Missions Blog

Today was another full and rewarding day at AIC Zion. We began the morning by spending time in the classrooms, getting to know the students and learning from one another. Matt had the opportunity to share about his background with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and explain how dams help manage our rivers and waterways. The students, in turn, taught us about Kenya’s infrastructure and the important role it plays in their communities.

Later in the morning, we returned to Mathare to visit more of the students’ homes. As we sat with families, we listened to parents share their prayer requests and their dreams for their children to succeed in school and build a brighter future. Their faith, love for their children, and hope despite difficult circumstances were incredibly moving. We ask that, if you’re reading this update, you would join us in praying for these families—that God would provide for their needs, strengthen them, and continue to open doors for their children.

The afternoon was filled with fellowship and fun. Some of our team joined the students in games of volleyball, soccer, and netball, while others spent time in the classrooms talking with students about everyday life. We answered questions about what America is like, debated who might win the next World Cup, and simply enjoyed getting to know one another better.

Tomorrow will be our final day in Mathare. Around noon, we will say goodbye to the students and staff at AIC Zion before traveling to Emali, where we will spend the remainder of our trip serving alongside the ministry at Lion of Judah.

Thank you for continuing to pray for our team and for the people we have met here. We are grateful for every conversation, every smile, and every opportunity God has given us to share His love.

Today was our first full day with the students at AIC Zion School, and it was a day our team won’t soon forget.

The morning began with a special assembly where all 620 students gathered to welcome us. It was an incredible experience to see the excitement and joy on their faces. We were also introduced to the school’s Junior Scouts, who performed an impressive drill demonstration for us.

In the afternoon, our team divided into three smaller groups and, alongside teachers and students, visited several students’ homes throughout Mathare. We had the privilege of praying with families, encouraging them, and sharing the love of Christ. These visits gave us a deeper understanding of the daily challenges many families face while also allowing us to witness their remarkable faith, hospitality, and resilience.

We ended the day by simply spending time with the students during their afternoon free period.

Today was truly eye-opening. Walking through Mathare and seeing the community firsthand is something that pictures and videos could never fully capture. While the physical needs are evident, we were reminded that God’s love is present here, and it is a privilege to serve alongside the people of AIC Zion as they faithfully minister to their community.

Thank you for continuing to pray for our team, the students, and the families of Mathare. We are excited to see what God has in store in the days ahead.

Well, it's Friday, the last night of youth camp. The week has been wonderful and has gone by so fast! A family from the church, who has a pool, offered to host a pool party as a special treat. 

But before the swimming began, Chris taught on another I AM statement; I AM the resurrection and the life. He drafted a few of the youth to help him tell the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The lessons this week have been powerful and impactful. Pray for the youth that they apply what they learned. And pray for the kids who were new, that they would be transformed by the truth they heard. One new boy, Dani, came in the first night and was so scared that he looked like he was either going to cry or get sick. But by the end of the week, he was totally relaxed and having a good time. 

After swimming everyone enjoyed a delicious meal of pizza and s'mores. Interestingly, the Spain "futbol" team, or "soccer" as we would call it, was playing Belgium that night in the World Cup. So ordering pizza that night was like ordering pizza on the night of the Super Bowl. The restaurant was slammed with orders! 

As the kids ate, they were watching the soccer match on their phones. Spaniards are so proud of how well their team is playing and it was exciting to be there during the FIFA tournament. The fact that none of the teens decided to skip camp this night because of the game is a testament to just how great Fede and Lucia are doing with the youth.

Here's a picture of the whole camp gang wearing our camp shirt that Rose designed. And below that are pictures of our Global Workers, Fede and Lucia and their ministry partners, Chris and Rose.

Left to right: Lucia, Andrea, Fede, Eva, Veronica and Simon.

Left to right: Chris, Austin, Rose and Suzanna.

We thank the Lord for the opportunity to go to Spain as His ambassadors! And pray that our presence, love and service was an encouragement to Fede and Lucia and the entire church in Cabanillas. Thank you all for supporting and praying for us! We've said it many times, and we'll say it again. We may have been the ones who physically got on the airplane and flew to Spain but you were a vital part of the team also through your prayers and support!

To God be the glory! 

(We returned home safely late on Saturday night.)

We were all thankful to get a good night’s sleep after our long journey and woke up refreshed for our first full day of ministry in Kenya.

From 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., our team participated in three church services at AIC Zion. It was a blessing to worship alongside our Kenyan brothers and sisters in Christ. Matt Gilbert and George Adams each had the opportunity to preach God’s Word, and we’re grateful that the message of the Gospel was shared with so many throughout the morning.

After lunch, we continued to push through the last of our jet lag and traveled to the Mathare community for an outdoor evangelistic event known as a “Crusade.” Joined by the church’s choir and dance team, we spent nearly three hours singing, worshiping, and sharing the hope of Christ with the community.

Several members of our team—Dawn, Caleb, Seth, and Matthew—were given the opportunity to share their personal testimonies over the microphone with the large crowd that had gathered. It was encouraging to see so many people stop, listen, and hear how God has worked in their lives.

We returned home around 6:45 p.m., tired, but thankful for a full day of ministry. Tonight, we’ll get some much-needed rest as we prepare for tomorrow, where we’ll spend our first day with the students at AIC Zion School.

Thank you for continuing to pray for our team. We ask that you pray for strength, open hearts, and that God would continue to use us to share His love throughout the week.

After two days of travel, our team safely arrived in Nairobi around 11:00 a.m. local time. Our 14-hour flight from New York City went smoothly, and we’re thankful that everyone—and all of our luggage—made it without any issues.

After settling into our Airbnb, we fought the temptation to nap so we could adjust to the new time zone. Instead, we visited Kobe Tough, an organization that empowers single mothers and Maasai women by providing meaningful employment creating beautiful handcrafted jewelry and leather goods. They make beaded necklaces, bracelets, leather belts, purses, and other items that help support their families.

We had the opportunity to tour their entire production process, from start to finish, and were welcomed with a joyful song and dance that made us feel right at home. It was an inspiring reminder of how God can use work, community, and compassion to create hope and opportunity.

We’re all feeling the effects of a long travel day, but we’re grateful to be here and excited for what God has in store. Tomorrow we’ll be worshiping with the congregation at AIC Zion, where our team will lead the church service and teach Sunday school classes.

Thank you for your continued prayers as we begin this week of ministry. We look forward to sharing more updates with you in the days ahead!