23
Jul
2010
Life Change in Kenya: Mollie’s Story
I have the opportunity to see life-change first-hand in NewSpringer’s lives as they join us for our trips to Kenya. Mollie participated in our June trip and has been so gracious to share her story and a few pictures with us.
“I can only attempt to put into words the things I saw, the things I felt, and how much God revealed himself to me during these 9 days. My trip to Kenya was by far one of the most life-changing experiences of my life. It broke me, challenged me, encouraged me, and changed me. God is very real, very mighty, and very faithful in Kenya as well as America. Here are some of the things God taught me and is still teaching me as I continue to process it all:
1. God answers prayers
(Matthew 7:7-8) I prayed earnestly for safety, health, and change. And I was completely safe, healthy, and definitely changed.
2. God is all we need
He is more than enough for me. The Kenyans were living in poverty fighting for survival, lacking basic needs, and yet were so full of joy and wore the most beautiful smiles.
3. God is faithful. So trust Him.
God provides for the Kenyans and their faith in Him is deep. They truly believe their treasure is in heaven (Matthew 19:30). The water they drink for the most part does not hurt them but would make us deathly sick.
4. God is love and loves unconditionally and so intensely beyond our comprehension.
The Kenyans have a deep and strong concept of love. They love with their entire beings. Their love for us, for each other, and for God is amazing. The children were constantly trying to hold our hands and rub our arms. If only we had the same intense affection and amazement toward God. God loves Kenyans and Americans; every tribe, race, language, and nation equally and passionately.
5. God’s word is real, living, and breathing
Kenya made the Bible seem so much more real: crops, thirst, hunger, disease, poverty, leprosy, etc. So many times I’ve looked over these matters and not really realize its still very real in our world today and the Bible continues to offer and glow with hope and new truths.
6. Give generously
The Kenyans have hardly nothing but yet were still trying to give us their possessions (rings, which were worth a month’s salary). Why don’t I love and give like that?
7. I’m so ungrateful
I don’t realize how blessed I am. The genuine gratitude of the Kenyans tore our hearts out. We have water, clean water; clothes;
shoes; homes; and food. Why do I have these things and they don’t?
(Luke 12:48)
We may be rich in possessions, but they are rich in spirit.
I am continuing to process everything that I learned in Kenya but I know my life will never be the same. I can’t wait to return to Kenya one day. It was like seeing a glimpse of heaven when praying together (Revelation 7:9-10). I am forever grateful for God providing for me to go on this trip. I have never learned so much in such a short amount of time and will forever have those children’s smiles in my mind and heart. May God bless whoever reads this letter as I have been so richly blessed. Thank you.”
You should join us for one of our trips!
