God is our Protector

Written by Mikaela G — Interning in Kenya 

The Kenya Team arrived in Elengata a few days ago. This morning, me, Audrey and Tom, our host from AfricaHope, went to a boma. Bomas are like family compounds. We helped service their Aqua Clara water filters by having the people clean their filters and then showing them how to reassemble them. 

As we were walking with some people in the village, they told us that elephants sometimes come near their village and smash trees and cause destruction. Currently, we have a curfew at 6pm every evening because there are elephants in our area and that’s when they typically start roaming around. The villagers told us that they are afraid at night because they think that the elephants will hurt them. As a result, they feel unsafe. In the same way, we can relate to feeling afraid or unsafe in a new place. We tend to want to retreat when things are scary. We should remember that God is our provider and he will keep us safe. 

Being overseas again for the first time since I was a little girl has been challenging, but great! I love meeting new people, getting to know them and making new relationships that I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t come. I love that we get invited to have dinner with friends at their bomas and share a meal followed by good conversations….then stepping outside and seeing the gorgeous sky. I love seeing the stars! It reminds me of how God is always with us, even when we feel overwhelmed or afraid. 

In 2 Timothy 4:5 it says, “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” This verse helped me see that when I was feeling afraid of not knowing what to expect here in Kenya and feeling like I couldn’t do it, that God already knew. He wanted me to not forget that he was with me the whole time and that I can give him my fears. He can give me strength and comfort when I feel afraid and he reminds me that he is walking with me every step of the way. I love how in the midst of a hard day, I opened my Bible to find that verse in 2 Timothy. It gave me the encouragement I needed and reminded me of how God is working in my life each day growing me. I am thankful that I have this opportunity to grow and learn this summer, as well as see that my fears are nothing because God is my protector.