Experiences
Former Go Near team member experience:
Sydney Jacimore
The day I returned home from Kenya, my life changed. My perspective on life is completely different now than before I went to Kenya. There is not one day that goes by that I have not thought about Kenya. I miss everything from the children to the bumpy bus rides that we took each day. The one thing that I have thought deeply about after being back home is the sincere joy of the Lord that those Kenyans have. I have yet to see smiles bigger and brighter than those precious angel children at the schools in Kenya. That has impacted the most.
The stresses of everyday life have become much lighter for me. I can sincerely say that I find pure joy and happiness in the little obstacles that life have given me. No matter what the Lord puts in front of me each day, I see His grace, His joy, and His peace. Kenya opened my eyes to a whole new way of life. Love. It’s such a small word, but so profound. By “going near” to orphans, widows, and the poor in Kenya, I experienced God’s presence more than I ever have before. I would STRONGLY recommend going overseas on a mission trip. I promise you that your life will forever change.
Brett Likens
My trip to Kenya was life changing! It was awesome to see how each person in our group was led by the Father to join and how He raised up the funds in remarkable ways! Once we arrived, I was overwhelmed by the welcoming and inclusive spirit of the people. It felt as if there were no barriers to overcome…..like long lost family had been reunited (even for those of us who had never been before!). The precious people of Kenya ministered to me way more than I did for them. Such a pure picture of joy and contentment in the midst of little materially and sometimes adversarial circumstances. Our leadership for the team was also a huge blessing to me. Melody, Danny, Kimberly, Beth Anne, Tammy and Anne brought so much wisdom and depth to our time together and I was so thankful to be surrounded by such a godly team.
Jesus is moving mightily all around this world…come check it out in Kenya. You won’t regret it!
Karina Lynn
I would say the biggest thing Jesus showed me through my time in Kenya, was how he provides.
He provides in ways that a lot of times I think we completely miss, because our world has skipped over the majority of what the word provision means. Provision does not mean we have all the physical things we want, or even think we need. I believe when we don’t know if our physical needs will be met tomorrow, Jesus becomes are only hope, and therefore deepens our relationship with Him. Don’t get me wrong, it breaks our father’s heart when our physical needs aren’t met, but it’s a result of sin in the world, and he’s gonna use it to bring His ultimate glory. In this case that looks like His children truly depending on Him every single day.
Provision is what Jesus tells us it is, the assurance that our King will never leave nor forsake us.