From a head teacher using a stick to remind children how to behave, to a village meal that was edible … … just; Kenya gave me lots to remember and think about. Rather than one big life changing trip it was much more lots of smaller experiences that I will be retelling for a long time to come. God had His hand on the whole trip, even as flights were delayed arriving 48 hours later than planned.
My primary reason for traveling to Kenya was to work with Francis, the kids work coordinator of IcFEM (www.icfem-mission.org) to help train and resource Churches and Sunday school leaders with new different ideas that they could use in their children’s ministry. I was invited to lead morning devotions held at the HQ of IcFEM. I was also able to spend a little time visiting local schools, sharing in some assembly time and seeing school life.
Francis had organised training meetings of Sunday School leaders from 40 different churches and representing over 3000 children. As children’s ministry is really undervalued in Kenya, my first aim was to encourage everyone, with examples of how kids ministry can make a big difference. I took and demonstrated some storytelling & ministry resources, that could be replicated across the network of churches that Francis co-ordinates. Finally I felt led to really challenge them with how they connect with the children that they teach. The challenge was two part: Firstly, how well do they as leaders show Christian living to the kids? Secondly, what do they do to help the kids experience the Bible and be drawn into church?
It has been a been a real privilege to be able to share my experiences of Kenya with the schools I visit. This month my assembly has been based on Kenya. in two schools I have been asked to spend extra time in classes and asked to talk about my reasons for going to Kenya, which has been a real joy. Two other schools have been so moved by my presentation that they are wanting to forge links with the IcFEM primary school and help financially with some of the need there. It has been so exciting to see God’s hand at work in this trip.
Paul Willmott