Kenya

We’ve hit the ground running since we arrived in Africa last Friday. We spent about a day and a half in Entebbe before we jumped into a Land Cruiser and drove to Nairobi, Kenya. We were blown away by what we saw this past week in Kenya. 

The reason behind our trip to Kenya was 1) to attend the Calvary Chapel East Africa pastors and leaders conference and 2) to spend time with the Potter’s Field crew, including Pastor Mike and his team who came out for the week. 

Calvary Chapel East Africa Conference

Local Pastor from Western Kenya

We were so blessed and encouraged to be at the conference, meeting so many local pastors who were sold out for the things of the Lord. It was so awesome to see these men who are committed to teaching the Word and teaching sound doctrine. It was fascinating for me to listen to them teach through 1 Corinthians 12-14 (spiritual gifts). I was so blessed to see this group of pastors, who live in a culture where the prosperity gospel and the abuse of spiritual gifts is so prevalent, teaching sound doctrine.  

Local Pastor from Rongai, Kenya

One evening at the conference, they held an afterglow service. This was one of those mountain top experiences with the Lord for me. The Spirit really ministered to me, as well as the pastors there. And it was so cool to see people who really embraced what the Calvary movement stands for, who really understand the Word, and who are so devoted to the Gospel of Jesus. We even experienced a man who spoke in tongues and then there was a powerful interpretation - and it was all done in an orderly way and was totally from the Spirit. It was an incredible night. It was so cool to see How God working in the East African Calvary Chapels. 

Pastor Mike - Potter's Field

Our time with Pastor Mike and the Potter’s Field team was also a blessed time. We are so encouraged to be a part of this ministry. We’re so blessed by the vision Pastor Mike has for children worldwide, because it is the vision the Lord has given us for Ukraine and the orphan work we were doing there, and hope to continue someday.

Kids Club

We were part of a number of kids outreaches that Potter’s Field is doing in Kenya. On Saturday (10/11), they held their weekly Kids Club program at the local Calvary Chapel in Rongai. This experience blew me away too. There are between 250-300 kids who regularly come to Kids Club. It was totally like one of those missionary photos or videos you see, with just a huge amount of kids who want a hug or to hold your hand, but instead of a video, it's real life for us now. It was a surreal experience for me. These kiddos are so precious - and it was amazing to see how Potter’s Field is taking care of their physical and spiritual needs.

This is what I love about Potter’s Field. It's not just doing humanitarian aid for kids or coming in, doing a onetime huge event and getting a bunch of kids fed and saved. It's about partnering with a local church, helping them to do what they're already doing, but on a larger scale. It's about reaching kids in the name of Jesus and working toward lasting fruit. I really love that we are working alongside the local church. I love that many local leaders in the church are helping with the ministry, and I love seeing the kids getting plugged into that church. These kids are building relationships with the local pastors from the Calvary Chapels - and I believe this is where the real discipleship begins and the lasting fruit comes from.

Now we've returned to Uganda and are eagerly waiting to receive our team of interns (on Wednesday), and begin ministry here - I’m excited to see what God has in store! It’s so awesome to see how faithful and loving God is to me. He continues to show Himself strong on my behalf. He continues to show me grace when I don’t deserve it. He continues to give me the strength and courage to keep my hand to the plow, looking neither left nor right - but with eyes fixed on Him. What a crazy season He is taking Emily and I through. What He is doing and how He is leading us through it - you can’t make this stuff up. All glory to Him, what an amazing God we serve.

God bless you guys,

Byron