Reflections (by Diedra Barton)

It is hard to find the right words to describe my mission trip experience. I know each trip is different in its own way and every person walks away with different feelings and emotions. For me, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to be a small part of God’s plan. I was completely amazed and overwhelmed by the power and presence of God while in Africa.
“How Great Is Our God”??

--He gave us safe travels to and from Africa. This included flying with connections and layovers and driving on some rough roads. I never felt scared or in any harm while in Kenya.

--Although the devil tried to slow us down in the beginning with sickness, God healed and got us back on our feet ready to do whatever needed to be done.

--He forever changed the lives of 16 people during our street evangelism. I actually got to witness 3 ladies pray to receive salvation.

--He blessed each member of the team with fellowship and new friendships were formed among ourselves and with the Kenyan people.

--His presence was known at the crusades nightly. God’s Word was proclaimed and each night many came forward to confess their sin and accept Jesus as their Savior.

--We witnessed God’s creations during the safari -- from all the animals to the sunrise and sunset. It is one thing to know about and see pictures of the lions, cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, impalas, gazelles, etc. It is another to actually be among the wildebeests while they are migrating and witness the mother cheetah on a hunt to feed her offspring. Most of the animals were content and very photogenic since they did not feel they were in danger from us.

I will never forget the children: how they greeted you by waving and shouting “How are you?” If they were in a group, it sounded as if they said it in unison. The moment the van stopped, the children were at the door ready to shake your hand before you even stepped off. They all seemed to want to just hold your hand or touch you. A smile or an encouraging word would just light up their faces. They were so precious and loving and completely unrestrained in their feelings toward you. They would fall over one another trying to shake your hand or touch you. One of the things the children at the school recited in the morning was “God is good all the time. So far so good.” They were well-mannered in saying thank you and they even curtsied. I was able to help serve the children lunch during VBS. We were told that sometimes this might be the only meal they receive during the day and the children were fed more when there were visitors. Their lunch bowl included ugali similar to thick grits, potatoes, meat (only one piece), cabbage and broth. It was rationed out by age and size. After all were served, seconds were offered until there was none left and not all got seconds.

I was completely overwhelmed the first night of the crusade in Lucky Summer. You witnessed the terrible conditions and poverty that the people lived in and the hard lives that they lived day to day; but it all seemed to fade as worship began with singing and dancing and praising God. The joy of worshipping with them was contagious.

I am so thankful that God called me to join in with 17 other brothers and sisters to minister to the people of Kenya. I knew going into it that I would be blessed but I had no idea just how much. I now have a great love for the Kenyan people and I desire and pray blessings and prosperity for all of them. Even though we went to serve and minister to Kenya, I feel that we were served and ministered to as well. The Kenyan people were so welcoming and loving. We did not lack for anything but maybe sleep.

Thanks to all: It was great to partner with Pastor Wambua and the members of Baptist Chapel and with Principal Moses and the Kariobangi Baptist Youth Center. Thank you for your servant attitudes. Thanks to everyone that supported us and lifted us up in prayer during our entire journey. Many thanks to each team member for love, compassion, unity and friendship.

I believe our prayer from Psalm 67:1-3 was answered -- God was gracious to us and blessed us tremendously and His face did shine upon us during our trip. To God be the Glory!!!