Kenya: Stories from Our Students

A key part of our International Outreach is our partnership with Life Empowerment for Transformation International (LEFTI) in Kenya. This summer, 22 members from across our campuses traveled to the Kenyan highlands to lead a VBS and help build a local family’s home. For several high school boys, the journey began long before they boarded a plane, with fundraising and growing anticipation. Through their own words below, they share moments from the trip—from construction work to leading worship and connecting with kids.

When I first found out I was going to Kenya, I was so excited to be part of this opportunity—especially as a high school student.

I was eager to help make a difference no matter how small.

We raised money for the mission trip in a few ways. I connected my love for running with a donation campaign on social media (asking people to give a certain amount per mile), and I ran many miles over a few weeks. As I ran, this challenge helped me reflect on the journey and work ahead.

We also held a giant pancake breakfast before church one morning. We all pitched in to make enough pancakes for three services! As we gave away the pancakes, we told people about our mission trip and asked for donations.

At first, we were nervous to ask people to support this trip, but it became less about us and more about the mission. It was very humbling. We quickly learned that people love to make a difference. We also wrote support letters to loved ones, gave out lots of handmade Kenya bracelets, and more! What I want to remember most is how God provided all the funds we needed for this trip.

When we arrived in Kenya, the first thing we felt was their hospitality. We were so welcomed!

The people were so kind and joyful. It was moving to think about how different our lives are on the surface, yet to see how deep their gratitude is toward the Lord.

We had a bunch of games planned for the kids. I won’t forget the confusion as I tried to explain all the rules—we all had a blast laughing together.

We had the opportunity to help build a house!

Digging for hours was exhausting, but knowing I was serving the Lord helped me to keep going.

We attended the local church. Every Sunday, I still think about the worship and how everyone sang and danced with all their hearts! How amazing to worship the Lord together like that.

We also helped to host a VBS for the kids. As we led, it was hard to put ourselves second and focus on the day the Lord had in store for us—not on how tired, sunburnt, or sore we were.

One morning, I was extremely tired. I prayed and asked God for the strength and energy to serve the children at VBS with all my heart, and He gave it to me. I was able to serve as if I had slept for 24 hours.

We spent a lot of time hanging out with the kids, playing soccer, and just trying to connect with them.

In a sense, hanging out with kids looked a lot like what I do when I serve in Fusion every Sunday! It was powerful to see how similar we all are, even across the globe in the mountains of Kenya.

This trip taught me that sharing the Good News isn't just about sharing it—it’s also about showing Jesus to others through the way we spend time together.

Every day, I think about a new friend I made. He was so kind and joyful, and we really enjoyed hanging out. I found it so powerful that he was willing to walk three miles to come to our VBS.

God taught me to just be thankful for all that He’s done for me. I worry about the small things in life. I learned from the people in Kenya to be joyful and always be kind.

Church, we are so grateful for this partnership and for opportunities to share the same vision across seas and continents: making mature disciples of Christ. Will you please pray with us? We thank God for the work He is doing in and through LEFTI and for the impact these mission trips can have on those we serve and in our own lives. We are asking that much fruit will continue to come from this journey. If you would like to learn more about our partnership in Kenya, click below.