Youth Trip Update

We were so thrilled to have a team of 25 people, 16 students and nine adults, from Roswell United Methodist Church join us here at Camp Chemi Chemi at the beginning of June. The team, headed up by youth pastor Jason Scott, arrived shortly after the departure of two members of our May construction team and had 9 days filled to the brim with ministry, service and worship.

The team arrived just in time to help us finish off some rock walls around the two gardens we are trying to put in to aid in self-sustainability. They also helped with everything from shoveling dirt and manure to painting our new guard house at the end of the property. We are so thankful for the help and very excited as we watch the new plants grow.

On Saturday, June 1st, Chemi Chemi hosted its second-annual community-wide Sports Day, coordinated by Brent Brannen, serving for six weeks this summer as a summer missionary. The day was an overwhelming success as Chemi Chemi welcomed in around 400 members of the community, both children and adults, for a day of fun and loving Christian fellowship. Visitors were able to participate in soccer (football), jump roping, face painting, volleyball, limbo,

frisbee, arts and crafts, and a host of other activities. The youth did an amazing job serving outside their comfort zone and communicating the love of Christ with those who participated. The local chief commented that he really feels that Camp Chemi Chemi is part of the community and he challenged everyone to continue to embrace the Christian training we support. A few of our pastors and local congregation leaders were also on hand to welcome community members and join them in fellowship for the day. The best part of the day was definitely everyone joining in for an impromptu dance party!

Sunday, the whole team traveled up to Naivasha where they attended worship, assisted in Sunday School, and visited Strong Tower Children’s home, run by Paul and Martha. Rene Whatley provided the adult Bible Lesson and Jason Scott gave an excellent sermon demonstrating God’s payment of our debt. The Naivasha church cherishes our visit and the RUMC team loved worshipping with the one hundred plus youth who attended.

On Monday and Tuesday the students left for safari to see all of the Lord’s beautiful creation!

Wednesday, we had the opportunity to visit a local children’s home in Matasia to play some games with the kids before heading to Enomatasiani Girls Secondary School where we met with the Christian Union group. One of the most beautiful moments of the whole trip had to be listening to a chorus of over 200 high school girls resound in “Bless the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul, worship His holy name!”

The trip was a huge success and we appreciate all of the hard work and energy the youth team put into loving the Kenyan people and sharing the gospel with the nations! The tenderness of their hearts and witness toward the Lord will not be forgotten in Matasia.