Our Scripture Study
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” – Isaiah 6:8
As I sit and reflect on what God did during our time in Kenya it really is hard to put into words. It is something that you simply have to experience for yourself. I say that with two things in mind.
First, the culture and the people there are completely different from what you experience here. I know that is an obvious statement, but they are so grateful that we took the time and used our resources to come. They are kind, welcoming, and celebrate you in a way unlike anything you have ever experienced. They don’t have much by worldly standards, but they have joy that money can’t buy.
They were excited to receive the notes that we had prepared for them from our teaching because in some areas they don’t have access to learning materials. When I teach in America, I wonder if people are really getting anything out of it. In Kenya, at both conferences, the majority were listening intently and made sure you knew how much they appreciated the teaching and the handout booklet we provided. They were also incredibly excited to receive the certificate of completion that we gave them (see pictures below). Something that honestly you and I might sit on the table when we got home and eventually maybe even throw away. To them, it meant the world. Some proudly said, “This is my first certificate.”
At the end of each day, we invited everyone to share one thing they had learned. It was difficult to get them to stop talking. They had gained so much and were eager to share it with others. It was especially encouraging to hear the practical ways they planned to apply what they learned. One man said, “I am going to tell my wife I love her when I get home.” Another said, “I am going to cook for my wife,” something that is not common in their culture.
Those are just a few of the things I can tell you about, but it is difficult to fully understand unless you have been there yourself.
The second thing that you can experience, even without going to Kenya, is seeing how much God is at work around us. God called me there, so I went. While I was there, He worked in ways that I never would have imagined just a few years ago. I had the opportunity to teach people who have limited access to the Bible, feed those who are hungry, provide for those in need, and simply encourage people by showing up.
The trip also had a profound spiritual impact on those that went with us on the trip. My wife and son saw God at work like they have not seen before. My son was prayed over by a group of pastors who saw something in him and wanted to ask God to bless his life. They prayed over Amy and me as well as the ministry of ECMEN grows. You will have to talk to the others on the trip, but I know each of them returned home with a stronger faith.
I say that you can experience this for yourself because when you are obedient to God’s call, He shows up in ways that you never imagined. He might not take you to Africa, but even if it’s down the street, He can do things you never expected. Simply follow where He leads. I truly believe you will never regret being obedient to His call.
Have a great day in Christ,
Matt
Partner With Us
A huge thank-you to all of our sponsors and prayer partners who made this trip possible. Your generosity and prayers are helping change lives, and we’re so grateful for your faithful support.
If you’d like to become an ECMEN 300 Partner and help make future mission trips and ministry opportunities possible, we’d be honored to have you join us. Every gift helps us continue sharing the hope of Christ and serving communities locally and around the world. You can give online anytime using the link below.
