A Trip of a Lifetime

 In October, Chris had the amazing opportunity to travel with men from our church to Rwanda and Kenya. Our church partners with a ministry called Africa New Life. Chris had several reasons he wanted to go on this trip:

1. He just loves missions and he loves international travel... when you combine the two, nothing could be better for Chris.

2.  He would be spending 2 weeks with about fourteen men from our church. Chris is also all about building relationships. What better way to get to know Christian men than serving together?

3. He would have the opportunity to meet our family's sponsor child, Claude.  Definitely!

Chris and the men he traveled with asked to be sponsored by other believers. Could we afford to send Chris? Yes, but this allowed for people who couldn't go to have a part in taking the Word to all the nations. Chris and I were truly amazed and humbled that he was fully sponsored by our friends and family. 

One of the main goals of the mission trip was to make benches for the new church.  Even though this task was satisfying and they saw the end result while on the trip, Chris quickly realized his trip was way more than building benches.

Hard at working making benches for the church

The great men he traveled with

One of the many highlights was the opportunity to meet the children that our church here in Alexandria sponsor. They hosted a lunch for the kids and moms, had a chance to meet their child and gave them Bibles in their own language.

The room full of children. Chris said it was a little glimpse of heaven listening to their voices sing praises to God. 

Our sweet boy, Claude.

Praying over Claude's family

I love seeing the tears in Chris' eyes. 

Our boys packed a backpack for Chris to give to Claude, and one of the gifts was a soccer ball. Our boys loved seeing Claude with the ball.

Presenting him with a Bible in his language.

Another major highlight of the trip was baptizing 62 new believers. Chris said it was just amazing to watch. The people being baptized were truly changed before his eyes and came out praising and singing. They were truly a new creation. Also, the town came out to watch the baptism. Not just watch, but sing. They sang of a solid 1.5 hours. It was beautiful to listen to the video Chris had. Look at their faces!

The town singing while watching the baptism.

You can almost hear their praises just by looking at this picture!

After 10 days in Rwanda, the men left and flew to Kenya for a safari. (We did not use sponsor money for this portion of his trip. It was completely paid for out of pocket.) He was able to see so many amazing animals up close and in their natural habitat. He can't wait to take the boys back one day!

Chris' "tent" for four days in Kenya. He's really roughing it...

 

I'm just going to let you enjoy a few of these stunning animal pictures.