“Going near”. This phrase has become unexpectedly meaningful to me. When I first joined in Go Near’s mission, I didn’t think that their motto would carry such weight in my life. But now, to experience hands-on, to show love in person, to go near, is a calling that wholly resonates… Read more “”
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… Read more “”
God’s Word is Living and Active
Hebrews 4:12 says, “the word of God is living and active…” and I have never experienced the truth found in those words until this Go Near trip. Three weeks ago, I came to Kenya with no expectations, just trusting that the Lord had called me to come. I had no… Read more “God’s Word is Living and Active”
As I journeyed back to America yesterday, I reflected on all I experienced this past week. The number of times I saw the hand and heart of God are incredible. I knew God was going to do big things, but WOW! From orphanages to prisons to tribes to the slums… Read more “”
By now, you know HOW much Sydney loves spending time in Africa with all the precious people of that area. We all think this will be a HUGE part of her life for many years to come. Thanks to you and your organization we have felt comfortable and secure in… Read more “”
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… Read more “”
When traveling to Kenya for my third time, I questioned what God needed from me and how I could impact others around me. When arriving in Kenya, I knew I was right where I needed to be. When hearing about two wonderful ladies traveling with us and bringing over a… Read more “”
The experience going to Kenya is always amazing for me to be able to serve those that are less fortunate is my heart. We are to be the hands and feet of Christ in the earth. Serving these children is such a joy to them and to me. This brings… Read more “”
God revealed His faithfulness to me during my time in Nairobi this summer. I had to cling so closely to his promises during this time as I saw poverty and pain like I never have before. Stories of six-year-olds walking two hours to get to school, babies who were orphans… Read more “”
During my time in Kenya, I gained a new perspective on God’s provision. God showed me how He provides. He provides in ways that a lot of times I think we completely miss. Our world has often skipped over what true provision means. Provision does not mean that we have… Read more “”
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… Read more “”
Once we arrived in Kenya, I was overwhelmed at the welcoming and inclusive spirit of the Kenyan people. If felt as if there were no barriers to overcome. Without knowing these people before, it felt like long lost family had been reunited. They ministered to me far more than I… Read more “”
We tend to look for God’s hand and how he is “fixing” our lives, however, in Kenya, they look at God’s face and are content with who God is, rather than what He does. This has drawn me much closer to the Lord and helped me see Him in a… Read more “”
I will never forget the beauty and heartbreak I saw in Kenya. It spoke volumes to me about my God to watch teens my age worship with all their heart, to look into a child’s face who had lost everything and hear her sweet voice saying “God- You are good… Read more “”
Going on a trip allows us to develop lasting relationships with the kids in Kenya. Many are our age and older. We go to teach them and also learn so much from them. We get a different perspective that challenges us to grow closer to God.
You get a 1st person perspective of the world. Instead of reading in a book or on line…You’re there!. Serving in a range of African schools- some had 50 kids in a hut, or sheds or a basic building. The kids wanted my autograph and it was awesome!
It was life-changing. I loved the team bonding and allowing the students to take the lead in our trip activities. M eyes were opened to real to poverty and changed me, even more, when I got back. I don’t think the same. I think more before I buy and appreciate… Read more “”
Going to Africa made me more dependent on God after seeing children and adults in Africa totally dependent on Him for everything. Going to the prison and seeing how God had changed them, how respectful they were and how they really listened to what we said was one of my… Read more “”
Many people have asked us what the favorite part of our trip was. For me, I’d have to say that it wasn’t an event but the people. The people of Kenya are so wonderful with their big, beautiful smiles. We got extremely attached to many with whom we came in… Read more “”
Go Near trips have been life-defining for our family! Once we experienced the overwhelming joy in giving our time, love and resources to widows, orphans and prisoners, we were forever changed. We plan to reshape the way our family does life so that we can care for widows, orphans and… Read more “”
I Have Seen It For years, I have followed the story of God’s plan unfolding in the lives of Lewis and Melody Taylor and Go-Near Ministries. They and their children lived in Nairobi and God led them to partner with Kenyan believers in serving the poor, orphaned and widowed. Relationships… Read more “”