redemption songs

(Session 1 Campers: Zite, Arden, Me, Rachel, Mary Shae)

We just finished our first week of camp- Oh, how time flies! Working with the Middle School girls (Meru Mountain Group) was so much fun! Even though we had a small cabin (there were only four campers in my cabin), the Lord definitely used that time to build deep relationships quickly. The girls in my cabin were all MK's (missionary kids), and one girl was in my cabin last summer! It was a blessing getting to connect with her again this summer, as well as really relating to these girls and getting to disciple them and encourage them in their faith. The girls were stretched by new activities such as camping, rock climbing, and other activities. Each girl was so different, but much like the Body of Christ, it was beautiful seeing how they worked together, complimented and encouraged one another, and how each of their personalities fit together.

(Rock Climbing with Stephen)

After camp ended on Saturday, we packed up to move to Nairobi for the week. This week we will have the opportunity to serve in different capacities here in the city. Sunday, Bradyn Boone and I got to teach the 4-6 year old class at the International Christian Fellowship Church (which is the community I will get to worship with throughout the year). Yesterday a group of us got to visit Eastleigh to serve and do street evangelism. We got to share the gospel with many people living on the streets in poverty who we met, encourage and pray for people who are sick or injured, and serve alongside Made in the Streets Ministry. Seeing Eastleigh is so difficult, and I wrestle daily with what my response needs to be. Seeing young children living in such extreme poverty on the streets in the middle of piles of trash is heartbreaking, and almost a hopeless feeling. At one base we visited (a base is where a group of people will live together, usually about 5-15 people who help each other survive and get food) there were about 15 young children who were all sniffing glue to get a high in order to escape the feeling of hunger. I don’t understand, and it breaks my heart—Yet, I still trust that God is greater than that darkness and sin in that place.

Today has been an incredible reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing me here. Today we visited Kimulu. Kimulu is the farm where children who have been rescued from the streets of Eastleigh through Made in the Streets Ministry. Children who live at Kimulu are in between the ages of 12-18. The kids come live in Kimulu to get an education, learn skills to get a job after they turn 18, and are taught about the Bible.

We worked with Aggies for Christ to run programs today at Kimulu. And I saw Kelly Davidson! What a small world! (:

Today I met lots of new friends…a couple of them were Mary and Mary. These girls had just come off the streets 9 days previously. They had been living at a base that we visited yesterday. They had to leave their mothers, sisters and brothers on the streets…they had been told if they went to Kimulu that they would be killed and eaten. They had previously done drugs, and said they were forced to eat rotten food to survive. They told me how living on the streets was a hard life, but they prayed every night that God would protect them. When they were sick they prayed and had faith that God would heal them. And he did! Not only physically, but now they are a living example of Gods redemptive power in their hearts and souls. They were so full of joy. It was powerful seeing where they came from and where they are today.

(At Kimulu: Me, Mary, Melody Taylor, and Mary)

The kids at the farm showed me once again how God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). How we need never to forget the things God has done for us… “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins, and heals your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with love and compassions, who satisfies your desires with good things…The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103: 2-5, 8). God healed Mary and Mary from physical disease on the streets and is now in the process of healing their broken hearts and binding up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

What a vivid and evident reminder of the hope we have through Jesus Christ and God’s redemptive power!