Falling In Love

I have been a believer for a long time, but stepping out in faith and giving up control are hard for me. Going to Kenya last fall was totally out of my comfort zone, but I had felt God calling me to missions for a long time and it was time to step out in obedience and GO. God answered my prayers about everything I was afraid of and that I had used as excuses. Joshua 1:9
I fell in love with the people of the Mathare Valley. The children in the school were so excited to see us each day. Their smiles, hugs, enthusiasm, and joy are absolutely unforgettable, even though they live in unbelievable situations. I can hear them singing the songs of Jesus, Oh what a fabulous memory! They are getting to hear and know each day how much God loves them and that they are not forgotten by God or His people. In our community visits each afternoon, the people were so welcoming. They were delighted that we had come to their home, even though their home was about the size of my walk-in-closet with no water or electricity. They treated us graciously and would share prayer concerns with us. I got to pray as a young single pregnant girl, Esther, accepted Jesus as her Savior.
I fell in love with the work of Missions of Hope International, MOHI. When we left the Mathare Valley I knew with confidence that the Discipleship Officers from MOHI would keep in contact with Esther to help her grow in her new relationship with Christ. I knew the Community Health Officers from MOHI would stay in contact and help her during her pregnancy and with her newborn's care and development. I wonder if someday that sweet baby will get to go to the school and learn about Jesus from the MOHI staff and mission teams that come to share with the children. MOHI works through the school with the whole community. They offer classes and training for adults, they have a health clinic, and so much more. They are being the hands and feet of Jesus in that hard place. I am SO thankful that I got to join them and continue in prayer for their ministry.
I fell more in love with our gracious loving God. I saw our Father God faithfully sustaining His people. Psalms 145:13-16 I saw Him as impartial and reaching out to each of these people, and even me. I saw Him as sovereign, loving, merciful. Even in the hardest of life's circumstances, God is enough! He can give a joy and a purpose that are not dependent on what we have or where we are. I am a sinner, saved by His Grace. Romans 5:8 I came home from Kenya more aware of who God really is, and how much He loves us by sending Jesus to die for my sins. He is a God truly worthy of our praise and our adoration.
I am excited to get to go back to Kenya to join in the work that God is doing in the Mathare Valley. I am excited to get to encourage and serve alongside our very own, Andria Moushon, who is a full time missionary serving with CMF. Her main task is to find people who are willing to sponsor a child so they can come to school, get 2 meals a day, and be nurtured and loved by people who love Jesus. It truly is a beautiful thing! I'm thankful for our church and its commitment to missions so we can each be a part of Jesus' hands and feet here and around the world.
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