Did you ever wonder what it means “to make a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland”? One translation states that God will provide a solution, guidance, and hope in seemingly impossible circumstances, sustaining believers and guiding them despite barren and difficult circumstances. God often uses His people to provide streams of hope so that life can emerge from places of dryness and despair.
In June 2025, 28 missionaries from St. Paul’s Anglican in Summerville, Prince George Winyah in Georgetown, and the Parish Church at Habersham in Beaufort traveled to Kenya to offer hope and encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ within the Diocese of Maseno South.
Life in Kenya is not easy, with much poverty, unemployment, and disease. Team members spent their days either building mud-brick houses for four families in several villages around Kisumu or providing a variety of medical services to over 1,700 Kenyans, some of whom had walked long hours and many miles for treatment, at two parish camp sites. Where there was little hope for adequate shelter, a family of six now has a new home with a tin roof, windows, and doors to ward off the elements.
Where there was illness, there is now hope of recovery and a pathway to victory. “When God calls you to step out on faith, he blesses you beyond measure,” said Tracy Morris about working at a tent pharmacy filling prescriptions. The dryness and despair of these impoverished communities were replaced with smiling faces, grateful hearts, and joyful spirits.
Our days were packed from early morning to late into the evening as we too enjoyed the fruits of the Spirit in service to the Lord. In addition to construction and medical care, the team provided nearly 800 children with a vibrant, activity-filled day at two different VBS camps. Snacks and craft supplies were consumed in no time and to see the children grinning from ear to ear was truly the “icing on the cake.”
Other highlights included a visit to the Huma Girls Secondary School, a diocesan boarding school for young girls who greeted us with songs and broad smiles. The Very Rev. Gary Beson, Rector of Prince George Winyah led the dedication of the school’s new multi-purpose room built by funds from his parish; attending Sunday worship services at various local churches where several team members were the guest preachers; and experiencing a special dance recital by the students at the Maseno School for the Deaf (yes, deaf students doing complex dance routines to the beat of the music- awesome!).
Prior to the team’s arrival, six team members conducted a Grandparents’ Ministry workshop for both clergy and laity at St. Stephen’s Cathedral located in the heart of Kisumu. This workshop was heartily embraced by all and especially by Bishop Charles Ong’injo who has created a task force to implement this ministry throughout the diocese. A GrandCamp is now being planned for August 2026. (See article on pg. 9)
And while we went to serve, as is so often the case in God’s economy, it was we who received more than we could possibly give. No better example of service done in the love of Christ was the incredible work done by The Mothers’ Union. This awesome group of women has chapters throughout the diocese. They provided delicious meals and hot drinks for us wherever we went. They also provide funding for the establishment of Christian primary schools and regularly sponsor events for women. We had the privilege of experiencing the morning flag raising and biblical recitation ceremony at one of the schools as well as attending a portion of the Mothers’ Union annual women’s retreat. Their gift of hospitality was truly apparent in the love and care these women lavishly showered upon us wherever we went.
This story would be incomplete without an acknowledgement of gratitude and thanksgiving for the amazing extent of Kenyan hospitality. First, after 17 plus hours of travel, we were met late in the night at the Kisumu airport by Bishop Charles and a joyous group of diocesan staff members along with Fr. Fred Ochieng Onyango’s family. (Fred is from the area and now serves as Priest Associate for Mission and Outreach at St. Paul’s Anglican.) Their welcoming smiles and bigger-than-life hugs dissipated out travel fatigue in a nanosecond.
Second, we each were assigned a diocesan member who daily welcomed us and came alongside to cheerfully look after our every need, be it ensuring we had a water bottle or carrying our day bag or answering our multitude of questions, to even negotiating on our behalf in the marketplaces. Lifelong friendships were made in short order, and the bonds of love continue to grow even now. For returning missionaries, the trip provided a deepening of relationships that were already established… “like coming home to my home away from home to be with my Kenyan family, who I know will always be there to welcome me into the fold,” said Lynette Kelley.
Third, the food, oh the food! Everywhere we went we enjoyed copious amounts of food, drink, and genuine hospitality, whether it was lunch in a village or an evening of fellowship at the homes of various parishioners, including Fred and Sophie’s beautiful new house. Mission work is often arduous work with long days and short nights, all of which melt away when we remember the events of each day. As Lynette said, “one of the memories I won’t forget was the long bus ride home from Fr. Fred’s Kenyan home where we just sang for over an hour giving praise and thanks to God.” Truly the memories of the hospitality, love, and friendship that our team enjoyed, both collectively and individually, will live on long after our tired muscles and sleep-deprived bodies have returned to some sense of normalcy.
Speaking of normalcy, anyone who has been on a mission trip will testify there is no “return to normalcy “upon returning home. After experiencing the joys of serving, the sweetness of receiving and the seeds of love planted in the hearts of all God’s people, our lives will never be the same. On behalf of the entire team, we thank the Diocese of Maseno South for the opportunity to have been with you all and for changing our hearts and souls. We have been spiritually enriched beyond words. “This year’s three-church mission trip to Kenya was the fruit of a couple of friendships that by God’s grace have been multiplied and transformed into a larger-than-life partnership for both dioceses. What a joy it was to be poured out for the Lord,” said the Very Rev. Gary Beson. We give glory to God for making this trip possible, for the work done and for the safe return of all.
Lastly, we want to give thanks to those of you who supported us on this trip, be it financially, with daily prayer covering, or providing supplies. Your generosity of money and time was much needed and joyfully received. You too were a vital part of this outreach mission. To those who could not join us this year, please prayerfully consider doing so next year. Even if you can’t go physically, you can still be an important part of this ministry. I encourage you to ask the Lord how He might have you serve, whether it is being a prayer warrior for our missionaries, providing financial support to team members wishing to go but lacking the resources, or assisting with fundraising activities, collection of supplies and administrative tasks. There are many ways to serve our Lord in support of our Kenyan brothers and sisters. Won’t you please consider joining us on our next trip?
By Betsy Shelton, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Summerville
This article was originally published in the Fall 2025 Jubilate Deo.
