After a restful night in our comfortable rooms, we woke up refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Early morning routines varied among team members, reflecting our diverse interests. Some of the athletically inclined started their day with the 5's – a 5 km run around 5 am, completed in under 25 minutes.
Others engaged in early turtle-spotting walks, some had added conversations with locals on the beach, while yet others enjoyed a well-deserved lie-in until breakfast:-).
We convened to share a hearty breakfast that introduced local delicacies like pan-fried mchicha (fresh locally picked leafy green, most similar to spinach) and mandazi (a delicious deep-fried bread). We were so thankful for God's healing hand over Robert enabling him to join breakfast fellowship with our entire team🙏🙏!
Dave then led our group devotions with a message about “making a difference” and seizing opportunities, sharing a Christian perspective on the starfish story.
Our bus ride to the Malindi MCF campus was a short 20-minute journey. This campus “is a scale-up residential outreach program for identification, protection, and empowerment of teenage mothers and their babies and toddlers. The program seeks to rescue, rehabilitate, and cater to educational and social needs of the vulnerable girls dropping out of school due to anti-social influences and lack of opportunities in education.”
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by many of the young mothers and their children.
After a tour of the MCF campus, we split into five groups to share about Canada with the moms, followed by serving them lunch.
We were struck by the engagement, curiosity, and many many insightful questions by the young mothers during the presentations.
After lunch, we continued to witness the many gifts that the Lord has bestowed on these students. Some team members provided manicures.
While others were inspired by the testimonies of six MCF students, reflecting on Daddy Mulli’s vision and the Lord's work in this community.
The afternoon ended with music, songs, dances, and an original play performed by the MCF Malindi students. This was followed by our team singing (O Canada plus 2 songs) and the sharing of our care packages. We prayerfully hope the journals will encourage them to reflect and document their testimonies and stories, serving as a source of gratitude and inspiration for all that the Lord has provided.
Words cannot adequately express the exhilaration, energy, and enthusiasm we experienced today were a demonstration of the depth of their love and joy with God in their hearts. We look forward to hearing more about these lives touched by the Lord.
We came here to serve, but we left feeling profoundly blessed and served ourselves.
Written by David and Vicky Ng
Prayers
- Thankful for the opportunity to meet and share with the students at MCF Malindi.
- Giving thanks that one team member is feeling better and will continue to improve, and another team member celebrating a milestone birthday.
- Safe traveling tomorrow as we head to MCF Ndalani.
- Asking God to show each of us our “starfish” encounter.
Comments
Post a Comment