Kenya Mission Trip

by Sharron Hawk & Judy Stevens
 
When I received a message stating that Trinity Baptist was known as a church invested in missions, I was more than excited. IMB (the International Missions Board) was asking for a team from Trinity to volunteer to instruct children while their missionary parents were participating in a Home School Conference in Africa. Because I knew how important these conferences can be to families serving in remote locations, I was ready to go. But was this what God would have us to do? I began to pray, and went to Pastor John, who encouraged me to proceed. Would God lead members of our congregation to become involved in this type of mission? As people began to hear about this opportunity, God brought together a wonderful team of thirteen people who said yes to God’s call. God placed it on Judy Stevens’ heart to help in coordinating the trip. I was thrilled that she and Frank were willing to take on the leadership role as the winter months are busy for pastoral care. God faithfully brought together every detail of the trip and bonded a team of individuals, some who were meeting each other for the first time.
 
On March 9th we began our 24-hours of flights to Kenya. The mission effort was not without challenges. Illness was part of our journey. Team members who were healthy ministered to those who were sick, making sure they recovered while the work of the mission continued without interruption. Judy kept our church members updated on prayer needs and we kept seeing God answer those prayers. We gained strength from knowing our church family and prayer partners were praying for us. For security reasons, we cannot identify the children we taught but I assure you their smiles told the whole story. This was God’s mission not ours. He blessed in so many unexpected ways and left each team member with memories they will never forget. To God be all the glory.