Short-term Ministry, Long-term Change

God presented me with one of the greatest challenges of my life when He called me to do an internship to Kenya for two months in 2012. I had never been anywhere like that, nor did I want to, but God blessed my obedience. It wasn't an easy summer, but I grew in my relationship with God like never before. He taught me about His love and provision when I felt alone in a foreign land. He showed me how to take my eyes off of myself and how to become less of me and more of Him.

The next summer in 2013 I was asked to lead the intern team back to Kenya. I was reluctant once again, but God made it clear that I was the one that He wanted for this. I felt like I was starting to understand how Moses felt. During our preparations, God eased my heart and showed me that He doesn't call the equipped, but He equips the called.

Some of the most difficult experiences from the year before were the most enjoyable for me the second time. Only God could make me crave ugali and sukuma wiki (stiff maize flour and collard greens)—the food I could hardly stomach a year earlier. In 2012, I was laughed at for my accent, but in 2013 I was repeatedly complimented and asked why I didn't speak like other Americans. God used little things like these to be the example to my team that I couldn't be on my own. He blessed me with wisdom to share with my team, and I watched as the Holy Spirit moved and changed their lives for good.

I experienced firsthand how short-term cross-cultural ministry can facilitate a unique avenue for God to work in someone's life. He chose me to disciple others, as I had been discipled. My life and the lives of others have been permanently changed through an incredible ministry that I now get to work with even more intimately thanks to our God and you, his servants.