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“In the past few years I have been pursuing a call to ministry, and especially to missions. I have been able to “Go Near” to Kenya twice now, and both times were life-altering in so many ways. While on the trip, I was able to teach school children a Bible curriculum that covered the entire Bible. My favorite part of the trips is being able to sit with the kids, young or old, and have genuine conversations with them. I learn where they come from and how they live in the Kenyan culture. My relationship with God has also changed a great amount as a result of my trips. As we were at the school and the surrounding areas, I was able to see that the kids were lacking some of the basic necessities that I take for granted daily, yet they have so much more joy than I have, because they rely solely on the Lord.
From this experience, I have realized my true need for God in my everyday life. I have been much more thankful and reliant on the Lord because of it. I am so thankful for the leadership and experience that was on the team, and I’m grateful for the spiritual growth that I was able to experience as a result. Going to serve in Nairobi, Kenya confidently affirmed God’s calling on my life for ministry and I am thankful for the love of the Kenyan people and the ongoing relationships I have as a result.”

Tanner CatonStudent | Go Near Mission Trip

“Go Near Ministry gives families a chance to serve together and that is what drew me to take my two younger boys to Kenya with Go Near. As a mother of 7 children I wanted my kids to serve in other countries and be a part of something bigger than their little worlds. I believe it is one of the highest callings as a parent to “take” a child on a mission trip, and not just “send” them on one. Together we see with our own eyes the work that the Lord does in our kids as they serve, and trust me He does, and not just hear about it after the fact. I was able to watch as they listened to the Holy Spirit guide and direct them; as they fell “in love” with orphans and served widows. We saw people who have nothing monetarily, but have a joy and knowledge of Jesus that could only come from a personal & dependent relationship. We learned that we are not the ones that make a difference in the lives of others, but it is the work of the Holy Spirit as we surrender and serve. Through Go Near, they experienced a touch from the Father and I was there to experience it with them. I would encourage EVERY family to consider taking a missions trip together with Go Near. Taking a family mission trip is like a Kodak moment…priceless!!!”

Lorri HarperFamily | Go Near Mission Trip

“My favorite part of the Go Near mission trip was taking care of babies at Happy Life. It was normal to have 20 or more babies lying on the floor on a blanket and only 1 or 2 ladies caring for them. These babies need more. I loved getting to care for them. Before returning to the US, we searched throughout Nairobi for cloth diapers that they used. We finally bought diapers and creams to leave with them as a gift. We had no idea when we arrived that day, they had nothing and were using rags to put on the babies. The ladies working there kept thanking us and immediately were praising God for his provision and care. They were sincerely overjoyed that the babies had what they needed. We experienced God move on their behalf.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have had this Go Near experience. I now know that I have a specific purpose for my nursing career. I want to work with babies and be consistent in one place to return as a medical missionary.”

Haley JonesStudent | Go Near Mission Trip

“Go Near Ministry has meant so much to our family. To see God work in your life when you surrender to Him is such a humbling and life-changing experience.
My daughter was drawn years ago to the Go Near mission trips to Kenya that she would see her friends go on. They came back changed and filled with a sense of joy that came from all they witnessed and from what God did in their lives. Our family began to pray, and it became real to us that God was calling my daughter and me to go and serve in Kenya.
We have become a part of this community and will be leading a third trip this summer. My wife, Margaret helps provide daily communication to families and supporters when we're overseas.
We plant seeds where needed, but God definitely works in the lives of those that Go Near. You think you are going to make a difference, and you do, but the biggest change is what happens to you.
Everyone should go on this mission trip and experience God outside our comfort zone. God is evident everywhere and when you GO NEAR, you are drawn closer to HIM. It's changed all our lives being a part of this wonderful ministry.”

Danny NewtonGo Near Ministry Board Treasurer