In January, a team of mission partners from a California church visited SEEDS of Joy in Kenya. Here is a brief report from one of the team members, Molly.
“One of the highlights of the trip for me was meeting such beautiful and kind-hearted people, who were each so incredibly hospitable and gracious toward us. I was blown away when we got off the plane in Kisumu and were greeted by the Masai tribe. They drove over 4 hours to greet us at the airport and to make us feel welcomed. What an honor!
Another highlight was meeting all the children and students from the school, and taking a tour of the classrooms and meeting the teachers. The kindness of every person we met was so refreshing.
The day before the bible college graduation ceremony, we were welcomed in to sit with the graduates as the administrators and board members ran through the ceremony for the next day. As I listened to the graduates introduce themselves and tell us a little bit about themselves, I was overwhelmed with this feeling of sheer amazement at the enormity of what they had accomplished, not only in graduating from the bible college, but in the dedication and devotion it took not to give up. The obstacles they faced, I could not have even imaged before taking this trip. When we were asked to give words of advice to the graduates, I felt entirely inadequate to give such feedback, as they had accomplished so much more that I had. All I could muster was a heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS, and that they should be so very proud of their achievement.
The other highlight was speaking with the staff. Each and every staff member was so passionate about what their role was within Seeds of Joy, but also so supportive of other areas of the organization and staff as well. It was so nice to see the relationship they all had with one another, and how they continually gave glory to God for all the success of Seeds of Joy.
Seeds of Joy is doing such amazing work in Kenya, and beyond. When Pastor Joel prayed, listened and obeyed what God was calling him to do in his community, a whole new world of hope opened up for the community. By opening the school to children in the community and by working toward a fully operating medical dispensary that will eventually serve the needs of the public, the lives of this community are being transformed, spiritually and physically. Children are being fed meals regularly, and receiving education they might not have otherwise received. More than 100 churches have already been planted by the graduates of the Bible college. People are hearing the word of God through this ministry, and are seeing Jesus through the love and kindness of this ministry.
Last thought, I am so excited that our church is now partnering with Seeds of Joy and the work in Kenya. I continue to pray for the friends we met there, until we see them again.”
