Annelie's final thoughts

This was my third and definitely not last trip to Africa. My heart belongs there...it beats with the drums of Africa. This trip has been the best yet. The way we were able to connect with each other as a team, the kids, and the Kenyan leaders in such a short amount of time is something that only God can do. I feel so blessed to have met the amazing leaders that we worked with. Everywhere I went, every person I met, every song I sang, was a gift from God. It's like He is giving me a glimpse of my future in every moment I've spent there thus far. The people of Africa have touched me in ways that no words on a blog can describe. My mindset in going over there every time is that I'm going to help them...to bless them. In return, I am always the one being blessed. Their steadfastness and faith in the Lord is unfathomable to me...but not unattainable. I have truly been inspired by these people and I look forward to my future in working with them on a long-term basis.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen"
Ephesians 3:20

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..Holding Fast..
Annelie Ardan

"In my deepest wound I saw Your glory and it dazzled me." [St. Augustine]

Thoughts from Hector on his trip

First Mission Trip
Location: Kenya, Africa
Purpose: To Glorify God

First of all, I want to thank God for giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit.
I strongly believe that the Holy Sprit guided me through making the decision between a short mission trip to Kenya Africa or a romantic vacation with my wife in Italy.

I am joyful because the decision was an easy one for me with His help. I had been given so many wonderful days vacations in my 27 years of life and I knew it was time to give some of my precious vacation days to praise the name of Jesus and share my life with my brothers and sisters in Kenya.

When we finally arrived Nairobi the joy of the Kenyans and everything about the trip surpassed every expectation I had. We shared 2 weeks playing, worshiping, sharing, and loving with incredible children of God. I am not just talking about the little ones but the big children too. Yes, I am referring to the Kenyan adult staff who helped us and encouraged us so much with their goals, spiritual ethics, and dedication to work for God. From the little children I learned be humble and worship with faith that is pure and innocent.

The team from the US had an amalgamation of talents that helped to touch many lives in Kenya. The main purpose of the trip was to glorify God and that is what the team did. I am keeping all the joy from this trip deep in my heart and am joyful to pass along the great commission that Jesus gave us as His brothers. I exhort all of you to fulfill this commission and become a member of God’s Team.

Then Jesus came to them and said "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."(Matthew 28: 18-21)

One of the most important aspects I learned from the trip is that the mission begins now. The great mission is our daily life at work with family, but especially around our communities. There are needs all around us and Jesus wants us to focus on those needs and love, keep loving, an keep loving!!!

My dear brothers and sisters, may Jesus illuminate the path of your lives to God, and may the Holy Spirit give you the gifts that are necessary to become a missionary for Christ all around the world.

Sincerely,

Hector J. Castellanos