Missions Blog

Our final day in Kenya was one filled with worship, gratitude, and many emotional goodbyes.

On Sunday morning, we attended church with the students at Lion of Judah, where the service was held on the school grounds. Students from grades 6–12 participated throughout the service by sharing memory verses, singing songs, and reciting poems they had prepared. Their joy, confidence, and love for the Lord were evident in everything they did.

Matt Gilbert had the opportunity to preach once again, encouraging both the students and staff with God’s Word. At the conclusion of the service, our team was given the chance to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible welcome and hospitality we had experienced throughout the week. Although we traveled to Kenya hoping to be a blessing, we left feeling that we had been blessed just as much by the people we came to serve.

Saying goodbye was by far the hardest part of the trip. After spending the week building friendships, laughing together, worshiping together, and sharing life, it was difficult to part ways. There were many hugs, tears, and promises to pray for one another before we finally pulled ourselves away and departed the school around 2:30 p.m.

From there, we began the long journey home. We traveled from Nairobi to New York City and then on to Pittsburgh, arriving home on July 20 around 2:00 p.m. after over a full day of travel.

As we reflect on this mission trip, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We witnessed God at work through churches, schools, families, and communities. We experienced the joy of serving alongside fellow believers, built friendships that will last a lifetime, and were reminded that the body of Christ extends far beyond our own community.

None of this would have been possible without the support of so many people back home. Thank you to everyone who donated, prayed faithfully, and followed along with these updates. Your generosity and encouragement made this trip possible, and you were a part of every conversation, every prayer, and every opportunity we had to share the love of Christ.

From all of us on the team, thank you. May God continue to bless the ministries at AIC Zion and Lion of Judah, and may He continue the work that He has begun in the lives of everyone we had the privilege of meeting.

Asante sana—thank you very much.

July 15 – Our Final Day at AIC Zion

Our last day at AIC Zion was filled with both joy and bittersweet goodbyes. Thanks to the generosity of our church family, Chapel Ministries, and Vacation Bible School, we were able to distribute toys and gifts to the students and teachers. Seeing the excitement and gratitude on their faces was a wonderful reminder that even small acts of generosity can have a lasting impact.

Through the donations that were raised, we also had the privilege of purchasing chapati and potato stew for the students. Our team helped serve lunch, and it was a blessing to share one final meal together before saying goodbye.

After lunch, we loaded up and began the drive to Emali. Along the way, we experienced a brief vehicle breakdown, but thankfully it was quickly resolved, and we safely arrived around 6:00 p.m., ready to begin the next part of our mission.

July 16–17 – Serving at Lion of Judah

Our first two days in Emali followed a similar rhythm. Each morning, we spent time in the classrooms interacting with the students, helping with lessons, and building relationships. In the afternoons, we joined them for games, conversations, and plenty of laughter.

One highlight was the school’s track-and-field event. It was incredible to watch some of the best young runners in Africa compete. One student even ran the 200-meter dash in an impressive 21.44 seconds—a reminder of the remarkable talent and potential these students possess.

July 18 – A Day at Amboseli National Park

Today, we had the opportunity to take a field trip with the Maasai Boarders students to Amboseli National Park. It was an unforgettable experience as we saw elephants, giraffes, African buffalo, hippos, wildebeests, antelope, and ostriches in their natural habitat. The beauty of God’s creation was on full display, and it was a special day to share with the students. We returned home around 6:00 p.m., tired but grateful for another incredible day together.

As we write this, it’s hard to believe that tomorrow is our final full day in Kenya. It’s bittersweet knowing our time here is coming to an end. Over the past week, the students, teachers, pastors, and families we’ve met have welcomed us with such incredible love and hospitality. While we’re looking forward to seeing our families back home, we’re also saddened to say goodbye to the friends we’ve made here. We would appreciate your prayers as we finish our final day of ministry well and for safe travels as we begin our journey home. Thank you for praying for us every step of the way.

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.)