First Short term mission trip of the summer.

Students watch so attentively. 

We recently had a team come on a mission trip to Gtown and the surrounding areas. The team consisted of the Worrell Family- they have a huge vision for the global church, Miss Brittany- who was roommates with Nevaeh last summer at a church camp while we were on our Home Assignment, Vicki Noggle- who is a faithful friend on a personal level, and Vanessa- a teacher with a heart to learn and serve.

Short term missions is beneficial when the people come to join in the work that God is already doing. It also is an encouragement to those on the ground. We felt blessed by this team providing heart to heart discussions, having fun completing 2 puzzles, eating meals together, and getting to introduce the people we have been praying for salvation to come to them and their families. 

Missions is important because God commands it in the Great Commission. As we are obedient "to go" overseas God works through us to tell of His goodness and bring healing to the hurting. This short term team was able able to act out the story of Jonah at a local school where two religions are represented. The students at the school were so attentive and interactive. This book of Jonah has been tremendously challenging to me (and my family) recently. The Lord told Jonah to go to Nineveh and give His message to the city. God was going to destroy them because of their wickedness . Just as God sent Jonah, we believe God has called us to come here to Northeast Kenya. Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh- he went on a boat going in the opposite direction- " running away from God." We can relate to this feeling at times because we have faced people who have lied, stolen, and cheated us and that's hard to accept. It can make us want to run away.

 In a previous post I wrote about having to fire the Shepherd at the farm because 33 goats went missing. After this happened 8 more goats went missing and the police were called in to do an investigation. They gathered statements and interviewed farmworkers. They finally locked up the suspect. The suspect was the first man who came to study the Bible many years ago. Everyone knows of Jason's deep love of this man and often have felt this man was his favorite. When Jason was called in to press charges he asked for this man to be released. We did not come here to lock people in jail. We came to tell others about Jesus. Jesus came to "proclaim freedom for prisoners" and set the oppressed free". 

Although no charges were pressed we did have to "let this man go" from working on the farm. His debts were forgiven and he went peacefully. This was still a painful decision. In the story of Jonah- God reminds Jonah that He always gives chances for people to repent and turn to Him. He is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity." Jonah 4:2 We stand firm knowing that no matter what struggles and temptation come, we all can repent find forgiveness from God. Until we take our last breath there is still time to receive God's mercy. God remains to be the final judge and One day we will all stand before Him to give an account of our lives. We rest in this.

As always it was sad to say goodbye to this short term team. Me (Bekah) and the Witt girls immediately went back to doing school and Jason continued on facilitating house buildings for the farmworkers. While the team was here they were able to finish painting the Detroit Lions house. You can see the bright blue and silver colors from far away. What a gift they gave to the village to come all the way from the US to love on people face to face. Lots of children would come up to them longing to hold their hands or be held. They were a true reflection of Christ and are welcomed to come back anytime. 

Jason asking if the students remember the Worrell family from last time they came.

On the boat traveling away from Nineveh. 

Circling up for some outside games and activities that Josh Worrell leads.

Miss Brittany is securing the tail onto the big fish while Chloe Worrell helps. 

Precious students showing off their artistic skills.

Our family has known Vicki and her family for a long time. It's so special that she came out to visit for a second time.

Cameron Worrell is the same age as Righteous and their love for the God has brought
 them to be close friends. 

We were able to share the story at another school a few days later.

One of two puzzles we got to do.

One afternoon we went out for juice and ice cream. 

The finished Detroit Lions house. 

This little one never wanted to leave Miss Brittany alone.