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"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks him;" Lamentations 3:25 |
Faith Unlike Any I Have Ever Known
On August 2nd I boarded a British Airways flight for London, then on to Nairobi, with a group of students and adults who were using their summer vacation to make a difference in Kenya. Having lead groups to Tutwiler, MS for many years I was comfortable with the process, but anxious about how people would cope with the travel, food and large number of orphans we would come into contact with. Would people remain healthy, was I qualified to lead an evening meditation to add a spiritual aspect to all we did and would the group remain safe, as parents were entrusting their students to our care and protection. I think it is very hard for someone like me to really trust God, and I don't believe there is some unwritten contract, whereby if I go to do what I believe is God's work, then no harm will come to me. What I believe is that God promises to walk side by side with us through life, no matter what we encounter.
Neema House in Eldoret is run by Joshua and Miriam. For the first time in my life I met a man and woman who truly trust God to provide for their daily bread, and the food for the over 40 orphans they have taken in. Joshua told us of times they had completely run out of basic foods and then miraculously people appeared with what they needed. Our group had brought beans and rice, purchased locally with money raised by Aimee Hindson of La Canada, who asked her friends to bring donations for Discover the World instead of presents for her 17th birthday. As I write this from my comfortable office in La Canada I think about Joshua and Miriam, that their daily struggle is going on right now and the faith they have that God will provide - truly amazing.
Looking back I know God was leading our trip, everyone stayed relatively healthy, our agenda came off without any major issues and based on the many conversations I have been told occurred on the trip, many peoples lives were impacted. I lead these groups because I wish someone had taken me to some of these places when I was younger and I love to see God at work in the lives of the students. I have learned to trust God in these situations, but the faith I saw when I traveled to Kenya this summer is unlike any I have ever known!
Bob McGlashan is a building-contractor from La Canada, CA |
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"for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" Philippians 2:13 |
Hearing God
by Michelle Varraveto
In August, I went on a mission trip to Kenya, with La Canada Presbyterian Church and Discover the World. It was the most amazing experience, especially since the trip had been my dream for three years. All the children at the orphanages were so thrilled and excited to have us there. As soon as our bus stopped every day, they swarmed around the door, ready to shake our hands and say, "Jambo!" The children were so overwhelmed that many did not stop smiling until the moment that we drove out of sight. They showed a great interest in the crafts that we brought. We made friendship bracelets, picture frames, and colored posters. We played a lot of soccer and jumped rope. Everyone was eager to experience every craft and activity. Sometimes some of us did some construction like building a chicken coop and painting a room. Those of us with cameras took many pictures of the children, which aroused much excitement. All the kids wanted to have their picture taken and take pictures themselves because they had never seen what they looked like. An astonishing aspect of the trip was the generous hospitality that the children bestowed upon us. We distributed hats to each orphanage. At one, in particular, I commented on a boy's hat and he took it off and offered it to me. I politely refused but I was stunned. This boy had next to nothing, but he was offering me his hat. Later on that morning, we handed out snacks. Many kids never realized how hungry they actually were. The same boy who had offered me his hat also offered me two of his fruit snacks. What amazed me was that even though he had little food, he still wanted to give me his snacks.
What impressed me the most was the amount of faith that these kids had. We said prayers both in the beginning and the end of our journey to each orphanage. It's unbelievable how little these kids have but what they do have is an incredible faith and hope for the future. They believe that everything that happens is a result of God. This faith was so inspiring and it changed my life. After hearing many stories, I realized that I wanted to make a bigger difference in Kenya. I realized that God's love is impenetrable and he has blessed each and every one of us. My relationship with God boosted to great heights. I never really had a relationship with God. I became involved with small groups at my church but, being a competitive swimmer, I found it hard to make it to church. After this trip, however, I realized just how much God loves all of us and that just going to church does not always build relationships with Him. I have grown spiritually and the Kenyan experience made me realize just how fortunate I am here in California. This trip was truly the trip of a lifetime and I would go back in a heartbeat.
Michelle is a Junior at La Canada High School |
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"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God" 2 Corinthians 4:15. |
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S.I.F.A.
One of DTW's outstanding partners is Student Initiatives for Africa. On our trip in August 2009 we had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the distribution of over 1,500 mosquito nets and water filters in the heart of the slums of Nairobi. Their informative and more detailed newsletter about the trip can be found by clicking on the following link: S.I.F.A. newsletter
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"Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me." Psalm 142:7 |
In this issue I'm excited to share with you a few snap shots of our recent visit to various Discover the World projects for orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya. Over 30 students and adults from California and Colorado discovered a world of great need and delivered a gift of compassion and great love to several hundred children. I am holding the newest of those in the picture to the right, Douglas Kiruru, born May 2009. I am honored to share his name. 
