Kenya Missions Trip 26

In mid-March, a short-term team from First Baptist Church Beaumont was sent to join the ongoing work of disciple-making and evangelism in Kenya, serving alongside Kenyan nationals James and Chao Wanje.

Less than a week before the team’s original departure, global circumstances caused their entire flight schedule to be turned upside down. What initially felt like a major setback became an opportunity to trust the Lord more deeply. By God’s grace, new travel dates and an entirely new set of flights were secured, resulting in only a one-week delay. Throughout the process, our team continually cried out to the Lord, asking Him to direct our paths and accomplish His will. And He did just that—faithfully providing every logistical need. By the time the team finally stepped onto Kenyan soil, there was a deep sense of expectancy for what God had prepared.

 While in Kenya, the team worked alongside the Wanjes in their ministry of equipping pastors and church leaders across the country. In three different cities, the team helped lead disciple-making conferences, intentionally investing in those who shepherd and serve local congregations.

Together, they shared Jesus’ model of disciple-making as demonstrated in Scripture and equipped attendees with practical tools to live as disciples who make disciples. The response was overwhelming—marked by spiritual hunger, conviction, and excitement. Many expressed a deep desire to apply these teachings to their daily lives and ministries.

           

"Kenya will be a place I treasure in my heart for years to come. Being on the grounds of Africa reminded me how much God loves the world, including Africa. The culture was different for sure, but the need for a Savior is the same. John 3:16 leapt off the page of my heart and into my feet to move. He loves the WORLD, all of it, including Kenya! During one of the breakout sessions, I had an opportunity to share the gospel with the ladies that were
attending and it was such a sweet, unforgettable moment.

My biggest takeaway was watching the understanding of what disciple making is taking root in the minds of those we taught. Their idea of “discipleship” was different from the Christ model, but they did not know it—someone had to tell them. When the realization set in, the hunger to know and learn more took over. It was so encouraging to my heart to watch these Kenyan brothers and sisters become eager to embrace Jesus’ model of discipling. I look forward to hearing stories of how the Lord continues to move!"
— Jo

"As I’ve been processing the time we spent in Kenya, the biggest thing the Lord has been showing me is how intentional He is about relationships. He drew me in by His grace, and He’s still drawing others the same way. This trip reminded me that His kingdom doesn’t move through performance, but through simple obedience. Disciple making isn’t complicated. It’s just being available, opening the Word, and walking with people toward Jesus.

As much as the Lord used our team to minister to people in Kenya, He was also ministering to me. I’ve seen how much I need to grow in dependence on Him, especially in prayer. I can try to do things in my own strength, but the Lord keeps reminding me that He’s the one doing the work. I just need to abide, be faithful, and trust Him to produce the fruit. God is good."
— Jeremy

"Despite the spiritual warfare we experienced leading up to our departure for Kenya, it was evident that God had already gone before us and disrupted every plan of the enemy. We were met with an overwhelming sense of welcome from the people. They had a deep hunger, expectancy, and genuine openness to receive. They were attentive, eager learners, taking notes while leaning in with generosity and humility. Many were moved to repentance, especially in recognizing areas where they felt they had not fully discipled their own children. Several shared vulnerable, personal parts of their lives with us. There was a clear desire for transformation! As our time together went on, many began asking what “doing church” could look like moving forward after being introduced to a new model of discipling and community.

Our team operated in unity and excellence, truly allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through each of us. Thanks be to God, we navigated challenges with grace, maintaining a spirit of joy and positivity that kept the atmosphere aligned for ministry. One of the most impactful moments was embracing their culture through worship, as we danced alongside them and experienced their expression of praise. It left a lasting impression on my heart. I walked away feeling like we learned just as much as we gave. Even our time on safari was a gift. Four hours filled with laughter, lighthearted connection, and awe as we witnessed God’s creation up close in such a majestic and natural setting. Thanks be to God for what He’s done and is doing!"
— Becky

We praise the Lord for what He is doing in Kenya! He is actively moving through His Church, and James and Chao continue to follow up with and pour into the pastors and church leaders who attended these conferences.

We remain prayerful that the Lord will continue drawing people throughout Kenya to Himself, transforming them into disciples who make disciples. Our team returned home with deep convictions to more faithfully live out Jesus’ model of disciple-making in their own daily walks. While we can never fully quantify the work the Lord accomplishes through a trip like this, we are already seeing beautiful signs of growth—and we trust Him to continue bringing the increase.