Reflections on Life and Ministry:

Greetings from Kenya, everyone! I am super excited to share another update with you about some of the amazing things happening here. But before I dive in, I just want to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who have supported me on this journey. Whether through financial support or prayer, your encouragement is deeply appreciated! I know it’s been a little while since my last update, so let’s get started!

The past week and a half have been awesome! We’ve had some busy days, but also some more laid-back ones. One thing I’ve learned about the mission field is that the pace can vary a lot. When we go on short-term mission trips, every single moment is accounted for because the missionaries only have us for a limited time—whether a week, ten days, or two weeks. They want to maximize the help they have while we’re there, so every day is packed. But being here longer-term, I’ve come to realize there are days where nothing major is happening. It’s been such a blessing to experience what “normal” life on the mission field looks like, which is often different from what I imagined. The learning process has been invaluable.

That said, we still have plenty of busy days, and they are incredibly fulfilling. We’ve been traveling to churches and Bible schools around the region to conduct children’s ministry training sessions. The goal is to empower Sunday school teachers to create their own lessons, rather than relying on pre-written materials. The Lord has been so faithful in this! People are encouraged, and they’re learning. But the success of this ministry is a reflection of who God is, rather than of us. I’ve met so many incredible people here, full of an indescribable passion for the Lord. They are eager to see Him move in ways only He can. I’ve learned that spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how much Biblical knowledge we acquire, but by how the Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to transform the way we live.

We also took a trip to the Kerio Valley, where we had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the valley and explored the area. The breathtaking view was a powerful reminder of God’s creativity and majesty. He has done so much for me during this journey, and I am humbled to be here as His servant. I pray that He continues to use me for His glory. But honestly, God has been working more on me than through me during this time, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful. I’ve grown close to the Vance family and the Hudsons, who have poured into my life in ways only possible through the bond we share in Christ.

I’ve also had the privilege of spending time with the local pastors here. Last week, Michael and I attended a pastors' fellowship, which was such a blessing. Since my last update, I’ve spent a couple of days shadowing pastors, which may have been the highlight of my week. We spent time doing ministry and having meaningful conversations. It’s been such a gift to glean wisdom from these men, who have answered God’s call to ministry. As someone who is continuously praying for clarity in my own calling, it’s been great to hear firsthand about the sacrifices and joys of ministry.

Yesterday, I spent a long but rewarding day with one of the pastors. It was a day that gave me a deeper understanding of what ministry is really about. We talked, and then walked to a residential area where university students live. We shared the Gospel with some of the students and later walked quite a distance to visit church members in their homes. It was such a joy to encourage them in the middle of their week. I had the opportunity to lead a Bible study at this church previously, so some of the members remembered me, which made our conversations flow more naturally.

I’ve learned that ministry is truly about people. That’s it. It’s so much more than just preaching or teaching a Biblically sound sermon. It’s about walking with people, living life with them, and sometimes even suffering alongside them. God is faithful, and He is at work here. Life is going well, and I love the people I’m surrounded by.

Below are some pictures, feel free to click through them!