Hello Friends and Family!

We are so excited to share that our family has been given the opportunity to go on a missions trip to Nairobi, Kenya in June of 2024! Our friends presented the idea to us in the summer of 2022 and we have been thinking and praying about it ever since. Now that idea and prayer has become a reality! We have dreamed of taking a family missions trip for many years, and God has opened up the doors for us to go in 2024.  

 

Where are we going?

We will be spending the majority of our time in and around Ngong Valley which is just outside of Nairobi, Kenya. Ngong Valley is one of three locations of GOYA Ministries, a non-profit organization. GOYA serves the children of Kenya by addressing critical needs in education, health care, and spiritual well being through sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. GOYA began in 2006 when our dear friend, Chad Parker, went on a missions trip and God opened up his eyes and heart for the people of Kenya. God also began a friendship with Chad and Pastor Shadrack and his wife Violet, Kenyan nationals, who were already doing ministry in the slums outside of Nairobi. Chad dreamed of how he could support Pastor Shadrack’s ministry and God has continued to move mightily through their partnership. We could share many stories of how God has provided abundantly for the people of Kenya, and countless lives have been changed through the love of Jesus Christ. 

 

Why are we going?

We know that God is working all around the world and we want to see and experience the work that He is doing in Kenya. We want to meet the people and learn more about their culture. We want to share the love of Jesus! We want to remind ourselves of the bigness of God and His ability to move mightily in seemingly impossible situations. 

 

What will we be doing?

We will have the opportunity to see all of the work that God has already done in several of GOYA’s ministry locations. We will spend the majority of our time at the high school and are excited to attend classes with the students, learn to make bread in their bakery, and participate in worship and devotions each day. We also plan to visit the slums so that we can share the love of Jesus with people who have not yet heard the good news of the gospel. We also hope to help with the short term ministry housing project. Depending on the timing of the project, we may get to help with the building process, assist with the finishing touches or help dedicate the space to the Lord to be used by future missionaries for many years to come. 

We have had the joy of sponsoring several children through GOYA ministries. During our time in Kenya we hope to meet them! We will also have the opportunity to witness firsthand the immense impact that the Child Sponsorship Program has on these children’s lives. By interacting with them, listening to their stories, and understanding their dreams and aspirations, it is our desire to become a stronger advocate for these young image-bearers, striving to provide them with the love, care, and support they truly deserve. 

We know that this trip will stir our hearts to dream about how we can better partner with GOYA to further their mission to “Radically change the slums of Nairobi, Kenya with the hope and love of Jesus Christ,” and open our eyes to how God is working and how he might use us to share the love of Jesus around the world.

 

How can you help?

We would like to invite you to be a part of our trip through your prayers and/or financial support. Your generous contribution will help cover travel expenses, accommodations, on-ground transportation, and most importantly, allow us to support these children in need. No amount is too small, and any donation you make will make a significant difference in the lives of these children.

 

Thank you in advance for partnering with us in this adventure! We know it may be a sacrifice to support us financially, and our family wants you to know how much we appreciate it. In addition to your financial support, we would greatly welcome your prayers for our family. We are excited to see all that God will do on this journey and your prayers play an important role before, during, and after the trip.