Am I worthy? This was my first thought when thinking about going on a mission trip with my church. Am I worthy to spread the love of Christ to others? I found the answer to my question while serving others in Kisumu, Kenya. This past July, my husband and I journeyed with Emanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven to Africa to serve at Point of Grace Academy (POGA). This was our second trip to Africa serving the children of POGA. Pastor Dennis and Lorna Meeker are the founders of this school and orphanage, taking all children in regardless of their circumstance. Many of these children come to the school for a better chance at life or because their parents have passed away and have no other home.
We had the opportunity to put on VBS for over 650 students which included skits, crafts and recreational activities. We assisted the community by mudding a hut for a local family in need. The hut we built was a standard size of 20x20 which included a metal roof and cement floors. This home would house the parents and their 5 children. We also did 9 home visits over the course of our 2 weeks; to spread the message of God with others. It didn’t matter what church they attended or what they believed, they were just grateful to have us in their home and praying with/for them.
Our church sponsored the building of a section of cement wall around their high school to help keep them safe. We were also able to help prime and paint and cargo container that they would be using as a third classroom for their special needs children. One special evening, we were able to serve the children a special dinner of chicken, potatoes, rice, sauteed cabbage, japati (kenyan warm tortilla) and watermelon. They also were treated with a soda pop to drink. Most of these things are specialty foods for them and not given often.
What I enjoyed most was the children and their singing. It is the most joyous noise you have ever heard and can easily bring you to tears. Some of the children are not old enough to attend school yet, so they stay at the rescue center. It was so touching to see some of the quilts I made 4 yrs ago are still on their beds. We spent time with our sponsor child, Dennis who is currently a sophomore in high school. He has the best smile you have ever seen. They all are so grateful to our Lord and Savior for all they have, which is almost nothing. They don’t need much to see the eternal perspective over their earthly perspective. And this is the microcosm of going over there to serve. Being able to see that we don’t need much to be blessed and to know that we will see Jesus again in our eternal home. So to answer the question, am I worthy to spread the love of Christ, in a simple word- YES. Through faith, hope, and love….and a good hug!