Kenya | Back to Africa
After seven months in Asia, Eastbound returned to our home continent feeling a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Even though most of our team has never been to Kenya, there was something familiar about the welcoming atmosphere. Similar to our arrival in the Philippines, we felt the same inexpressible feeling of being in a Christian nation, knowing there are brothers and sisters everywhere. Our first taxi from the airport played Gospel music which filled our hearts with much encouragement as we made our way to the Loita Hills, Southern Kenya.
Hosted by Andrè and Corneli, incredible people with a heart for Africa, the team settled into the stillness of what one would call “The bush” also known as our new temporary home for the next 3 weeks. This was a dramatic contrast compared to the busyness of South Asia, so we slowly adjusted our pace. At night the stars would fill the skies and the morning would fill our ears with the sweet sounds of the birds chirping.
God really spoke to us as a team, we were moved to be more present with each other and with the Lord. We built strong prayer rhythms and would find new ways to encourage one another and to celebrate the victories. At this point in the year our team has really found our way, operating in harmony and problem solving with grace.
A bit about our hosts
As a team we were deeply inspired by our host’s story. A family of 3, working among the Masai people group to establish a sustainable ministry to equip the whole community. André helped the Masai start a local owned organisation called Walking with Maasai. From the time he was young he had a passion for conservation, through this the Lord enabled him to start building an environmental education centre. At this centre guests and local community members will one day be able to interact with each other and learn together.
This will also be a space to train locals on matters of the environment, job training and Christian discipleship. Corneli focuses on the empowerment of local women as well as marketing for the work of the organisation. She also manages educational sponsorships for children in the area. It is so inspiring to see how God uses this family to minister to so many lives. Their heart is to walk the long journey of life with people, and to follow the Lord’s voice.
What did we learn?
Worshiping Jesus Christ looks different across cultures, yet remains universally authentic. Our team was challenged by Kenya’s vibrant church services, where traditional rhythms and community storytelling infused worship. We saw that cultural context enriches worship, broadening our understanding beyond Western-style expressions. Jesus remains the same, yet His praise is beautifully diverse.
With the Maasai, ‘chewing the news’ is a common practice. Over tea, they share stories, struggles, and joys in depth, learning that inquiry is an art form in their culture. This intentional listening fosters community and connection, choosing empathy over efficiency. Our team was humbled by the Maasai’s genuine interest in our lives and inspired by their commitment to meaningful relationships. I think we can definitely learn from this practice to take the time to slow down and really ask the people we see every day how they really are.
How we served?
Our team had the privilege of being involved in the further construction of the educational centre by repairing and adding to the work that has already been done so far. The journey of the educational centre has been filled with prayer and God’s miraculous provision. The men in the team mainly focused on manual labour to continue the building of the centre as-well as carving, sanding and finishing a table made from authentic wood to be used in the campsite.
The ladies mainly worked on bathroom renovations in our hosts home, doing a fantastic job. Then two ladies were given the creative task of painting an 3D mould of a jawbone to look like the original fossil, which will serve as a model in the educational centre. The communications team made a fundraising video to help raise the funds needed for this family to continue their work in this community and through that video the Lord miraculously provided the full amount of funding needed.
Leaving Kenya behind, we crossed into Tanzania, our hearts still resonating with the Maasai’s warmth. Seven months of international adventures had broadened our perspectives. We carry with us lessons on community, worship, and meaningful connections. Inspired by Andrè and Corneli’s dedication, we continue our year-long journey, ready to engage with new cultures and share our own story. Eastbound is so excited to be back In Africa!
Sending love,
Eastbound