Mission projects in Kenya

While hundreds of Baylor students are on mission trips around the globe, here is one group's story. Written by Lady Bear's Melissa Jones, who ventured out into the early morning with her team to meet with and feed street children in downtown Nairobi, Kenya. So moved by the experience and story from one she met, Melissa untied her own laces and gave away her own pair of shoes. You may notice she is barefoot in the photo of her, at the top of this posting.






Jambo!!!!

Today has been such a powerful day. This morning our sports ministry team of 28 members woke up at 5 and went to feed the children on the streets. It was such a moving experience to see the struggles so many people face on an everyday basis. Many of the children are so inspirational as they wish to get on their feet and to do things such as go back to school. It brings tears to my eyes to see what they have to go through. At times it was hard to watch as some children were “high” off of glue. It was hard to see it but it was how they mentioned it would get rid of their pain. God is working wonders in their lives though as well as ours. A strong man in faith named Pastor Boniface was there to lead us through it all. He actually manages feeding the children during the week in the morning and brings them in to not just feed them but to talk about God. He is such an inspiration to all of us to see how patient he is to deal with all the problems he faces. He even does as much as bring boys of the streets and bring them into his own home to help get them started. He also sends many off to school and clearly it shows how strong he is during these times. We appreciate all that he does but most importantly thank God for all he is doing in all of our lives.
This entire week and a half that we have been here has been such a life changing experience. Most people have the image of us coming to Africa to help and change people over here. If I have learned one thing however it is that the people here have changed me. Whether it be going to a school, orphanage, or even washing feet from chiggers, I have been extremely impacted. All the stories I have been told clearly make me realize that things at home are not what I now call a “struggle”. I thank God for helping our team make a difference here, but also for the positive change that is going on in my life as well.

Blessings,
MJ


Melisa Jones is a senior majoring in speech communication and is on the Lady Bears basketball team. She’s from Thornton, CO and this is her second trip to Kenya.