn’t let go. And even though we had to talk through an interpreter, I could feel her love, connection and appreciation. I feel blessed to be a part of their lives.
MOHI is such an impressive organization. Their philosophy of not “handing out” but “handing up” is to be commended. It is making a difference not just for the moment but for the future. I feel honored to be a part of their mission work. And all because one person saw a need, took action and had faith.
Mike:
MOHI kids serving MOHI kids. This year, MOHI is celebrating 25 years of ministry and one situation I am beginning to see is prior MOHI students are becoming employed in the MOHI system as social workers, teachers, camp mentors, administrative staff, etc. This an example of MOHI’s purpose - community transformation.
You meet/see someone/something new each time. This is another in a line of several trips for me. Even though there is familiarity, there always is a chance to meet someone new. This time I met a driver who was so happy to be a part of a small group of MOHI Capital, the microfinance part of the economic empowerment program. He gushed when he told me how much personal savings he had accumulated with the program. I also witnessed for the first time, appreciation of the Angaza camp mentors. For being young adults, I was very much impressed with how rooted Christ was in their persons.
Heaven on earth. When you spend 12 days in the field with 10 Christ followers, you see the Kingdom of God in action. You see your team loving each other, working together, worshiping together, and praying together in the service of our King, Jesus. Indeed, a slice of heaven on earth.
Chuck (aka Glen):
Summing up what this trip ment to me in a few word is difficult - one word impossible. Those that due come to mind are greatful, humbled, joyful, inriched, and inspired to name but a few.
What started 25 years ago with one persons dream together with the grace of God has blossomed into the ministry that MOHI is today. During my time there I witnessed staff members, full of love, faith and dedication for GOD, the mission and the children. Living daily to be the light for them. They are truly heros.
Then there are the kids. Oh my the kids ! I pray that I will never forget their smiles, looking into their eyes and feeling the love they have to share, their hugs and their joy. I fell in love with each and every one of them.
It is encouraging to see the many people whos quality of life is being improved through the efforts of MOHI but due the shear numbers, there is much more work to be done. However, i know that GOD is there working through all Christ followers, one at a time we can make a difference.
It has been an an honor and a blessing to be a part of this beautiful team. We have sang songs, prayed, supported one another, loved one another and shared an experience together. We are bonded together in Christ and Kenya. I pray that these experiences are never lost to us and when we see each other our smiles and hugs mean just a little more than they would have otherwise. AND if a chorus of Jump, Jump, Jump were to break out in the commons on a Sunday you can count me in.
May we all run too and be the light I give you my heart !
Samantha:
The last 12 days have been nothing less than extraordinary for me as I had the joy and opportunity to work alongside a great team of JESUS lovers! I witnessed firsthand how incredibly successful MOHI is in the work they are doing. I continue to hear more stories of young adults desiring to give back to young students the blessing that they, themselves, have received. I was introduced to a single mother who works hard and was able to take advantage of the micro finance opportunity that is offered by MOHI. She paid off her loan and she is now saving for 2nd loan. I see the faces of hundreds of children who are learning and thriving and most importantly, having the opportunity to know, love, and follow JESUS. I heard story after story of how MOHI is impacting the lives and communities everywhere they go. They are doing so much great work and they are trusting GOD to do even more. With dreams of having permanent classrooms, a well, and hospital at their Chumani location and so much more. What a great joy and privilege it is for me to partner with an organization that is changing the trajectory of lives and transforming entire communities. I look forward to seeing all that GOD will continue to do through their faithfulness.
Lisa:
As my very first mission trip comes to a close, I feel a profound shift in my awareness…
I drink my coffee a little slower…☕️
I love on Lacey Blu a little longer…🐾🐾
I appreciate a hot shower a little more…🚿
I squeeze Chris’ hand a little tighter and listen to his stories a little more attentively…👩❤️👨
I savor the quiet morning before the world wakes up…🌅
I watch the fish swim in my aquarium, letting the sound of bubbling water soothe my soul…🐠🐠🐠
I listen to the birds singing outside my bedroom window with more gratitude…
I feel the cool breeze after the rain and notice the colors of the morning sky…
I savor the smell of clean sheets, the warmth of my mom’s afghan, and the sound of Christian music on the alarm clock radio…✝️
My walk along the flower garden lasts a little longer…💛🧡💜💚
I hug my kids a little tighter…💞💞💞
I’ve always counted my blessings, but today, I thank God for my life changing time in Kenya,
for the eye opening experience,
for new friendships made on my team,
for lifelong memories and moments captured…📸
for this heightened appreciation for life,
for renewed purpose,
for seeing the world through a different lens…
For the reminder that whatever time I have left on this side of Heaven is unknown ⏳
So my focus must stay on what matters most in my Father’s eyes.
I’m open…
I’m listening…
And patiently waiting for what my next assignment is in His Kingdom… ♥️💯
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Z:
Good morning Team Kenya-2025
My word is Awestruck.
At the very beginning I was taken aback by how God used the Mountain leadership to prepare us for such a blessing. From the start of the application and interview process things ran and kept running as a well oiled machine. God is a God of order and I’m happy to recognize and have Mountain as an example. There were meetings and greetings that invited us to learn from experienced
missionaries and share our fears and concerns. Very much needed for me.
God then choose partners to agree with me that if I go they will send me. I am still in disbelief of those who answered the call on my behalf. I’ve learned more and more that it’s about the SPRING not the THING. The given from home didn’t stop. People with Kenya children allowed us to represent them with a face, hug, smile, gift and prayers from their sponsors. What an honor.
Our team anchored together the entire time. I felt loved and supported. Our community climbed Mountains and I’m grateful to have learned a little something about each of them and more importantly about myself.
How to count your blessings. The Kenya community didn’t look to the left or the right, they just looked above to the heavens and trusted God to provide and protect. I believe that they truly believe, Let HIS will be done. This can be huge to really get in your heart when you are surrounded by not having enough or the wanting more mentality.
However, few are called and some are chosen and we all fit in one category or another. Just ask my newly found friends Mary and Wallace who taught; for God I’ll live my life is not my own but to serve. They trusted God and He’s shown favor to bless an entire community of people and He’s still using them to open doors.
Let’s not forget the Gerbers. Pick up your cross and follow Me and they did over 10 years ago. What a great living examples has God provided to us. To hear and adhere to Gods voice. This is such a powerful witness to see others living it out to this level is pure joy and encouragement.
Every Kenya person (leaders, bus drivers, cooks, teachers, interns, gardeners, social workers, Pastors and some many more) helped me to understand that it’s not always what it looks like but to see joy in things which may not even seems right. Believe that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. I want my heart to be like that in every way and everyday.
The children/people (students, mentors, passer by on the streets along with everyone I met) taught me to celebrate one another on a regular, be it a smile, hug, patients, kindness, gentleness and/or generosity because this is how Jesus love is shown right here on earth.
There’s still work to be done in hearing and obeying Gods word. My grooming has started with my first mission trip and my prayer is Lord continue to provide me with a clean heart to learn, live and do your will not my own. Let my life be a Thank You for all of my blessings seen and unseen.
I love the Lord and He has heard my cry.
Thank you Mountain leadership, Team Kenya 2025, the Kenya family and Holy Spirit which lives in each of us.
Peace and Blessings
This is my friend Pastor Thomas. While not just my namesake, his infectious smile and love for MOHI is very evident. He is a meek man, loves the Lord and cares for the children...I truly felt Better Together when I was with him.
So...keep your eyes on MOHI at www.mohiafrica.org and join in where you can...God is doing amazing things there!
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